Vitebsk
Discover Vitebsk
Vitebsk or Viciebsk (Belarusian: Віцебск, Russian: Витебск) is the middle of Vitebsk Oblast in Belarus. Typically assigned a founding date of 974, Vitebsk has long been an important cultural and commercial hub for the numerous occupiers in its long history. It is still an important centre of arts and culture for the Republic of Belarus and is surrounded by stunning countryside.
What to Experience in Vitebsk
Taste of Vitebsk...
There is not a great deal of fine dining available in Vitebsk, nor a great deal of variety. There are numerous other smaller cafes around. Kiosks sell fast foods like hot dogs, "home-style" pizza slices, and 'Tchebureks', a student favorite of meat in fried crust. For some time, there was only one dedicated pizza restaurant, of middling quality but with a wide variety of toppings, sitting near the pedagogical and technological universities on Moskovski Prospekt. A new pizza restaurant, Arena, has opened in the center of the city. It is spotlessly clean, popular with locals and serves decent pizzas, including a vegetarian option. Late night dining is normally available only in dancing clubs. Belarusian food is normally of the "meat and potatoes" variety. The best known Belarusian dish is "draniki," which are fried potato pancakes, frequently filled with meat, that are best served with sour cream. "Draniki" is a common specialty in Slavic countries like Russia, Ukraine or Poland. "Kotlety" or pork cutlets, are also a regional favorite. Mushrooms from the local forests add a rich flavor to many local dishes, and fresh fish from the regions lakes also make for delicious entrees. Soups are absolutely not to be missed. Salads will typically throw the typical out-of-towner off. Leafy greens are extremely far and few between. Instead, Belarusian salads are normally some combination of rice, mayonnaise, mushrooms, chopped boiled eggs, and other flavorings.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThere is a small regional airport near from Vitebsk, but it is not served by any airlines worthy of note for the typical tourist, and you will be able to connect to only larger airports in Belarus and Russia. The best way to reach Vitebsk would be flying to Minsk and taking a 4½-hour train to Vitebsk. Another option would be to fly to Moscow or Saint Petersburg and taking a 9-hour train from there. While Belarus and Russia formally have no monitored border (you may hop on a train and get from one country to the other), train crews normally check your passport before getting on the train to make sure you possess the visa. Gomel airport in southern Belarus, accepting flights from far abroad, might be a good connection to reach Vitebsk, but you need to verify that before planning your trip. Vitebsk sits on the major train route from Minsk, capital of Belarus, to Saint Petersburg, Russia. Moscow is also easily accessible by train. Vitebsk also serves as a regional hub....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Buses, trolleybuses, and trams all operate in and around the city, and cost in the area of US$0.40 for a single ride. Monthly passes are also available should you have an extended stay. Private buses and "route taxis" also operate throughout the city, for higher rates, but are more likely to be available and run punctually. Taxis are easy to find at the train station, center of the city, and near the major universities. The price of the taxi to your destination should be agreed in advance, and should typically not exceed US$5. The tourist sights are all within walking distance. Vitebsk is often referred to as the "Cultural Capital" of Belarus. It is best known as the birthplace of the Jewish painter Marc Chagall, and his home has been preserved and operates as a museum. It is near the railway station to get in. There is also a museum dedicated to his works that also frequently hosts exhibitions by the city's large modernist/post-modernist/avant garde artist community.
Where to Stay
Hotels in Vitebsk are seriously overpriced, but decent accommodation can nevertheless be found. Foreigners staying in Belarus should know that hotel prices are different for foreigners than they are for CIS citizens. Apart from the hotels mentioned above, there are a number of smaller private hotels spread across the city. Vitebsk Yellow Pages would be the best way to find more opportunities for accommodating yourself in this lovely city. Belarusians are typically quite friendly to foreigners, sometimes too much, however. Some less scrupulous individuals get tourists drunk and then rob them. Western men are advised that attentive females encountered in dancing clubs and bars are highly likely to be con artists. The typical ploy is that after you take her to a private location, her large "boyfriend" emerges to accept your "apology" for toying with his girl. Your apology will come in the form of cash. Registration is the single most important safety precaution.
Money & Budget
Traditional Belarusian handicrafts are available in the Univermag department store on ul. Zamkovaya or at the train station. They can also be purchased at the open market not far from the train station. Vodka of particularly high quality is available at shops around the city, and Vitebsk is home to a distillery which produces fine vodkas with "tourist-worthy" bottles. The best time to buy Belarusian arts and craft is the time of the aforementioned festival "Slaviansky Bazaar" when dozens of artists come to Vitebsk to sell hand-made crafts. There is not a great deal of fine dining available in Vitebsk, nor a great deal of variety. There are numerous other smaller cafes around.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Belarusians are typically quite friendly to foreigners, sometimes too much, however. Some less scrupulous individuals get tourists drunk and then rob them. Western men are advised that attentive females encountered in dancing clubs and bars are highly likely to be con artists. The typical ploy is that after you take her to a private location, her large "boyfriend" emerges to accept your "apology" for toying with his girl. Your apology will come in the form of cash. Registration is the single most important safety precaution. Admittedly, this is the means by which the government keeps track of the movement of foreigners under the guise of visitor safety. However, being caught with a registration older than three days can result in complicated situations. Hotel agents will automatically register when you check in. Registration for staying in a private residence, however, can be complicated and requires a long wait at a local office that can be hard to find.
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Vitebsk
Витебск Беларусь Vitebsk Belarus старый город city old town панорамный вид сверху вид со смотровой площадки panoramic view from the observation deck
a couple of people that are sitting in the grass
a plate full of fresh red raspberries on a wooden table with a natural rustic feel
Aerial photo as a balloon flies over the Vitebsk city
A yong man sits on a wooden dock, gazing over a calm, misty lake under an overcast sky. Quiet and serene.
portrait of a young boy with his arms crossed on his chest in the soft shadows of the setting sun
spruce trees standing tall under cloudy sky in a peaceful forest landscape
a quiet moment of connection between two people holding hands in the shadows
taking a photo of a meal on a table with a smartphone in a cozy setting
steak dinner with corn and green beans on character plate
Витебск Беларусь Vitebsk Belarus старый город city old town панорамный вид сверху вид со смотровой площадки panoramic view from the observation deck
a couple of people that are sitting in the grass
a plate full of fresh red raspberries on a wooden table with a natural rustic feel