Vitebsk

Getting to Vitebsk

There 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.

1. 01
   Vitebsk

   Regular buses travel between Vitebsk and Minsk or Moscow, as well as to numerous other smaller regional towns.

Worth seeing

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.

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   Town Hall

   With its renowned clock tower, it is a beautiful piece of 18th century architecture.

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   St. Barbara's Catholic Church. A Romanesque Revival
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   Church of the Dormition

Things to do

Vitebsk is also home to the National Academic Dramatic Theatre named for Yakub Kolas. This company has seen considerable success internationally. It is especially notable for being one of the last two professional theatres in the world performing exclusively in the Belarusian language.

Where to eat

There is not a great deal of fine dining available in Vitebsk, nor a great deal of variety. Usad'ba. Best regarded restaurant for atmosphere and food quality (but not portion sizes) located in close proximity to city concert hall, and provides a portion of its menu in English. Traktir. Another famous dining venue, yet with arguable quality of food Zolotoy Drakon (The Golden Dragon).

Getting around Vitebsk the local way