Yakub Kolas Square - Old men play chess on the streets of Ganja
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Yakub Kolas Square

4.6
·491k reviews·Minsk, Belarus

A vibrant central square in Minsk, named after a beloved poet, serving as a key transport hub and cultural landmark.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Yakub Kolas Square - Old men play chess on the streets of Ganja

Yakub Kolas Square

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant central square in Minsk, named after a beloved poet, serving as a key transport hub and cultural landmark.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"It's a bustling hub with a great monument and surprisingly affordable food nearby!"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Monument

The Yakub Kolas monument is a must-see. Get your photos from different angles!

🚇 Metro Convenience

The square is directly served by the Yakub Kolas Square metro station, making it super easy to reach.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Yakub Kolas Monument

Yakub Kolas Monument

Center of the Square

A prominent statue honoring the beloved Belarusian poet, a key landmark for photos and reflection.

Victory Square Metro Station

Victory Square Metro Station

Underground

The first station of the Minsk Metro, opened in 1984, with a theme celebrating victory in WWII.

Central Department Store (TsUM)

Central Department Store (TsUM)

Adjacent to the Square

A historic shopping destination offering a glimpse into Soviet-era commerce and modern retail.

BNTU Student Cafeteria

BNTU Student Cafeteria

Yakuba Kolasa St, 18

An affordable spot for students and visitors alike, offering a taste of local student life and budget-friendly meals.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Yakub Kolas Square

Yakub Kolas Square is a central hub in Minsk, easily accessible by metro and public transport. It's a great starting point for exploring the city, but can get busy, especially during peak hours. Plan your visit to avoid the biggest crowds.

Discovering Local Flavors

The area around Yakub Kolas Square offers a variety of dining options, from student-friendly canteens to cafes and restaurants. Look for local eateries for an authentic taste of Belarusian cuisine. Consider trying the affordable lunch specials.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Lively atmosphere, illuminated square
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Минск, Якуба Коласа, 33 #кофе #кофейняминск #минск #коктейлиминск #вафлиминск #десертыминск #coffee #coffeeminsk #dogfriendly #киновечерминск #барминск #барменминск
@ne.on_coffeebar
44.1K likes • 475.6K views

📸 Capture the Monument

The Yakub Kolas monument is a must-see. Get your photos from different angles! TikTok

🚇 Metro Convenience

The square is directly served by the Yakub Kolas Square metro station, making it super easy to reach. TikTok

А какие воспоминания у вас вызывает Площадь победы?😍 Площадь победы — станция Минского метрополитена, открытая 29 июня 1984 года в составе первой очереди метро. Расположена на Московской линии между станциями «Площадь Якуба Коласа» и «Октябрьская». Главной темой станции является торжество победы во Второй мировой войне. 📸Провожу фото/видеосъемки на любой вкус и цвет 💌Сотрудничество в Direct 📷Shot ...
@artemvideographer
26.8K likes • 299.5K views
🏛 Площадь Первой пятилетки, здесь на одной точке собрано: - Уралмашзавод - Краснознаменная группа - Гостиница Мадрид - Дворянское гнездо 🛋 магазин-музей Раритет 📍Машиностроителей, 19 Сюда интересно даже просто зайти и поразглядывать винтаж. Рестораны: 🥩 Жадина-Говядина 📍Кировградская, 28 🍖 Медвежья Падь 📍Культуры, 30А 🦞 Моремясо 📍Победы, 4 🏰 Белая башня 📍 Донбасская, 1. Памятник архитектуры аван...
@we.vladiki
20K likes • 181.3K views

☕ Cozy Cafes Nearby

Discover charming coffee shops around the square for a relaxing break. TikTok+1

💰 Budget-Friendly Eats

Check out student cafeterias for affordable and hearty meals. TikTok+1

🍽️👨‍🎓Чем кормят студентов БНТУ? Пробую и рассказываю чтопочем! 🙂‍↕️Легендарная Столовая Nº2 от БНТУ, находится по ул. Якуба Коласа, 18. Попасть может любой желающий! ⏰Работает с понедельника по пятницу с 09:00 до 20:00 и в субботу с 09:00 до 17:00 🤔Каких студентов кормят лучше - пишите в комментариях, проверим!
@chtopochemminsk
14.4K likes • 511.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Monument

The Yakub Kolas monument is a must-see. Get your photos from different angles! TikTok

🚇 Metro Convenience

The square is directly served by the Yakub Kolas Square metro station, making it super easy to reach. TikTok

☕ Cozy Cafes Nearby

Discover charming coffee shops around the square for a relaxing break. TikTok+1

💰 Budget-Friendly Eats

Check out student cafeterias for affordable and hearty meals. TikTok+1

🚶 Explore the Surroundings

The area is rich with history and interesting architecture, perfect for a stroll. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Yakub Kolas Square is a bustling and convenient central point in Minsk, praised for its accessibility via metro and its iconic monument. Visitors appreciate the surrounding cafes and the surprisingly affordable student dining options. However, some find it can be overwhelmingly busy during peak hours.

What People Like

Central location
Metro access
Yakub Kolas monument

What People Dislike

Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Yakub Kolas Square is very accessible. The easiest way is by taking the Minsk Metro to the 'Yakub Kolas Square' station on the Maskoŭskaja line.TikTok+1 It's also well-connected by numerous bus and trolleybus routes, making it a central point for public transport in the city.

Yes, it's one of Minsk's main squares and a major transportation hub, so it's hard to miss. You'll likely pass through it if you're using public transport to get around the city center.

Depending on your starting point, many central Minsk attractions are within walking distance or a short metro ride away. It's a good central location to base your explorations from.

The 'Yakub Kolas Square' metro station is directly beneath the square. Numerous bus and trolleybus lines also stop here, serving many parts of Minsk.

Parking in central Minsk can be challenging. While there might be some street parking or nearby parking lots, using public transport is generally recommended to avoid hassle.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Yakub Kolas Square is a public space and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely walk around and enjoy the atmosphere.

As an open public square, Yakub Kolas Square is accessible 24/7. However, surrounding businesses like cafes and shops will have their own operating hours.

There are no fees to simply visit and explore the square itself. Any costs would be for purchases at nearby shops, cafes, or restaurants.

Absolutely! Photography is encouraged. It's a great spot for capturing cityscapes and landmarks. TikTok

There isn't a dedicated visitor center directly within the square. For tourist information, you might need to visit a center elsewhere in the city or rely on online resources.

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

The main attraction is the monument to poet Yakub Kolas. The square is also a bustling transport hub and a good place to observe city life. You can also find cafes, shops, and access the metro.

Yes, it's a popular spot for photography, especially with the monument and the surrounding architecture. The metro station itself also offers unique photographic opportunities. TikTok

The square is named after a significant Belarusian poet, and the Victory Square metro station has historical significance as the first in Minsk. The area is rich with the city's history. TikTok+1

It's a lively and dynamic square, especially during the day and early evening, with a mix of locals, students, and commuters. It can feel quite busy but also vibrant. TikTok

While it's a busy hub, you can find quieter moments, especially during off-peak hours. There are also cafes nearby where you can sit and relax. TikTok+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The area around Yakub Kolas Square has many dining options. You can find cafes, restaurants, and notably, student cafeterias offering affordable meals. TikTok+3

Yes, the student cafeteria at BNTU (Yakuba Kolasa St, 18) is known for its very affordable prices and is open to everyone. TikTok+1

You can find a variety of cuisines, including Belarusian, Russian, and some international options. The student cafeteria offers simple, hearty meals. TikTok

Several coffee shops are located in and around the square, perfect for a coffee break or a light snack. TikTok+1

While specific traditional restaurants might require a short walk or metro ride, you can often find Belarusian dishes in cafes and eateries in the vicinity. The student cafeteria offers a taste of local, simple fare.

📸 📸 Photography

The Yakub Kolas monument itself is a prime subject. Also, consider capturing the bustling square, the architecture, and the entrance to the metro station for unique shots. TikTok

Yes, the square is beautifully illuminated at night, offering a different perspective for photography. The monument and surrounding buildings look quite striking after dark.

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both the monument and wider city scenes. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the square's expanse. Don't forget your phone for quick snaps! TikTok

Generally, there are no restrictions on photography in public squares. However, always be mindful of people's privacy.

Yes, you can take photos inside the metro station, but be respectful of other passengers and avoid using flash if it might disturb them. The architecture of the older stations can be quite photogenic. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Yakub Kolas Square is a central and safe public space for families. The open area allows children some room to move, and the nearby metro station can be an exciting ride for younger ones.TikTok While the square itself doesn't have specific playgrounds, it's a good starting point for exploring other family-friendly attractions in Minsk. Consider visiting the Gorky Park or the Belarusian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War, both accessible via public transport from the square.

For dining, the student cafeteria offers simple, familiar food options that might appeal to picky eaters, and it's very budget-friendly.TikTok+1 Many cafes around the square also offer pastries and light snacks. Remember to keep an eye on children, as it can be a busy area with a lot of foot traffic and public transport.

💰 Budget Travelers

Yakub Kolas Square is a fantastic hub for budget travelers. The square itself is free to explore, and its central location means you can easily access many parts of Minsk using affordable public transport, especially the metro.TikTok+1 The real gem for budget dining is the BNTU student cafeteria nearby, offering meals for a fraction of restaurant prices.TikTok+1

Many of the cafes in the vicinity also offer reasonably priced coffee and snacks. By utilizing the metro and enjoying meals at local canteens or cafes, you can significantly reduce your daily expenses while still experiencing the city's offerings. It's a great place to start your day of exploration without spending a lot.

🚶 Solo Explorers

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Significance of Yakub Kolas Square

Yakub Kolas Square, named after the prominent Belarusian poet Yanka Kupala, is one of Minsk's most important and recognizable public spaces. It serves as a major transportation hub, with the 'Yakub Kolas Square' metro station being a key interchange point.TikTok+1 The square is dominated by the monument to Yakub Kolas, a symbol of Belarusian culture and literature.

Historically, the area has been a focal point for city life and events. Its development reflects the urban planning of Minsk, evolving over time to accommodate the growing city. The presence of the metro station, opened in 1984, signifies its role as a modern transit nexus. The square is a place where locals gather, commuters pass through, and visitors can get a feel for the city's pulse.

Beyond its practical function, Yakub Kolas Square is a place of cultural importance. It's a starting point for exploring the city and a reminder of Belarus's rich literary heritage. The surrounding buildings, including the Central Department Store (TsUM), add to the square's character and offer a glimpse into different eras of Minsk's architectural history.

Dining Delights Around the Square

The vicinity of Yakub Kolas Square is a culinary hotspot, catering to diverse tastes and budgets. For those seeking an authentic and affordable experience, the student cafeteria at BNTU, located at Yakuba Kolasa St, 18, is a popular choice. It's open to everyone and offers hearty meals at student-friendly prices, making it a great way to experience local life without breaking the bank.TikTok+1

Beyond student fare, the square is dotted with numerous cafes and restaurants. TikTok creators often highlight cozy spots for coffee and pastries, perfect for a mid-day break or a casual meet-up.TikTok+1 You can find a range of options, from quick bites to more substantial meals, with some establishments offering international flavors alongside Belarusian dishes.TikTok

When exploring dining options, consider the time of day. Lunch specials are often a good value, and evenings can bring a more vibrant atmosphere to the cafes and restaurants surrounding the square. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a sit-down meal, Yakub Kolas Square and its surroundings provide plenty of choices.

Navigating Minsk Metro from Yakub Kolas Square

Yakub Kolas Square is a crucial node in Minsk's public transportation network, primarily due to its direct access to the Minsk Metro. The 'Yakub Kolas Square' station is part of the Maskoŭskaja line (Line 1), which connects major parts of the city.TikTok+1 This makes it incredibly convenient for visitors to reach other attractions, districts, or simply navigate the city efficiently.

The station itself, being one of the first opened in 1984, holds a certain historical charm. Its design reflects the Soviet-era metro architecture, often characterized by marble, columns, and a sense of grandeur.TikTok While it's a functional transit point, it can also be an interesting architectural subject for those who appreciate urban design.

Using the metro from Yakub Kolas Square is straightforward. You can purchase tickets at the station kiosks or machines. The system is well-signed in both Belarusian and Russian, and with a little planning, you can easily reach destinations like the National Library, Independence Square, or the Minsk Arena. It's an essential tool for exploring Minsk affordably and avoiding traffic.

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