Yakub Kolas Square
A vibrant central square in Minsk, named after a beloved poet, serving as a key transport hub and cultural landmark.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Yakub Kolas Square
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant central square in Minsk, named after a beloved poet, serving as a key transport hub and cultural landmark.
"It's a bustling hub with a great monument and surprisingly affordable food nearby!"
📸 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
Underground
The first station of the Minsk Metro, opened in 1984, with a theme celebrating victory in WWII.
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
Yakuba Kolasa St, 18
An affordable spot for students and visitors alike, offering a taste of local student life and budget-friendly meals.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Navigating Yakub Kolas Square
Discovering Local Flavors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 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.
☕ Cozy Cafes Nearby
Discover charming coffee shops around the square for a relaxing break.
💰 Budget-Friendly Eats
Check out student cafeterias for affordable and hearty meals.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 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.
☕ Cozy Cafes Nearby
Discover charming coffee shops around the square for a relaxing break.
💰 Budget-Friendly Eats
Check out student cafeterias for affordable and hearty meals.
🚶 Explore the Surroundings
The area is rich with history and interesting architecture, perfect for a stroll.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The area around Yakub Kolas Square has many dining options. You can find cafes, restaurants, and notably, student cafeterias offering affordable meals.
Yes, the student cafeteria at BNTU (Yakuba Kolasa St, 18) is known for its very affordable prices and is open to everyone.
You can find a variety of cuisines, including Belarusian, Russian, and some international options. The student cafeteria offers simple, hearty meals.
Several coffee shops are located in and around the square, perfect for a coffee break or a light snack.
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.
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!
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For dining, the student cafeteria offers simple, familiar food options that might appeal to picky eaters, and it's very budget-friendly. 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
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
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
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. You can find a range of options, from quick bites to more substantial meals, with some establishments offering international flavors alongside Belarusian dishes.
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
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. 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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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit