Oktyabrskaya Street in Minsk

Oktyabrskaya Street (October Street) is located almost in the center of Minsk. Once quiet, Oktyabrskaya Street was almost indistinguishable from other central streets in Minsk. It had a beautiful promenade along the Svisloch River, factories, and no people. Now Oktyabrskaya is one of the main entertainment and tourist spots in Minsk.

The massive red-brick factory buildings make Oktyabrskaya easily recognizable among other streets in Minsk. For a long time Oktyabrskaya was the main industrial street in Minsk. A machine-tool plant, the leader of the Soviet Union, as well as a yeast factory (thanks to which the street has a peculiar smell) and the “Kristall” distillery worked here. Factories and student hostels – that’s all the activity on the street.

But in the 2010s, things started to change and change drastically. The premises of the factories began to be rented out. Creative spaces, start-ups and small IT companies found the former factory halls to their taste. Today, many cultural events in Minsk are held in Oktyabrskaya. Exhibitions open here, international experts arrive, master classes are held.

Oktyabrskaya Street does not have as many cafes, bars and clubs as Zybitskaya Street, but they are all atmospheric and comfortable. Here you can eat a full meal, snack on sandwiches, try delicious pancakes and just have a cup of coffee with dessert.

Oktyabrskaya Street is famous for its graffiti and murals. Giant, sometimes surreal, murals have become an inseparable part of Minsk. Now any tourist should have a picture not only of the National Library, but also of the vivid paintings on the walls of the factories on Oktyabrskaya.

Oktyabrskaya did not just transform Minsk. It showed that industrial zone status is not a verdict. Even seemingly boring and grey factory buildings can be breathed new life into them.

Come and visit Oktyabrskaya Street with one of our tours to Belarus!