population: 0.1 million

extension: 50.89 square kilometers

Museums

If you are in Novopolotsk and want to visit museums, one of the options is to go to Polotsk, located about 30 km away. There you can visit the National Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve "Polotsk" which includes several museums such as the Polotsk Museum of Local Lore, the Museum of the Belarusian Book-printing, the Museum of the History of Polotsk Eparchy, and others.

Another option is to visit Vitebsk, which is about 90 km away from Novopolotsk. In Vitebsk, you can visit the Marc Chagall Art Center, the Museum of Modern Fine Arts named after K.Malevich, and the Vitebsk Regional Museum of Local Lore.

Food

Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to eat in Novopolotsk and Belarus in general include:

1. Draniki - Belarusian potato pancakes that are usually served with sour cream or mushroom sauce.
2. Machanka - a hearty stew made with pork, onions, flour, and spices, served with potatoes or draniki.
3. Kalduny - small meat-filled dumplings that can be boiled, fried, or baked.
4. Solyanka - a thick soup made with pickles, meat, and vegetables.
5. Zhurek - a sour rye soup that is often served with boiled eggs and sausage.
6. Kletski - boiled potato dumplings that can be served with butter, bacon, or sour cream.
7. Marinated mushrooms - a popular appetizer made with different types of mushrooms marinated in vinegar, spices, and garlic.
8. Blini - thin pancakes that can be filled with sweet or savory ingredients such as cheese, meat, jam, or honey.

These dishes are typical of Belarusian cuisine and can be found in many restaurants and cafes throughout Novopolotsk and the country.

Activities

Some fun activities that local people like in Novopolotsk (Belarus) include:

1. Visiting the Novopolotsk Ski Complex, where you can go skiing or snowboarding during winter months.

2. Going to the Ice Palace to ice skate or watch a hockey game.

3. Relaxing at the Aqua-Minsk Water Park, which is located nearby.

4. Taking a walk in the beautiful parks of Novopolotsk, such as Park Pobedy or Park Kultury i Otdykha.

5. Visiting the Novopolotsk Museum of Local Lore, which showcases the history and culture of the city and region.

6. Attending cultural events and festivals held throughout the year, such as the Novopolotsk City Day celebration in August or the Christmas Fair in December.

7. Trying traditional Belarusian cuisine at local restaurants, such as Draniki or Krambambulya.

8. Shopping for souvenirs and handmade crafts at the Novopolotsk Handicraft Center.