Białystok Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Białystok with this comprehensive travel guide featuring must-visit attractions, best things to do, food and drink scene, transportation options, and more.


Introduction to Białystok

Białystok is located in the northeastern part of Poland in the region of Podlaskie. It is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and picturesque landscapes. It is an ideal destination for those who love exploring old towns, museums, and outdoor adventure.

This travel guide will provide you with the information you need to plan your trip to Białystok, including the best things to do, places to visit, food and drink scene, transportation options, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Białystok

Below is a list of must-visit attractions in Białystok:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Branicki Palace - A stunning palace built in the 17th century that served as the residence of the Branicki family. Now it hosts several museums, including the Museum of Podlaskie.
  • The Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic - One of the most modern opera houses in Europe, and home to some of the best cultural performances in the country.
  • Białystok City Hall - A beautiful 18th-century building located in the heart of the city. It features a clock tower that offers panoramic views of Białystok.
  • The Historical Museum - Located in the center of the city, it showcases the history of Białystok and Podlaskie region with exhibitions, photographs, and artefacts.

Natural Attractions of Białystok: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Białowieża Forest - A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the last primeval forests in Europe, home to the European bison and many other rare animals and plants.
  • Knyszyn Forest Landscape Park - A great place to hike and explore the natural beauty of the Podlaskie region, with its forests, lakes, and rivers.
  • Supraśl - A small town located close to Białystok, famous for its beautiful Orthodox monastery and its idyllic surroundings.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Białystok

Białystok and its surroundings offer many opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. The following routes are highly recommended:

  • Green Velo Trail - A 2000 km long cycling route that goes through picturesque landscapes in central and eastern Poland, including Białystok.
  • Trail of the European Bison - A 14km hiking trail in the Białowieża Forest, with a high chance to see the European bison.
  • Knyszyn Forest Trails - A network of trails through the Knyszyn Forest Landscape Park with different lengths and difficulty levels.

Best Things to Do in Białystok: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do during your visit to Białystok:

  • Explore the old town - Take a walk through the charming streets of the old town and discover its beautiful architecture.
  • Visit local markets - Visit local markets (such as Rynek Kościuszki) to experience the vibrant atmosphere, taste local cuisine, and buy souvenirs.
  • Take a coffee break - Enjoy a cup of coffee in one of the many cozy cafes in the city.
  • Take a tour - Join a guided tour to learn more about the history and culture of Białystok.

Week-Long Itinerary for Białystok

Here is a suggested itinerary if you plan to spend a week in Białystok:

Day Activity
1 Explore Białystok’s old town
2 Visit the Branicki Palace and its museums
3 Take a day trip to Białowieża Forest
4 Visit the Historical Museum and the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic
5 Take a cycling tour on the Green Velo Trail
6 Visit Supraśl and its Orthodox Monastery
7 Relax in one of Białystok’s parks and gardens

Food and Drink Scene of Białystok

Białystok offers a diverse food and drink scene, with many traditional dishes and beverages to try.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kiszka ziemniaczana - A traditional dish made of potatoes and stuffed with meat, often served with a side of pickled cucumber.
  • Pierogi - Dumplings filled with a variety of fillings, such as meat, cheese, or vegetables.
  • Placki ziemniaczane - A type of potato pancake served with sour cream.

Local Beverages

  • Żubrówka - A type of vodka flavored with bison grass, which can be enjoyed as a shot or in a cocktail.
  • Piwo - A beer made by local breweries such as Browar Jabłonowo and Browar Zamkowy.

Where to Stay in Białystok: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Białystok has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some of our top picks:

  • Hotel Aristo - A modern hotel located in the city center, with comfortable rooms and excellent service.
  • Hotel Branicki - A luxurious hotel located in a historic palace, with beautiful interiors and a gourmet restaurant.
  • Green Hostel - A budget-friendly hostel located in a quiet neighborhood, with clean rooms and a friendly atmosphere.

What to Buy in Białystok: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Białystok offers many souvenirs and local products to take home as a reminder of your trip. Here are some ideas:

  • Traditional products - Buy traditional products such as honey, pickles, and smoked cheese at local markets or shops.
  • Amber jewelry - Buy amber jewelry, a popular souvenir in Poland, at jewelry stores in Białystok.
  • Handmade crafts - Buy handmade crafts such as folk art, pottery, and embroidery, at local craft markets or shops.

Local Culture and Customs of Białystok

  • Language - Polish is the official language, but many people also speak English.
  • Time - Poland is on Central European Time, which is GMT+1.
  • Tipping - It is customary to leave a tip of 10-15% in restaurants and cafes.

Best Time to Visit Białystok

The best time to visit Białystok is between May and September, when the weather is mild and perfect for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Białystok

Do:

  • Take a tour to learn more about the history and culture of Białystok.
  • Try traditional dishes and beverages.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Litter in public places.
  • Disrespect religious or cultural sites.
  • Smoke in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Białystok

Białystok is a relatively safe city, but it is advisable to take standard safety precautions such as keeping your valuables safe and being aware of your surroundings.

Health in Białystok

Poland has a good standard of healthcare and Białystok has several hospitals and medical centers. It is advisable to have travel insurance in case of any emergency.

Getting to Białystok: Transportation Options and Logistics

Białystok is easily accessible by both air and land.

Airports Near Białystok

The nearest airport to Białystok is Warsaw Chopin Airport, located about 200 km away. You can take a bus or train from the airport to Białystok.

Bus Stations Near Białystok

Białystok has several bus stations that connect it to other cities in Poland and Europe.

  • The main bus station is located in the city center and offers regular connections to Warsaw and other cities.
  • Podlasie Bus Station is located on the outskirts of the city and offers connections to smaller towns and villages in the Podlaskie region.

Other Options

You can also reach Białystok by train from Warsaw or other major cities in Poland.

How to Get Around in Białystok

Białystok is relatively small and easy to explore on foot. The city also has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and trams, that cover most of the city’s areas.

Where to Go Next from Białystok: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have extra time to explore, here are some places you can visit near Białystok:

  • Augustów - A picturesque town surrounded by lakes, located about 100 km from Białystok.
  • Hajnówka - A town located close to the Białowieża Forest, famous for its Orthodox churches and open-air museums.
  • Tykocin - A charming town located about 25 km from Białystok, known for its beautiful synagogue and historic castle.

Conclusion

Białystok is a beautiful and charming city that offers something for every type of traveler. We hope this travel guide has provided you with everything you need to plan your perfect trip to Białystok. Happy travels!

Main Square Main Square Białystok train station Białystok train station Branickis' Palace Branickis' Palace King Sigismund Augustus High School King Sigismund Augustus High School Daughters of Charity Monastery in Białystok, on 6 Kościuszki Square Daughters of Charity Monastery in Białystok, on 6 Kościuszki Square