What to see and do in Bialystok? – The Essential Tourist Guide

Are you looking for a city full of culture, experiences and nature? Bialystok, Poland, is the city for you. Located in North-eastern Poland, the city of Bialystok is the capital of the Podlaskie Voivodeship region. With a population of 290,000 people, Bialystok is the largest city in the region and is considered the commercial centre of north-eastern Poland.

Known for its parks, green spaces, monuments and landmarks, Bialystok is one of the most misunderstood and underrated cities in Poland. This guide covers all the highlights of this beautiful city, providing tips on what to do and see, where to shop, where to eat and tips on getting around.

The Sights of Bialystok

Whether you have one day or one week in Bialystok, there are plenty of sights to explore. Here are some of the must-see sights in Bialystok:

The Old Town

The cobblestone streets of old town Bialystok paint a picture of what life was like several hundred years ago. Among them lies two of Bialystok’s oldest buildings: The Branicki Palace (the most iconic building in the city) and the Great Synagogue.

The Branicki Palace is a stunning Baroque building, built in 1742 and home to some of the most influential people in the country. Today, it houses both a museum and an art gallery. Make sure to take a few minutes to explore the palace grounds, admire the beautiful sculpture garden and take a photo with the impressive entrance gate.

The Great Synagogue is one of the oldest synagogues in Poland and is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Europe. Built between 1845 and 1848, it’s still a functioning synagogue and contains art pieces from all over Europe.

Brigge Street

One of the most interesting streets in Bialystok is Bridge Street. Constructed in the 18th century, the street is home to many well-preserved buildings. In addition to architecture from the 16th to 19th century, you will find plenty of churches and chapels as well as historic landmarks such as a former prison and an 18th century Jewish prayer house.

Bialystok City Park

No visit to Bialystok is complete without a visit to Bialystok City Park. Built between 1845 and 1870, this park is full of greenspace, trees and monuments. The expansive park boasts one of the oldest ponds in Poland, over 100 species of birds, benches for relaxing and historic monuments dedicated to famous locals.

Things to Do

When visiting Bialystok you can explore old city parks, stroll along interesting old streets or take part in exciting activities that will get your heart racing.

Go Hiking

Bialystok is located at the heart of the Biebrza Valley National Park – an untouched paradise of wetlands, marshes, meadows and forests. To experience this nature reserve at its best guests can go on guided hikes to explore its marshes and river banks or take boat tours along its meandering river. This wetland paradise offers many opportunities to experience unique wildlife including rare species such as European beavers, elk, deer and wild horses as well as many other species of birds and mammals.

Learn About Local Culture

For those interested in local culture, there are many things to do and see in Bialystok. One key attraction is the Podlasie Museum. Opened in 1949, this museum highlights the most important cultural landmarks of Bialytsok, often in elaborate exhibits that tell stories about local history. Another popular museum is the Mount Ararat Museum – a museum about the history and cultural heritage of Jews in Bialytsok and the surrounding region.

Experience Nightlife

Bialystok offers some incredibly vibrant nightlife options suitable for all types of visitors – from traditional pubs to jazz bars and exclusive cocktail lounges. Popular hotspots include Panernia Club (a nightclub where guests can experience some of Europe’s best DJs), Varsovia Café Bar (a live music venue) and Taberna Na Fundamentach (a 17th-century cellar with a great selection of beers).

Getting Around

Bialystok is best explored on foot during the day and by public transport during the night. During the summer months – when temperatures are pleasant – taking one of the city buses is a great way to get around Bialystok quickly (with stops at most attractions). Alternatively, visitors can also rent bicycles or scooters to get around faster or opt for a taxi service at night.

So there you go – whether you come here for a weekend or a weeklong vacation, there’s plenty to do in Bialystok. For more information visit Bialystok Tourist Information website – it’s your one-stop-shop for finding up-to-date information on what’s on in this stunning Polish city!