Białystok is a city in northeastern Poland, close to the Belarusian border, and it makes a good base for anyone who wants both town life and open countryside. It is best known as the gateway to the Białowieża Forest, one of the last primeval woodlands in Europe.
What the city offers
- Branicki Palace, often called the "Polish Versailles", is the city's most striking sight. Its Baroque architecture is elegant, and its manicured gardens make a pleasant place to walk.
- The city itself has an urban, sophisticated feel, with the palace and gardens as a focal point for a day in town.
- The surrounding region is a natural draw, since the Białowieża Forest is within easy reach.
A border city with a mixed character
Because it lies so near the border, Białystok has a cultural mix that reflects Polish, Belarusian and Lithuanian influences. This shows in the atmosphere of the city and gives a visit a slightly different flavour from more central Polish destinations.
Visitors who come for the forest will find Białystok a convenient place to stay, with the palace and gardens to fill a day in town. Those drawn by Baroque architecture and garden walks will find enough here for a short visit, and the forest offers a quieter, greener counterpoint to the city.
