Białystok doesn’t have its own airport, the nearest major airport is Warsaw Chopin Airport, about 200 kilometers away. From there, you can take a train, bus, or rent a car to reach Białystok. Białystok is well-connected by train, with regular services from major Polish cities like Warsaw, Gdańsk, and Kraków. The journey from Warsaw takes about 2-2.5 hours on an express train. Trains are comfortable and reliable, and tickets can be purchased online or at the station. Long-distance buses operate to Białystok from various cities across Poland. The journey from Warsaw by bus takes around 3-4 hours. Another option is flying into the smaller Warsaw-Modlin Airport, which is slightly further away but still a viable option.

The city is surrounded by numerous natural and historical sites. Among these is the UNESCO listed Białowieski National Park, the habitat of the European bison. Białystok may only be middleweight in terms of size, but it packs a heavyweight punch when it comes to reasons to visit. Its main drawcard is undoubtedly its gorgeous natural beauty. Fields of sunflowers, stunning parks, enchanting forests, and lush vegetation have earned it the reputation of being a green city.

In Białystok, one of the must-visit dining experiences is the local milk bars, which provide authentic Polish dishes at very reasonable prices. Notable options include Podlasiak and Słoneczny, both located in the city center. Słoneczny is particularly unique for also offering beer. Another milk bar, Topolanka, is situated a bit north of the center on Wasilkowska Street. These establishments serve a variety of regional dishes and attract a diverse crowd, including students, families, businesspeople, and occasionally homeless individuals. Additionally, Białystok features numerous food stands offering kebabs, hamburgers, and zapiekanki (a type of garlic bread topped with tomato sauce, meat, cheese, and mushrooms). Many of these stands are conveniently located near the railway and bus stations, as well as throughout the city center, with some open around the clock.

Białystok offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. For those seeking a more upscale experience, Białystok has several high-end hotels. The Gołębiewski Hotel is a prominent choice, known for its extensive facilities and high-quality service. Another luxurious option is the Branicki Hotel, which combines elegant accommodations with excellent amenities. If you're looking for comfort without breaking the bank, the mid-range options are perfect. Hotel Turkus offers a balance of quality and affordability, providing well-appointed rooms and reliable service at a more reasonable rate. For budget-conscious travelers, Białystok has several hostels and budget-friendly options. Hostels like those available for around €8 per night offer dormitory-style accommodations with shared facilities. These hostels are ideal for backpackers or those looking to save on lodging costs.

Visit Memorial Museum Siberia. The Memorial Museum Sibir just opened its doors in 2021. It’s about the dark days under Soviet occupation in 1941 when more than 300,000 Poles were arrested and deported to Siberia. The Branicki Palace, often referred to as the “Polish Versailles,” is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens. The gardens are free to walk around in. You can also visit the palace museum. A mix of exhibitions about polish medicine and the palace itself. The cathedral basilica is the oldest catholic church in Białystok. The red brick structure is very similar to other churches in the area. If you visit the Old Market Square you can’t miss it. The Old Market square is among the most picturesque areas of Białystok. The most important building here is the town hall that is now home to a museum. Around the market you will find the city’s best restaurants and cafes.