The road trip continue
Sightseeing Bialystok is part of a greater plan of visiting Poland and Lithuania. Instead of heading towards all inclusive packages for the summer we decided to spend our vacation differently.
We started our vacation in Prague and we had the first proper stop in Lodz. The following day we headed towards Bialystok.
The road between Lodz and Bialystok is in construction, big segments anyway, and that takes a bit from the experience. But visiting Bialystok is totally worth it!
Sightseeing Bialystok and three things that we recommend
We started our exploration on a very nice summer day. I am mentioning this because the previous week the forecast was not encouraging. In addition, while the rest of Europe was registering high temperatures in Poland the temperatures were bearable.
Bialystok is not as big as Lodz but has a very nice history, is very cute and feels cozy. And I do not mean cramped!
Bialystok City Center
When we arrived there was an international folk festival. Right on the main square! We didn’t know about it but we were quite pleased! Everybody was having a great time!
Although we wanted to spend more time listening to the diverse representations we wondered around to see as much as possible from the center.
We really liked that some parts were closed to cars and you could walk freely. Or you can have a drink and some food at the many terraces that lined one next to each other.
A bit off center you can still see the old communistic buildings.
Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Another place that we visited and that we liked was the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Due to the type of the vacation that we planned we couldn’t spend a lot of time sightseeing Bialystok but we are glad that we managed to see this one.
I liked the painted windows and
high ceilings.
Sightseeing Bialystok: Branicki Palace
My absolute favorite place in Bialystok is Branicki Palace! The place looks great! And considering that during the Second World War was destroyed in proportion of 70% this is amazing!
The gardens are very nice and you can see families walking around and enjoying their time!
On the grounds there are quite a few statues.
There is a very beautiful gazebo and I couldn’t help wondering how many romantic rendezvous took place there.
You can feed the ducks if you feel inclined. Many kids enjoyed watching them. My son was one of them! 🙂
The grounds of the palace is a great place for families! And we loved it!
Some points worth mentioning
We traveled to the city center by car. And as in Lodz there were many paid parking places. During the weekend the parking is free.
To enjoy the city better we had dinner at one of the terraces. Because of the festival everything was packed but we managed to find a table. You should maybe be aware that in some restaurant you go, order and pay at the cashier and then you receive the food. That happened to us in many places in Poland.
In 18th century Branicki Palace was called Polish Versailles and although suffered big damages during the Second World War it still retained its beauty due to the ample renovations and reconstructions that took place after.
Did you visit Poland? Let me know your impression!
Drive safely and enjoy the scenery! 🙂
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Lodz day trip, part of our road trip