Białystok is a multicultural and multilingual hub of Podlasie, located on the border between the east and the west.
In addition to the amazing nature, the Podlasie region is characterized by rich, multicultural traditions. Representatives of various denominations and nationalities have lived together in these areas for many years. In addition, Christianity, Orthodoxy and the Muslim religion also had their own influence. There are buildings from different eras, from the Renaissance, Gothic or Classicism.
The main tourist attraction in the city is the Branicki Palace, the former residence of a wealthy and influential noble family that once owned the entire city. The palace, called the “Polish Versailles”, is one of the most magnificent baroque buildings in Poland. Nearby, there is Kościuszko Square, the city’s representative promenade and a cultural and recreational place at the same time. It is also worth visiting the modern Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic, the building of which has been embedded in the surrounding nature. It is also worth visiting sacred buildings such as the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary or the Orthodox Church of St. Spirit, which is the largest Orthodox church in Poland.
When visiting Poland, remember Białowieża, which has a special place there. Tourists can visit the Białowieża Forest all year round. In spring, enjoy green sceneries and admire monuments from the 19th and 20th centuries. In the winter, enjoy winter sleigh rides and track animal tracks in the snow. Regardless of the season, you can always spend an unforgettable holiday there.
The town of Białowieża itself is a charming settlement, and one of its most unique monuments is the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas. Tsar Alexander III built the temple. Its greatest treasure is the porcelain iconostasis, brought from St. Petersburg at the end of the 19th century. Białowieża Forest, covering a region of more than 3,000 kilometers, is among the most raw and untouched forms of scenic beauty that you can visit in Poland; it is also listed amongst the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Having a wide variety of trees, such as oaks as old as 500 years, is the speciality of this region. If you are lucky, you might spot one of the many wild creatures present here, including golden eagles, European bison, or deer.
Bialystok is also a city where you can eat all the specialties of Podlasie cuisine, such as potato dumplings, potato pancakes, or taste the local moonshine.
When visiting Bialystok, you can stay at the Best Western Hotel Cristal, which is conveniently located in the city center, providing easy access to nearby attractions. The regional cuisine of Podlasie served at the hotel’s Cristal Restaurant, such as dumplings with venison and bison grass, served with traditional lard and delicious bear garlic sauce, will take you to the beautiful atmosphere of Podlasie.
Jurata, located on the Hel Spit, is a seaside resort known for its wooden pier and beautiful, sandy beaches next to a pine forest. This creates a unique climate.
Best Western Hotel Jurata, in the heart of the Seaside Landscape Park, is a 5-minute walk from the beach. You can easily walk across the whole village on foot or rent a bicycle. Prior to 1928, it was a fishing village. Jurata is also the name of a Slavic pagan goddess of the Baltic Sea. The village was named after her.
Being on the Baltic coast, it is impossible not to try freshly caught fish served in various forms, from marinated to fried.
Burta Restaurant at the Best Western Hotel Jurata will be the place where you can enjoy tasting the local delicacies.