Bialystok (Poland)

Personally, I enjoyed my visit to Białystok, a city I found had a unique atmosphere all its own and which was different from what I experienced everywhere else in the country. Its proximity to Belarus and the significant numbers of Belarussian and Ukrainian immigrants who live here make it a place with a cultural identity made up of a rich blend of different influences. The city itself, however, does not have much to offer in the way of historic buildings or tourist activities.

That said, Bialystok lies only around 40 miles from the magnificent Białowieża National Park, the site of one of the last two remaining primeval forests in Europe and home to a rich variety of plants and animals, including bison. The city is also located quite close to the Belarus border, which makes day trips there a possibility, though you will need a visa to gain entry to the country.

In summary, Bialystok does not count as one of the essential places to see; but if you happen to be in the region anyway, it can make for a nice place to visit and spend some time.