Bialystok, Poland π΅π±
#556
53.132398, 23.159167
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| ποΈ City | Bialystok is the largest city in northeastern Poland and serves as the capital of the Podlaskie Voivodeship. |
| π₯ Population | Approximately 300,000 residents. |
| π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 60 Mbps, with many cafes and coworking spaces offering free Wi-Fi. |
| πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 PLN β 0.22 USD, 1 USD β 4.60 PLN. Major banks include PKO Bank Polski and Santander. |
| π° Tap Water | Drinkable, but it is recommended to use filtered water due to potential mineral content. |
| π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type E sockets. |
| πΆ SIM Card | Play, Orange, and Plus are popular mobile providers with good coverage. |
| π³ Banking for Expats | Revolut and Wise are ideal for international transactions; ATMs widely accept major credit cards. |
| π Accommodation | Options range from hotels, hostels, and Airbnb to short-term rentals available on platforms like Booking.com. |
| π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards are widely accepted; mobile payments are also common. |
| π Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb, local agencies, and platforms like OLX for temporary stays. |
| ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Huzar offers beds starting at 40 PLN per night. |
Working and Networking
| π’ Best Coworking Space | Bialystok Coworking is a popular spot among digital nomads, offering great amenities. |
| β Best Cafe for Work | CafΓ© Jola is ideal for working, with a quiet atmosphere and ample power outlets. |
| πΌ Networking Events | Look out for events organized by Bialystok Startup; they hold regular meetups. |
| π₯ Social Events for Expats | There are Facebook groups for expats in Bialystok, often organizing social gatherings. |
Transportation
| π Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and Free Now are efficient ride-sharing services in Bialystok. |
| π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental services like Veturilo offer convenient options for cycling around the city. |
| ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Bialystok does not have beaches, but lakes like Krynice are accessible for weekend trips. |
| βοΈ Top Regional Airline | LOT Polish Airlines serves nearby regional connections. |
| βοΈ Top International Airline | Wizz Air and Ryanair operate from nearby airports for low-cost travel. |
| π£οΈ Highway Access | Access to the S8 expressway facilitates travel to Warsaw and other regions. |
| π Main Train/Transit Hub | Bialystok Railway Station connects to major cities including Warsaw and GdaΕsk. |
| π Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes for buses and trams are available starting at around 50 PLN. |
| βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses and trains connect Bialystok to cities like SuwaΕki and ΕomΕΌa. |
Health and Wellness
| π₯ Best Hospital | Provincial Hospital in Bialystok is well-rated for healthcare services. |
| π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in Bialystok offers classes and workshops throughout the week. |
| ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Academy has locations across the city with flexible membership options. |
| π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundromat U Praczki provides self-service washing and drying facilities. |
Food and Drink
| π± Best Food Delivery App | Pyszne.pl is the leading food delivery service in Bialystok. |
| π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the regional dish 'sΔkacz', a traditional sponge cake. |
| π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Bistro Limonka offers a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| π« Best Dessert Spots | Piekarnia Cukiernia GΓ³rka is famous for its pastries and cakes. |
| π Affordable Shopping Spots | BiaΕostockie Bazar offers fresh produce and local products at competitive prices. |
| π E-commerce/Online Store | Allegro.pl is a well-known online shopping platform in Poland. |
| π Grocery Delivery | Frisco.pl delivers groceries directly to your home in Bialystok. |
| πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Mala Warszawa is a popular nightlife spot with numerous bars and clubs. |
| π» Local Brewery | Bialystok Brewery produces traditional local beers and offers tours. |
| π· Wine Bars | Wina na Prowincji features a selection of local and international wines. |
| π² Street Food Stalls | Local markets often have vendors selling regional street food. |
| π Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Hard Rock Cafe offer a range of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The Branicki Palace is a stunning Baroque-style palace worth visiting. |
| ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The Bialystok Museum showcases the city's history and traditions. |
| π° Historical Sites | The BiaΕystok Cathedral is an important religious site with beautiful architecture. |
| π Religious Sites | St. Nickolas Orthodox Church reflects the region's cultural heritage. |
| π Annual Events | The Bialystok Cathedral Choir organizes concerts throughout the year. |
| π¨ Cultural Districts | The Old Town is rich in history and local culture. |
| π Theater Venues | Teatr Dramatyczny is a significant venue for performing arts and drama. |
| ποΈ Local Markets | The Bialystok Farmers Market offers a variety of local produce. |
| πΌ Music Scene | Club 7 hosts live music events and is popular among locals. |
| π¨ Street Art | Bialystok features vibrant street art, especially in the city center. |
| π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Taste Bialystok offers culinary classes focusing on regional Polish cuisine. |
| π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Galeria ArsenaΕ showcases contemporary art and local artists. |
| π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The former Jewish Synagogue is a notable historic building in the area. |
| π΄ Local Heritage | The city's heritage is reflected in its unique architecture and diverse culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| π Nearby Nature Escapes | BiaΕowieΕΌa National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an hour's drive from Bialystok. |
| ποΈ National Parks Nearby | The Knyszyn Forest Landscape Park offers beautiful hiking trails. |
| π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The Green Velo route runs through Bialystok providing scenic paths. |
| π Scenic Viewpoints | The scenic viewpoint by the BiaΕystok Palace offers picturesque park views. |
| π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The Biebrza National Park is renowned for birdwatching opportunities. |
| π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in parks like the Zwierzyniecki Park allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and UPS offer reliable parcel delivery services in the area. |
| π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Media Expert offers repairs for electronics and gadgets. |
| π Table Tennis Spots | The Sports Center near the university has tables for public use. |
| π§βπ« Language Classes | Lingua Nova offers Polish language courses for expatriates. |
| π Libraries & Study Spots | The Bialystok City Library provides quiet spaces for studying. |
| ποΈ Community Centers | The Center for Culture and Art is a hub for community activities. |
| πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Game On Bialystok offers a gaming space for enthusiasts. |
| π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Bialystok provides a variety of gaming options. |
Business
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬72,000) |
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬60,000) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬2,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬132,000) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬108,000) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬2,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬160,000) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,700 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬136,000) |
| πΌ Corporate Tax | 19% standard corporate tax rate. |
| π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 19% tax rate applies to dividend distributions. |
| π¦ Tax System | Poland has a progressive tax system based on worldwide income. |
| π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 32% for income above β¬85,528. |
| π§Ύ VAT | Standard VAT rate is 23%. |
| π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Poland has stringent CFC rules that tax foreign income. |
| π Property Tax | Yes, property tax is based on the size and location of the property. |
| π Property Transaction Tax | A standard rate of 2% is applied during property purchases. |