Our adventure with Tykocin begins with a visit to the town's two most important monuments - the Tykocin Castle and the Great Synagogue. These two sites are the quintessence of the region's history and culture, offering a fascinating journey through time.

Tykocin Castle (Puchalskiego 3, 16-080 Tykocin) is an impressive building that will take you back to the glory days of the Republic of Poland. Rebuilt in the 21st century, the 15th century royal castle impresses with its architecture and rich interior. Guided tours include the castle's vaults with an interesting museum exhibition, the Glass Room with the second largest tiled stove in Poland, and the prison tower, which offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area. It's a good idea to book tickets in advance by calling the phone number available on the castle's official website (www.zamekwtykocinie.pl). Ticket prices range from 20 to 30 zloty for adults and 15 to 25 zloty for children, depending on the season (as of 2023). The castle is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with the first tour at 11:00 am.

After touring the castle, head to the castle restaurant, which serves court and regional cuisine. This is a great opportunity to sample local specialties and relax before continuing your tour.

The next point on our tour is the Great Synagogue in Tykocin (Kozia 2, 16-080 Tykocin). This impressive monument, dating from 1642, is one of the best preserved examples of Jewish religious architecture in Poland. The synagogue survived the difficult times of World War II and today is not only a place of prayer, but also a museum of Jewish culture. Tours are conducted with an audio guide, allowing for an individual pace of learning about the history and significance of the site. Tickets can be purchased on site, and the price for adults is about PLN 25 (as of 2023). The synagogue is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (until 6:00 pm in the summer).

Adjacent to the Great Synagogue is the Tykocin Museum, a branch of the Podlaskie Museum in Bialystok. This is a place where you can deepen your knowledge of the history of the region and see interesting exhibits related to Jewish culture. The museum is located in a building known as the Small Synagogue or Talmudic House. Admission to the museum is covered by the same ticket as a visit to the Great Synagogue.

For families with children, it's a good idea to schedule time to relax between tours. There are several cozy cafes and restaurants near the synagogue, where you can have a light meal and gain strength to continue exploring the charms of Tykocin. Keep in mind that sightseeing with children often requires adjusting the pace and taking breaks, so it's a good idea to reserve a whole day for these attractions.

After an intensive day of exploring the historical sights, the second day of our magical weekend in Tykocin should start with a relaxing cruise on the Narew River. Cruises on the 'Malinka' water streetcar organized by FlisakPark Tykocin (Browarna 17, 16-080 Tykocin) are an excellent opportunity to get to know the city from a completely different perspective and to feast your eyes on the beautiful riverside landscapes.

Cruises run daily from May to September, and even several times a day during the summer season. It is worth checking the current schedule on the organizer's website (http://flisakpark.pl/) or call the phone number listed on the website. Ticket prices are affordable - about $19 for an adult and $15 for a child (as of 2023). The cruise lasts about 40 minutes, which is the perfect time to avoid boredom for the youngest passengers.

During the cruise, the friendly captain tells interesting stories and legends related to Tykocin and the Narew River. This is a great opportunity to expand knowledge of the region in a pleasant and unusual way. For children, the cruise is quite an attraction - they can observe waterfowl, admire the picturesque banks of the river and enjoy the fresh air.

After the exciting cruise, take a walk to the remarkable Wooden Sculptures Garden (Jordyka 16, 16-080 Tykocin). This magical place, created with passion by local artists, delights with its fairy-tale atmosphere and creativity. The garden is open to the public daily, and admission is free, although voluntary donations for the upkeep of this charming place are welcome.

The garden features wooden sculptures depicting characters from fairy tales and legends, such as Matołek the Goat, Little Red Riding Hood and the Wawel Dragon. This is an ideal place for families with children, where toddlers can let their imagination run wild and adults can relax in the shade of the trees. The owners of the garden are extremely hospitable and are eager to talk about the history of the creation of each sculpture.

After visiting the garden, take a walk through the charming streets of Tykocin, admiring the historic architecture and entering local souvenir stores. The town square has several cozy cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy regional delicacies.

For families with children, we also recommend a visit to the city park, where there is a playground - the perfect place for the little ones to let off steam after an eventful day. The park is a great place for a picnic, so be sure to bring a blanket and snacks.

If you have some time left, you can visit the Alumnat - the oldest building in Tykocin, which now houses a restaurant serving traditional Podlasie cuisine. This is a great opportunity to sum up a day full of impressions and plan the next attractions for the last day of our magical weekend in Tykocin.

The third and final day of our magical weekend in Tykocin should start with a leisurely stroll around the town to once again feel its unique atmosphere and discover places we didn't manage to see earlier. Let's start with a visit to Tykocin's market square, where there is a monument to Stefan Czarniecki - a figure inextricably linked to the town's history. This is an excellent opportunity to tell children about national heroes and their importance to Polish history.

Next, head to the Holy Trinity Church, which impresses with its Baroque interior. The church is open to the public daily, and admission is free. Note the richly decorated altars and antique paintings. For children, it can be an interesting lesson in art and architectural history.

After visiting the church, we suggest a short rest in one of the local cafes. Tykocin is famous for its delicious local baked goods, so try some traditional pastries or yeast cakes.

Another highlight might be a visit to a private museum, which is located near the market square. Although it is a smaller establishment, it often hides real gems - exhibits related to the history of the city and the region. The owners of such places are usually a mine of knowledge about local history and are eager to share interesting facts with visitors.

At the end of our stay in Tykocin, it is worth taking another walk along the Narew River and admiring the picturesque views. If the weather is good, you can have a family picnic on the riverbank. This is an excellent opportunity to sum up your impressions of the whole weekend and plan your next visit to this charming town.

Before leaving Tykocin, don't forget to buy local products and souvenirs. There are several stores in the town where you can buy traditional handicrafts, regional delicacies or books about the history of Podlasie.

To sum up our magical weekend in Tykocin, it's worth noting that it's the perfect place for families looking for a quiet getaway combined with a dose of history and culture. Tykocin offers attractions for visitors of all ages - from fascinating historical sites, to charming landscapes, to tasty local cuisine.

Practical information for families planning a visit to Tykocin:

1. accommodations: There are several guesthouses and agritourism farms in and around the city, offering comfortable accommodations for families with children. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance, especially during the summer season.
2. Gastronomy: Tykocin offers a wide selection of restaurants serving regional cuisine. Most establishments are child-friendly and offer special menus for the youngest.
3. Transportation: Tykocin is most easily reached by car. Parking can be found in the city center or at major tourist attractions.
4. Season: Tykocin is beautiful at any time of the year, but most attractions are available from spring to autumn. In winter, some sites may have limited opening hours.
5. Clothing: It's a good idea to bring comfortable shoes for walking the cobblestone streets and warmer clothes for evening walks by the river.

We hope our guide to a magical weekend in Tykocin will inspire you to visit this charming Podlasie town. It's a place that will surely stay in your memory and hearts for a long time, and perhaps become a favorite destination for family trips!