Centrally located in the heart of Praga there is a magical place with brick walls and rich history. It’s a place where museum lovers can roam through galleries filled with art, where entertainment seekers can listen to live music and watch theater performances during annual summer events (like Lato Konsera). It’s a place where food lovers can try things like authentic Neapolitan pizza, where kids can jump and play and create in a variety of family-centered spaces.
This is Centrum Praskie Koneser and it has something for every single visitor who steps foot inside its historic walls.
A Rich History
Before we get into all that it has to offer, it’s important to look at the background of this125-year-old space. With a collection of neo-Gothic buildings, dark red brick, smoke stacks and narrow windows, this space is teeming with history.The complex was opened in 1897 as a factory to house the famous Koneser Vodka operations, though other famous vodkas came out of this space as well (including Żubrówka, Luksusowa and more). Vodka production continued at the factory through much of the 20th century, with a major boom in the first half of the century, when the factory employed over 400 people and
produced 250,000 bottles of vodka a day.
The space lay neglected and abandoned after closing in 2007, until years later when developers began envisioning it as a space for an entertainment, food, shopping, lifestyle and daily services. After a careful revitalization process, they finally opened the new and beautiful Centrum Praskie Koneser in 2018. The new space leaned into the existing architecture, highlighting it with contemporary industrial elements. Now, among the 19th century buildings, you’ll find sleek glass structures, string lights and pops of greenery that underscore the beauty of the original space.
Art Lovers Rejoice
The first group of people who will find this space not only attractive, but a must-visit, are the art lovers. You’ll find a number of renowned art galleries and museums, including the Museum of Fantasy art, with Wojciech Siudmak, Zdzisław Beksiński and Jerzy Duda-Gracz paintings (it also frequently features art from Polish artists that has not yet been publicly displayed!). You’ll also find the renowned gallery and must-see Warsaw attraction, ToTuart, which displays beautiful sculptures and paintings and also has an auction house.
Leonarda Art Gallery, an urban art gallery is here as well, as is Art Sułek Space, which has sculptures and paintings in a gallery run by Polish artist Marek Sułek. You can even find the largest sculpture from the Praga Angels – a series of blue angel sculptures Created by Marek Sułek and found all over Praga – right in the middle of Centrum Praskie Koneser!
Of course, no trip to Centrum Praskie Koneser is complete without a visit to the Polish Vodka Museum, a multimedia experience that starts with the beginnings of vodka production in Poland and details the history of the beloved booze up through the modern day.
A Welcoming City Break
Centrum Praskie Koneser is basically the ultimate city break – this place is bursting at the seams with activities. The top of the list is the reputed and chic Moxy Warsaw Praga Hotel, which offers a spot to kick back, relax and get ready for more shopping and exploring! After you’re ready to head back out, make sure to see Koneser’s health and beauty options, like Ambassade Biologique Recherche and Eyebar, both of which offer body, face and hair treatments (get glam for a night out on Koneser!)
There’s also Centrum Medyczne Damiana, an aesthetics medicine clinic, and Zdrofit, a fitness club – basically everything you need to look and feel great is just a two-second walk away. For shopping, swing by The s:HEirt, a concept clothing store offering a wide range of classic clothes that – in their words – never go out of style. If it’s cosmetics you’re in the mood for, head over to Mydlarnia Cztery Szpaki, which makes natural handmade soaps and shampoos. And pick up some excellent (and fancy) alcohol at Alembik or Probiernia Urbanowicz.
Foodies Fall in Love
It’s no secret that Warsaw is a haven for foodies. But the haven within the haven is undoubtedly Centrum Praskie Koneser. Not only do they have multiple gastronomic options, but those options are really good.
Start with Koneser Grill, a high-end steak restaurant, and the only establishment in this part of the city to secure a spot on the coveted Michelin Guide. If you’re looking for variety, try Bombaj Masala, which offers seriously mouth watering Indian food, or Concept Food & Wine, which has comfort food with a modern twist (and some gorgeous plating). Swing by Azia Restaurants for any Asian food you can imagine (ramen and dim sum-lovers, this is your spot). ORZO offers healthy, modern food in a chic space, while Freya Café & Deli has some of the tastiest coffee and best vegetarian food you’ll find in Warsaw. If you’re after pan-European/American food, you’ll find that at Spółdzielnia.Koneser, which offers up everything from tasty buffalo wings to juicy steaks.
If you are in the mood for a delectable cocktail, there are plenty of bars, too. Setki Powodów has unique cocktails you won’t find elsewhere in a space decorated with neon signs. Or swing by the 3⁄4 Koneser Bar, located in the Polish Vodka Museum, which offers a number of unique and artisanal alcohol infusions. Finish off your night at Moxy Bar, which is open 24 hours a day and has fun, modern décor in a casual environment.
Fun for Families
There’s also a wealth of kid-friendly and kid-focused activities here, starting with miniciti. This is (as the name suggests) a city just for kids - where they can perform different jobs (firefighter, police officer, surgeon) and earn money!When it comes to outdoor activities, there’s plenty for kids. Lace up those skates and head out on the rink in the winter. Or take in one of the many events held throughout the summer! You can also play any number of outdoor games that are set up through Koneser all during the warmer months. The food scene isn’t limited to adults, either. Kids will love the meals at L’Osteria Pizza e Pasta, which serves up tasty pizzas, homemade pasta and a traditional Italian flair. Tasty pastries of course can be found at E. Wedel.
Centrum Praskie Koneser isn’t just a destination or a stop. It is a place to spend days and days exploring, having fun, eating and relaxing, just a quick tram ride from the heart of the city.
Getting There
Centrum Praskie Koneser is just over the river from the center of town, and it couldn’t really be easier to get toFrom the Centralna Train Station, hop on the 7 tram and get off at Kijowska 06 or get on the 25 tram and get off at Ząbkowska.
From the Rondo ONZ metro station, take the M2 heading east and get off at Wileński.
Praskie Koneser is located just a short, 5-minute walk from all of these stops.
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