Centrally located in the cultural heart of Warsaw—Praga—is another vibrant and thriving city. Centrum Praskie Koneser—often called a “city within a city”—is packed to the gills with unique gastromic offers from delicious restaurants and glistening bars to cafes with outdoor seating.
Just a quick walk from the Vistula River (and a very pleasant walk from the city’s new pedestrian bridge that connects Powiśle and Praga), Koneser is a cultural hub where museum lovers can roam through galleries filled with art and history, where entertainment seekers can listen to live music and watch theater performances during annual summer events (like Lato Konsera). It even offers one of the city’s best hotels, the Moxy Hotel, with top accommodations. So, without further ado, let’s get into all the reasons to spend time within the gorgeous, historic brick walls of one of the city’s best cultural hubs.
A Rich History
With a collection of neo-Gothic buildings, dark red brick, smoke stacks and narrow windows, this 125-year-old 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.
However, 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.
A Cultural Hub in Praga
You’ll find a number of renowned art galleries and museums here, including the Museum of Fantastic Art, with paintings by the renowned Polish artist, Zdzisław Beksiński and Jerzy Duda-Gracz (it also frequently features art from Polish artists that has not yet been publicly displayed!). In fact, now is the perfect time to visit the beloved museum, as the 3rd edition of Fantasy Art Exhibition, which highlights the masters of surrealism and fantaastic art, is underway until Sept. 29!
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.
Don’t forget to stop by Kleks. Magic of Cinema, which was inspired by the well-known Polish children’s novel (and film) “Academy of Mr. Kleks.” Wander through the interactive space to learn about the process of filmmaking, from directing to costume design. Perfect for children ages 5 and up, as well as adults!
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. Seeing the history of Polish vodka while standing in the center of that history—in the midst of a former vodka factory dating back to the 19th century—is truly an unmissable experience.
A Welcoming City Break
Centrum Praskie Koneser offers more than just a one-day visit. The reputed and chic Moxy Warsaw Praga Hotel is high on our list of recommended hotels across the entire city. It offers a spot to kick back, relax and get ready for more shopping and exploring! A clean, artistic space, the décor of Moxy (and in general, the entire interior) hearkens back to Praga’s industrial-chic roots and its history, with little neon accents, brick walls and rooms that offer plenty of light and contemporary amenities.
Don’t forget to check out their bar, which has some delicious cocktails and just the right atmosphere for a relaxing drink after a long day. 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!)
Foodies Will Fall in Love
Not only does this space 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. Specifically, it was awarded the Bib Gourmand title for good quality and good value food.
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). Setki Powodów offers international cuisine in a comfy street-food style with amazing burgers, pastrami sandwiches and seafood!
If you are in the mood for a delectable cocktail, there are plenty of bars, too. In addition to its robust food selection, 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.
Events for Everyone
There’s also a wealth of kid-friendly activities here, starting with miniciti. This is a city just for kids from 7 to 15 years old, where they can perform different jobs (firefighter, police officer, surgeon) and earn money! There is also plenty for families in the way of temporary events, especially during these warm months.
Check out the chocolate workshops for children, which are held at Pijalnia Czekolady E. Wedel and let kids engage in creative activities, try hot chocolate, and learn the art of decoration. For older kids and adults, Vinyasa yoga classes are also held here with Yoga under the Chimney, allowing you to engage in sunny sessions outdoors until the end of August. Check the robust event schedule on their website, https://koneser.eu/, for much, much more.
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 to
From 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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