Springtime in the city is truly something to behold: buds bursting forth from the ground and trees, leisurely strollers taking in the sun, and diners finally enjoying outdoor patios en masse.
And there are few places better to experience it all than Centrum Praskie Koneser. Located in the popular Praga-Północ neighborhood, the former 19th- and 20th-century vodka factory is now a modern lifestyle hub, rife with restaurants, museums, bars, cafes, shopping and more.
And in the spring, it bursts forth with new life: beautifully decorated walkways, flowers galore, and tons of outdoor spaces for dining, drinking, and mingling.
It is the ultimate space, not just for a delightful springtime stroll, but for arts, culture, taking in the sun, and more.
A Space Fit For Spring
Because of its location, Centrum Praskie Koneser is the ideal starting point to explore Warsaw’s thriving – and growing – eastern bank. The neighborhood, called Praga-Północ, is part of the larger Praga neighborhood, which takes up most of the eastern side of the river. And it’s a fascinating area in its own right; while much of the western section of Warsaw was destroyed during WWII, and is now rebuilt, many parts of the eastern side of the city survived.
That includes the around 130-year-old Koneser Factory. That means as you wander through the historic red brick buildings, you are literally walking through a piece of living history.
A little more on that history before we dive into the modern day: 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 Wyborowa, 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.
After production ended in 2007, developers could tell the set of buildings not only had a lot of history, they had promise, too. That’s thanks to the gorgeous blend of industrial and neo-Gothic architecture throughout the complex. The buildings are made of red brick and boast rib-vault ceilings, smoke stacks and narrow windows.
When investors began repurposing the space for an entertainment, food and shopping center – which opened in 2018 – they 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, along artistic decor like giant tulips by renowned artist Jarosław Koziara. In this hub of entertainment, you’ll also find numerous outdoor events throughout the year, from art exhibitions to theatre performances – there’s always something happening and it's easily found on koneser.eu.
And even if you’re not one for events, a stroll through the picturesque setting is a must, especially this time of year when the lively Koneser Square erupts in activity that will last all through the ensuing spring and summer months. Plenty of events are held here in the warmer months, but during the spring, one of the best parts about this space is just the life. Find people walking, sitting with their coffee in the sun, taking photos with the iconic red brick backdrop, and enjoying meals outdoors.
Top-Tier Dining
One of the best aspects of Centrum Praskie Koneser is the sheer number of bars and restaurants, making the space a perfect option for foodies looking for innovative dishes and high-quality ingredients. The restaurants offer a wide range of international cuisines from American to European, French, Asian, Italian and more. Plus, since it is Poland after all, you won’t be hard pressed to find both traditional and modern Polish flavors.
We recommend starting with Koneser Grill, a high-end steak restaurant, and one of the few places in this part of the city to secure a spot on the coveted Michelin Guide. Starlet, an incredible wine bar, also serves up delicate plates of flavor-packed (and picturesque) food.
If you’re looking for variety, try Bombaj Masala, which offers seriously good Indian food, or Concept Food & Wine, which has comfort food with a modern twist (and some gorgeous plating).
Setki Powodów has delicious food along with unique cocktails -- all in a space decorated with neon signs and filled regularly with live music. Speaking of drinks, swing by the ¾ Koneser Bar, located in the Polish Vodka Museum, which offers a number of unique and artisanal alcohol infusions.There’s also the 24-hour Moxy Bar, with bright lighting and fun little decorative details (pink flamingo drawings abound). And then there’s the exciting new space, Spółdzielnia Koneser, which has long been a beloved restaurant, but recently has become a go-to sports bar as well! That’s thanks to the massive bar and large TVs to watch the game (be it football, a tennis match, basketball or more).
Of course, that’s just a small sampling – there are plenty more options you can peruse on the Koneser website. But one thing is for sure: no matter who’s dining, there is something for everyone.
Culture Awaits
For those who are more interested in roaming museums for the day, Centrum Praskie Koneser is also the spot. Of course, no trip to this space 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. Check out a variety of vodka bottles, buy some gifts and of course, try some during the vodka tasting (though of course, this is for adults only).
Spend tons of time in the Muzeum Sztuki Fantastycznej, which frequently features art from Polish artists that has not yet been publicly displayed. You’ll find a number of renowned art galleries, including ToTuart Gallery, which displays beautiful sculptures and paintings and also has an auction house! For families, Kleks. Magic of Cinema is a must-stop. It offers an immersive experience inspired by the beloved character from Polish children’s literature and film.
Shopping, Spa, Studio Art and More!
You can come here for more than just food, drinks and art! This place is bursting at the seams with activities, from shopping, to relaxing, to eating and more.
If you’re traveling, you can even get a room here at the reputed Moxy Warsaw Praga Hotel, which has unique, modern accommodations right in the heart of the complex.
There’s a lot in the way of self-pampering, too. Several salons are located in the space, as well as Ambassade Biologique Recherche, a spa-like spot that offers facial, body and hair treatments amid Parisian-style decor. There’s also Eyebar, where you can get face massages along with professional makeup, eyebrow work and mani/pedis. Speaking of beauty care, Mydlarnia Cztery Szpaki is one of the best spots in the city for premium products. You can find there, among others, great hand soaps, scrubs and shampoos – it’s all-natural so you can be rest assured that the products you’re buying are healthy and fresh!
While we’re on the topic of shopping, there’s more than just beauty stores here. For thoughtful, adult-oriented gifts, head to Alembik, a concept store offering luxurious products. Make sure to also check out Probiernia Urbanowicz, which combines a shop with a stylish showroom — a great place to explore specialty items and presents for any occasion.
Another must-visit is TAVEX, an exciting concept store that sells gold and silver, precious metals, and international currencies! Check out their coins, their gold bars, or simply purchase any kind of international currency (heading to Thailand, Indonesia or Brazil – or more – soon? They’ve got you covered).
Centrum Praskie Koneser is truly one of the best spots in Warsaw to spend these warmer months. Visit koneser.eu for their full offering of events and spaces.
Getting There
Centrum Praskie Koneser is just over the river from the center of the city, and it couldn’t really be easier to get to:
From the Metro Świętokrzyska 06 station, take the M2 heading east and get off at Wileński.
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.
Praskie Koneser is located just a short, 5-minute walk from all of these stops.
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