When you step into Centrum Praskie Koneser this holiday season, amid the crunch of snow under your feet, the smell of warm food from the restaurants, and the twinkly lights from art fixtures throughout the space, it’s hard not to feel like you’ve walked right into Christmas itself.
The stunning brick complex, right in the heart of Praga (Warsaw’s cultural capital) becomes a verifiable winter wonderland every December. A former vodka factory that has since been revitalized and transformed into a cultural hub of restaurants, bars, shops, art galleries and more, Centrum Praskie Koneser knows how to do Christmas the right way.
Lights are strewn through the space, giving off a warm glow; picturesque snowflake-shaped lanterns designed by acclaimed Polish artist Jarosław Koziara are strung in the area. Paths are accented by seasonal pine garlands, pine trees and wreaths, and a large skating rink right in the center of it all makes Centrum Praskie Koneser the ultimate place to be this season.
It doesn’t only stop at the décor, either. The whole complex is filled with cozy spots to warm up, restaurants to grab comforting soups and delicious glasses of hot beverages; art galleries to bring some color amid the snowy backdrop outside; shops to buy presents for everyone you know; and even plenty of activities for children – it’s one of the most family-friendly places in the entire city.
So without further ado, let’s dive into all of the ways you can make Centrum Praskie Koneser—Warsaw’s “city within a city”—the ultimate Christmas visit.
![]()
Magical Winter Events
One of the biggest draws of Centrum Praskie Koneser this season is the large, atmospheric Praska Ślizgawka ice rink. Located right in the heart of the space, this yearly ice rink is one of the best in the entire city. Rent some skates and glide around the ice, under gorgeous, colorful lanterns, surrounded by all kinds of Christmas décor—it’s like immersing yourself entirely in the Christmas and wintertime spirit.
The rink, which opens in early December, is partnering this year with the delicious potato chip brand, Lay’s, and you can get free admittance to the rink with a proof of at least 50 PLN worth of purchases at Koneser that day (so treat yourself to some tasty food and a gift or two before you head out to the rink!)
The rink is really a “must stop” but there are plenty of other excellent winter attractions too. We recommend starting with a leisurely stroll through Koneser to look at the decorations. The snowflake lanterns are the perfect backdrop for photo-ops. But one of the best, most wintery aspects of Koneser are the buildings themselves!
Constructed in the late 19th century to hold a vodka factory, Koneser has stunning architectural elements, like neo-Gothic buildings, dark red bricks, a smoke stack, and narrow windows. When it was revitalized in the 21st century, new touches were added like large panes of glass, sleek modern structures, and more. When dusted with snow and accented by twinkly string lights, these architectural elements make Centrum Praskie Koneser one of the most beautiful places in the entire city, and the perfect place for Christmas or winter photos. Families, young couples on dates, and single wanderers will all want to take a stroll and grab a photo in the winter wonderland.
Once you’ve had enough of the outdoors, it’s time to head in and warm up! And that’s where Koneser’s cultural offerings really come in handy. You’ll find a number of excellent art galleries and museums, including the Museum of Fantastic Art, with paintings by the renowned Polish artist, Zdzisław Beksiński or Jerzy Duda-Gracz (it also frequently features art from Polish artists that has not yet been publicly displayed!).
You’ll also find the must-see Warsaw attraction, ToTuart, which displays beautiful sculptures and paintings and also has an auction house.
Don’t forget to stop by Kleks. Magic of Cinema, which was inspired by the world of 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. The space is 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, complete with a tasting at the end. 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.
Warm Up with Mouthwatering Food
Once you’ve taken in the art and culture, and you want to warm up your belly, it’s time to check out the restaurant, café and bar offerings at Koneser – and luckily, there’s no shortage of delicious options.
We recommend starting 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. Here you can get the ultimate kinds of warming winter food, like a T-bone steak drenched in a silky bordelaise sauce, or veal with a burgundy sauce and carrots.
For a bite and a good drink, head over to Figa z Makiem Cheese Box Bar, a delightful wine and snack bar that will offer that kind of chic winter experience we all want: sipping a glass of delicious dry red wine (if you’re an adult), enjoying a sharp blue cheese, and gazing out at the snowflakes falling beyond the window.
Or, what’s better against the cold weather, than warming soup and dumplings? AZIA Restaurants has a major selection of soup options, including delectable and flavor-packed ramen, tom yum, miso and more. The heat, the layers upon layers of flavor, and the warmth, leaves you feeling cozy from the inside, out.
If you’re looking for variety, try Bombaj Masala, which offers seriously mouth-watering Indian food with spices that will absolutely erase any feeling of cold, or Concept Food & Wine, which has comfort food with a modern twist (and some gorgeous plating). ORZO offers healthy, modern food in a chic space and lets you fill up on some cheesy, authentic pizza, as does L’Osteria Pizza e Pasta, which serves up some delectable Neapolitan pizzas. Meanwhile Freya Café & Deli has some of the tastiest coffee and best vegetarian food you’ll find in Warsaw, along with delicious homemade soups.
Maybe you’re more in the mood to fill up on meat and cheese amid the chill outside -- Setki Powodów offers international cuisine in a comfy street-food style with amazing burgers, sandwiches and seafood!
If you are feeling a delectable cocktail, there are plenty of bars for adults, too. Swing by the 3⁄4 Koneser Bar, located in the Polish Vodka Museum, to get a cozy cocktail in a gorgeous, elegant, low-lit space. Snuggle into a seat, sip one of their own signature drinks, and enjoy good conversations with friends.
Gift Ideas Abound
Centrum Praskie Koneser offers more than just a one-day visit – you can stay here and explore everything from food to gifts! 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.
Once you’re all freshened up, it’s time for some holiday gift shopping! And there’s no shortage of that at Koneser. 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.
Or you can head over to Biologique Recherche, whether you’re in the mood for a nice facial, or you want to get some high-end skincare products. 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! At MoreMadam, you’ll find a wide selection of Scandinavian designs, which make for excellent gifts!
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).
With Centrum Praskie Koneser, you can explore the ultimate winter wonderland, pick up some excellent gifts, relax in a warm and cozy restaurant, and leave with that winter holiday feeling that lasts all season long.
Comments