“Majówka” in Warsaw. Check out what’s waiting for you at Koneser!

Great restaurants, excellent exhibitions, and a unique atmosphere. Centrum Praskie Koneser, located in Warsaw’s Praga-Północ district, is a fantastic choice for a May Day long weekend in the capital of Poland. Post-industrial architecture, combined with delicious food, will make you fall in love with this place. There are many different options for spending free time – both for Warsaw residents and tourists.

The beginning of May is a traditional long weekend in Poland called “Majówka”. Two consecutive days off – Labour Day (May 1) and Constitution Day (May 3) – provide an opportunity for rest longer without having to take five days of vacation. Especially this year when these days fall on Monday and Wednesday. Taking only three days off work (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday), you can have nine days off without having to go to the office!

Sounds good, doesn’t it?

Koneser from A to Z

When you’re visiting Warsaw, it’s worth starting with choosing a well-connected base. An unusual but very good choice would be Praga-Północ. This district, which is only separated from the Royal Castle – one of the biggest tourist attractions of the Poland’s capital – by the Śląsko-Dąbrowski bridge, is also home to the vibrant and mixed-use project Centrum Praskie Koneser. It is a multifunctional, revitalized space of the former Warsaw Vodka Factory “Koneser”, which houses an extremely well-rated, three-star Warsaw Moxy Praga hotel (9.2 on Booking.com!). And most importantly, during a short trip (not only from another country or city but also from another part of Warsaw), Centrum Praskie Koneser is brilliantly connected – there are bus and tram stops, metro line M2, as well as suburban and long-distance trains (Dworzec Wschodni) located in the neighbourhood. This makes getting to and from Koneser very easy and fast.

Museums and art galleries for the beginning 

Post-industrial Praga-Północ is the heart of a right-bank part of Warsaw. The historic buildings attract many artists who find their inspiration here. In Centrum Praskie Koneser, a true hub of art and a mecca for local artists, you can find both original galleries and workshops, as well as museums with works by world-famous artists. Here, for example, Marek Sułek – the author of the well-known “Praskie Aniołki” series – creates his art. These positive images of angels, located throughout the district, are a great idea for exploring the area. There are many more walking inspirations, too. The GuideU app offers a walk created by a populariser of knowledge about Warsaw – Łukasz Ostoja-Kasprzycki, creator of PoWarszawsku project, in collaboration with Centrum Praskie Koneser. There are also walks that take place periodically, in which Łukasz Ostoja-Kasprzycki, together with stars connected with Warsaw, guides you through Praga. The next one is already on May 20th, but now let’s get back to art!

Centrum Praskie Koneser would not exist without its 19th-century history. Over 100 years ago, the Warsaw Vodka Factory “Koneser” was founded here, producing alcohol for many years. In homage to the legacy of this place, an interactive Polish Vodka Museum operates here. Visiting it is a unique experience related to learning about the production processes of various spirits and Polish brands. Adult visitors can also take part in a tasting (details can be found at muzeumpolskiejwodki.pl).

For art connoisseurs, a must-see is the Museum of Fantasy Art. Until May 28th, the second edition of the enthusiastically received exhibition of surrealism and fantastic art masters is available to visit. Last summer, thousands of people visited this exhibition. You can admire the works of Zdzisław Beksiński (one of the most prominent creators of the fantastic art movement) or Jerzy Duda-Gracz (his works are in the collections of the most important museums in Poland and abroad, including the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and the Vatican Museum).

The wide cultural offer of Centrum Praskie Koneser is complemented by the Magic Mind Museum (museum of illusion), ToTuart Gallery, Dom ze Sztuką, and Leonarda Art Gallery, where you can admire artists creating in the street art style. Art and fantastic design enthusiasts will also be delighted with the architecture of Centrum Praskie Koneser itself – a combination of revitalized post-industrial space and modern forms, set against the backdrop of the spring installation by Jarosław Koziara. It consists of dozens of tulip-shaped lanterns, creating an amazing atmosphere.

True magic of flavors

After a real aesthetic feast, you may get quite hungry. The recipe is very simple and at hand. Centrum Praskie Koneser is also a true culinary hub! You can find here several dozen gastronomic concepts with cuisine from many corners of the world. Ready for a culinary journey?

Koneser Grill – an open kitchen with fire, recommended in the Michelin guide
This place is for true connoisseurs of excellent food, grill, highest quality products, and good wine. Its unique attraction is the open kitchen, thanks to which guests can see the work of great chefs live. The best recommendation for Koneser Grill is its presence in the cult Michelin culinary guide. This is the only restaurant in Warsaw Praga-Północ district distinguished in this way!

Concept Food & Wine – elegance and unique decor
The restaurant is part of the Gama Concept project. This place can boast one of the best cuisines in Warsaw, in the comfort food style – its specialties are European dishes, as well as traditional Polish ones. And all of this in a beautiful, atmospheric interior.

Bombaj Masala – probably the best Indian cuisine restaurant on the right bank of the Vistula
The Orient on your plate. Bombaj Masala Praga offers traditional Indian cuisine in a modern version, where you will find a wealth of spices, aromas, and flavors. This cuisine will be perfect for a date, a family dinner, or a business meeting. 

Setki Powodów – unique place which combines food and music 
Great cocktails and excellent food. On its menu, you will find cuisine with dishes created by Michał Bryś, classic Polish specialties, as well as unique combinations. The whole experience is complemented by live music.

AZIA Restaurants – the largest selection of Asian tastes
Thailand? Japan? China? Or maybe Korean BBQ? Can’t decide? The best option is…everything! Because not only will you find everything on three floors of AZIA Restaurants, but you will also experience the best traditional tastes of the Far East.

ORZO – a green restaurant with a great menu and a playground for children
A combination of people, music, and nature at a table full of deliciousness. This place is natural in every dimension: atmosphere, nature, and cuisine. Here everyone feels comfortable and can experience a feast based on natural ingredients. Here you can try legendary burgers, pizzas, and fresh pasta.

Spółdzielnia.Koneser – a casual space with delicious food
This concept offers dishes from European and American cuisine, a well-stocked bar, and above all a unique, relaxed atmosphere, consisting of non-committal decor and a smiling staff.

BOSKA Woda i Zagroda – the highest quality fish, seafood, and meat
Meat, fish, and seafood. Herrings, grilled zander, or maybe mussels in white wine? BOSKA Woda i Zagroda serves it all. And that’s why this restaurant cannot be missing top-quality delicacies!

Freya Cafe & Deli – a haven for vegans and vegetarians
Freya, guided by the mission of using local and seasonal products and the vision of zero waste, offers a wonderful experience of plant-based and vegetarian cuisine. Delicious!

Coffee and desserts
Starting the day with a cup of coffee? Nothing is more beautiful! Especially in the company of sweets. In Centrum Praskie Koneser, the best teas and desserts can be found at the iconic E. Wedel Chocolate Lounge and the atmospheric Columbus Coffee.

A plan for evening 
Centrum Praskie Koneser, created on the site of the former Koneser Vodka Factory, doesn’t forget its roots. Cocktail lovers will be delighted to visit 3/4 Koneser Bar. In addition to a rich selection of drinks, this place has a terrace with a magnificent view of the city skyline. You will also find equally delicious highball drinks at the Moxy Bar, open 24 hours a day, located in the energetic lobby of the Moxy Warsaw Praga Hotel.

And you can find the menu of all these places in one location – at konesersmakuje.pl. Meanwhile, the schedule of events taking place in Centrum Praskie Koneser is available at koneser.eu and on the social media of Centrum Praskie Koneser.