It all began in 1846 when a threads and fabrics company called "Companhia de Fiação e Tecidos Lisbonense", one of the most important manufacturing complexes in Lisbon, moved to Alcântara, a quarter located on the way to Belém. Other companies moved as well to the 23.000 m2 industrial site during the golden industrial age. Alcântara was a busy place that time, but not anymore...
Now, and since 2008, a new urban fragment has been born again in one of the most industrial abandoned areas of Lisbon. If Lisbon's metamorphosis started with the Expo98, the next step was the LX Factory - It's a giant atelier full of galleries to discover with traditional restaurants, design shops and even concert halls.
This new creative island in the ruins of a gigantic abandoned industrial site reminds me a little of Tacheles in Berlin. Of course, it's not an underground place, and everything has been renewed and the buildings are not falling apart. After much work renewing the whole space, the new factory was occupied by corporations, new brands, startups and wanna-be-artists. The place is decorated with huge, colorful graffiti-style murals on the exterior walls.
Lx Factory is a creative mini-city. From architecture to music, it's now the home of design companies, galleries and artists studios. There are small trendy restaurants, hipster shops, visual and performing arts, music, fashion and one of the best ice creams in town. What are you waiting for? Check their agenda and get on the tram to the LX.
Find your way with 208 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Gelados Conchanata" Lisbon is a original gelato bar opened by the Tarlattini's in 1948, offering a rich selection of the Italian favorites. My favorite!
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"Jorge D'Amália" is a tasca in Lisbon that serves amazing bitoques, steaks with a horseback fried egg. In my opinion it doesn't get more Lisboan than this.
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"Miradouro Keil do Amaral" in Lisbon goes completely unnoticed in the middle of Monsanto forest... I think it's a magical place where I go to just relax.
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You can find the "Lisbon Irish Sessions" every Monday at 21:30 at O'Gillins Irish pub. Cause Portuguese folk has a lot in common with Celtic music!
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The "Carmo Archaeological Museum", built at an old church that barely survived the 1755 earthquake, enchants me every time I visit. Open-air concerts, too!
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"Marvila & Beato" are two neighborhoods in Lisbon going through beautiful and well-thought out gentrification which when done bad has spoilt other places.
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"Jardim do Cerco da Graça" is the biggest green area inside the historical zone in Lisbon. I'm very proud about writing and enjoying this spot!
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"Dalí Cozinha Surreal" in Lisbon is a restaurant whose whole concept is serving surreally creative, good food, also inspired by world cuisine!
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"Livraria Ler Devagar" Lisbon is inside a giant factory that was once abandoned. What I love about the bookstore/cafe? The 'Gepeto meets industrial' vibe.
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"Museu do Oriente" Lisbon has the best brunch in town. I like to book the 14:30 - 17:00 slot and skip lunch....
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"Mercearia do Páteo Alfacinha" Lisbon is a old restaurant that's been around since 1981 which has a piece of history attached to it and a delicious menu!
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"Casa do Lago" is a bar/restaurant in Lisbon in Jardin do Campo Grande. I love combining a boat trip with a passage from the terrace and having a coffee!
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208 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
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✓ 208 Insider Tips