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
"Mercado de Alvalade Norte" Lisbon is a local market offering a selection of fresh live stock and delicious bites, featuring anything from fish to fruits!
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Lisbon was sleeping while some of the new urban artists and graffiti artists were painting and drawing over vacant buildings in town...
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"Barbearia Campos" in Lisbon is one of Europe's oldest barber shops. Come here, get freshened up like the famous and start feeling the pulse of the city!
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"Caza das Vellas Loreto" Lisbon was founded on the same day of the French Revolution. They light their candles for all sorts of events and is beautiful...
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"Conserveira de Lisboa" Lisbon is a traditional grocery shop located in the city centre offering an excellent selection of local products and fresh stock.
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"The Amoreiras Wall" is a huge mural, perhaps the biggest graffiti wall in the Iberian Peninsula, and most definitely in Lisbon, an open-air museum!
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"Pastelaria Mexicana" Lisbon is a Portugese family run fine pastry shop near Londes square. I'd suggest going for cake with a cup of cold milk- heavenly!
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The "Campo de Ourique Market" was recently reborn; it's no longer a market: now 30-40-somethings go there to enjoy themselves at the bars & restaurants.
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"Tapada das Necessidades" is one of Lisbon's parks that are hidden in plain sight. It's a great place for a walk or picnic with great views over the city.
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"O Careca" Lisbon is a place where I'd highly recommend to drop by if you like yourself a delicious freshly baked croissant! A cozy spot to start the day
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"Bairro Alto" Lisbon is a neighborhood located on one of the hills, a trendy and pleasant quarter where designers and intellectuals reside
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"Cortiço & Netos" in Lisbon is a place of recent Portuguese history - it could be a museum instead of a shop with the best tiles from the last 50 years...
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208 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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✓ 208 Insider Tips