LX Factory was a former textile factory that has been given a new lease on life and is now one of the city’s most creative and modern spots, where you can enjoy a little bit of everything, from a place to work by the Tagus River to restaurants.
The history of LX Factory goes back a long way: the space where you now know—or will come to know—LX Factory was once home to the Companhia de Fiação e Tecidos Lisbonense, which began operations in 1846.
Abandoned for many years and hidden from the curious eyes of tourists and locals, this space is now home to LX Factory, distinguishing itself as a creative hub for small businesses and startups, a venue for the performing arts, and a place where you can enjoy great food.
Business sectors linked to fashion, music, advertising, communication, art, multimedia, and dining have breathed new life into what is now considered a cult destination in the Alcântara neighborhood and the city itself.
On this tour, we’ll give you some tips on what to see and visit at LX Factory, some of which are quite intriguing and “secret.” Join us on this secret tour through the narrow streets of this mini-neighborhood in Lisbon, located in the larger Alcântara district .
Shopping at the new food market
One of the best things you can do at LX Factory is, without a doubt, to stroll through all the narrow streets, buildings, and attractions you’ll find there.
So, every Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., you can go shopping at a new food market in Lisbon, LxSabores.
Traditional sweets , wines from every region of the country, the best sausages Portugal has to offer, fresh vegetables, cheeses, breads, preserves, and jams are just some of the products you’ll find at this small weekly market.
Lunch or dinner featuring “world cuisine”
Restaurants like Ni Michi and Matchamama are just two of the options that take you on a journey through the flavors of the Amazon and Asian street food, with traditional dishes that honor the roots, history, and culinary culture of these regions.
Using the various restrooms
You probably don’t get this invitation very often, but the truth is that the restrooms at LX Factory are a signature feature of the place.
Brimming with art and creativity, each of these bathrooms deserves a longer visit and, why not, some of your best selfies in unusual spots.
Reading a book at Ler Devagar
This bookstore’s first location was in Bairro Alto, and it has been at LX Factory since 2009.
A Ler Devagar is one of the largest and most beautiful bookstores in Lisbon,with three floors and an endless number of books, both new and used.
Throwing axes
The USAxe Club of Lisbon has transformed an ancient art into a spectacular contemporary experience, the best way to relieve stress.
That’s exactly why it’s one of our favorite places to go with friends or, in this case, to bring the whole work team together for a team-building sessionwhere everyone can have fun and, at the end, grab dinner or have a drink.
Try the chocolate cake at Café Landeau
There are several restaurants and cafés at LX Factory, but if sweets and chocolates are on your list of favorites, then you owe it to yourself to stop by Café Landeau and try its magnificent chocolate cake, which has been featured in countless lifestyle publications.
Admire the street art
LX Factory must be one of the places where you can enjoy some of the best urban art in Lisbon.
So, if you go with that in mind, we’re sure you’ll find pieces of high artistic quality, created by national and international artists.
Relax and enjoy a stay at LX Hostel
It is the only hostel in the LX Factory complex, highly sought after by tourists looking for unique places to stay overnight as they travel across Europe, from the tip of Sagres to Varanger National Park in Norway.
The common areas are very comfortable (living room and kitchen), although the rooms are quite small.
Also worth highlighting is the spectacular rooftopwith an incredible view not only of almost the entire LX Factory but also of the Tagus River.