Visiting LX Factory Lisbon: The Complete Guide
If you’re heading to Portugal’s capital city, then you must add this creative hub of businesses, shops, and galleries to your Lisbon itinerary. So we are talking about visiting LX Factory Lisbon for a unique experience!
Is LX Factory Lisbon worth visiting
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What is LX Factory?
LX Factory is a collective of businesses and creative spaces in an old industrial area of Lisbon. It’s a place where people can come to work, collaborate, and be creative.
And also shop and hang out in an uber-cool converted warehouse of sorts!
The site’s history traces back to the year 1846, when one of Lisbon’s most important textile manufacturing companies, “Companhia de Fiação e Tecidos Lisbonense”, moved their factory to Alcântara.
For years, this industrial area was neglected. And then in 2008, it got a new lease of life as the LX Factory – filled with quirky cafes, artistic work, shops, and galleries.
It is unique, and artsy, but has an industrial flair that is hard to resist. If you love to visit a cool hangout place, you must not miss this!
Read: One day in Lisbon | 2 days in Lisbon | 3 days in Lisbon
Where is LX Factory located in Lisbon?
LX Factory is located in the neighborhood of Alcântara, about 3 km (1.86 miles) away from the Lisbon city centre.
Exact Address is Rua Rodrigues de Faria 103, 1300-501 Lisboa, Portugal Google Maps
Pro Tip: We recommend visiting the LX Factory as you travel to and from Belem (from Lisbon’s centre), due to its distance.
How to get to LX Factory?
There are many ways to get to the LX Factory from taxis, and TukTuk tours to public transportation.
Here is the Google Maps link
Buses and metro will be the most affordable, and if you have the Lisbon Card you can ride for FREE!
- By bus: The bus stop for LX Factory is Calvário. From here, you will see the entrance down the street parallel to it (Rua Rodrigues Faria).
- Ride bus number 714 from Praça da Figueira or
- Bus 727
- By tram: Use Tram 15 from Praça da Figueira to get to LX Factory.
- By train: Take the Cascais train from Cais do Sodré, which stops at Alcântara-Mar. Once there, you need to walk 10 minutes to get to the entrance.
- By taxi: Lisbon to LX Factory by taxi is about €7 – €9.
- By TukTuk: If you are on a TukTuk – private tour in Lisbon, you can ask to be dropped off at the LX Factory. Depending on your location, it will be anywhere from $10-12 euros extra.
What are the hours of LX Factory Lisbon?
They are open every day from 09:00 am to 10:30 pm.
The Collective that is LX Factory
All of the original structures and buildings at the LX Factory have remained untouched, with their rough exteriors and industrial interiors.
Shops and restaurants continue to operate using ancient equipment, while others cleverly integrate modern design into historic technology.
The Businesses and Spaces at LX Factory
There are a variety of businesses and organizations located at LX Factory, including design studios, advertising agencies, fashion brands, art galleries, restaurants, and more.
The collective has become a hub for creativity and innovation in Lisbon and is a great place to work or visit.
If you’re looking for a creative and inspiring place, LX Factory is definitely worth checking out.
Ler Devagar Bookstore
Although it is not like the Livraria Lello in Porto, this beautiful bookstore is very interesting.
Ler Devagar Bookstore was built and opened over an old printing press, and it was regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world by the Daily Times.
The name Ler Devagar means reading slowly. And it is the perfect spot to pick up a book or two, sit by their cafe (order wine, lime juice, or a cuppa coffee), and enjoy reading. This bookstore is not super crowded and is unique with art and industrial fixtures.
We are sure you must have seen images of the ‘flying cycle’ with books stacked on the wall. Well, this is it!
Ler Devagar Bookstore has books, but also CDs and other multimedia on sale.
There is also a nice (cute) puppet show that you can watch (for a gratuity). It showcases the history of Lisbon over the years. It was cute. SUPER-CUTE!
Pequeno Jardim – Flower Truck
You will meet Pequeno Jardim – the Flower Truck as soon as you enter the LX Factory gates.
It is a cute flower shop set inside an old truck – it is super cute, one of the Lisbon Instagrammable spots, for sure!
Souvenir Shops + others
Right behind the flower truck is a large area with shopping stalls from all over the world.
When I walked in I found so many ‘made in India’ Kurtis (or long shirts), and others selling colorful goodies.
Away from the flower truck, as you walk further inside the LX Factory, you will be greeted by more shops.
These are mainly targeted toward tourists selling souvenir items (and are slightly pricier). You can find Portuguese-themed notebooks, bookmarks, soap, hand cream, cork-based items, etc.
Art Studios and Galleries
As you wander the LX Factory (beyond cafes and shops) you will find an old building – Edificio I, which is home to art studios, more shops, and galleries.
Shops have items like traveling socks, local and hand-made jewelry, decorative pieces, and other artwork (these were my favorite).
You can also browse and purchase surfing gear, baby clothing, and unique outfits!
The upper floors have more shops and studios for yoga, dance, and more.
Lodging inside the LX Factory
LX Factory is also a nice place to stay in Lisbon. You will be close to the April 25 Bridge and Belem!
LX Hostel: This hostel is conveniently located inside the LX Factory. You can choose from private dorms to female-only and mixed dorms. They are also pet friendly and serve breakfast when you stay with them.
Oh…and breakfast (and wines, etc) are served at their rooftop terrace with wonderful views – perfect hangout place I say!
The dorms are cubicle style, and are pretty cool! You can book a stay here
The Dorm: This is another affordable accommodation located inside the LX Factory. Check out reviews and photos here
Read: Best Lisbon hotels with a rooftop pool for your next trip!
Sunday Market at the LX Factory
Sundays are great for a visit to the LX Factory. This is when the popular Sunday Market is set up, where you can find everything from crafts to fashion and accessories, both new and second-hand, as well as fruit and vegetables.
You will find items and collectibles from all over the Lisbon region here.
- The market is open from 11:00 am – 8:00 pm in the summer
- And from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm in the winter
Admire the Street Art
All along the lanes, shops, and cafes at the LX Factory, you will find beautiful street art made with paints and old industrial supplies.
There are also graffiti-covered walls, a decadent industrial appearance, and a new vibrancy, which signifies the resilience of this community!
My favorite: A large bee created by Bordalo II from trash parts!
Restaurants and cafes at the LX Factory
LX Factory is known for its awesome brunch spots, but regardless of your time of visit, you will find cafes, bars, burger joints, and international cuisine here.
- Cantina: This restaurant is housed in an old canteen, and it was one of the first businesses to open in LX Factory. It still has an industrial vibe with used manufacturing equipment on display.
- 1300 Taberna: Perfect spot to try out grilled octopus, codfish, etc, with a glass of port wine!
- Mex Factory: Mexican food
- Ni Michi – Cocina Latina
- Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau: They are found everywhere in Lisbon (I find it soo hard to resist!)
- A Nata do LX: Coffee + cake and Portugese custard
- Matchamama Restaurante: Fusion food
- Rio Maravilha – Sala de Convívio LXFactory (closed permanently)
Although LX Factory is not the place to try authentic Portuguese dishes or affordable Lisbon food (like sardine or codfish), this place has its unique charm due to its ambiance. I definitely enjoyed hanging out here!
Attractions near LX Factory in Lisbon Portugal
LX Factory is located miles away from Lisbon city centre, but it is conveniently placed in the midst of other sightseeing things to do such as,
- Village Underground: Located very close (a few steps) from LX Factory is Village Underground. It is accessed via Avenida da Índia and is home to a coworking space and a cultural center. This area is epic with piled old buses and containers, and converted warehouses!
- B-MAD: This is a beautiful art nouveau and deco museum.
- Carris Museum: Also located nearby is Lisbon’s old trams and buses museum.
- April 25 Bridge: This iconic bridge is pretty close to the LX Factory.
- Pilar 7 – Bridge Experience: This is an exhibition space inside one of the pillars of 25 de Abril Bridge. You can take the elevator to the exhibition site and enjoy the displays!
More LX Factory Lisbon Tips
LX stands for Lisbon (Portugal)
The name “Lisboa” is commonly abbreviated as “LX” or “Lx,” which comes from the previous spelling of Lisbon as “Lixbõa.”
Despite being out of use for years, the abbreviation is still associated with the city’s name.
The history of LX factory dates back to 1846, when Companhia de Fiação e Tecidos Lisbonense (a textile company) moved their base to the neighbourhood of Alcântara.
Visit LX Factory in the mornings during the summer months as the weather is a bit pleasant or in the evenings.
Mid-day, although not crowded, it will be hot (and you will be outdoors mostly). Weekends, especially Sundays, tend to be busy.
Yes, all restaurants, shops, and flea markets accept cards (and cash).
Why LX Factory is worth a visit?
The original site of the LX Factory dates back to 1864, so there is a lot of history, and the location – in an industrial space just makes it even more interesting for a visit.
I did say, go there to just see the place, shops and the artsy galleries (plus attractions nearby).
You will be impressed with the creativity and the innovativeness and how it was transformed into the retail, and hospitality space that it is now!
And… it is SOOO different from what you have explored in the city centre of Lisbon, or the neighborhood of Belem, for that matter.
Oh…and the cafes and restaurants are EPIC! They are pricey, but the ambiance is good.
Many of the places to eat and shop are catered to tourists and visitors to Portugal, and hence the price tags reflect that (and you can always window shop instead)!
But LX Factory and its vibes are beyond these stores or cafes. It’s pulse is found in the old dilapidated and converted warehouses, its quirky art installations made by local artists, who are keeping the heritage alive.
LX Factory brings creativity, old memories, and machines and art together!
So yes, it is worth a visit! Whether you’re looking to collaborate, be productive, or just have some fun, photograph, the LX Factory is the place to be.
Leaving for Lisbon soon? Read all of our Portugal travel guides here
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