LX Factory
A creative hub in a 19th-century textile factory beside the 25 April Bridge, home to the Ler Devagar bookshop, street murals, independent restaurants and design boutiques.
LX Factory sits beside the pillars of the 25 April Bridge in the Alcântara district. It began as a textile mill founded in 1846, later became a printing works and a food factory, and in 2008 was converted into a 23,000 square metre creative complex. Today more than 200 design studios, independent brands, vintage shops, cafés, restaurants and bars call it home, making it the byword for Lisbon's industrial-chic cultural lifestyle. The most famous spot is the Ler Devagar (“read slowly”) bookshop, set in a former printing workshop, with towering bookshelves, a bicycle suspended in midair and preserved giant printing presses. It has earned multiple “most beautiful bookshop in the world” listings. Street art covers the exterior walls and interiors, including animal sculptures made from rubbish by Bordalo II. On the main street, Rua Rodrigues de Faria, restaurants serve everything from Portuguese food (such as Cantina LX) and burgers to sushi and vegetarian dishes. The signature cake at the Landeau chocolate shop is worth trying, and the rooftop terrace at Rio Maravilha is the place for a drink overlooking the bridge and the Christ statue across the river. Every Sunday, from morning to afternoon, the LX Market takes place inside the complex, selling handicrafts, vintage clothing and records. Entry to the complex is free, and opening hours vary by shop. Daytime is for browsing and eating, while the evenings bring lively bars and the occasional live music performance. Getting there: from the city centre, take tram 15E or bus 714 or 727 for about 15–20 minutes to Calvário stop, or take the train from Cais do Sodré to Alcântara-Mar station and walk 5 minutes. It sits between the city centre and Belém, so it works well for lunch during a Belém itinerary or as a stop on the way back. Across the road, Village Underground, a shared space built from shipping containers and double-decker buses, is also worth a look.
Opening hours
Grounds 06:00–04:00; most shops 10:00–20:00; restaurants until late night
Nearby sights
- MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology
- National Museum of Ancient Art
- National Coach Museum
- Pastéis de Belém
- Sanctuary of Christ the King
- Águas Livres Aqueduct
- Jerónimos Monastery
- Monument of the Discoveries