In Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, there are countless places where modern culture and historical memory intersect. But if you want to find a corner with the most “city spirit”, LX Factory is undoubtedly the concentrated symbol of the vitality of contemporary art in this city. From an abandoned industrial factory area to today’s cultural and creative hotspot, LX Factory is not only a habitat for artists, but also a way for locals and tourists to re-understand Lisbon.
Ⅰ. The past and present of LX Factory: the cultural transformation of a factory
LX Factory was originally a 19th-century textile factory called “Companhia de Fiação e Tecidos Lisbonense”, located in the industrial area of Alcântara district. It was not until the early 21st century that this 23,000-square-meter factory area began to be re-empowered by artists and designers, and gradually evolved into a complex space for art, design, food, shopping and exhibition activities.
Today, LX Factory is a cultural community that integrates creativity, retro and local style. Its existence has not only driven the revival of the Alcántara district, but also become one of the most representative urban renewal cases in Lisbon.
Ⅱ. Ler Devagar Bookstore-the habitat of cultural souls
Location and Overview
Ler Devagar means “slow reading” and is one of the most well-known landmarks of LX Factory. This independent bookstore, which was converted from an old printing factory, has a towering ceiling, a hanging flying bicycle art installation, and an ancient printing press that shuttles through it, making it a punch-in holy place for photography enthusiasts and literary travelers.
Opening hours and recommended playing time
The bookstore is open every day, usually from 10:00 am to 20:00 pm. It is recommended to go before noon or in the evening to avoid the peak of tourists.
Transportation route
Take the subway to Cais do Sodré station, transfer to tram 15E or bus 714 or 727 to Calvário station, and walk about 3 minutes to arrive.
Fees and booking platforms
Entry to the bookstore is free. If you want to participate in special events such as art lectures and poetry readings, it is recommended to book cultural experience projects through GetYourGuide or Klook platforms, and the cost is about 15 to 25 euros.
Recommended groups
Suitable for cultural tourism enthusiasts, book collectors, and those interested in art photography.
III. Rio Maravilha Rooftop Bar-City Lights under the Shadow of the Bridge
Location and Overview
Rio Maravilha is a bar and restaurant located on the top floor of LX Factory, facing the 25 de Abril Bridge across the Tejo River. The iconic huge female head sculpture and colorful light strings on the rooftop are the gathering point for countless tourists at sunset. It combines the triple experience of food, drinking and scenery viewing.
Opening hours and recommended play time
The bar is usually open from 16:00 in the afternoon to the early morning. The best time to go is around 18:00 in the evening to enjoy the beauty of the alternation of sunset and night.
Transportation route
Like other LX Factory spaces, it is recommended to take bus 15E or 714 from the city center to Calvário station and walk there.
Cost and booking platform
Drinks cost between 6 and 10 euros, and main dishes cost about 15 to 25 euros. It is recommended to make seat reservations through TripAdvisor Experiences or TheFork, and reservations are required for some time periods.
Recommended crowd
Suitable for couples, friends and photography enthusiasts.
IV. The Therapist – A healthy oasis in the city
Location and overview
The Therapist is a lifestyle space focusing on healthy eating and healing courses. It not only provides vegan organic meals and cold-pressed juices, but also offers meditation, yoga and natural healing workshops. For travelers who need to adjust their pace and pay attention to health during their journey, it is an excellent stopover.
Opening hours and recommended playing time
Opening hours are from 9:00 am to 20:00 pm. Breakfast and lunch are most recommended, and courses generally need to be booked in advance.
Transportation route
Take bus No. 714, 727 or 732 to Calvário station and walk to the factory.
Cost and booking platform
The price of a full meal is between 12 and 18 euros, and the cost of a course is between 20 and 35 euros depending on the project. You can book a course through ClassPass or Airbnb Experience platform.
Recommended group
Suitable for those who pay attention to healthy eating, light travelers, and those who want to restore their body and mind during medium and long journeys.
V. Wish Concept Store-Lisbon’s creative booth
Location and overview
Wish is a design store focusing on original Portuguese local brands, selling high-quality products from stationery, home furnishings to fragrances and fashion accessories. It brings together local designer brands, independent illustrators’ works and small-batch handicrafts, making it an ideal place to buy souvenirs.
Opening hours and recommended visiting time
Open every day, from 10:30 to 19:00. There are relatively fewer customers in the afternoon, and the experience is better.
Transportation route
Like other LX Factory locations, it is recommended to take bus lines 714, 727 or 732 to get there.
Cost and booking platform
The price range of goods is wide, ranging from 5 euros of small accessories to dozens of euros of original ornaments. Some brand products can be purchased and mailed back to China through Etsy or NotOnTheHighStreet platforms.
Recommended crowd
Suitable for shopping enthusiasts, travelers seeking unique gifts, and practitioners in the creative industry.
VI. Fábrica Coffee Roasters-a representative of local coffee culture
Location and overview
Fábrica Coffee Roasters is a boutique coffee brand from Lisbon. It has opened an industrial-style and spacious store in LX Factory. It is famous for its own roasting, slow brewing and latte art. It is a stop that cannot be missed to experience Lisbon’s coffee culture.
Opening hours and recommended visiting time
Opening hours are from 9:00 am to 19:00 pm. Morning or afternoon is the best time to visit the store.
Transportation route
Take bus 714 or 732 to Calvário station and walk there.
Cost and booking platform
A cup of coffee ranges from 2 to 4 euros. Coffee beans and equipment can be ordered through Amazon EU.
Recommended groups
Suitable for coffee lovers, digital nomads, writing enthusiasts and meditators.
VII. Tour suggestions and practical tips
Recommended time to visit
The best time to visit LX Factory is around noon, when the light is soft and suitable for taking photos, and to avoid peak crowds. It is recommended to leave 4 to 5 hours to fully experience the various exhibitions, shops, cafes and rooftop bars. If you have enough time, you can visit from the afternoon to dusk and enjoy the sunset on the banks of the Tagus River in the evening. The weekends are crowded, so it is recommended to go on weekdays for a more quiet and leisurely art exploration experience.
Transportation Tips
From the center of Lisbon, tram 15E or bus lines 714, 727, and 732 can go directly to Calvário Station in Alcántara, which is a few minutes’ walk away. If you carry a lot of luggage or want to save time, you can also use ride-hailing platforms such as Bolt or Uber, which are especially suitable for traveling with multiple people or returning safely at night.
Cost Budget Reference
The overall budget can be flexibly adjusted according to personal needs. If you only want to browse and eat, 50 euros is enough; if you want to include art courses, design shopping and rooftop dining, the budget is recommended to be raised to more than 100 euros. Course projects usually require advance reservations and payment, and some activities include drinks or materials.
Language and communication
Most of the service staff at LX Factory can speak English fluently, especially the staff in art spaces, cafes and bookstores, who have almost no language barriers. If you can express yourself in simple Portuguese, you can win the friendly response and recommendation of the staff.
Reservation and platform recommendation
Most restaurants, experience courses and cultural activities support third-party reservation platforms. It is recommended to use platforms such as TheFork (restaurant reservations), TripAdvisor Experiences (comprehensive experience), GetYourGuide (cultural guides), ClassPass (health courses), etc. These platforms provide English interfaces and electronic payments, which are convenient for international travelers. It is recommended to make reservations at least 24 hours in advance, especially during the peak tourist season and weekends.
LX Factory is not only a tourist attraction, but also a microcosm of the city’s internal rhythm. It uses graffiti, old railroad tracks and the aroma of coffee to tell how the city finds its own balance between tradition and modernity.
For travelers who really want to understand the spirit of Lisbon, LX Factory is a visit worth arranging specially. It is not noisy, not pandering, but it is tolerant enough to every pace. Behind the graffiti on that corner, maybe your most memorable impression of the city is hidden.
