Complete Guide to LX Factory Lisbon: Markets, Food, Art & More
Lisbon’s LX Factory was once an old industrial textile complex, and is now home to Lisbon's trendiest restaurants, bars, and shops.
This converted industrial space sits beneath the Ponte de 25 Abril Bridge which makes it the perfect setting for a cool, vibrant, boho space and enhances its “Brooklyn” vibe.
Is LX Factory Worth Visiting?
Is it worth visiting LX Factory on a trip to Lisbon?
Yes.
And no.
Helpful, right?
Let me break down why LX Factory is both a “yes” and a “no” as far as tourist attractions in Lisbon to visit.
If you have ample time in Lisbon, or an hour or two on either side of visiting Belem, then LX Factory is definitely worth visiting.
As a stand-alone destination? I don’t feel LX Factory is worth visiting (unless you have a lot of time in Lisbon).
The actual area is quite small, equivalent to a few city blocks and the majority of it is restaurants and cafes, so it doesn’t require more than an hour or so to walk through, and maybe an hour and a half to two hours if you want to have a meal and/or cocktail as well as explore the shops, take in some art, and visit the market on a Sunday.
My top 5 reasons to visit LX Factory Lisbon:
The Architecture
The old industrial buildings hold their historic charm, which is enhanced by the stunning views of the bridge.
This iconic Lisbon site is so much more than a quirky little book store, it also houses an old printing press, and record store. More on this magical little store here.
LX Factory is full of every type of art, from graffiti to murals, a piece by Artur Bordalo, a myriad of artisan works, small galleries, tattoo shops, and everything in between, it is truly an art lover’s mecca.
While authentic, traditional Portuguese food is in the minority here, there is a great variety of other cuisine to choose from. From Mexican to Italian, vegan to steak houses, burgers to açai, and so much more you won’t be wanting for choice.
LX Factor is Happy Hour Haven. If you are looking for some good, cheap drinks, this is the place. With almost every bar, cafe and restaurant offering daily drink specials, this is the perfect place to meet up with friends, sit solo with a book, have a cute date, or even relax with the family and some tasty sangria, a cold beer, or a curated cocktail.
This is also why LX Factory is the perfect stop after a day exploring Belem.
How to Get to LX Factory
Sitting about halfway between Lisbon City Center and Belem, LX Factory is about 15 minutes by car (depending on traffic), 20 minutes by transit, or about an hour walk.
Here is how to get to LX Factory from Lisbon city center:
🚕An Uber or Bolt is the most efficient way to get to LX Factory and will take 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. The ride will cost roughly 5-8€ each way.
🚗You can also drive to LX Factory from Lisbon which is a straight drive along N6, but parking is quite limited.
🚊Public transit to LX Factory is easy and efficient on the Tram 15E (which also goes to Belem). From Praça do Comércio the tram takes only 20 minutes and costs 1,80€ each way. The tram stop is a 3 minute walk from the entrance to LX Factory.
🚶➡️LX Factory is a lovely, flat, walk from Lisbon and takes less than an hour from the city center. From the City Center to LX Factory is a straight walk along N6, so it is very easy to navigate.
*I personally love this walk, but love the walk from LX Factory to/from Belem even more as it is along the river and offers gorgeous views - and is entirely flat!
What to Do In LX Factory
Wander Around
My favorite thing to do in LX Factory is just to walk around.
There is so much street art and architecture to take in, as well as vibrant colors and great people watching.
This Lisbon neighborhood is the perfect mix of old meets new with modern updates, but maintaining the integrity of the original spaces.
LX Factory Street Art
Artur Bordalo II's giant "Bee"
Artur Bordalo II's giant "Bee" sculpture is a prominent piece of street art located within LX Factory in Lisbon. Bordalo II's work, which utilizes reclaimed materials, is part of the street art scene within LX Factory, showcasing the artist's "Big Trash Animals" movement.
This piece can be found on the facade of the LX Hostel.
Murals
LX Factory features both permanent and temporary murals so there is always something new to see, but these 2 fixtures are worth checking out.
There are also an endless array of smaller street art displays, and interesting graffiti throughout the area to take in.
Ler Devagar (‘Read Slowly’) Bookstore
🗺️Rua Rodrigues De Faria, 103, Lisbon 1300-501 Portugal
🕰️Daily 10a-9p
Named one of the top 10 most beautiful bookstores, Ler Devagar has so much more to offer than endless shelves of books and a quirky piece of art hanging from the ceiling.
While many visitors just pop in for a photo ops, I highly recommend going upstairs and exploring the old printing press that is still housed in the building. I found it both beautiful and fascinating.
There is also a lovely little coffee shop on the ground floor to sit and enjoy a beverage and a bit surrounded by beautiful books.
This is a fun and unique place to find gifts and souvenirs, at very reasonable prices.
LX Factory Shops and Galleries
The old textile factory has been converted into an artisan shopper (or browser’s) dream filled with unique shops, small galleries, a tattoo shop, sweet treats, and so much more.
This is a great place to find unique and local souvenirs and tasty treats.
Queen of Hearts Tattoo shop has been a local favorite for years, and curates top quality permanent souvenirs (appointments strongly suggested).
Even if you are not in the market to make an purchases, it is a cool space to take a walk through.
Enjoy Happy Hour in LX Factory
LX Factory is a Happy Hour Haven with almost every cafe, restaurant and bar serving up drink specials ever day of the week.
Whether you are a beer, wine, or cocktail lover there is a deal for you. The open air seating makes any cafe along the block of cafes the perfect setting to enjoy a drink all year round.
This is the perfect spot to grab a drink after a day exploring Belem or Ajuda.
LX Factory Restaurants
LX Factory truly has something for everyone when it comes to food. Whether you are looking for heathy eats, vegan or vegetarian dishes, steak, sweet treats or a variety of ethnic offerings; LX Factory has it all.
I have tried several restaurants in LX factory and have yet to be disappointed.
This is also great area to grab brunch, with many cafes and restaurants offering a solid brunch menu.
Sunday Market in LX Factory
Every Sunday, there is a really lovely artisan market in LX Factory with vendors selling everything from handcrafter jewelry and clothes, to antiques and vintage items, to tasty treats (and much more).
The market features beautifully curated stands and friendly vendors and is a great place to pick up some unique souvenirs.
*The LX Market tends to be on the pricier side, so be prepared for premium pricing.
Whether you go to LX Factory as a stand-alone venture, or add it on to a trip to nearby Ajuda or Belem, you will find plenty to see, do and drink in this little pocket of Lisbon.
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