Hipsters paradise – Lx Factory in Lisbon

Hipsters paradise – Lx Factory in Lisbon

Created in 2008, so not that new place on Lisbon`s map. But fortunately, still not flooded with thousands of tourists. Lx Factory – meeting place for artists, aesthetics, hipsters or anyone who prefers looking for something new, fresh or less repetitive. For me it`s ‘not to miss’ in Lisbon`s list of attractions.


Originally as the name suggests, it was a factory, or rather a complex of factories created in 1846 in the district of Alcantara. After the bankruptcy of the last companies occupying buildings, the city decided to turn them into a lively place, where everyone could find something for themselves. A corner for artists seeking inspiration, cafes and restaurants with delicious food (not only Portugese but also vegan, fusion and many others), flea market full of interesting items, stands with handcrafts, young designers shops, market with organic products, pastry shops, bars, interior design shops and many others.  Lx Factory in Lisbon is also a space for events, concerts and vernissages. And all of this in modern-industrial-artistic atmosphere. 

Ler Devagar Bookstore

As my favorite place in Lx Factory, Ler Devagar bookstore deserves a separate paragraph. Originally founded in Barrio Alto district, after being relocated to Lx Factory. It was named by NY Times and others  ‘one of the most beautiful and magical bookstore in the world’. Three floors filled with books but also with sculptures and old printing machines. The most famous is ‘The flying bicycle’, which catches the eye immediately upon entering the building. Ler Devagar bookstore is also a great place to have coffee or a meeting – on the ground floor and first floor there is a café.

However, for me the biggest magic happens on the second floor. Checking out of curiosity, I found there an older gentleman, confusingly similar to Geppetto. He was telling something with great passion to a small number of people as curious as I am. And all this surrounded by strange machines, looking as copied from the notebook of Leonardo Da VinciIt turned out that this is Pietro Proserpio. Artist, inventor and wizard. He was explaining and demonstrating his eccentric inventions. And all this in twilight, on the top floor of an extraordinary bookstore. For a moment I felt like I had moved to another age.

Ler Devagar Bookstore – opening hours:
Mon: 12:00 – 21:00; Tu-Thu: 12:00 – 24:00; Fri – Sat: 12:00 – 02:00; Sun: 11:00 – 21:00

Lx Factory in Lisbon – practical information

How to get there: Lx Factory is located under  “25th April” bridge, in  Alcantara district. The closest bus stop is Calvário. I took taxi from Belem.

Opening hours: oficially Lx Factory is open from 6 AM till 4 AM. Shops usually close around 8 PM. Restaurants, cafes and bars are open until late night. It is worth to come around afternoon and stay untill evening. There is flea market on Sunday.