Lisbon Insider Tips Off the Beaten Path

We love the Portuguese capital, Lisbon. There are numerous reasons why this vibrant city has captured our hearts. One of them is certainly its location by the sea. The weather is pleasantly warm all year round, the culinary highlights are numerous, and there are many interesting places to explore.

Here we have written down our insider tips for your next city trip to Lisbon:

Currently one of the hipster spots and coolest places in Lisbon. Located halfway between Cais do Sodré and Belém, the former industrial site of the LX Factory has now been transformed into a cooperative workspace filled with restaurants, bars, galleries, bookstores, and various concept shops. Agencies and start-ups have also settled here.

There's plenty to discover in this former industrial area. Take your time exploring the studios, cafés, restaurants, bars, and concept stores.

With this restructuring, the old textile factory buildings have been revitalized, halting their decay. I easily spent an entire afternoon here without getting bored. If you appreciate the contrast of old and new, this is the place for you.

Every day, thousands of people from around the world flock to the area. It's a fantastic place to eat, drink, shop, and enjoy the art scene of Lisbon. You'll find a wealth of shops and galleries worth discovering.

My tip: A small market (a mix of flea market and farmers' market) is held every weekend. Check the website for events and opening hours. There's also a map of the LX Factory so you can preview the shops.

Every Sunday, a flea market takes place at the former textile factory site LX Factory. Here you can find second-hand and vintage clothing, vinyl records, and handmade crafts from local artisans.

The LX Factory is a bit outside the city center. The nearest train station is 'Alcantra.' Take the tram 15E or 18E (the same trams also go to Belém).

Did you know that both the oldest bookstore and the smallest bookstore in the world are located in Lisbon?

The Livraria do Simão is Lisbon's smallest bookstore and likely the smallest in the world. The greatest secrets are hidden behind small doors. This bookstore became famous not only for its size but also for the high quality of the books it sells.

Former chemistry professor Simão Carneiro decided to turn his passion into a profession in 2008 and searched for a suitable location. In the midst of the Escadinhas de São Cristóvão, he found this spot and opened a 4-square-meter bookstore with around 4000 books. You can find not only Portuguese works in the genres of poetry, short stories, and novels. Be sure to check it out!

Lisbon is my secret street art paradise in Europe. Murals, small graffiti, and tactile artworks surprise you on almost every corner.

If you don't want to explore on your own, you can book a street art tour. For three hours, you will be guided through Lisbon while learning about the street art scene.

You will also get details about the city's history and background information on the artists who beautify the city.

Nothing is as lively as a market hall. Here, tourists mix with locals, and you can truly experience the flair of a city. Whether you prefer a classic flea market, a trendy street market, or a market hall, there's something for everyone with these tips.

The historic market hall across from the train station opened in 2014 and is a true foodie paradise. You have the difficult choice of selecting from 35 stalls. The most famous restaurants in Lisbon have come together to offer their best creations at the Mercado da Ribeira market hall.

Due to the special arrangement of the stalls, a huge area is created in the middle of the hall. It is filled with tables and chairs where you can sit and enjoy your meals.

Skip breakfast and start your discovery tour here; there's something for every taste at the Time Out Market. Whether traditional or international, all cuisines of the world have found a place here, offering delicious dishes for about $10-20.

The flea market at Campo de Santa is the oldest flea market in Lisbon. Every Tuesday and Saturday, the square turns into a vast open-air trading area. You must arrive early to snag the best pieces.

At the flea market, you'll find a lot of vintage items, household clear-outs, and treasures from Portuguese homes. High-quality crafts are in short supply. The market is more of a bargain paradise. At the same time, it serves as a huge meet-and-greet for the city's residents, bustling with cheer and noise. Bargaining is not well received here. The Feira da Ladra is incredibly authentic and always worth a visit.

Opening hours: Tuesday & Saturday 9 AM - 7 PM

And of course, the market at the LX Factory (see point 1 above)

We love visiting libraries when we travel. Often, the most beautiful places can be found here. For more than 135 years, you have been able to borrow books here. Very few people know this place, as it is also off the typical tourist routes through Lisbon.

You can find the São Lázaro Library between Martim Moniz and Campo Santana on Rua do Saco. It's really worth it. For avid readers like us, this is a true paradise. But even for others, simply due to the beauty of the place, it's worth a visit.

The neoclassical building attracts hardly any attention from the outside and looks like an ordinary library even at the entrance. However, once you step inside the Salão Nobre, you'll understand why we recommend this spot. The library could easily be a filming location for Harry Potter; the scenery would fit perfectly.

Last but not least, a unique insider tip. For some, it may be an unusual location, but I love cemeteries in other countries. In Valparaiso (Chile) or Marrakech (Morocco), they are so different from those at home. The Cemiterio dos Prazeres is exceptionally beautiful. It's spectacular because you first get a great view of the Christ statue as well as the Tagus River and the bridge in Lisbon.

Then there are the mausoleums and graves. Here lie well-known Portuguese figures. Tropical trees grow among the ornate graves. My absolute insider tip to finish.

The tram ride kills two birds with one stone: You can ride the iconic Tram 28 and visit the Cemiterio dos Prazeres. Alternatively, lines 25E and 28E will take you to the cemetery (final stop: Prazeres).

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