Set West-Side of Lisbon’s historic centre Alcântara is defined by its proximity to the 25 de Abril suspension Bridge, which frames the neighbourhood with its impressive red steel arches.
Built-in 1966 and often compared with San Francisco’s Golden Gate bridge, the 25 de Abril provides the city’s main escape across to the golden surf beaches of the Caparica coast. This makes the neighbourhood a favourite amongst families, nature lovers and surfers, who can hop to the beach in under 20 minutes before a day at their desk.
Traditionally a quiet, middle-class suburb, over the past decade Alcântara has undergone a creative revolution, ignited by the LX Factory, a vast fabric factory dating back to 1846 that has been transformed into a vibrant hive of over 200 creative studios, shops and restaurants since it opened in 2008. Just a few blocks away, you’ll find collective co-working and dynamic live music venue Village Underground, while a number of museums, such as the recently opened Museu Berardo de Art Nouveau & Art Déco and the Museu da Carris, provides an extra cultural draw.
Communal spaces such as these offer great incentives for creatives, entrepreneurs and digital nomads, who value having some of the city’s leading and most affordable coworking and office spaces just a short stroll from home. And once the day is wrapped up? There are runs along the river towards Belém, strolls in the Tapada das Necessidades park or sunset drinks overlooking the river on the rooftop at restaurant Rio Maravilha to enjoy.
- Baixa-Chiado: 15 minutes by tram or train.
- Costa da Caparica: 20 minutes by car
- International Portela Airport:15 minutes by car