Until recently, Marvila was a forgotten industrial neighborhood in Lisbon. Besides being off the tourist map, it looked like an abandoned city, with poorly maintained houses and deactivated warehouses.
Today, Marvila is gaining increasing attention and is being reborn as a creative hub. Breweries, coworking spaces, galleries, and many other businesses have found large, affordable vacant spaces to thrive. Some travelers are beginning to explore the beauty of Marvila, but it remains a spot mostly frequented by locals.
Beer enthusiasts will love visiting the Portuguese breweries Dois Corvos and Musa. For a more eclectic cultural experience, the best option is Fábrica Braço de Prata, a former military factory that now hosts bookstores, exhibitions, concerts, and bars. Another symbol of Marvila's transformation is the old Abel Pereira da Fonseca warehouse, which boasts an imposing façade and is being revitalized by the 8 Marvila project to house creative businesses.
The best way to start exploring the neighborhood is by getting off at Braço de Prata station and following Rua do Açúcar. Along the way, you’ll find some of the places mentioned above, as well as Café Com Calma, Aquele Lugar Que Não Existe, and other trending spots in Lisbon.
Filipe Mendonça
Filipe has a degree in Advertising, works as a software developer in Germany, and is the creator of O Guia Nativo. The idea for a website offering non-touristic tips came about in 2014 but only became a reality in 2019.
