Lisbon's East Side Stories

Step off the tourist trail and explore Xabregas, Beato, and Marvila-three districts in eastern Lisbon with a rich past and a young creative spirit. Once the summer retreats of nobility and centers of religious devotion, these areas evolved into industrial powerhouses in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, welcoming factories, workers' villages, and military facilities. After decades of decline, they’ve reemerged as some of the city’s most dynamic cultural hubs. This afternoon walking tour begins in Xabregas facing the National Tile Museum and continues past hidden palaces, street art murals, and repurposed warehouses. In Beato, you’ll visit churches, creative incubators, and an entire block full of craft breweries. Then wander through Marvila’s art galleries and alternative markets, ending at the riverfront where Renzo Piano’s sleek architectural project signals a new chapter. This is a journey through centuries of architecture, culture, and urban reinvention.

This experience takes you far from Lisbon’s crowded city center to explore three districts often overlooked even by locals—Xabregas, Beato, and Marvila. Each neighborhood tells a story of transformation, from aristocratic estates and convents to factories and working-class areas, now reimagined as vibrant spaces for art, food, and design. You’ll visit standout sites like the Hub Criativo do Beato, a tech and creative campus inside a former military compound; 8 Marvila, an experimental market and cultural space; and hidden gems like Palácio do Grilo, a faded 18th-century palace turned artistic venue. As you move through galleries, breweries, and urban landmarks, you’ll see contemporary architecture alongside traditional and post-industrial structures, showcasing the city’s commitment to preserving its past while embracing innovation.

Born and raised in Lisbon, Tiago Neiva has an extensive background in architecture, and a master's degree in the Teaching of Visual Arts. His expertise includes the art and architecture of al-Andalus and the confluence of Arab, Jewish, and Christian medieval cultures. Tiago's guided tours are known for their depth and insight, covering aspects like architectural heritage, cultural and social context, and vivid and engaging descriptions.

Comfortable walking shoes for exploring Lisbon's neighborhoods. Weather-appropriate clothing. A camera for capturing Lisbon's ambiances. A water bottle for hydration. An open mind to discover the intimate secrets of a lesser known and lesser touristy area of Lisbon.