8 ex-industrial districts that will leave you speachless

Amazing industrial districts that have changed 8 cities

Industrialisation means progress in various ways – new buildings, attractions, more jobs, better facilities and so on. But that’s not all – understanding how history plays a major role in the future, some industrialists have taken the initiative to preserve the beauty of historic buildings or even completely renovate them so that they last for decades.

You may find places to stay where you can enjoy modern facilities and yet enjoy the charming beauty of historic times. Here are 8 ex districts around the world that have been renovated and now give a new face to the cities.

BILBAO

It's been 10 years since industrialisation took over. You can see radical changes here - one of them is the Gugggenheim Museum. Initially full of steel mills and shipyards, the city was reborn via an ecological project.

Where to sleep nearby

The Botxo Gallery Hostel is located on a short distance from Guggenheim Museum. This hostel is modern and offers many services including breakfast.

FLORENCE

Home to many Renaissance masterpieces, this beautiful city has many tourists who wish to join in various types of events at the warehouse that is adjacent to the station.

Where to sleep nearby

The Gemini Studios is a good solution for not missing anything of Florence. The apartments are a short distance away from Santa Maria Novella station and yet close enough to enjoy former Leopolda station's area.

NEW YORK

New York’s Meatpacking District is a little area beatween Chelsea and Manhattan. It used to be called the New York butchery. The main reason is because this is where butchers cut or butchered meat. If you were to visit today, you would find the place full of various bars, restaurants and the United States’ first park, the High Line which still shows train track signs.

Where to sleep nearby

For accommodation, you can choose to stay at Chelsea International Hostel, which has very good customer ratings or any other place.

DUBLIN

In Dublin there is the Docklands area where the Irish fled after the Custom House construction like moving cattle. Today, territorial redevelopment project resulted in various offices here including Google and Facebook. You can also visit Jeanie Johnston, a replica of the ship that transported the Irish people to America.

Where to sleep nearby

From the former industrial district of Dublin, take a 15-minute walk to the Isaacs Hostel, which has a sauna, Beer Garden and a room with pool tables.

LISBON

In the neighborhood of Alcantara, one of the oldest ones in Lisbon, there is an ex textile factory, the Lx Factory. This place has been renovated and used to host many shopes, a library and a cafe. On Sunday there is also a vintage market.

Photo Credit: Andre

The factory is divided in three floors, connected by iron stairs. A library full of books occupies the gound floor.

There is also a restaurant that has been created where the workers' canteen. If you love the street art, aroudn this factory there's a lot.

Where to sleep nearby

Inside the Lx Factory there is a hostel, The Dorm, his is a very particular hostel, with chandeliers made by recycled materials, such as water jugs and dormitories give a high level of privacy to all travellers.

TURIN

The historical neighborhood "Barriera di Milano" used to be an important industrial area in the 60s. During the last few years it grew up and developped, thanks to the creation of new green areas, where people could meet.

Here's you can find some street art too, there are also the Ettore Fico Museum and the Aurelio Peccei Park.

Photo Credit: Uccio d'Agostino

Where to sleep nearby

The Bamboo Eco Hostel is located right in this neighborhood. This hostel is an eco-friendly one, breakfast, for example, is prepared only with biological ingredients.

AMSTERDAM

Even Amsterdam has its own industrial district, the Amsterdam Noord. We have already talked about this area in this article.

Amsterdam is a city that was able to turn Amsterdam Noord in a touristic area.

Where to sleep nearby

In Amsterdam Noord, there is a new hostel, the ClinkNOORD. A Art Deco hostel, opend for those travellers who want to see and try something different and new. If you want to live a different Amsterdam, this is the place for you.

ROTTERDAM

This port city shows the works of Renzo Piano – admire the beauty of Italian architecture with a touch of charm and modernity. Today, the city has attractions like The Erasmus Bridge and various tall skyscrapers which have transformed the whole port area, making it truly advanced.

Where to sleep nearby

The King Kong Hostel, which is some minutes away from the port, is a lovely hostel with hammocks, antique furniture and lofts, making it a great place to get friendly with other fellow travellers.