An Insiders Guide To The Triangle Lisbon

Anyone who visits Lisbon knows to head for the popular areas of Bairro Alto and Santos, two of the city’s most popular neighborhoods during the evening and late-night hours, but there is a small section in-between that’s beginning to enjoy a little of the spotlight. At the moment, “the Triangle,” an aptly named section of three connected streets, isn’t catching an excessive amount of attention just yet (unlike other neighborhoods in downtown Lisbon), but that may change soon for this growing creative spot.

While walking west from Chiado, it’s common to get pulled into one of the winding and colorful streets that make up Bairro Alto, Lisbon’s bohemian hillside party zone. Filled with eclectic cafés, tattoo parlors, small restaurants (called tascas), and many unique bars, Bairro Alto is hypnotically entrancing, and its energy is magnetic. But, don’t turn off the main path too soon, and quickly you will find yourself in a part of Lisbon that reflects an architectural style and neighborhood vibe from a long-forgotten era.

The three streets that make up what has become known as Lisbon’s “the Triangle” are Rua de São Bento, Rua do Poço dos Negros, and Rua Poiais de São Bento. The old, azulejo tile-covered buildings are starting to get purchased and renovated, making room for artistic shops, concept cafés, and trendy restaurants between their more traditional counterparts.

Get lost in the Palavra de Viajante, a travel-themed bookstore on Rua de São Bento, then revamp your energy with a sip of coffee from Hello, Kristoff, a Scandinavian-inspired café around the corner on Rua do Poço dos Negros. For a more authentic feel, visit Caracóis de São Bento, a spot popular with locals and where Lisboetas enjoy their favorite summertime snack of snails, in addition to other cultural treats.

Enjoy good Portuguese coffee inside a Scandinavia-themed café

The Mill is another new and unique café-cum-wine bar that serves a seasonally-inspired Portuguese menu with an added Australian flair. Anyone who isn’t sure which place to try first should walk along the narrow, cobblestone streets and discover their new favorite spot among the many restaurants and venues; one is sure to call your attention.

The Triangle is a short walk from the Miradouro de Santa Catarina

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.