The Pink Street

Overview

Once Lisbon's notorious red-light district, Rua Nova do Carvalho aka 'Pink Street' is a pedestrian street in the trendy neighbourhood of Cais do Sodre. Part of an urban renewal project in 2013, the street is now an open-air art gallery and hub of nightclubs, bars and cafes.

All that remains of its colourful past are names – and a few decorations of fishing nets, a nod to the sailors who would frequent the streets for the gambling dens and brothels. Of course, there are still some spots where you can drink until dawn, but overall it's a much more broadly welcoming street, with the right mix of art, excitement and cafe culture.

It's also known as one of Lisbon's most Instagrammable streets. No doubt you'll recognise the canopy of rainbow umbrellas, painted bridge and, of course, bright pink street.

Image: Sara Darcaj