writers and artists have long been attracted to the area, and the creative and intellectual nature of its residents has become another of santa teresa's characteristic attributes adding to the unique charm of this romantic neighborhood.

in addition, there is 'o bondinho' - the last functioning electric streetcar in brazil, which runs along santa teresa's cobblestone streets. the service was interrupted in 2013, following technical difficulties, but has been reestablished after extensive community action to safe the icon of the neighborhhod.

the neighborhood is full of museums, art studios, and places to eat and drink, mainly concentrated in largo dos guimarães. this is also the heart of the gastronomic trade in santa teresa, housing venerated establishments such as bar do mineiro, largo das letras, espirito santa, and sobrenatural are located.