The airport sits close to the city, so the transfer is short and easy on a first afternoon. The metro red line runs from the terminal into the centre in around 20 minutes, or a taxi or Uber is roughly 15–20 minutes and about €15–20 with luggage. Lisbon is mild for most of the year; spring and autumn are the gentlest for walking the hills. Book flights →

Basing yourselves in Baixa or Chiado keeps everything on this trip within an easy walk and puts you on flat ground for the arrival day. Drop the bags, then wander out with no agenda. Search hotels →

This grand riverside square is the natural place to start, opening straight onto the Tagus. Walk through the triumphal arch and, if you fancy a first view, take the lift to the rooftop terrace (open daily, around €3.50 each) for a look over Baixa's grid of streets.

Stroll up pedestrianised Rua Augusta into Chiado for your first custard tart. Manteigaria's original Chiado shop on Rua do Loreto bakes them fresh all day (about €1.50 each) and you can watch the bakers work. The historic Café A Brasileira on Rua Garrett, open since 1905, is a couple of minutes' walk away if you want a coffee with it.

A short downhill walk brings you to the Time Out Market inside the Mercado da Ribeira at Cais do Sodré, a food hall gathering stalls from well-known Lisbon chefs under one roof. It is relaxed and low-commitment for a first night: pick different counters, share a table, and go at your own pace. Open until midnight (later at weekends).

Rua Nova do Carvalho, painted pink since 2011, is right beside the market and makes for an easy after-dinner drink. It gets livelier as the night goes on, but early evening it is calm enough for a relaxed glass somewhere and a slow walk back.