Begin your walk at the Estrela Gardens (Jardim da Estrela) (1) with their wrought iron bandstand: Busses: 9, 27; Trams: 25, 28. Facing the gardens is the Estrela Basilica (Basílica da Estrela) (2), in late baroque and neo-classical style. The four columns on the façade are topped with statues representing Faith, Devotion, Gratitude and Generosity.

The relief behind is thought to be the work of Portugal’s foremost 18th cent. sculptor, Machado de Castro. Take the streets Domingos Sequeira and Saraiva de Carvalho to the square Praça São João Bosco and the Prazeres Cemetery (Cemitério dos Prazeres) (3) and then, taking Rua Possidónio da Silva, go on to Tapada das Necessidades (4) to see its excellent cactus gardens. Nearby is the Necessidades Palace (5), built in the 18th cent. and now the home to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. From the square in front (6) you can pick out the 25 of April bridge, inaugurated 1966, and the Christ the King monument on the other side of the river. Note the bronze cross on a thorned sphere in the 1747 fountain, and an obelisk in pink marble.

Now go down Calçada do Sacramento leading to the Alcântara quarter (7) and Praça da Armada (8), where there are a number of good, low-priced restaurants and taverns. Continue your walk along Calçada da Pampulha to Rua das Janelas Verdes: on one side is the Dr. José Figueiredo square (9) with its great fountain, and on the other the National Museum of Art (10). From the gardens (Jardim 9 de Abril) (11) beside it there are views over the river and the Port of Lisbon. Overlooking the gardens is the Red Cross Palace, the stairs leading of the gardens will take you down to Av. 24 de Julho.

Cross the avenue and the railway line alongside it then turn right on Av. Brasília and follow it to the Alcântara Dock (12) where you’ll find the Maritime Terminal (13) with its great mural panels by the Portuguese modernist painter Almada Negreiros.

Walk through the bustling, cosmopolitan Santo Amaro Dock (14), packed with riverside café terraces, bars and discos. Buses 14, 32, 43, 28 will take you back to the center.