Lisbon is a hot-mover in the 21st century city-break stakes because of its intimate atmosphere, historic architecture, vibrant nightlife and riverfront location. It doesn’t possess an Eiffel Tower or any specific defining feature but increasing numbers of visitors are rating it as a serious option and one of the best value cities in Europe.

The ‘City of Seven Hills’ sits at the mouth of the Tagus River and boasts fine museums, classy shopping and a lively café culture with most sites easily explored on foot. Over the past decade Lisbon has become a mode...