Since it’s already evening, keep the first leg simple: head straight to your hotel in the Unknown area, drop your bags, and take 15–20 minutes to reset before going back out. If you’re arriving by taxi or rideshare, this is the night to use it rather than figuring out local transit with luggage. Give yourself about an hour total for check-in, freshening up, and a quick glance at the neighborhood so you know where the nearest pharmacy, ATM, and convenience store are.
For dinner, stick to a well-reviewed spot within a short walk of your hotel so you don’t spend your first night commuting around. Look for a relaxed bistro or local restaurant in the closest central neighborhood, ideally somewhere with a simple menu, good seating, and last-call kitchen hours around 9:30–10:00 p.m. Expect to spend about $25–$50 per person for a solid first meal, including a drink. If you’re tired from travel, order the house specialty and keep it easy — this is more about arriving well than dining big.
After dinner, take a gentle walk through the downtown area, along the main promenade, or beside the riverfront if that’s the most convenient option from your hotel. Aim for just 30–45 minutes: enough to get your bearings, see where the city feels lively after dark, and find a few landmarks you can orient yourself by tomorrow. Stick to well-lit streets and main pedestrian routes; if it’s a waterfront or promenade area, that’s usually the nicest first-night loop.
Wrap up with something small nearby — a café, tea house, or dessert counter within a few blocks of dinner is perfect. Many local cafés stay open until 10:00–11:00 p.m., and a coffee, herbal tea, or pastry should run about $8–$15 per person. It’s a good chance to slow down, jot down a couple of places you noticed on your walk, and call it an early night so tomorrow starts with energy.