So you're all ready to pack up and go to Lisbon, but you've realised that you've forgotten to do any research and you're not sure where to go or what to do. Don't worry, we've all done it. So here's a quick beginners guide on what to do and what to avoid on your week (or extended weekend) in the sun.

First up, and before you're even out of the airport, keep an eye out for the Eurovision desk, somewhere between your plane and customs. We must confess that we breezed past it on our trip in, and can't confirm that it's even actually there. But legend suggests that it's big and yellow and offers a free bus ride from the airport into town.

Public transport

But if you can't find it, the Lisbon metro is the next best - and quickest - way to get about. There's a metro line that begins right at the heart of the airport, and takes you down town sprinty nice. And rather temptingly it's only three stops from the arena if you want to make a quick smash-and-grab visit on the way by.

Tickets for the metro are reasonably straightforward to purchase. However, you'll first need to buy a Viagem Viva card from the same machine. This is like a little floppy Oyster card that you can top up with cash as often as you want or need. One day tickets are great value if you're thinking of doing a bit of sight-seeing and party going around the town, but otherwise just top it up with the occasional tenner here and there. Metros run until 1am, although there are night buses to enjoy if you live too far out to walk.

While we're chatting about the arena, you'll find it by getting off at the Oriente station on the Red line and following the colourful, flag-festooned people. It's a big, occasionally confusing tangle of glass and concrete, but if you head toward the massive shopping centre and glide through to the other side you'll see the big lozenge shaped arena by the sea on the other side.

We've been inside, and it's flipping lovely. The sight lines are good from pretty much anywhere and it feels like a proper 21st century multi-purpose event rather than some of the converted car parks we've been to lately.

Eurovision bubble

Eurovillage is pretty easy to get to, too. Hope off at Terreiro do Paço station on the Blue line and you're there. It's in the beautiful Praça do Comércio square at the very apex of local tourism, on the glorious banks of the glorious River Tagus. So if the queues are too big you can amble around down town with the sound of European hopefuls ringing in your ears. For those of you without tickets for any of the big shows, this will be the place to watch them. The shows are set to be beamed live onto the big screens, and the atmosphere at these open public events is always nothing short of magical.

For those of you lucky enough to be accredited, Euroclub will be held at the Ministerium club, bang opposite Eurovillage - a couple of doors up from the Museum of Beer.

Stay safe

A couple of practical matters. Lisbon is an incredibly safe, cosmopolitan and cheerful city, but still retain all of the usual traveller's wariness. Most jarring to people who've never visited this fine old place before is the constant attention of street hawkers. By day they'll be trying to sell you hats, shade and selfie sticks, but by night it'll turn to hash, speed and cocaine. But don't be put off of walking about. They're not at all aggressive, and a polite refusal will see them on their way. But of you were thinking of availing them of their services, don't. Just like real life, street dealers are to be avoided, and are rumoured to be selling nothing more than chopped herbs and baking powder. We're not ones to judge on your choices, but do be sensible.

Also be sensible and bring the sun cream. The sun out here is absolutely bakey melty this week, and even though it seems nice and cool down by the waterfront, if you're from a traditionally gloomy clime and choose to go out into it unprotected expect to burn up like an ant under a magnifying glass. We saw with our own eyes a couple of Scottish gentlemen go pink and blistery in a matter of minutes, so don't be brave - the the factor thousand on be extra safe!

We would also advise that you spend at least one night up in Bairro Alto. It's one of the most bustling and lively drinking neighbourhoods in Europe, and only gets busier as the night goes on. You can start gently by eating at the bottom of the slope of criss-cross streets and working you way up, or just head to the noisier alleys at the top, where half a litre of beer is only €1 and the cocktails not much more expensive. Just grab your drinks from a tiny cupboard of a bar, and go and stand in the street for the full effect. It'll be some of the best people watching you ever do. To find it, either walk up from sea level, or get off the Metro at Baixa-Chiado and used the endless escalator ladder - then follow the noise!

Small but perfectly-formed

The joy of this city is that it's small, friendly and manageable, and pretty much anything you want to see is only a short Metro, bus or tram ride away. Be warned though that there are a lot of hills - bit ones, too - and a lot of the good stuff is at the top of them. But there are plenty of trans and buses all primed to take you there.

But importantly of all, have a fine old time. Because this is one of Europe's finest cities, and they're so incredibly proud to be hosting this thing. So don't just hang around the Eurovenues, but have an amble outside of the perimeters from time to time and, do them proud with your love and excitement.

Image Credits: Mr Phil.