Innsbruck, Austria

• Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol, a small city on the Inn River with the Nordkette mountain range directly behind the rooftops. A cable car from the Old Town reaches alpine terrain in about twenty minutes, so it works as a base for anyone who wants a city and mountains in the same trip.
• Crime against visitors is low and violent incidents are rare. The center is small enough to walk, and locals are used to students, skiers and hikers arriving alone. Eating alone is normal, and cafes, coffeehouses and wine bars are fine for a woman on her own.
• The risks are mostly minor. Pickpockets work the crowded Old Town streets and markets, and the area around the main train station and the Bogenmeile bar strip gets unpleasant late at night, when drunk or aggressive people are most likely to be around. Stick to busy streets there after dark and the rest of the city is easy.
• German is the main language, with a Tyrolean dialect that can be hard to follow even if you speak some German. English is common in hotels, restaurants, the tourist office and among younger people, so language is rarely a problem. Trams, buses and cable cars are reliable, and a women's night taxi service runs late at night.

German is the main language, spoken with a strong Tyrolean dialect. English is widely understood in hotels, restaurants, shops and the tourist office, especially by younger people. Calling 112 connects you to an operator who can pass you on to police, ambulance or fire; speak slowly and simply and give your location. The women's helpline offers counseling in several languages.

• Austrians tend to be polite and reserved with strangers. Say 'Grüß Gott' or 'Hallo' to shop staff and people in small cafes, and 'Servus' or 'Auf Wiedersehen' when leaving. 'Bitte' and 'danke' help a lot.
• Dress is casual and practical. Hiking clothes in town are normal, and revealing clothing is fine in cafes and bars, but shoulders and knees should be covered in churches. Bring layers and sturdy shoes in any season, since the weather in the mountains changes fast.
• Tipping is usual: round up or add 5-10% in restaurants, and say the total when paying instead of leaving cash on the table. Many shops close early on Saturday and stay closed on Sundays, so buy groceries ahead. In mountain huts and restaurants, mention that you are hiking alone so staff can advise on weather and last cable car times.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. General Emergency (EU): 112. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• IVB trams and buses cover the city and nearby villages. A single ticket is valid for a limited time on the day it is bought, while multi-trip and 24-hour tickets work out cheaper. Tickets are sold in the IVB app, at machines and by the driver. Vehicles are clean and well lit, and mostly carry students and commuters, so riding alone is fine.
• Nightliner buses run late at night and accept a normal valid ticket. The Frauen-Nacht-Taxi is a flat-rate night taxi for women that drops you at your door. It has to be booked by phone at least 20 minutes ahead on +43 512 55 17 11. Check the IVB website for hours and the price.
• The Old Town is pedestrian and most sights are within 20-30 minutes on foot. Cycling is common, and the cable cars and funicular from the center go up into the mountains. Regular taxis and ride apps work too, but it is better to order one by phone or app than to hail one at the station.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Innsbruck with local guides and curated experiences.