Hamburg, Germany

• Hamburg is Germany's second-largest city and a port, with canals, brick warehouses and a lot of water. It is a city-state, so the whole city is one self-governing region. The Elbe harbour and the Alster lakes in the middle of town break up the streets, and the neighborhoods differ a lot: St. Pauli is loud at night, Sternschanze and Ottensen are full of independent cafés and shops, and Eppendorf is leafy and quiet.
• Hamburg is generally safe for a woman alone. Daytime is easy everywhere, and eating alone in cafés, bakeries and restaurants is normal. Most problems are minor: pickpockets around the Hauptbahnhof, the Reeperbahn and busy tourist spots, drunk people on weekend nights, and the occasional overpriced bar or club in nightlife areas.
• English is widely spoken, especially by younger people and anywhere touristy. 'Moin' works as a greeting at any time of day. Locals are reserved at first but polite and helpful if you ask.
• Public transport covers the whole city. Walking on well-lit, busy streets at night is normal for locals, but the area around the Hauptbahnhof, parts of the Reeperbahn and the Steindamm in St. Georg feel rougher after dark. Take a taxi, a ride-hailing app or night transport there if you are tired or have been drinking.

German is the main language. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and shops and by younger people, and the 112 and 110 operators can usually handle English. The Hilfetelefon (116 016) offers counseling in many languages, free of charge and around the clock.

• Hamburgers are polite but reserved with strangers, and small talk is not expected. 'Moin' is the standard greeting at any time of day, and a quiet 'Danke' or 'Tschüss' when you enter or leave a shop is normal. English works almost everywhere in the center, but older locals and small neighborhood shops are more likely to need a few German words.
• Dress is casual, and nobody comments on what you wear during the day. Nightlife areas are relaxed too, but weekend crowds around the Reeperbahn can be loud and drunk, so keep your phone and bag closed. Don't leave your drink unattended in a bar or club.
• Many shops close on Sundays, so stock up the day before. Cards are widely accepted, but some small cafés, bars and market stalls still prefer cash. Tipping in restaurants usually means rounding up or adding about 5-10%, handed to the waiter when you pay. Drinks and bottles often carry a deposit (Pfand), which you get back at supermarket machines.
• Before going into a bar, club or strip venue on the Reeperbahn, check prices and any cover charge on the sign or menu. People who approach you on the street to invite you in are a common source of overcharging, so ignore them. Pay for each drink as you go if possible.

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. Police: 110. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• The HVV network of U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses and harbour ferries covers the whole city on one ticket system. Buy a ticket from the machines or the HVV app, and validate it if it is a paper ticket. Inspectors check regularly and fines are high. The S1 runs from the airport to the Hauptbahnhof in about 25 minutes. Ferry line 62 on the Elbe is covered by a regular ticket, which makes it a cheap way to see the harbour.
• U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains run through the night on Friday and Saturday, and night buses cover the other nights, so getting back from nightlife areas is straightforward. Stations are generally well lit and busy, but the Hauptbahnhof, Reeperbahn and Jungfernstieg stations get rowdy late. Sit in a carriage with other people, and use the emergency intercom if you feel threatened.
• Taxis are metered and reliable. Use the ranks outside stations or book through an app. Uber, Bolt and similar ride apps also work. Most central neighborhoods can be covered on foot, and bikes are everywhere. Red-paved strips on the pavement are cycle lanes, so stay off them to avoid a collision.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Hamburg with local guides and curated experiences.