Galle, Sri Lanka

• Galle is a port city on Sri Lanka's southwest coast. Its main draw is Galle Fort, a walled settlement built by the Portuguese, Dutch and British and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside the ramparts are narrow streets, old colonial houses that have become guesthouses, small cafes and shops, and locals who walk the walls at dawn and dusk. It is one of the easier places in Sri Lanka to base yourself if you're traveling alone.
• Outside the Fort, Galle is a working town with a bus station, markets, a harbour and a cricket stadium right beside the ramparts. The beaches and cafes of Unawatuna, Dalawella and Koggala are a short tuk-tuk or taxi ride along the coast, so it's easy to split time between the Fort and the beach.
• Women traveling alone generally find Galle relaxed, and English is widely spoken in the Fort and along the tourist coast. Staring, the odd comment and persistent tuk-tuk touts are more common than serious crime. The things to watch are overcharging, beach areas after dark, and quiet roads or empty beaches at night.
• Away from the beach, keep shoulders and knees covered. Keep evening plans simple, and use a metered ride or an app-booked car for longer trips. Check government travel advice before you go.

Sinhala and Tamil are the main languages. English is widely spoken in Galle Fort, hotels and tourist restaurants, but less so in the new town, on buses and in local markets, so learn a few phrases or keep a translation app handy. The 119 police line is free from any phone, and the Tourist Police can help with complaints involving visitors.

• Cover shoulders and knees at temples, churches and mosques, and around town generally. Beachwear is fine on the tourist beaches but not in the Fort streets or markets. A light scarf or sarong is handy for religious sites.
• Take off shoes and hats at temples. Don't pose with your back to a Buddha statue or take selfies with one. Many sites make you cover up no matter how hot it is.
• Sinhala and Tamil are the main languages, and English is widely understood in tourist areas. A smile and a polite 'no, thank you' usually ends a sales pitch.
• Public displays of affection and drunkenness are frowned on. Alcohol is sold in licensed bars and shops, but not on poya (full moon) days.
• Ask before photographing people, especially women, monks and stilt fishermen. The fishermen often expect a tip for posing.

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

  All emergency contacts

• Galle Fort takes 10-15 minutes to walk end to end. The ramparts are busiest, and most pleasant, early in the morning and around sunset.
• Tuk-tuks are the main way to get to the new town, Unawatuna and Dalawella. Agree the price before getting in, or use a ride-hailing app such as PickMe or Uber where it works. Drivers waiting outside the Fort gates often quote tourist prices, and some try to add shop or tour stops, so say no firmly.
• The coastal train line and the Galle bus station connect the city with Colombo, Hikkaduwa, Mirissa and Matara. Trains and buses are cheap and often crowded. Sit near other women if you can and keep your bag on your lap. For Colombo, the expressway is faster by bus or taxi.
• After dark, get a ride through your accommodation or an app instead of walking home from beach restaurants, especially between Unawatuna and Dalawella.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Galle with local guides and curated experiences.