Tips on Hamburg Warnings and Dangers - Stay Safe!

Hamburg is a typical European city in terms of safety standards. People can generally walk freely at night, ask strangers for directions without consequence, and engage in conversation with locals; however, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings in the city.

While most of Hamburg is relatively safe, there are some areas you should avoid. For instance, the areas around the Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station) are considered sketchy. You will find cheap accommodations in St. Georg, Adenauerallee, Steindamm, Bremer, Reihe, and Hansaplatz, but they are not recommended for families or solo travelers. If you must stay near the main train station, opt for Kirchenallee, Hachmannplatz, and Steintorplatz.

Sex work is common throughout Hamburg, and it is wise to be careful in areas where it frequently occurs. Street workers who approach you may be targeting you for theft.

Pickpockets are increasingly common, and grifters and thieves are showing up to work the overcrowded and heavily touristedReepbahn Strip. Pickpockets tend to stick to the Red Zone. It may be advisable for visitors to carry a hidden moneybelt.

Traditionally, the concept of football hooligan skirmishes was restricted to game areas; however, there are occasionally groups of loud-mouthed and inebriated individuals looking for trouble. Unfortunately, they may intimidate people at bus stations and subway stops, including Reeperbahn, St. Pauli, and AltonaBahnhof. On the bright side, Hamburg police come out in full force on game days in case people get out of control in stations.

Editor's note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about Hamburg warnings and dangers.