Hamburg first timer tips

Planning my first trip to Hamburg in the next few months. I've read through a lot of the older threads but wanted to check if the info is still current.

My main questions:
- Best area to stay for easy access to the scene?
- Realistic daily budget?
- Any areas to avoid?
- How welcoming are the locals to foreign visitors?

I'm coming from Canada and have experience in Latin America but this would be my first time in Hamburg.

Thanks for any help!

100% agree. The quality is hard to beat.

Saving this thread for my trip planning. Gold mine of information.

Excellent write-up. This is why this forum is the best resource out there.

Been going for years. The scene has improved recently.

This is outdated info IMO. Things have changed since the new laws came in. Current prices are higher than what's described here.

Agreed on all points. Make sure to book hotels in advance.

+1 on this. Exactly my experience too. Great destination.

Been going for years. The scene has improved recently.

This is outdated info IMO. Things have changed since the new laws came in. Current prices are actually lower than what's described here.

Spot on with the prices. That matches what I paid in February.

Any restaurant recs for the daytime?

Can confirm. Was there 2 weeks ago and everything checks out.

I'd also recommend downloading Grab before you go. Essential.

Did you use an agency or find girls at clubs?

How does it compare to Thailand?