Essential cultural etiquette tips for your first trip to Europe
- FancifulRoamer
- 5 days ago
- 7 min read
As a world traveler, it's important to know how to behave in a different country. Each part of the world has different customs and ways of doing things.
I split my time between Europe and North America, so each time I move, there are things I miss and things that still surprise me.
Europe contains about 44 countries, each with its own habits. But the whole continent is different from, say, the US or Canada.
Here are some essential etiquette tips to know before you travel to European countries.
Eye Contact and Body Language
Generally, European culture is more reserved. You don't go around engaging with people unless you're in a small community.
People don't make small talk, it's a bit weird and could indicate an ulterior motive.
Germans, for example, like to have prolonged eye contact with strangers. While eye contact is important during social interactions, looking too much at strangers is either aggressive or flirtatious.
An important etiquette tip is that you need to observe personal space. While exiting the subway will look like a pack of sardines, daily situations require you to keep your distance from people. Nobody wants a foreigner talking into their eyeballs.
While people seem unfriendly, especially in Eastern Europe, you will likely receive help if requested. The younger generations speak English and are more prone to meeting foreigners. Be aware of people being too friendly and pushy, they might not be so sincere.
Customer service is nowhere near the American one, especially when you're outside large cities. Big Western corporations implement better standards, but usually, you get what you get. Restaurants don't comp your meal just because you didn't like what you ordered. Of course, if your hotel room is moldy, you should leave and do everything to get your money back.
Greetings
It's common to think that Europeans are very touchy-feely and they kiss each other every time they meet. There are many levels of the cheek kissing greeting.
If you're meeting someone for the first time, a handshake is preferred in any country.
Kisses are usually for family members and people you know well. The less you know someone, the less you touch their face and body.
If an acquaintance insists on greeting you with kisses, you may do air kisses while keeping them at a respectable distance with your arms. This is something women may do with a distant male friend who's eager for human touch.
When addressing others, you use their first name if they're the same age or younger than you. To be polite, when someone is older, you use ma'am or sir. If you're learning the language, it's easier to just learn the formal and polite forms of words.
Dining Etiquette
Meals in European countries are a social affair. You talk over drinks or food for hours. Dinner starts later than in the US, so partake in any afternoon snack.
If you're on vacation, plan your meals because some restaurants don't open for dinner until 8 pm. During the summer, dinner starts after sunset, when the heat subsides.
It's important to have manners; we should do our best, even though good etiquette is not uniform across Europe.
Remember to say 'bon appétit' in the local language before a meal. Don't speak with your mouth full and eat slowly.
If a toast is held, look people in the eye as you're toasting. Most countries consider it bad luck to toast with a non-alcoholic drink, unless you're under 10. Take a sip of your beverage before you place the glass down.
If someone invites you over to their house, it's nice to bring something. For a casual visit, bring flowers or chocolates. For a dinner invite, bring dessert or a bottle of wine.
Table Settings
Being invited to a fancy dinner is nerve-wrecking. While you may need to prepare your outfit and small talk, the table setting shouldn't feel like a challenge. Here are some simple rules:
The butter plate and knife are at your left. Pick up bread, set it on your plate. Break small pieces with your hand as you're eating them.
If there are several sets of forks and knives, start from the outside row. Each course will have its own set.
The small fork and spoon above your plate are for dessert and coffee.
As you're looking forward, the first glass from the center to your right is the water glass. A wide glass is for red wine, the thinner one for white.
In Greece or Italy, it's customary to receive a little dessert or digestif on the house.
In Spain or Portugal, and even parts of Italy, you may need to pay for the seemingly free bread with a 'cover' charge of a few euros.
Tipping Practices
Tipping is appreciated but not required. Leaving small change or rounding up your bill to the nearest euro is generally sufficient. This practice reflects the relaxed dining culture in European countries.
Unfortunately, more restaurants are following the American way of not paying their employees and making them rely on tips.
Do not go around boasting how cheap things are or how you're leaving a huge tip. Going out to eat is still a treat for most people, so nobody wants higher prices or lower salaries because a few people are splurging on vacation.
If you have a large group, a celebration, or make a huge mess, then yes, it's recommended to leave a tip.
Dress Code
It's easy to point out a tourist in any country. Locals dress according to the season and for the occasion. Usually it's dark clothes.
Tourists dress like they're on vacation. They have flashy clothing, a huge backpack, hats, and sneakers with thick white soles.
Europeans like to dress up. So dress nicely, especially when going out in the evening. A casual shirt or polo is a great choice for men, women can wear a dress or an elegant top. Jeans are appropriate for casual outings. To elevate your look, wear slacks or dress pants.
For either restaurants or clubs, don't wear flip-flops, sweats, or sneakers.
Women tend to dress more conservatively in big cities, so as not to draw unwanted attention. Even in many layers and a winter coat, you can be harassed, so obviously, men can work harder at keeping it together.
Communication Styles
Italians are known for their expressiveness, and gestures play a crucial role in communication. Always be mindful of your hand movements, as they can convey far more than words.
Many Europeans communicate with their eyes and head movements, but it's difficult to understand if you're not used to it.
When walking into a shop, you may be expected to say hello first. This is not great etiquette, but common in Europe.
In crowded places like supermarkets, you should be aware of your surroundings and make room for others to pass by you. Avoid having your hands in your pockets, it's rude.
Eastern Europeans are known to be serious and not friendly. The culture seems to be changing a bit, as locals are getting over the old sayings, like 'if you're smiling without reason, you're stupid'. Even the seemingly grumpy ones will react well if you treat them politely. And if they don't, you should be on your way.
You should read the room when you're trying to be friendly, not everyone is looking to chit-chat.
Conversational Topics to Avoid
The weather is always a good conversation starter. Talk about the surroundings or ask for recommendations. Avoid politics, religion, and other serious topics. Your clothing shouldn't stir reactions either.
It's also a great idea to talk about food. Everyone has a favorite dish, and maybe you'll find one that you've never heard of.
For your safety, you should avoid conflicts. If you're being baited, walk away. If it's something serious, call the police.
As a woman, avoid being by yourself, and avoid secluded places. If you're walking past someone who tries to ask you something or for help, just keep walking.
I took a wrong turn in Spain and had to walk on a deserted street. It was a short one, and just around the corner from the crowds, so I kept going. This older man walked towards me from the other direction. He has also come from a crowded street, but decided to ask me for the time. I kept him in my view as I walked past him, and he insisted on knowing the time. And moreover, he was asking in broken English, so he was looking for a good target.
Public Behavior
In the UK, queuing is a well-respected practice. Jumping the line can result in disapproving looks and more.
In Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Norway, personal space is essential. These cultures typically maintain a larger personal bubble compared to others. Standing too close might make others uncomfortable.
In any country, walking alongside a stranger or at the same pace is considered creepy behaviour. Even in a crowded environment, your shoulders shouldn't be aligned.
If you're listening to music or the news, do so with your earphones on. The same goes for talking on the phone, no one else wants in on your conversation.
As for public displays of affection, keep them to a minimum. Your preferences are not relevant, it's rude to be making out in public.
Respecting Local Laws
Before visiting a new country, you should find out what is legal and what is not. You may believe that you're allowed to smoke anywhere, but do your research so you don't receive a fine, or worse.
Germany has laws around noise levels, historic sites are banning high heels and luggage with wheels, and it's illegal to urinate in Amsterdam's canals (and many other places).
When renting a car, be prepared for different traffic rules. And rental companies are notorious for adding more fees after you return the car.
I hope you get an idea of what to expect on a different continent. Keep in mind that each place has its ups and downs. As we're mere travelers, we take the good with the not-so-good and move on. If everything had gone smoothly, you wouldn't have a crazy story to tell.
What weird times or culture shocks have you encountered during your travels? What is the best etiquette tip you know?
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