What Surprises Americans Most About Europe

If you’re an American traveling to Europe and thinking “We’re not in Kansas” anymore, you’re right!  Americans often think Europe is an easy place to travel to because it is closer than most other continents, English is widely spoken, and it has a similar socio-economic level. However, there are lots of little things in Europe that surprise Americans.

As an American who has spent nine years in Europe in three different countries, I know Europe well.  But many differences between North America and the U.S. still surprise me.  Also, as a trip leader, I get to see students travel to Europe for the first time and witness the things that surprise them.

Obviously, there will be language and culture differences from country to country across the continent, but on the whole, here are some of the things in Europe that Americans do not expect.

Things That Surprise Americans In Europe

Space and Size

The number one difference that I feel physically is the lack of space in Europe.  Europe (at least the most commonly visited parts) is more densely populated than the United States.  European cities, especially, feel tight because they were built hundreds or even thousands of years ago when people were smaller.  

If you rent a car in Europe, expect to need to fit into some tight spaces!  Driving through the streets of Europe is much more tight than in the U.S.  My family once got a rental car stuck between the floor and the ceiling of the exit of a parking garage because the attendant erroneously told us it would fit through.  I’ll never forget coming out to see my dad at the wheel and the parking attendant standing on the back bumper, trying to pull the car down to slip through!  Europeans seem to just make it work.

Toilets

Toilets don’t have a handle to flush, they have a button on the top of the toilet or on the wall.  In fact, there are usually two buttons, one for a full flush and one for a half flush to save water.

Sheets

A fitted sheet and a duvet with a cover is the norm here, not a fitted sheet and a top sheet like in the U.S.  When I arrived at a dorm in Denmark where students were given sheets and had to make their own beds, I got lots of messages from students that they were missing a sheet!  So I made them a quick video of how to put a duvet cover on a duvet. Hint: Turn the cover inside out and stick your arms in it, grabbing the bottom corners.

No Window Screens

As a midwesterner who would perish without screens to keep out bloodthirsty mosquitoes in the summer, this is one difference that is hard to get used to.  You almost never find window screens in Europe.  Windows are kept open, but there are no screens.  Insects can and do come in, but the mosquitoes never seem to be a major problem.

Lack of Air Conditioning

Air conditioning is much less common in Europe than in North America. Part of this is because of the cost of energy and part of it is due to the idea that air conditioning makes you sick. When buildings have air conditioning, it tends to be a single remote-controlled device on the wall, not air con through vents. However, newer buildings are starting to have heat and air con installed in the floor.

Regardless of where it is, the temperature will probably be more moderate. Many visitors to North America complain that they have to bring a sweater during the summer when they go to a restaurant or movie theatre (it’s true, the air con is ridiculously cold in many places). In Europe, you won’t need a sweater unless you go to Starbucks.

Public Transportation is convenient and safe

Buses, trains, and subways in Europe are convenient, safe, and affordable.  They are used by everyone from students to businessmen to retirees and are always well-connected to the airport and the city center.

Cities in the United States are spread out, and public transportation is limited outside of major metro areas. People who can afford a car and parking will usually drive because it is more convenient. Public transportation in some places is considered unsafe, dirty, and only for people who don’t have a car. 

Lack of Accessibility 

In large part due to the older infrastructure of buildings, Europe doesn’t do a great job with accessibility for people with disabilities.  There are lots of places with no elevator, and cobblestone steps are difficult for many people, from the visually impaired to those pushing strollers.  

Environmentally Conscious

One thing Europe does much better than the U.S., though, is being environmentally responsible.  Europeans have higher energy costs and are used to conserving energy and water.  Buildings are built in an environmentally responsible way, often with solar panels or rooftop gardens.

Bans on single-use plastic have recently taken effect, and bringing a reusable shopping bag has been the norm for years. Recently, drink companies started producing plastic drink bottles with the cap attached to make sure that it gets recycled. Expect straws to be made of paper and not plastic.  

Later Dinner Times

Most southern Europeans would never dream of eating dinner before 7:30 pm or 8:00 pm.  Dinner in places like Spain can typically be as late as 10:00 pm!  This shocks most Americans, who are used to finishing dinner before 7:30 pm. 

It can also be difficult for Americans to find restaurants that are open for an early dinner if they don’t want to eat late. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner, so don’t expect to find restaurants open for dinner at 6:30 pm unless you are in a tourist area.

Store Hours

In the U.S., if you need something after typical working hours or on Sundays, you’ll usually have lots of choices of stores and fast-food restaurants that will be open. 

In Europe, store hours are reduced. On Sundays and holidays, most places, including grocery stores and shopping malls, are closed.  

Vacation Time and Shorter Work Weeks

Depending on where you are in Europe, the average work week is around 37.5 hours and dropping. That’s significantly less than the U.S.

In addition to working fewer hours each week, Europeans have a minimum of four weeks of vacation time each year, as mandated by European Union legislation. Some countries, like France, have even more than four weeks. This is double what the average U.S. worker has.

In July and August, it is not uncommon to see restaurants and stores closed for weeks at a time while owners and employees go on vacation. It can be very frustrating for travelers to find many places closed, but the European attitude is that vacation time is sacred.

Pick-Pocketing and Scams

Of course, there is petty theft like pick-pocketing everywhere, but Americans are often unpleasantly surprised when they fall victim to this in Europe. This is much more common in tourist areas in large cities and often can be prevented. Read about travel scams around the world so you won’t be a victim if you travel to Europe.

Travel Trends in Europe and Beyond

Europe has changed a lot since the first time I visited over 25 years ago. If you want to keep up with the travel trends, check out this report to see what’s new.

If you are moving to Europe, here’s my advice for Things To Know Before Moving To Germany.

I hope this post helps prepare you to travel to Europe or help others better prepare. If you’re a frequent traveler, what did I miss? Let me know in the comments.