Good manners in Europe generally involve showing respect, being punctual, mastering dining etiquette (like keeping elbows off the table and not cutting pasta in Italy), using polite greetings (handshakes or cheek kisses depending on region), controlling your voice, and being mindful of cultural specifics like removing shoes indoors in some countries, all while prioritizing politeness and observing local customs over assuming universal English-speaking norms.
Don't say you dislike something or make a face implying dislike. It is considered rude to leave something on your plate or to decline a meal. Do not call someone by their first name unless asked to. Call them by their appropriate title (Mr, Mrs, Miss, etc.)
New Zealand tops the list of most polite countries -- maybe it's hard to be rude when you're surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
Survey: Estonia is apparently the friendliest country in Europe. Even though many may profoundly disagree, the readers of Condé Nast Traveler, the global travel magazine published in New York, have voted Estonia the friendliest country in Europe.
General Travel Etiquette Tips
The 3-1-1 Rule Explained
3: You can carry liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. 1: All containers must fit into a 1 quart-sized, clear, resealable plastic bag. 1: Each passenger is allowed one such bag.
Being late for an appointment or a meeting is considered rude and disrespectful. If you have an engagement in Germany, it is crucial to arrive on time or even a few minutes early to show respect for the other person's time.
Here below is the list of the friendliest countries in the world.
Still, there are areas of Europe that are more dangerous than others. Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus are obvious no-go areas right now, but political instability and the ever-present risk of crime are genuine causes for concern elsewhere.
In a non-European Union context, the term E3 is commonly used to describe the three largest western European economies: France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
The humble Number One: Finland. We Finns are sometimes accused of being too modest about our achievements, but this article makes a dent in that reputation. Given that most Finns won't blow their own horn – it's culturally de rigueur to downplay personal achievements – we're going to do some serious bragging.
In India, Turkey and China, burping is acceptable and even a sign that you've enjoyed your meal. In Europe, it is considered extremely rude, as is licking your fingers, making too much noise with cutlery or slurping (in Japan, slurping your noodles means you're just loving it!).
Here are 10 etiquette rules that everyone should master:
What to Wear in Europe: 10 Ways to Dress More with European Style When in Europe
The "5 to 7 rule" in France, or le cinq à sept, traditionally refers to a secret, after-work rendezvous (5 PM to 7 PM) with a lover for an illicit sexual encounter before returning home to family, but it's also used more broadly for discreet romantic meetings or even just a casual happy hour, though its meaning varies by region, with Québec using it more for social gatherings than affairs.
The thumbs-up sign popular in the United States is used widely in most of Europe to say "OK." The "V for victory" sign is used in most of Europe as in the United States, but may get you a punch in the nose in parts of Britain, where it's an obscene gesture (if you make the "V" with your palm toward you.)
Also the shortest day of the year, This infographic marks winter solstice by looking at the gloomiest places in Europe. In terms of hours of sunlight, Glasgow is the most overcast city under consideration. Hamburg, home to the Statista headquarters, also makes it into the 'top' ten.
$2,000 for two weeks in Europe is possible but very tight, requiring a strict budget focused on hostels, cooking meals, cheap transport, and less expensive regions like Eastern Europe; it's generally not enough for Western Europe or if flights/major activities are included, as many travelers find $100-$200+ per day (excluding flights) more realistic for comfort in popular areas, notes Quora and Savings.com.au.
Here's a list of countries currently on the "Do Not Travel" list: Afghanistan: Due to armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. Burkina Faso: Due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. Central African Republic: Due to armed conflict, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping.
The latest Expat Insider 2025 ranking reveals the world's least friendly countries for foreigners, with Kuwait once again taking the top spot. Expats cite challenges in making local friends, difficulties integrating into the culture, and a generally unwelcoming social environment.
Most Attractive Nationalities In The World
Portugal is one of the most popular destinations for Americans thanks to its affordability, mild climate, safety, and welcoming attitude toward expats. It's especially popular with retirees and remote workers.
Germany's 10 PM rule refers to Ruhezeit (quiet hours), a cultural and legal norm banning loud noises like vacuuming, loud music, gardening, or car washing from 10 PM to 6 or 7 AM on weekdays and all day on Sundays and public holidays, aimed at ensuring peaceful rest, with strict enforcement often leading to neighbor complaints and fines.
The 80/20 rule (Pareto Principle) in German language learning means focusing on the 20% of words and grammar that yield 80% of conversational understanding, like high-frequency vocabulary (top 1000 words for 75% comprehension) and essential phrases for travel or work, rather than getting bogged down in less common words or complex rules. It's about prioritizing practical communication, learning common words first, and tailoring your studies to your specific goals (e.g., travel, work) to achieve faster, smarter fluency.
In German, 777,777 is written as one long compound word: Siebenhundertsiebenundsiebzigtausendsiebenhundertsiebenundsiebzig, meaning "seven hundred seventy-seven thousand, seven hundred seventy-seven," showcasing German's ability to create huge words by joining smaller ones.