Our guide on the Things not to do in Europe for your next trip.
Europe is a culturally diverse and historically rich continent, but traveling through its many countries requires understanding the nuances of local customs, laws, and etiquette. To ensure you have a smooth and respectful journey, here’s a list of things you shouldn’t do in Europe, along with tips to navigate the continent like a savvy traveler.
Europe’s diverse cultures and traditions make it a unique travel destination. By avoiding these common mistakes and embracing local norms, you’ll enjoy a more immersive, respectful, and enriching experience.
Read here how to pack for Europe and Best eSIM for Europe
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Things Not to Do in Europe
1. Don’t Assume Every Country Is the Same
Why Not:
Europe is incredibly diverse, and each country has its own language, traditions, and cultural practices.
What to Do Instead:
Research each country’s unique customs before visiting. For example, tipping etiquette varies widely, and driving rules may differ significantly.
2. Don’t Skip Learning Basic Phrases
Why Not:
Not everyone speaks English, especially in rural areas.
What to Do Instead:
Learn simple phrases like:
“Hello” (Bonjour, Hola, Hallo)
“Thank you” (Merci, Gracias, Danke)
“Do you speak English?” (Parlez-vous anglais?, ¿Habla inglés?, Sprechen Sie Englisch?)
Read here Tips for learning Spanish
3. Don’t Assume All Shops Accept Credit Cards
Why Not:
In some countries, smaller shops, cafes, and markets may only accept cash.
What to Do Instead:
Carry a mix of cash and cards. Ensure you have local currency, like euros, pounds, or kroner, depending on the country.
4. Don’t Forget About Sunday Closures
Why Not:
Many businesses, especially in Germany, France, and Austria, close on Sundays, including shops and supermarkets.
What to Do Instead:
Plan ahead by shopping for essentials on Saturday and checking if attractions are open on Sundays.
5. Don’t Ignore Public Transport Etiquette
Why Not:
Behavior on public transport can be strict in some countries, like no talking on the phone in France or avoiding loud conversations in Scandinavia.
What to Do Instead:
Be quiet, validate your ticket, and yield seats to elderly passengers or parents with children.
6. Don’t Be Late
Why Not:
Punctuality is valued in many European countries, especially Germany and Switzerland.
What to Do Instead:
Arrive on time for trains, appointments, and social events to show respect for others’ time.
7. Don’t Overpack Your Itinerary
Why Not:
Europe’s train schedules and distances can make hopping between cities more time-consuming than expected.
What to Do Instead:
Focus on exploring fewer destinations in-depth instead of rushing from one city to another.
8. Don’t Skip Reservations
Why Not:
Popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Vatican Museums, and Anne Frank House often sell out in advance.
What to Do Instead:
Book tickets and reservations ahead of time for major attractions, restaurants, and tours.
9. Don’t Assume Free Tap Water in Restaurants
Why Not:
In many European countries, water isn’t free in restaurants, and you may need to order bottled water.
What to Do Instead:
Ask for tap water (“une carafe d’eau” in France, “kranvann” in Scandinavia) if it’s available, but be prepared to pay for bottled.
10. Don’t Rely on Tips as a Large Part of Service Staff Income
Why Not:
Tipping customs differ, and service charges may already be included in your bill.
What to Do Instead:
Check the receipt for a “service compris” line. If not included, leave 5–10% for good service.
11. Don’t Expect Free Restrooms
Why Not:
Many public restrooms in Europe require a small fee or coin to enter.
What to Do Instead:
Carry small change in local currency for restrooms or find cafes where you can use the facilities with a purchase.
12. Don’t Touch Art or Historical Monuments
Why Not:
Touching artworks, leaning on sculptures, or climbing historic sites can cause damage and is often prohibited.
What to Do Instead:
Follow signs and stay behind barriers to protect cultural heritage.
13. Don’t Ignore Local Driving Rules
Why Not:
Traffic laws vary widely, from speed limits on Germany’s autobahn to toll roads in Italy and the UK.
What to Do Instead:
Research driving laws for your destination and ensure you have an International Driving Permit if required.
14. Don’t Forget Proper Dress Codes
Why Not:
Certain places, like churches in Italy or mosques in Turkey, require modest attire.
What to Do Instead:
Carry a scarf or shawl to cover shoulders and knees when visiting religious or cultural sites.
15. Don’t Assume Everyone Uses the Euro
Why Not:
Not all European countries use the euro; for example, Switzerland uses the Swiss franc, and the UK uses the pound.
What to Do Instead:
Check the currency of your destination and exchange money beforehand.
16. Don’t Dismiss Siesta Hours
Why Not:
In southern Europe, particularly Spain and Italy, many businesses close in the afternoon for a siesta.
What to Do Instead:
Plan around siesta hours by scheduling meals or sightseeing during that time.
17. Don’t Forget to Validate Train Tickets
Why Not:
Failing to validate train or metro tickets in countries like Italy and France can result in hefty fines.
What to Do Instead:
Use the ticket validation machines (often yellow or green) before boarding.
18. Don’t Tip Taxi Drivers Excessively
Why Not:
Unlike in the U.S., tipping taxi drivers in Europe is minimal or sometimes unnecessary.
What to Do Instead:
Round up to the nearest euro or pound for a short ride, or tip 5–10% for exceptional service.
19. Don’t Expect Air Conditioning Everywhere
Why Not:
Air conditioning isn’t as common in Europe, especially in older buildings or public transport.
What to Do Instead:
Dress for the weather and opt for accommodations that specify air conditioning if visiting during summer.
20. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Why Not:
Healthcare and emergency services can be expensive for non-EU citizens.
What to Do Instead:
Purchase travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, and emergencies.
21. Don’t Be Loud in Public Spaces
Why Not:
Europeans generally value quieter public spaces, especially in countries like Switzerland, Sweden, and Germany.
What to Do Instead:
Keep conversations at a moderate volume, especially on trains, in restaurants, and near residential areas.
22. Don’t Ignore Emergency Numbers
Why Not:
In emergencies, knowing the local emergency number can save time and stress.
What to Do Instead:
Save the EU emergency number (112) and any country-specific numbers for police, fire, and medical services.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.