Have you ever wondered why your European friends drink carbonated water or why their bathroom feels like stepping into a 70s carpet convention? Remember, what seems strange to us might be perfectly normal in other countries.
Check out some customs in Europe that Americans find baffling.
1. Kitchen-Less Apartments
When in Germany, don’t expect to find shiny appliances and sleek countertops in your apartment. Over there, kitchens are like unicorns—super rare and cause for major celebration if you find one.
One American woman literally did a happy dance when she bought a house with a kitchen already in it.
2. No Air Conditioning
While American homes usually have installed air conditioning units and window screens, some European houses don’t. Opening the windows for ventilation sounds like a good idea until you have to fight off the bugs that fly in.
It’s enough to make you miss the constant whirring of your AC unit back home.
3. Staring at People
Being stared at can make people uncomfortable, and Germans and Dutch can win staring contests because they stare so intently.
However, some people say this is a cultural thing, which is Europeans’ way of showing you have their full attention. Others say they find it flattering because staring can mean that they appreciate your beauty.
4. Carpeted Bathrooms
Americans have confessed to freaking out after seeing carpets in European bathrooms. Of course, molds instantly come to mind.
But, across the pond, particularly in the U.K., carpeted bathrooms have been a thing since the mid-70s. Some carpets even cover the entire bathroom floor.
5. Drinking Carbonated Water
Did you know that carbonated water is the most popular beverage in some European countries? In fact, people used to drink tap water which was usually sparkling, and that’s why it became the default beverage.
It’s not just a coincidence—sparkling water has been found to have numerous health benefits. It’s no wonder that eventually, companies started manufacturing and selling sparkling water to meet the growing demand.
6. Smoking is Allowed
While smoking rates are dropping in some European countries, smoking regulations can indeed be more relaxed compared to the U.S.
Here, designated smoking areas are still common in bars and restaurants, something that might surprise Americans accustomed to stricter smoke-free zones.
7. Washing Dishes in Plastic Tubs
Ever seen your grandma wash dishes in a plastic tub… inside the sink? This European quirk leaves many Americans scratching their heads.
Turns out, it’s a soaking station for dishes, keeping the main sink free for washing and rinsing.
8. Tilt-and-Turn Windows
Germans are known for their love of fresh air and innovation. Enter the tilt-and-turn window—a marvel of modern engineering. These windows can be tilted for ventilation or swung inwards for easy cleaning.
It’s like a magic trick: one window, two functions.
9. Buying Groceries Every Day
People often go to the supermarket to buy things they need for the week. But in France, grocery shopping is an everyday thing.
Someone explained that it’s because they like getting something hot or fresh. It’s like a baguette that tastes good when freshly baked but becomes hard after a few hours.
10. 30 Minutes is a “Long” Drive
For Americans used to being stuck in traffic, 30 minutes in the car is not an issue.
But in Europe, 30 minutes is considered a long time to drive. Someone reacted and said that with this time, he’d barely be out of his local area.
11. Separate Taps for Hot and Cold Water
A welcome facility in bathrooms is hot and cold water. However, unlike in the U.S., where a single handle controls both hot and cold, some European bathrooms feature separate taps.
This setup is more common in older spaces, and modern bathrooms are catching on to the single-handle trend.
12. Light Switch Outside The Bathroom
Americans prefer having light switches within arm’s reach, so some find it illogical to have bathroom light switches outside.
Europeans explained that it has something to do with strict electrical regulations in the U.K. For safety purposes, switches must be positioned away from sources of water.
13. Public Restroom Fees
In some European countries, you might encounter a bathroom attendant and a restroom fee. It’s a cultural difference from the U.S., but at least the stall gets a good cleaning after each use.
While it might feel strange at first, some argue it helps keep public restrooms tidy.
I Tried Living the European Way: 10 Luxuries That Left Me Wondering, ‘Why Don’t Americans Have This?’
The Internet has a lot of information. I was looking at the main page of the internet when I found this question: “Americans, what do Europeans have every day that you see as a luxury?” The most popular answers are really interesting because what do they have every day that Americans don’t?
Korina is a licensed English and Journalism teacher. After leaving the academe, she decided to pursue what she loved most – writing. Travel, health and wellness, spirituality, lifestyle, and science and technology are some of the niches she is passionate about. When not working on freelance tasks, she spends her time deciphering the magical journey of being an introvert mom to an extrovert child.