Europe Local Customs

  Svyturys from Klaipeda
by HORSCHECK
 
  • Svyturys from Klaipeda
      Svyturys from Klaipeda
    by HORSCHECK
  • Cafes at Pl. de la Sorbonne
      Cafes at Pl. de la Sorbonne
    by Beausoleil
  • one of many faience shops in Moustiers
      one of many faience shops in Moustiers
    by angiebabe
  • personally signed by its crafter
      personally signed by its crafter
    by angiebabe
  • Sea of flames under the cross on All Saints' Day
      Sea of flames under the cross on All...
    by J4r0
 

Most Viewed Local Customs in Europe

101.

Parlez vous francais?   Paris

Parlez vous francais?, Paris

 115 Reviews  Before our trip to Paris, my French vocabulary consisted of "croissant" and "crepe" - pronounced improperly, I may add. Armed with just these two terms, I figured we wouldn't starve but wouldn't be... 

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102.

Coffee Shops / Drugs   Amsterdam

Coffee Shops / Drugs, Amsterdam

 54 Reviews  The weed and hash menu is displayed openly for people to see. Look and decide what you want to purchase, or not. It is a CHOICE. Even though they are not really known for their weed, I have heard... 

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103.

Do As Romans Do   Rome

Do As Romans Do, Rome

 160 Reviews  News: TUSCAN VILLAGER WINS 148 MILLION EURO ON SAT, AUG 22! This week, Aug 20, was the 86th draw without a winner and pushed the pot to 146.9 million euros for Italy's SuperEnalotto jackpot. It... 

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104.

Food / Drink   Barcelona

Food / Drink, Barcelona

 92 Reviews  The locals flock to get all they can of the ham and pasteries that abound around the city. We saw the real store that only sold the jamon, and yes; it is expensive no matter how you cut it, or how... 

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105.

Carnival   Venice

Carnival, Venice

 44 Reviews  Carneval di Venezia ( Carnival of Venice ) is a must visit at least once in your lifetime, and to get into the spirit of things, a mask is a must. Venice has seen some form of mask going back to the... 

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106.

Etiquette   Vienna

Etiquette, Vienna

 29 Reviews   What I committed in Vienna, that lot of Viennese are fair. It is strange for me to see newspapers put into box (and not locked) and it is written: "put 1 euro there and bring newspaper". It means... 

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107.

Food and Drink   Berlin

Food and Drink, Berlin

 23 Reviews  The Internationales Berliner Bierfestival is a blast of a festival held near the Alexanderplatz. I counted 3 separate major stages where bands were playing, and the booths of beer vendors went on for... 

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108.

Drinking   Dublin

Drinking, Dublin

 37 Reviews  There is a famous saying that god created alcohol so that the Irish won’t take over the world. Indeed, some of the most popular sights in Ireland are alcohol-related such as Whiskey tasting or a visit... 

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109.

Beer!   Prague

Beer!, Prague

 39 Reviews   Statistically Czechs are one of the top beer drinkers in Europe. There are huge species of beer possible to buy in shops. Actually beer here is not only used for drinking, but also to make soaps,... 

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110.

Culture   Madrid

Culture, Madrid

 56 Reviews  In Spain, there's no need for a special reason to go out and celebrate, it's seems like the city is always prepare to go out and have good time. In Madrid, the official fiestas , by calender , are... 

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111.

Eating   Brussels

Eating, Brussels

 43 Reviews  Belgium chocolate is famous, and remarkably linked to Tourism. I think that it is impossible to approach Manneken Pis without being compelled to enter one of the many shops that rival to make the most... 

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112.

Lifestyle & Habits   Copenhagen

Lifestyle & Habits, Copenhagen

 25 Reviews  On the Hop on Hop off bus tour we learned about the garden allotments. In Danish culture the allotment garden has become a symbol of blue-collar culture - with all the positives and negatives... 

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113.

Food and drink   Lisbon

Food and drink, Lisbon

 49 Reviews  If you're one that loves sweets and a dessert especially after a meal, this one is for you. However, that is if you love the tropical fruit mango since this particular dessert, and very much a... 

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114.

Language   Stockholm

Language, Stockholm

 20 Reviews  One of the things Swedes really don't like is someone coming to Sweden speaking any other language than Swedish or English. The way we see it is that we have made an effort to learn the international... 

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115.

Dining and Drinking   Milan

Dining and Drinking, Milan

 25 Reviews  The custom of aperitivi is helpful when you're on a budget. Many of the bars in Milan, for the price of a drink, will give you food to go along with it. You can easily make it into a light... 

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116.

Behavior & Superstitions   Moscow

Behavior & Superstitions, Moscow

 49 Reviews  Tourist-turned-journalist: "Any advice where I should go to find hard-core authenticity? Drunk tractor drivers having a race, head-scarved babushkas with goats, men jumping into snow after the banya,... 

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117.

Dining and Drinking   Krakow

Dining and Drinking, Krakow

 4 Reviews  You will notice people walking around eating a long sandwich covered with pasta sauce and cheese. In actuality, it is a baguette, split in half. cooked in the over until the cheese is melted. Here... 

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118.

Sauna (The Finnish Sauna Society)   Helsinki

Sauna (The Finnish Sauna Society), Helsinki

 6 Reviews  We deliberately chose a hotel with a swimming pool in Helsinki and were shocked to find the pool only opened around 2 hours per day. This is because the pool is part of the sauna experience. Finnish... 

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119.

Eating / Drinking   Edinburgh

Eating / Drinking, Edinburgh

 32 Reviews  When I told one of my friends I was going to Edinburgh, he said "You must try haggis!" I asked him what it was, but he told me (ironically) that I'd better just ordered it in a restaurant in... 

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120.

Legends and urban stories   Antwerp

Legends and urban stories, Antwerp

 19 Reviews  There is some Antwerp legend (I'm afraid I don't remember the details but it's not important) about a giant and a man who fight, the man wins and cuts of the giant's hand (natives - feel free to... 

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121.

Beers / Chocolates / Flemish Frites (Fries).   Brugge

Beers / Chocolates / Flemish Frites (Fries)., Brugge

 20 Reviews  While you are in Brugge you MUST try fries with mayonnaise (of course unless you are not a big fan of mayonnaise). I never thought it would be that good until I tried it. When we ordered them, they... 

 See All 118 Local Customs in Brugge

122.

Culture   Warsaw

Culture, Warsaw

 39 Reviews   Warsaw has not one but two legends of mermaids. - One is the story of a fisherman named WARS , who while fishing in the river found a mermaid named SAWA, they fall in love and she asked him to found... 

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123.

Alcohol   Tallinn

Alcohol, Tallinn

 7 Reviews  Estonian beer proved to be really good, even from the point of taste of a spoilt German tongue. I learned that the Purity Law we Germans are so proud of (beer may contain hop, malt, water and yeast,... 

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124.

Topless Sunbathing   Nice

Topless Sunbathing, Nice

 5 Reviews  Topless sunbathing is permitted on the beaches of the Cote d'Azur. You'll see a mix of women with their tops on or off as you enjoy the beaches. The lesson to be learned is not to stare like a... 

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125.

April Fair   Sevilla

April Fair, Sevilla

 9 Reviews  Next to the Feria you find a huge lunapark, called "Calle del Infierno" - Hell's street. When you walk around there you understand why it got this name. You can find merry go rounds but also some... 

 See All 103 Local Customs in Sevilla

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

THE KIDS ARE BREAKING UP! BRIT LIFE ©

by DAO

”The children break up on Friday” Truly chilling words. Will their tiny arms and legs suddenly fall off? Will they become decapitated suddenly? All of them? This tip has been written on 18 July 2008. They day the kids break-up in England. Before you become very scared or are afraid you will see little body parts littering the roads in school uniforms – it’s OK. Really. ‘Breaking up’ is a British expression meaning the schools are closing for the summer holidays or other breaks during the year and the children are off school for a while. The first time I heard it I could only imagine complete carnage. BRIT LIFE ©

Tip Photo
Time format: 0-24 instead of 0-12

by Mikebond

In most European countries, with the exception of the English-speaking ones, the official way of saying the time of the day goes from 0 to 24. For example:7.15 is 7.15 am12 is 'noon'15.45 is 3.45 pm20.30 is 8.30 pm24 is 'midnight'.However, in informal situations, Europeans also say the time from 0 to 12. So, if you are writing to a friend, 7.15 can be both 7.15 am and 7.15 pm (while the oral forms would be different). It can be useful to add "in the morning", "in the evening"...This is true for all the European languages I know, but I (still) don't know all the European languages, so if this is not true for your language, please let me know.I've felt the need to write this information because I always use the 0-24 format in my tips when I write about opening times of museums, for example, and not everyone may be familiar with this format.

Use EU passport

by cadiana88

Yes, I do know that everybody cannot get it, but if your ancestors are from a country member of European Union, try it. It's wonderful to enter Europe by the "EU citizens gate" at the airport..... :-)

Tip Photo
"The ATM won't give me money!"

by travelfrosch

Always the most convenient way (and usually the least expensive way) to get local currency in Europe is to use an ATM. As I'm sure many of you have heard before, you're best off using an ATM card with a "MasterCard" (a.k.a. "Eurocard") or "Visa" logo, and to make sure you have a 4-digit numerical PIN. Even after taking these steps, you may find a European ATM won't give you money! What's the problem?Don't panic. there are a number of reasons your transaction might not be working. First, there may be a limit to the amount you can withdraw, either by your home bank or the bank that owns the ATM you're using. Also note that your home bank's limit is in your home currency; for example, if your bank has a US$250 daily withdrawal limit, you will not be able to withdraw EUR 200 at current exchange rates. Try withdrawing a smaller amount to see if that works.Next, your home bank may suspect...

Tip Photo
Fireworks on the cake

by Applelyn

In Asia, we use candles. In Europe, they use mini-fireworks. So STAY CLEAR!!When you attend a birthday function, you have to remember that you must be able to drink at least a bottle of wine each. :) Even the cake is soaked in alcohol...at least for this one.

Tip Photo
Try to speak a little of the local language

by Myndo

On this website you can find some info about the basics that are useful for the travellers. Not only for Europe.That would be info about - basic words- location- directions- numbers- shopping- dining- placesYou can choose the language you speak and the language (or country) you want to learn about. Quite useful.Also on this site some links to translation software and online dictionaries.http://www.travlang.com/languages/If you have to translate a website, you can use the babelfishhttp://babelfish.altavista.com/unfortunately it does not do all languages and sometimes the results are very ... mixed.

Pick up some local lingo!

by jayhawk2000

You must learn a few polite words in the native language of countries you visit. Yes, they say everyone is SUPPOSED to speak English, but it's rude to assume a stranger will understand you! Phrasebooks are cheap and portable, plus you can buy multi-language ones if visiting several countries. In my experience the most essential words to learn in another language are:PleaseThank youExcuse meI would like...Where is...?I am American/English/Australian/whatever and I speak a little French/Italian/Spanish/etc... do you speak English?I find 'One moment, please' or 'I'm only looking' helpful to say when shop assistants rush up to ask what you want (they are particularly eager to help in France). And you'll be saying 'Sto solo guardando' a lot to Italian shopkeepers if caught lingering more than 2.4 seconds over their copy of the International Herald Tribune!Numbers are confusing so learn how to...

Tip Photo
Cemeteries

by pepples46

in Germany, specialy the old ones in the big Cities like Munich, are worth to have a stroll through, green and very well maintained. a resting place where I always found some peace and quietthe Suedfriedhof in Munich, Thalkirchner Strasse, by U 6 to Geothe Platzbavarian Painters, Scientists, Poets, Inventors are buried here and of course a lot of 'ordinary' folks.

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the Louvre in Paris

by pepples46

not just a Museum, the Museum with works of European Artists, Sculptures, Painters styles are collected and exibit here in the Louvre. Cartier- Bresson, the great Photographer can be marveled at as wel as Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, what is she smiling about?a question millions of people have ask...quite frankly, I think she had a happy day

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ARCHITECTURE

by hevbell

I have no knowledge whatsoever about the different kinds of architectural styles but I still find it interesting how different the buildings are in different cities/countries. And its nice to notice all those little "extras" on a building that you really have to be paying attention to spot!I took this picture while wandering around Glasgow a couple of months ago when I noticed the fancy turret this building had!

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Local traditions and culture in Europe

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 5 Reviews and 556 Opinions  The Four Seasons George V is truly one of the world's great hotels. I really, really love to stay... 

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 5 Reviews and 1067 Opinions  The concierge was fabulous, the hotel very grand, and despite the rooms being small they were... 

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 5 Reviews and 1085 Opinions  The Pantheon is my favorite building in Rome and might be my favorite building in the world. The... 

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Local Customs: Cities in Europe
  1. Paris Local Customs
  2. London Local Customs
  3. Amsterdam Local Customs
  4. Rome Local Customs
  5. Barcelona Local Customs
  6. Venice Local Customs
  7. Vienna Local Customs
  8. Berlin Local Customs
  9. Dublin Local Customs
  10. Prague Local Customs
  11. Budapest Local Customs
  12. Madrid Local Customs
  13. Brussels Local Customs
  14. Copenhagen Local Customs
  15. Florence Local Customs
  16. Munich Local Customs
  17. Lisbon Local Customs
  18. Stockholm Local Customs
  19. Milan Local Customs
  20. Athens Local Customs
  21. Moscow Local Customs
  22. Krakow Local Customs
  23. Helsinki Local Customs
  24. Oslo Local Customs
  25. Edinburgh Local Customs
  26. Antwerp Local Customs
  27. Brugge Local Customs
  28. Warsaw Local Customs
  29. Tallinn Local Customs
  30. Manchester Local Customs
  31. Nice Local Customs
  32. Sevilla Local Customs
  33. Palma de Mallorca Local Customs
  34. Salzburg Local Customs
  35. Saint Petersburg Local Customs
  36. Zürich Local Customs
  37. Granada Local Customs
  38. Frankfurt am Main Local Customs
  39. Sofia Local Customs
  40. Verona Local Customs
  41. Benidorm Local Customs
  42. Pompeii Local Customs
  43. Santorini Island Local Customs
  44. Skopje Local Customs
  45. Ibiza Local Customs
  46. Hamburg Local Customs
  47. Ljubljana Local Customs
  48. Zagreb Local Customs
  49. Belgrade Local Customs
  50. Glasgow Local Customs

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Questions and Answers

TheChiefHarry profile photo

Q:  Hey, This summer I have about a month out and id like to travel around the EU, I come from the UK so Visa's and the like are... 

K_V_B profile photo

A: If you're a student and live in the UK the option you want to look at is a thing called "interrail". Just google it. Be mindfull however of the following caveats: - In... 

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