So, what country in Europe has the friendliest and most hospitable people?

Question

I know there is no actual answer, so I'm just asking for your opinion. I dream of the day I can go to Europe, and being from the southern part of the US, kindness and hospitality is something I hold as a top priority. I'm planning a dream vacation, and getting to know the locals while on my trip is a crucial part of my possible enjoyment. I'd hate to go somewhere where people are distant and cold, even if its the most beautiful place on earth.

So, what country in Europe (in your opinion, of course) has the friendliest and most hospitable people?

Answer 1

From what you've written, I can immediately tell you to avoid countries of western Europe, unless you're planning some kind of a longer trip. Western Europe is to the very most many visitors, the most beautiful part, not only of Europe, but of the whole world. But people living in countries like France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Nordic countries etc (excluding England, where I've never been to and Mediterranean countries, about which I'll write something later) are cold. They are very reserved and it's quite hard getting to know them better. They will be polite and nice to you, if you're lost or if something bad happened to you and you needed some help, but that's it. They won't show you anything more or less. You need help, you get help. No emotions, no hard feelings. The end. Like nothing has happened. They strictly hold to old family friends and people they know for a very long time. Of course, I'm not saying that they don't like meeting new people and don't let them in their lives, but to them, this is much harder, unlike to Americans. Western Europe is a perfect place to sightsee, but it's not as a good place for making friends.
I mentioned Mediterranean countries (Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece etc). That's a completely different story compared to the West, different mentality of people, their way of living, even the purpose of living... You really need to experience this. I was fascinated. From the very first moment you feel like you belong there, unlike in other countries I mentioned, in which you need to prove yourself during the whole life. Also, as well as nations who live in Mediterranean, maybe even more hospitable and friendly are people who live in Serbia, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Ukraine and mostly in these ex-communist countries in Eastern and South-eastern Europe, hardly known to Americans. There are many similarities between a man from Mediterranean and the Balkans (for example). They are both cheerful, always ready to help you (very hospitable), and friendly, but I think the only difference is in cuisine. At the Balkans, food is the third most important thing on the world (after sports, politics and family) so there are many new meals to taste, especially 'cause you are an American. During the US Open, you could see Robert De Niro sitting next to Novak Djokovic's parents and that wasn't a coincidence. He and his wife got stuck in some village in Serbia and they were that fascinated with Serbian hospitality and friendliness that they didn't want to leave for the next couple of weeks! I'm not saying this just because I'm a Serbian. This is really so. Everything I've written isn't made up, it all comes from my travel experience and feelings that countries I've been to awoke in me. Hope I helped and that the day when you'll come to Europe will come as soon as possible.

Answer 2

This is a really hard question to answer. I am European and from Ireland originally, and I have found that no matter where you go in Europe, if you are friendly and learn a few words in the local language ('please' and 'thank you' and 'do you speak English' can go a very very long way, never assume that the locals all speak your language; you are, after all, the foreigner) the people are far more like to open up and be friendly and help you out. I found this is the so-called 'colder' countries just as much as in Italy!

Answer 3

Hello there!
I've travelled most of Europe and lived in many countries and I found that the most friendly of them all were Albanians who all seemed to go well out of their way to help me whilst I was travelling through the country.
Also, Sardinians (so excluding Italy itself) are wonderful people and kindness seems to be in their nature.
I would say that there are a few countries which have a reputation for hospitality which perhaps once was the case before tourism hit them but has now died: these include Greece and Spain. May I point out that particularly in Greece, kindness often comes from wanting your money, so if they're going to get something out of you, then they are nice...otherwise they just don't care! I should know I lived there!
Although not 100% Europe, the Turkish are also some of the nicest people I have come across - I don't know if that's because they want you money or not, but if it is, they do a very good job - unlike the Greek who seem to have got so used to tourists that they have become a humourless moody bunch - beautiful country though!

Answer 4

Hi there, I would say that the people in the more rural areas seem to be the warmest. City dwellers do have a reputation to being a bit insular and too busy to give you the time of day.
So anywhere where that is not a huge city really!
Saying that there are wonderful people all over, and it is usually that they keep them selves to themselves because of the minorities that are antisocial and the crime problems they face in cities.Not their fault, as above, Ireland, N.England,Poland, Hungary are where I find the friendliest people, Just explore and be yourself and I am sure you will meet the 'nice 'people in life!

Answer 5

Hospitality depends rather more on a person than a nation. However, southern Europeans are more expressive of their feelings and therefore, more hospitable.

I'm Greek and hospitality is a virtue for us since ancient times (in ancient times people used to travel on their horses for days, so whenever they felt tired they would knock on any door to ask for hospitality. The host had to provide the stranger with bath, food and bed, and NOT ask him about the purpose of his visit until the following day)

Of course that doesn't happen today, but if someone sees you looking at a map or wandering around, they will probably ask if you need any help.

May your dream come true very soon.

Answer 6

If Holland is an option, then you definately could elect Maastricht. interior the north of Holland this is no longer very uncomplicated that Dutch human beings invite foreigners to their domicile (i comprehend this because of the fact I worked for 2 years in Amsterdam, and it is likewise what different foreigners informed me). interior the south all and sundry is plenty extra comfortable and easygoing and that they are going to truly open to foreigners. enormous income of Maastricht is that this is totally on the element to Belgium (Liège & Hasselt) and Germany (Aachen, Köln, Düsseldorf), so which you will get a real eu adventure. In France it in all threat relies upon which college you elect. i don't know approximately Czech Republic or Finland.

Answer 7

I think alot of it depends. In my experience, the most difficult people to "connect" with have been German. They seem to be standoffish and rude to me, but it's a cultural difference. The exception to this is Bavaria.

I've never had bad experiences in France, but I also speak French, and I've heard that if you try and speak English there, they'll tear you up.

Italians have effusive personalities. My friend and I were in Alghero, Sardinia a few months ago and met some amazing people! They're very open and love to talk to you!

Turkey is the other place I would say....I lived for three years there and there are lots of Turks in Germany. I have never met a rude Turk.

I have heard Greeks are very hospitable, but I don't necessarily agree...I would pass up Greece and go to Turkey.

I won't mention the other countries I've been to, since it'll take forever to go through. I tried to mention the places that the people made an impression (good or bad)

Answer 8

In my opinion Romanians are rude compared to southern US standards. I am from a woman from Tn and personally I have almost had my nose broken by the man not a foot in front of me allowing a door to slam in my face while I was carrying a child....Never would that have happened at home!! it's not really a rudeness as much as a self-centeredness, not thinking of the people next to you or around you. Like standing close close to you in line at the bank you know what they ate for lunch, for as you are reaching for something at the market the will almost take it out of your hand or actually walk around you and get in front of you in line.....they only think of them at that moment.. As a woman from the Southern US..to me it sucks. I am used to certain things like door holding, and saying excuse me...

Answer 9

denmark...i'm from southern US and moved here. As far as the comment of them being cold and reserved, well yes if u don't make an effort. I have always felt welcomed and found it very easy to talk to them. You just have to give an extra push and then once they relax around you and see that u don't make fun of their english (which most worry about) they are very open and friendly. You must also make the effort to to speak their language and understand their culuture.

Answer 10

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