:How Europeans View American Visitors—And How Americans Feel About Europe. Nothing has really changed over the years. Let's relax and embrace each other.
Surveys may come and go, but the attitudes between Americans and Europeans have always simmered with curiosity, admiration, and just enough exasperation to keep it interesting.
How Europeans See Us
Historically, Europeans have viewed American visitors with a cocktail of fascination, envy, and occasional disdain. The post-WWII generation saw Americans as liberators, big tippers, and gum-chewing optimists with deep pockets and louder voices. Over time, these impressions evolved.
To many Parisians or Romans in the 1960s and ’70s, the sight of an American tourist—map in hand, camera slung around the neck—evoked the image of a brash, earnest traveler in search of the Old World’s cultural riches. Americans were seen as open-hearted, generous, overweight, botox buffoons, sometimes naïve, often weirdly dressed, and in a hurry.
Brits joked about American “over-smiling” and obsession with look at me stupid t-shirts and demanding ice in drinks and quick dining service. Germans admired U.S. innovation and military might, but occasionally rolled their eyes at American informality and couth.
A 1980s French sociologist might’ve described Americans as "innocents abroad," referencing Twain’s famous satire. But beneath the stereotype was a grudging respect: Americans were intrepid, if not always subtle. They brought dollars, interest, and a certain wide-eyed energy to museums, cafes, and monuments that many locals had begun to take for granted.
Today, younger Europeans tend to be more globally minded and less likely to generalize, but some traits persist: Americans are still seen as friendly, confident, and service-oriented—sometimes overly so.
Critiques about cultural ignorance or political arrogance still surface, but they’re often tempered by the American visitor’s signature trait: enthusiasm.
How Americans See Europe
Americans, in turn, have long romanticized Europe. To some, Europe is the grandparent we rebelled against but still call for advice. It’s the old stone alleyways, train rides through Tuscany, and café tables under chestnut trees. Europe remains the place where history lives.
There’s also a certain awe for European “civilization”—the idea that these nations, with their castles, cheeses, and philosophers, have figured out something Americans haven't. Americans can't come to grips with the fact there is no "instant heritage." American heritage isn't as old as Europe thus we appreciate classic architecture, art history and, we appreciate the walkable cities, pervasive transportation links (air and rail). Americans go to Europe to take a holiday from having to drive everywhere. And to appreciate "where we came from."
Yet there's frustration, too. Americans sometimes bristle at what we perceive as price gouging, aloof waiters, too many tourists (LOL); slow service (day time dining is not an American event to itself--"so what's taking so long to cook by burger?"). Euro tradition in Med areas to close the shop for an afternoon nap is totally foreign to Americans. Closing during prime tourist visiting hours is head scratching.
A few return home bewildered by the lack of free refills or 24-hour diners. Still, ask an American about a trip to Europe and you’ll likely hear a mix of longing and pride. There’s a sense of having touched something enduring. Whether it’s a family on a whirlwind tour or a solo traveler tracing Hemingway’s footsteps, Europe promises an experience both timeless and transformational.
Shared Ground
Despite the clichés, both sides often find common ground in the exchange. Americans crave the culture, the layered history, the walkable cities. Europeans appreciate the energy, optimism, and curiosity Americans bring. Mutual eye-rolls aside, the transatlantic relationship endures—and thrives on its differences.
So whether you're ordering espresso in Naples or navigating the Louvre with a Midwest accent, remember: the impressions may be historic, but the connection is personal—and still unfolding.
**Mi scusi, signore, che cos'è esattamente un sacchetto per avanzi?"
Sidebar: 5 Classic Cliche Stops for American Visitors:
1. Paris, France – For the Eiffel Tower, sidewalk cafes, and a walking where every street is an adventure.
2. Rome, Italy – A feast of ruins, churches, fountains, and enough gelato to cancel your flight home.
3. London, England – Shakespeare, pub culture, and the illusion of a shared language.
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands – Canals, bikes, Rembrandt, and the world’s most civilized tolerance and corny red light districts.
5. Barcelona, Spain – Gaudí’s surreal architecture, Mediterranean rhythm, and long Spanish dinners.
5 American Spots Beloved by European Travelers.
1. New York City, NY – The skyline, Central Park, Broadway, and the urban mythos made real, plus it is walkable and possesses a near Euro urban transportation system(s).
2. Route 66 – A drive through vintage Americana, diners, deserts, and open-road folklore.
3. San Francisco, CA – A Euro-like city with walkable Bohemia, Hills, bridges, Restaurants, old bars, odd ducks, and a breezy Euro climate.
4. Anaheim/ Las Vegas, NV – Excess and spectacle; a pop culture amusement park with neon soul and a gambling spirit for 'Vegas and a teen age marvels: Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm, plus Hollywood is just up the freeway.
5. Grand Canyon, AZ – The kind of natural wonder Europe simply can’t replicate.
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** "What exactly is a doggie bag?"
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