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Europe is the second smallest continent but it has a long history of human development and is considered the birthplace of Western Civilization.
Today, its cultural wealth is used to solidify the colorful European community and is exported to the rest of the world as one of the continent's greatest assets.
But Reddit user Doeyy0 wanted to dig deeper. So they made a post on the platform, asking its users, "What is the most European thing ever?" From cobblestone roads to kebab shops, here are the most popular answers they've received.
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#2
Driving through 4 countries to go on vacation, not using your passport, no visa and use the same currency everywhere.
Plus using your cellphone all the way with no extra cost.
#6
The most European thing ever is the quaint and charming cobblestone streets that wind through medieval cities, flanked by towering cathedrals and quaint cafes serving espresso and croissants. It's the picturesque vineyards of Tuscany, the romantic waterways of Venice, and the timeless elegance of Parisian boulevards. It's the sizzling aroma of fresh bratwurst wafting through the air at a bustling German Christmas market, the infectious energy of a Spanish fiesta, and the hauntingly beautiful strains of a traditional Irish ballad. The most European thing ever is the rich tapestry of cultures, cuisines, and landscapes that make up this diverse and endlessly fascinating continent.
#7
Trains. Trains that are clean. Trains that go where you want to go. Trains that are affordable.
#11
I can literally see one castle out of my living room and another one out of my kitchen window
#12
Hating the people from the next town over for reasons of medieval politics
#14
Went on a work trip to Texas, got asked what it's like to not have a gun. I don't know, normal I guess?
Felt very European that day... (or most of the world, for that matter)
#15
One big difference is the way from villages to big cities are laid out. They all have numerous squares or public gathering places. You can enjoy a drink....music,people watching. You don’t have to drive everywhere. Local pubs abound. I always wondered how so many Europeans could make do with those tiny fridges. But then I realized they shop fresh all the time. There are so many,butchers or bakers,produce stands,cheese,deli,flower shops within walking distance. They shop local and fresh all the time. Without a car.
My Uncle lived in a big condo or over there row housing area. Every Saturday mobile butchers,bakers,fruit and produce etc.would set up outside for a few hours then move on. Everything fresh and local,and absolutely delicious. And no car needed.
#16
From an American's perspective; Kebab shops. I've been all over Europe and I've got to say, those thing were *everywhere* and I stopped at way too many of them. I could really go for a durum kebab right about now...
#29
Having pubs, schools, random post office buildings… older than any construction in America
#30
Fanta, but not the American kind.
What do you think ?
Brandon Parisien 1 year ago
Na, most of North America has this too...just not the states.
Load More Replies...
Szirra 1 year ago
It totally is… haven’t even thought about it until now, but your right.
Load More Replies... 
Marcus Lynch 1 year ago
Good public transportation infrastructure or the ability to walk or bike to work.
Nikki Sevven 1 year ago
Frankly, this article served to show that quite a lot of Europeans are just as provincial as some Americans. This entire article read like someone expecting all Germans to be wearing lederhosen, all French people to be carrying baguettes, etc. It's also interesting how the only comparison ever made was to the US specifically, but none to other continents.
Karin L 1 year ago
I will probably continue paying my student loans until I'm 50 or so, but the interest on Swedish student loans are very low so that's good.
Load More Replies... censorshipsucks 1 year ago (edited)
Hmm these are not unique to Europe except the cobble streets thing, I think. Most of these features are found in recent EU colonies such as my country.
Remi Flynne 1 year ago
I'm not sure that's really what the article intended to achieve - just what feels 'most European' to some people. That might mean lack of travel/knowledge in some cases of course! I don't think it should mean that other countries don't have these things or don't have other, better things. Though re-reading the BP opening paragraph... "Today, its cultural wealth is used to solidify the colourful European community and is exported to the rest of the world as one of the continent's greatest assets" what a lot of feckwittery nonsense.
Load More Replies...
Travel Lass 1 year ago
The healthcare is the biggest thing. Even as an American, on two occasions we received medical care in European hospitals, staying overnight on one occasion. No charge AT ALL. Also, amazing chocolate, and inexpensive, delicious wines. Lack of preservatives in groceries makes a huge difference in taste.
Justin Trouble 1 year ago
I'm from the us, I'd love to be able to move to anywhere in Europe. I can't claim refugee or asylum status because the us is considered "safe" (it definitely isn't) So I would have to have at the minimum tens of thousands of dollars just laying around to move to Europe, up to hundreds of thousands in some places. You can't come up with that kind of money where I'm from without being born into it.
Karin L 1 year ago
What would you need that amount of money for? If you have a job (look for an international company with offices in Sweden and look into if it's possible to transfer there later on, for instance). And, you can rent an apartment quite easily if you have a job even if we're short on housing in bigger cities. Might have to hassle a bit with the paperwork getting a work permit, and so on, but that don't cost any huge amounts per se. It will be a struggle, but you don't need hundreds and thousands of dollars.
Load More Replies...
The Blinking Duck 1 year ago
How many ways can we bash Americans by Bored Panda and it's readers
Debs Bee 1 year ago
Many Europeans don't understand how enormous the US is. You could spend years just seeing the sights and meeting diverse groups of people. I love visiting other states here. The people are very friendly everywhere you go and the scenery is breathtaking.
R Dennis 1 year ago
Surprised it isn't at the top of the list: Colonizing. That is the most European thing ever. Steamrolling over other cultures and taking their wealth and land.
Leo Domitrix 1 year ago
Want to know what else is quintessentially European? Being a snob about how great Europe is. Go ahead, downvote the evil American for calling out Europeans for thinking things they do are quaint but if anyone else does it...
Jihana 1 year ago (edited)
As much as it is American to think the USA are the best country in the world. What's your point, exactly?
Load More Replies...
Brandon Parisien 1 year ago
Na, most of North America has this too...just not the states.
Load More Replies... Szirra 1 year ago
It totally is… haven’t even thought about it until now, but your right.
Load More Replies... Marcus Lynch 1 year ago
Good public transportation infrastructure or the ability to walk or bike to work.
Nikki Sevven 1 year ago
Frankly, this article served to show that quite a lot of Europeans are just as provincial as some Americans. This entire article read like someone expecting all Germans to be wearing lederhosen, all French people to be carrying baguettes, etc. It's also interesting how the only comparison ever made was to the US specifically, but none to other continents.
Karin L 1 year ago
I will probably continue paying my student loans until I'm 50 or so, but the interest on Swedish student loans are very low so that's good.
Load More Replies... censorshipsucks 1 year ago (edited)
Hmm these are not unique to Europe except the cobble streets thing, I think. Most of these features are found in recent EU colonies such as my country.
Remi Flynne 1 year ago
I'm not sure that's really what the article intended to achieve - just what feels 'most European' to some people. That might mean lack of travel/knowledge in some cases of course! I don't think it should mean that other countries don't have these things or don't have other, better things. Though re-reading the BP opening paragraph... "Today, its cultural wealth is used to solidify the colourful European community and is exported to the rest of the world as one of the continent's greatest assets" what a lot of feckwittery nonsense.
Load More Replies... Travel Lass 1 year ago
The healthcare is the biggest thing. Even as an American, on two occasions we received medical care in European hospitals, staying overnight on one occasion. No charge AT ALL. Also, amazing chocolate, and inexpensive, delicious wines. Lack of preservatives in groceries makes a huge difference in taste.
Justin Trouble 1 year ago
I'm from the us, I'd love to be able to move to anywhere in Europe. I can't claim refugee or asylum status because the us is considered "safe" (it definitely isn't) So I would have to have at the minimum tens of thousands of dollars just laying around to move to Europe, up to hundreds of thousands in some places. You can't come up with that kind of money where I'm from without being born into it.
Karin L 1 year ago
What would you need that amount of money for? If you have a job (look for an international company with offices in Sweden and look into if it's possible to transfer there later on, for instance). And, you can rent an apartment quite easily if you have a job even if we're short on housing in bigger cities. Might have to hassle a bit with the paperwork getting a work permit, and so on, but that don't cost any huge amounts per se. It will be a struggle, but you don't need hundreds and thousands of dollars.
Load More Replies... The Blinking Duck 1 year ago
How many ways can we bash Americans by Bored Panda and it's readers
Debs Bee 1 year ago
Many Europeans don't understand how enormous the US is. You could spend years just seeing the sights and meeting diverse groups of people. I love visiting other states here. The people are very friendly everywhere you go and the scenery is breathtaking.
R Dennis 1 year ago
Surprised it isn't at the top of the list: Colonizing. That is the most European thing ever. Steamrolling over other cultures and taking their wealth and land.
Leo Domitrix 1 year ago
Want to know what else is quintessentially European? Being a snob about how great Europe is. Go ahead, downvote the evil American for calling out Europeans for thinking things they do are quaint but if anyone else does it...
Jihana 1 year ago (edited)
As much as it is American to think the USA are the best country in the world. What's your point, exactly?
Load More Replies... Related on Bored Panda
