Tourism, specifically U.S. tourism, is a double-edged sword. A popular stereotype perpetuated about these tourists equates them to loud, rude, boisterous, ungrateful people taking vacations in foreign countries. That stereotype is a blanket statement harming instead of helping the tourism industry. Without taking a risk on these loud-obnoxious tourists, how can a country dependent on tourism earn its annual revenue from the market?

Which locations overlook the stereotype about USAmerican travelers? We’ve based this list on personal experience and information gathered from internet threads for a comprehensive list of European destinations that cherish American tourists.

*Experiences vary with personal experience. We’ve also included the UK in this article. 

1. Paris

I know this is a controversial take, considering many travelers find Paris overflowing with rude individuals. That was not my experience. Every encounter, minus the one where I botched French to the hilarity of the pastry chef, was pleasant. Our Airbnb host was an attentive, helpful guide, along with the workers and tour guides we encountered in the Catacombs. Each person we came across wanted to help us enjoy their city. One person even gave us a free bus ticket. 

I think Paris suffers from the same stereotype affecting U.S. tourists. The country exists under this notion of an ideal, quiet space away from bustling city life. Paris is not at all a quiet city offering a serene oasis to escapists, though. The French town is a big city that comes with every obnoxious part of big cities: lights, loud people, traffic, tourist attractions, and tourists. 

2. London

Searching for a foreign place to visit? Scared away by the language barrier? London is a great foot in the door for international travel. English is the official language, tinted with a graceful accent, creating ease into the traveling community without the whiplash of a language barrier. Bunches of Londoners love speaking to tourists. Pro-tip: locals unwilling to speak to tourists stand out with standoffish behavior or avoidant body language. When looking for someone to help or talk to in a foreign space, look for a friendly face or visit a nearby store. 

My favorite experience with a London local occurred on a Jack the Ripper tour. Our host was so entranced by the infamous case, sharing his passion with us through a detailed two-hour walking tour, interspersing humorous tidbits throughout the show. Each time a guest announced their country of origin, our host smiled, elated his expertise reached such horizons. 

3. Ireland

Welcome to the birthplace of St. Patrick. Grab a pint of Guinness and hop on a bus toward the Blarney Castle. Remember, if you kiss the Blarney Stone, you can blab about anything to anyone to charm them. Irish people pride themselves on a strong sense of hospitality, meaning the perceived loud, abrasive US tourists receive a sweet smile and inviting cheer in the country teeming with leprechaun lore.

USAmericans enjoy not having a language barrier hindering communication with the locals. They find that Ireland runs similarly to the United States. A commenter on a traveling thread noted that in Ireland, they took a pit stop in a pub, expecting a quick drink. Instead, they found a lengthy, informative chat with locals who invited them back to their house the next day for lunch. The locals also covered the tourist’s pub bill.  

4. Spain

As someone with the Middle name Madrid, born to two people who met in college in Spain, I feel obligated to mention Spain on this list.  Numerous festivals pepper Spanish streets throughout the year, luring locals and guests to overlook what might be considered the rampant displays of culture. Perhaps the most notable festivals include the famous tomato fight or the La Tomatina, and San Fermin, the esteemed bull running celebration. The exuberant festivals draw passersby to the events, honing interest in the country’s culture. Many people on a travel thread noted how their stay in Spain led to random dinners and stays at locals' houses. A specific encounter remarks on the ample times locals in Barcelona invited the tourists over for dinner or a chat. 

5. Portugal

Portugal fosters a long-lasting, strong partnership with the United States—a fusion prevalent in both countries today. The strong ties between the countries create a hospitable attitude from Portuguese people toward USAmericans and vice versa. A U.S. expat in Portugal writes about their time there, chalking it up to otherworldly landscapes, delectable cuisine, safe streets, and pleasantries exchanged with locals. Portuguese locals try to create a homey atmosphere for tourists matched with affable attitudes.

6. Amsterdam

Over the five trips I’ve taken to Amsterdam, I’ve encountered maybe one subpar experience. Other than that slight altercation in a restaurant, I’ve witnessed nothing but magic in the Dutch city. I will say, as an aside, common consensus dribbles down to this fact: bikers run the city. Do not get in the way of a cyclist. Every city person, museum curator, restaurant worker, or cafe operator dedicated their spirit to helping people explore the city.

A moment at a cabaret stands out in particular. A few friends and I sat down for a cabaret show with limited audience involvement. The lucky audience member stepped up to the stage to assist the performers in their acts. These performers soared over  expectations, causing uproarious laughter and applause from the crowd, transforming rigid audience members into goofy strangers. 

Aside from the cabaret crowd, my group accepted an act of kindness from a local working at the Anne Frank House. Three of us had tickets to the relic, but our other friend (a common last-minute planner) couldn’t find a ticket until we arrived at the museum. Although the website illustrated the artifact was sold out for weeks on end, this friend approached a few locals, asking for advice. A museum worker overheard and brought her to the ticket counter to gift her a free ticket.

7. Iceland

Before traversing through the Golden Circle, my family did what every seasoned globetrotter does: we stopped at the information desk for a pamphlet. We expected to walk in, grab a booklet, and walk right back out the revolving door. What we didn’t expect was the attendant’s sheer excitement over instructing us about the path. Through waves of sarcasm and unflinching jokes, he provided a detailed map about each important stop, going out of his way to spiel over each spot we showed a slight interest in. 

According to Global Finance, Iceland is the third happiest country in the world, contributing to its friendly status. I think this ranking points to Icelandic people’s admiration for the environment, which translates to their caring nature, too. Iceland takes intense caution over the human impact on the environment. Something about coexisting with nature allows us to coexist with each other. 

8. Norway

I recently came back from Norway with a stomach full of the tastiest cheeses I’ve ever salivated over, skolleboller, and a hunger to learn more about troll culture. As far as communications go, the Norwegian residents showed no issues with communicating in English, appealing to the tourism industry rather than the local side of things. In fact, many museums and tour guides are fluent in English, making visiting easier for English-speaking tourists. My mom informed me she ran into a museum worker who didn’t speak a lick of Norwegian, though she called the country home. 

Another asset making Norway such a friendly place for out-of-towners is the extravagant breakfasts offered to visitors. I know people who believe food is nothing but a means to survive. Not Norwegians. The Norwegian breakfast floods tables with breads, fish pastes, fruits, and delicacies that dance in my dreams. Our hotel featured a French transplant, determined to make fresh, hot pastries and meats for anyone who glanced toward his spatula. To me, offering food in that manner showcases extreme friendliness. Who doesn’t get along over a plate of good food?

9. Slovenia

Here is a Central European country that dazzles everyone with its dramatic landscapes. Slovenia sits in between Austria and Croatia, banking on its geographical blessings with Lake Bled, a waterway formed in front of the Julian Alps. Mountain peaks loom in the background, inviting guests to savor the picturesque landscape, paying attention to the idyllic Bled Castle teetering on the edge above Lake Bled. 

Wisps of Slovenian history float through the air from the lake and the castle, accompanied by the locals’ accepting nature. Outlook Traveler writes that Slovenian people strive for visitors to achieve that warm, fuzzy feeling associated with home. A friendly, welcoming nature flows through locals’ blood. 

10. Italy

Italy is in the same category as Paris because half the tourist population groans and grumbles, while the other half expresses joy after visiting. Italy harbors close historical ties with the US. The two countries cemented themselves as allies in 1944 after years of hardship. Today, many Italian families call the U.S. home, furthering the partnership between the two countries. For this reason, Italians welcome USAmericans into their country, demonstrating their strong hospitality toward their allies. Different positive takes on Italian hospitality stem from joyous meetings with strangers, where the locals invite a family over for dinner or reserve extra time to converse with them. 

11. Scotland 

Prepare for a lesson in bagpipes and haggis if traveling to the European country of Scotland. With its national animal the unicorn, how unfriendly do you think Scottish people can be? Voyagers graced with a trip to Scotland treasure the mountainous terrain dotted with lochs (lakes) that dance beneath gorgeous skies. Nicole, a blogger enraptured with Edinburgh, said Scottish citizens adore conversing with travelers, especially about Scotland. She alludes that Scotland exemplifies a super-friendly attitude toward tourists. 

12. Poland 

Storybook buildings climb across this Central European country. Remarkable underground labyrinths open up into a spectacular, ancient salt mine. Mouthwatering potato dumplings fold in on each other, producing the impeccable pierogi. What country are we talking about? Poland. 

Step away from the flooring food scene and natural scenery for a look at the locals’ treatment of tourists. A Polish person delivers a personal note on a popular website about their perception of tourists: “Actually, most of us really like Americans and adore them. They want to be like them.” 

A separate Polish citizen chimes in with a response regarding behavior toward USAmerican tourists in Poland. “Poland is one of a few places where Americans are adored.” 

13. Sweden

According to Lonely Planet, Sweden is a fabulous place for tourists to frequent, yet Swedish people might come across as shy or reserved at first. You might not find a local excited for a random conversation the moment you step off a plane. However, many locals want to assist tourists if and when asked for help. The same group of Swedish locals avoiding eye contact and minding their own consider that normal culture, not disrespectful. U.S. tourists who understand this custom enjoy Sweden way more than those who think the locals have a vendetta against tourists.

14. Austria

Care to visit the filming location of The Sound of Music? The German-speaking landlocked country showcases mouth-dropping imagery, complete with mystical mountains and spectacular cathedrals, all visited by lovely locals and tourists. Prospective Austrian visitors note the country's safety in addition to its ethereal beauty. Past visitors to Austria state that in Vienna, the locals are not rude but rather direct in conversation, perhaps striking tourists the wrong way. Overall, visitors report fascinating trips to the country matched with respectful attitudes from locals. 

15. Athens

A world traveler took to an internet thread to discuss their experience in Athens. They asked the internet if Athenians are always extremely friendly, as they reported every interaction in Greece, so far, had a positive tone. For example, they mentioned how locals initiated each conversation, not to mention how pleasant each talk came across. 

The majority of respondents wrote back to say they’ve had the same experience in Athens. A Greek participant even said that Greeks treat tourists as royalty, not so much the locals. A different person spoke about an occasion where a chef found out they were from the U.S. and gave them free drinks.