When planning a European vacation, we often focus on attractions, food, and hotels, but the overall experience can be heavily influenced by how locals treat tourists.
You’ll find rude people in every country worldwide, and what seems “rude” can often be cultural differences in communication styles.
Still, certain European destinations consistently receive complaints about unfriendly locals.
Based on hundreds of votes from Reddit users, these ten countries stand out for encounters with rudeness or coldness.
The 10 Rudest European Countries (As Voted by Reddit)
Every country has its charms and challenges, and what one traveler perceives as rudeness might simply be cultural differences in communication.
However, according to hundreds of Reddit users sharing their travel experiences, these European countries consistently rank highest for rudeness.
1. France
France tops the list with nearly 700 Reddit users agreeing about experiencing rudeness, particularly in Paris and Marseilles.
The city’s reputation for rudeness often stems from locals’ impatience with tourists, cultural differences in service expectations, and the fast-paced, high-pressure urban environment.
My family faced a threatening taxi driver who was furious about our short trip request with baby and luggage.
We also experienced cold unhelpful airport staff who were indifferent about our delayed bags, forcing us to retrieve them ourselves.
Other Reddit travelers added:
- “Nowhere else have random people completely ignored me when I tried to ask for directions or help that would take a local two minutes to give.”
- Another noted they “found that while Parisians are exceptionally arrogant and rude, once you get 30 min to an hour away from Paris, the people were actually quite pleasant.”
Why You Should Still Visit:
- One of the most physically beautiful countries in Europe, from picturesque Provence to the stunning Côte d’Azur beaches
- Unparalleled art collections, architecture, and historical sites spanning centuries
- Charming villages and small towns with authentic local markets, festivals, and traditions
2. Switzerland
Switzerland ranks second with nearly 600 Reddit users agreeing.
The country’s reputation for coldness likely stems from the formal, reserved nature of its citizens who often prioritize privacy and personal space.
My family found the people personally cold and standoffish, and even our family members who live in Geneva told us it is a really tough country to raise children in.
Reddit travelers reported:
- “Yeah, Zurich takes the cake for me in terms of rudeness that I’ve experienced in Europe.”
- “Switzerland had a very hostile and unwelcoming air about it in the short time that I was there.”
Why You Should Still Visit:
- Breathtaking Alpine scenery with world-class skiing, hiking, and outdoor activities
- Impeccably clean cities with excellent public transportation and infrastructure
- Some of the finest chocolate, cheese, and precision craftsmanship in the world
3. Austria
Austria, especially Vienna, received numerous mentions for rudeness.
The perceived unfriendliness may be attributed to the formal Austrian culture with strict social codes and a more traditional approach to customer service.
My family had an experience with a very rude waiter in Austria (outside of Vienna) that made us feel so uncomfortable we couldn’t wait to leave.
Reddit users characterized Austrians as:
- “Not necessarily rude, but dismissive of you or any surroundings.”
- “Every Viennese person I have met has acted like they’re having the worst day of their life, and they’re directing their anger at me.”
- “They aren’t so much rude as ‘snarky.’ Often irritable and impatient.”
Why You Should Still Visit:
- Stunning architectural heritage, particularly Vienna’s imperial grandeur and baroque masterpieces
- Rich musical tradition as the home of Mozart, Strauss, and the Vienna Philharmonic
- Picturesque Alpine villages and excellent skiing in regions like Tyrol and Salzburgerland
4. Germany
Germany, particularly Berlin, was frequently mentioned for bluntness that comes across as rude.
The German directness is cultural—they value efficiency and honesty over social niceties, which can feel abrupt or cold to visitors.
German and international Reddit users noted:
- “Berlin? Yeah they’re very blunt. I don’t necessarily like people being that blunt, and I’m German myself. I lived in Berlin for 5 years and hated it there.”
- “Germans don’t necessarily do the politeness song and dance that other cultures do, which can seem rude to people from other countries.”
- “A lot of Germans have this passive-aggressive vibe.”
Why You Should Still Visit:
- Fairytale castles like Neuschwanstein and charming storybook towns that inspired Disney movies
- The spectacular Romantic Road with medieval walled towns, rolling countryside, and stunning Alpine views
- Beautiful diverse landscapes from the Baltic Sea to the Bavarian Alps
5. Netherlands
The Netherlands received over 400 votes for rudeness.
Dutch directness is famous worldwide, but many travelers find the line between honesty and rudeness becomes blurred, especially in urban areas and tourist centers.
Reddit users suggested:
- “Most Dutch people I’ve met are honestly fine, but the ‘we’re direct’ crowd tend genuinely to just be rude/intolerant and very much cannot take the ‘directness’ when it’s directed back at them.”
- “In my experience, it’s rudeness hiding behind the blunt stereotype.”
Why You Should Still Visit:
- Beautiful canal cities, tulip fields, and cycling-friendly infrastructure
- Picture-perfect villages like Giethoorn (the “Venice of the North”) with its waterways and no roads
- World-class art museums housing works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Vermeer
6. Russia
Russia received over 300 mentions for unfriendliness.
The cultural gap between Russian service standards and Western expectations is significant.
This, combined with the language barrier and different social norms around smiling and small talk, contributes to the perception of rudeness.
Travelers described Russia as:
- “But it is such a big country, I have no doubt the cities outside of Moscow and St. Petersburg could be different.”
- “Unfriendly and outright hostile in some aspects.”
- “Locals are unaccommodating and unpleasant to tourists, which leaves them disappointed.”
7. Hungary
Hungary, with over 80 Reddit users agreeing, was noted for unfriendly service interactions.
Travelers often encounter expressionless service staff, minimal small talk, and a general lack of the cheerful hospitality found in more tourism-dependent countries.
Staff in restaurants and shops frequently appear uninterested in helping non-Hungarian speakers.
Travelers shared:
- “The people of Budapest were the grumpiest and unfriendliest in Europe I’ve met.”
- “While I have many lovely Hungarian friends and extended family, appreciate the culture, history, food, architecture, music etc, interactions with strangers in services are very often depressing.”
Why You Should Still Visit:
- Budapest’s stunning architecture and thermal baths offer unique urban experiences
- Rich culinary traditions including goulash, paprika dishes, and excellent wines
- Affordable prices compared to Western European destinations
8. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic received more than 75 mentions for rudeness.
Visitors often report encounters with stern-faced service staff who rarely smile, abrupt responses to questions, and a general impatience when dealing with tourists who don’t speak Czech.
In restaurants and shops, service can feel perfunctory and lacking warmth, particularly from older staff members.
Reddit users reported:
- “From the European countries I’ve visited (the UK, Spain, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Greece), the Czechs were BY FAR the rudest.”
- “I live in Czech Republic and it’s mostly the older people who tend to be rude and grumpy. The young people are way nicer but they’re not super social or outgoing.”
Why You Should Still Visit:
- Prague’s fairytale-like architecture and atmospheric old town
- Stunning spa towns like Karlovy Vary with colorful colonnades and healing thermal springs
- Spectacular castles, charming small towns, and beautiful countryside
9. Bulgaria
With over 60 Reddit users agreeing, Bulgaria, especially Sofia, was criticized for unfriendliness.
Travelers frequently encounter unsmiling service staff, curt responses to questions, and what appears to be outright disinterest in tourist needs.
Many visitors report feeling ignored in restaurants, receiving minimal assistance in shops, and facing difficulty engaging locals in even basic interactions.
Comments included:
- “I’ve visited a lot of Europe. Bulgaria (Sofia) has been the absolute worst. Not sure about the coastal areas.”
- “Bulgarians are just extremely closed off by European standards.”
- “I’m sorry for your experience, if it’s any consolation, it’s not because you are a foreigner, Bulgarians are often rude to each other, too.”
Why You Should Still Visit:
- Stunning Black Sea beaches and mountain resorts at very affordable prices
- Rich history spanning Thracian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences
- Spectacular Orthodox monasteries with colorful frescoes, especially the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery
10. Belgium
Belgium rounded out the top ten with more than 90 votes.
Visitors describe experiencing dismissive service in restaurants and shops, particularly in Brussels.
Travelers report encountering cashiers and waitstaff who barely acknowledge customers, minimal eye contact, and a general sense that tourists are an inconvenience.
Belgian and tourist Reddit users shared:
- “I’ll never forget the disdain our server showed us for no reason. He acted like we were a massive inconvenience simply for being patrons. We had just gotten to Brussels and it was such a poor welcome. The manager of our hotel was also rude to us just a little bit later.”
- “As a Belgian, it’s Belgium. Especially the Flemish part. Closed off. Very difficult making friends. Belgians are very hard to reach.”
Why You Should Still Visit:
- World-class chocolate, waffles, and culinary treats with Belgium’s famous fries found on almost every corner
- Stunning medieval architecture in well-preserved cities like Bruges and Ghent
- Picturesque countryside with rolling hills, charming farmhouses, and historic battlefields like Waterloo
Final Thoughts on The Most Unfriendly Countries to Visit in Europe
While these rankings reflect collective experiences shared on Reddit, they shouldn’t necessarily deter you from visiting these countries.
Cultural differences, language barriers, and individual encounters can all influence perceptions of rudeness.
Often, learning a few phrases in the local language and understanding cultural norms can significantly improve your experience in any country.
For more European travel insights, check out our related articles:
- The Worst European Tourist Cities to Avoid
- Boring Countries in Europe to Avoid
- Friendliest European Countries to Visit
Explore more European travel content on our blog to help plan your perfect European adventure!
