How to Understand and Appreciate the Differences Between Different European Cultures

Ask yourself what is it about Europe most fascinates you. Could it be that all its nations have had civilizations going back thousands of years? Europe is a continent rich in history, as well as geographic beauty.

Ask yourself if you love stories about kings and queens. Then you have another reason to be fascinated by Europe. Although today, most European nations are now republics, a handful of them still have royal families. The United Kingdom is the best known European monarchy, but others include Spain, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Liechtenstein, Monaco and Andorra. So if you are a "royalty buff," do your research to find out about which European nations that still are ruled by kings or queens. And of the ones who no longer have monarchs, read up on the history of their royal families, and gain some knowledge of those countries. You may even want to visit the castles and palaces where the European royal families had lived.

Recognise ancient architecture. Because of how ancient the countries of Europe are, much of the architecture in the various countries are several centuries old. In fact, some are even a few millennia old. So, when you are studying European culture, and making your plans to travel, learn about their ancient cites which are so well preserved.

Learn about the different foods which are traditionally European. A perfect example is pasta, which, as we all know, is Italian. Kebabs are Turkish. Of course both these foods have spread to many other countries, and it can be interesting to observe how they are adapted in different locales. This can teach you about European culture, too.

Learn about Christianity. Learn about how Christianity influenced European life. Churches and Cathedrals are a common sight throughout Europe.

Realise different European cultures have music and folk dances. They are part and parcel of their particular nationalities.

Enjoy art. Europeans are known for their artistic talents: paintings, sculptures, etc. So, upon booking a trip to Europe, see to it, that you make time to visit a museum or two.

Learn about World Wars. Europe was front and centre of both World Wars. Learn about the various heroes, and lives lost, during the last century, especially during the Second World War, opposing Adolf Hitler.

Take a course in a European language. It can be Italian or French, or German.

Go hiking in the beautiful mountains. They which are found in many countries in Europe.

Learn about mythology. Although as already mentioned, Europe has been predominantly Christian for 2,000 years, many European nations still keep records of their pre-Christian religions, and the mythologies which had been born of them. A perfect example is Greece. So brush up on your mythologies. Especially European mythologies.

Read books. Many great writers have come from Europe. William Shakespeare was English; Victor Hugo was French. So, a great way to familiarize yourself with a particular European nation is to read the writings of the particular writers coming from that nation.

Read about the Crusades, and how they impacted European history.

Do a lot of walking when staying in any European country.

Meet the Romani people. The Romany or Romani peoples exist in all the European countries. These people are fascinating themselves, in that they are a culture that exist all over Europe, and yet do not have a nationality of their own. To learn about the food, language, and religion of the Romani people would add to your whole European education and experience, and make it absolutely complete.