They’ll never admit it, but these American perks make them wish they lived here.
You might not believe it, but there are more things about life in America that Europeans secretly envy than you’d think. When they talk up their centuries-old cathedrals and flawless rail networks, you almost forget about the everyday conveniences that make life here feel so effortless. Yet when they step onto U.S. soil, they can’t help but notice that certain perks make their home country seem a little less appealing.
From all-night shopping to endless menu options and the freedom to personalize almost everything, these quirks of American life have Europeans whispering, “Why don’t we have that back home?” Whether they’re grabbing a late-night snack or marveling at the size of a supermarket, each of these 13 points reveals a slice of American living that makes visitors wish they could take a piece of it home.
1. You Can Buy Anything, Anytime, 24/7
Visiting the U.S. feels like stepping into a world where the concept of “closing time” barely exists. Whether you’re craving a midnight snack, an emergency carton of milk, or that gadget you forgot you needed until, well, right this minute, there’s always a store open to serve you. It’s a level of convenience that completely rewrites the rules of urgency and spontaneity.
Back home, Europeans plan their errands around shops’ opening hours and often find themselves scrambling when a weekend or holiday shuts everything down, according to Ajani Bazile-Dutes at Yahoo! Life. Here, life molds around your schedule, offering a sense of freedom and flexibility that’s surprisingly addictive.
2. You Get Free Refills on Drinks Like It’s No Big Deal
There’s something almost magical about watching a server glide by with a pitcher of soda in hand, ready to top off your glass without blinking an eye or adding a cent to your bill. In many parts of Europe, once your drink is done, that’s it—you’re either paying full price for another or you’re out of luck, as stated by Tod Perry at Upworthy.
That generous refill policy turns dining out into an even sweeter experience. It’s more than just cost-saving—it’s an act of hospitality, a small but powerful gesture that says, “Relax, we’ve got you covered.” It’s a detail Europeans notice immediately and quietly admire.
3. Your Portions Are Massive (And They Love It!)
If there’s one thing every European notices, it’s the sheer scale of American servings. From hulking burgers that look like they belong in a circus to platters piled high with fries, Americans don’t do half-measures. For visitors accustomed to dainty restaurant portions, it’s a welcome surprise—and sometimes a happy shock—that fills both stomachs and Instagram feeds, as mentioned by Katie Jgln at Medium.com.
Walking away not just full but with enough leftovers to nurse you through tomorrow’s breakfast is a novelty they didn’t know they needed. It feels indulgent, even excessive, but part of America’s charm is its unapologetic embrace of abundance.
4. You Have Drive-Thrus for Just About Everything
Whether you need to deposit a check, pick up a prescription, or grab coffee, the drive-thru window reigns supreme in the U.S. Sitting behind the wheel, you breeze through tasks that normally demand parking, walking, and waiting. It’s the kind of efficiency that makes you wonder why you ever got out of the car in the first place.
In Europe, errands often involve winding streets, limited parking, and crowded lobbies—and those simple chores can eat up half a morning. Here, you can sail through in minutes, and that speed impresses travelers who secretly wish for the same back home.
5. You Smile at Strangers Like It’s the Most Normal Thing
There’s a warmth in American greetings that can catch Europeans off guard. A friendly “Good morning” from someone you’ve never met, a quick compliment at the grocery store checkout—those little interactions add up to a pervasive sense of welcome and optimism. It’s a cultural quirk that says kindness is part of everyday life.
In many European cities, people keep their heads down, conversations stay private, and the idea of chatting with a stranger feels unusual. Here, that open friendliness feels refreshing, disarming, and something many quietly wish their own neighborhoods had more of.
6. Your Public Bathrooms Are Everywhere (and Free!)
Hunting for a restroom in Europe can sometimes feel like a quest for hidden treasure, often complete with paywalls at the end. In the U.S., public restrooms are as common as coffee shops—found in gas stations, parks, malls, and even some street corners—and typically free to use.
That small convenience becomes a major relief after a few hours of sightseeing or shopping. Europeans visiting the U.S. quickly learn to appreciate the generosity of restroom access, a detail that transforms a simple outing from mildly stressful to wonderfully comfortable.
7. You Have Ice in Every Single Drink
The difference between room-temperature beverages and a glass filled with gleaming ice cubes can be astonishing. In Europe, a single ice cube or none at all is more common. But in America, every drink arrives chilled to perfection, clinking pleasantly around the edges of the glass.
That constant availability of ice, from fast-food chains to upscale restaurants, elevates even the simplest sip into a cool, refreshing luxury. It’s a tiny extravagance that Europeans find surprisingly delightful—and they can’t get enough of it.
8. Your Customer Service Is Like Nothing Else
“Have a nice day!” might sound like a scripted line to some, but the genuine helpfulness and politeness of American servers, clerks, and reps leave many Europeans starstruck. Whether it’s checking in at a hotel or returning a purchase, the upbeat attitude and eagerness to assist turn routine interactions into pleasant experiences.
Back home, service can be more transactional—efficient but lacking that extra spark of friendliness. In the U.S., that human touch becomes part of the overall charm, and visiting Europeans can’t help but wish for that level of engagement in their own countries.
9. Your Roads Are So Wide and Spacious
Driving through American streets feels like commanding a vast open field. Wide lanes, generous shoulders, and sprawling parking lots make maneuvering a breeze. In contrast, Europe’s historic roads can be narrow, twisty affairs with tight parking spots that leave drivers gripping the wheel.
That sense of space extends beyond the highways to residential neighborhoods and commercial areas, offering a feeling of ease and room to breathe. Europeans behind the wheel often dream of trading their compact streets for America’s broad boulevards.
10. You Have Tons of Space—Everywhere
In Europe, where land is at a premium, living spaces tend to be cozy and efficient. In the U.S., homes come with basements, garages, attics, and yards. Supermarkets span entire blocks, and parks stretch for miles. That feeling of expansiveness—whether you’re shopping, driving, or relaxing at home—becomes a luxury to cherish.
Visitors marvel at how little they have to squeeze into each moment and place. There’s freedom in extra square footage, and Europeans often leave wishing they could unpack some of America’s generous roominess back into their own lives.
11. You Celebrate Everything Bigger and Louder
From July Fourth fireworks bursting in technicolor skies to Halloween haunts that light up entire neighborhoods, Americans aren’t shy about going all in on celebrations. Super Bowl Sunday rivals national holidays in enthusiasm, and even small milestones get parties and festive decorations.
Europeans, who often favor more understated observances, find this unabashed enthusiasm both entertaining and enviable. The sense of communal revelry, complete with bold decorations and booming soundtracks, is a tradition they’d love to replicate back home.
12. Your Grocery Stores Are Basically Theme Parks
Stepping into an American supermarket can feel like entering a carnival of products. Endless aisles packed with brand variations, sampling stations, and specialty sections—from international foods to gluten-free bakeries—offer a world of choice. It’s a sensory overload in the best possible way.
In Europe, stores tend to focus on essentials with a leaner selection. Here, shopping becomes an experience, a chance to discover new snacks or quirky kitchen gadgets. Europeans leave the store with bags full of surprises and wish they had similar retail adventures at home.
13. You Let People Customize Almost Everything
“Hold the mayo, extra bacon, skimp on the Swiss—hold the pickles? Sure!” In America, customization isn’t just accepted; it’s expected. Whether you’re building a salad, ordering coffee, or configuring a tech gadget, that “have it your way” mentality ensures you get exactly what you want.
In many European spots, menus are fixed and modifications are met with puzzled looks. Here, the freedom to tailor every detail feels empowering and personal. Even if Europeans won’t admit it out loud, they secretly love that level of individual control.