They roll their eyes at America, but they’d take these 13 things in a heartbeat.
They love to bash the U.S., but if we’re being honest, they kind of want what we have. Europeans are quick to call out America’s flaws—too loud, too big, too over-the-top. But behind the eye rolls and sarcastic comments, there’s a little bit of envy lurking under the surface.
They might scoff at our way of life, but certain American conveniences, freedoms, and cultural staples have them secretly wishing they could get in on the action.
They won’t always admit it, but you can see it in the way they light up when visiting the States. So while they critique our fast food, our enthusiasm, and, well, just about everything, there are more than a few things they wouldn’t mind having for themselves. And some of them? They want badly.
1. American customer service is next-level, and Europeans secretly wish they had it.
Walk into a store in the U.S., and chances are you’ll be greeted with a smile and a friendly “How can I help you?” In many parts of Europe, customer service is more of a transactional experience—efficient, but often lacking warmth, suggests Ricardo Saltz Gulko in an article on Customer Think. Sure, Europeans might roll their eyes at America’s overly enthusiastic waitstaff, but deep down, they wouldn’t mind a little extra attentiveness.
Don’t try asking for a refill or a customization in a European café. You might get a sigh, a side-eye, or a flat-out no. Meanwhile, in the U.S., the answer is almost always “Of course!” or “No problem!” Even those who poke fun at American hospitality secretly enjoy the convenience of being treated like a valued guest rather than just another customer passing through.
2. Big American houses make European apartments feel like shoeboxes.
Europeans love to brag about their charming city apartments, but the moment they step into a spacious American home, it’s game over. High ceilings, walk-in closets, massive kitchens—things Americans take for granted leave many Europeans in awe. It’s not that they don’t love their cozy, historic flats, but let’s be honest, space is a luxury.
In Europe, a “large” apartment often means squeezing a dining table into the corner of a living room. Meanwhile, Americans casually enjoy extra bedrooms, sprawling backyards, and garages big enough to fit two cars and storage, according to Jesus Diaz writing for Fast Company. They may roll their eyes at “McMansions,” but show them a brand-new home with a modern kitchen and a backyard fire pit, and suddenly, American real estate doesn’t seem so bad.
3. Drive-thrus for everything? Europeans secretly love the convenience.
They might shake their heads at America’s obsession with drive-thrus, but after experiencing one, Europeans often wish they had more. In the U.S., you can grab a coffee, pick up your prescription, and even handle your banking without stepping out of your car, and nearly half of all Americans prefer drive-thrus, reports Daniel de Visé writing for The Hill. It’s all about speed and efficiency, two things that are often missing in the slower-paced European lifestyle.
In Europe, you’re like to get stuck in a long line at a pharmacy or wait ages for a simple coffee. Americans don’t have that problem. Drive-thrus may seem excessive to some, but once a European visits the States and experiences the joy of grabbing a hot meal without unbuckling their seatbelt, they start to understand the hype. They might not admit it, but they wish they had more of them.
4. Unlimited refills? Europeans can’t believe we get away with it.
In Europe, ordering a soda means getting a small glass with barely any ice—and if you want more, you’ll pay for another full-priced drink. Meanwhile, in America, free refills are just part of the deal and can even be traced back to the 19th century, according to experts at Youth for Understanding. It’s an unspoken rule that no one leaves a restaurant with an empty cup, and let’s be real, Europeans are a little jealous.
They might argue that smaller portions are better for health, but watch their faces light up when they realize they can drink as much as they want without breaking the bank. Whether it’s coffee at a diner or soda at a fast-food joint, the American way is undeniably appealing. Europeans may poke fun at our “supersized” culture, but when it comes to refills, they wouldn’t mind adopting the policy.
5. Grocery stores that stay open 24/7? Europeans wish they had that freedom.
Nothing frustrates an American traveler in Europe more than showing up at a store only to find it closed—on a Sunday, a holiday, or just because it’s past 6 PM. Europeans may argue that restricted hours promote work-life balance, but even they can admit that having round-the-clock access to groceries and essentials would be incredibly convenient.
Have you ever needed cold medicine at midnight or forgotten a key ingredient for dinner? In the U.S., that’s no problem. Europeans visiting America often marvel at the fact that they can stroll into a Walmart at 3 AM and find anything they need. They might love their leisurely, regulated hours at home, but when push comes to shove, they wouldn’t mind a few 24-hour options in their own cities.
6. Air conditioning everywhere is an American luxury Europeans secretly crave.
Europeans love to say Americans are too obsessed with air conditioning—until they experience a record-breaking heatwave with no escape. While U.S. homes, restaurants, and public spaces are reliably cool in the summer, much of Europe still relies on open windows and tiny fans. When the temperatures soar, even the biggest critics of American excess start longing for a blast of cold air.
Have you tried sleeping in a European hotel during a heatwave? It’s like trying to nap inside an oven. Meanwhile, Americans take central air for granted, walking from one ice-cold building to another. Europeans may argue that AC isn’t “necessary,” but catch them in the middle of a humid summer, and you’ll hear a different tune. They won’t admit it, but they’d kill for more air-conditioned spaces.
7. Huge American highways make road trips feel like freedom.
European roads may be scenic, but they’re often narrow, crowded, and slow. Meanwhile, America’s vast highway system lets you drive for hours without hitting a roundabout or a traffic light. Europeans who love to travel can’t help but be a little envious of the open-road experience that Americans enjoy so easily.
A spontaneous road trip in Europe can be a nightmare. Between tolls, congestion, and unpredictable closures, it’s not always smooth sailing. In the U.S., you can hop on a highway and be halfway across the state in no time. Sure, Europeans might complain about American car culture, but the idea of effortlessly covering long distances without constantly stopping? That’s something they wouldn’t mind having.
8. American portion sizes blow European meals out of the water.
Europeans love to joke about the sheer size of American meals, but let’s be honest—no one complains when they’re actually sitting in front of a massive plate of food. Whether it’s a heaping pile of fries, a triple-stacked burger, or a diner breakfast that could feed an entire family, portion sizes in the U.S. are undeniably generous.
In Europe, you might pay just as much (if not more) for a meal that leaves you wondering if you should order a second dish. Meanwhile, in America, leftovers are basically guaranteed, and restaurants don’t bat an eye if you ask for a takeout box. They may shake their heads at our “supersized” culture, but when it’s time to eat, no European turns down an American-sized plate of food.
9. American optimism is cheesy, but Europeans secretly admire it.
Europeans love to poke fun at America’s relentless positivity. To them, our “anything is possible” mindset can feel unrealistic, even naïve. But there’s a reason so many of them dream of moving to the U.S.—deep down, they admire the optimism. There’s an energy in America that makes people believe in fresh starts, big ideas, and the possibility of success, no matter where you come from.
In Europe, skepticism and realism reign supreme, which has its merits but can also feel limiting. Americans, on the other hand, have an infectious belief in personal reinvention. Even the most cynical European can’t help but be drawn to that energy when visiting. They may roll their eyes at motivational speeches and self-help culture, but a little piece of them wishes their home countries had the same “go for it” attitude.
10. College sports in America are treated like the pros—and Europeans secretly love it.
In most European countries, university sports are barely a blip on the radar. Sure, they exist, but they don’t dominate weekend schedules or command massive stadiums filled with passionate fans. Meanwhile, in the U.S., college football and basketball feel like professional leagues, complete with televised games, marching bands, and die-hard supporters. Europeans may pretend it’s excessive, but once they experience it, they’re hooked.
If you’ve seen a European tourist at an SEC football game or a packed March Madness event, you know their eyes light up at the sheer spectacle of it all. The excitement, the pageantry, the sense of community—it’s unlike anything back home. They might scoff at the idea of student-athletes being treated like celebrities, but deep down, they wish their universities had that same electric atmosphere.
11. The variety of American snacks is overwhelming, but Europeans can’t get enough.
Step into an American grocery store, and the snack aisle alone feels like a theme park of options. Chips in every imaginable flavor, cereals that look like they belong in a candy shop, and sodas in sizes that seem comically large—there’s no denying that America takes snacking seriously. Europeans might call it over-the-top, but when they visit, they leave with suitcases stuffed with American treats.
Sure, European countries have their own specialties, but they can’t compete with the sheer variety in the U.S. Even the simplest gas station convenience store has more snack options than some European supermarkets. They may roll their eyes at the artificial colors and endless choices, but watch them devour a pack of Reese’s or a bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, and it’s clear—they love it.
12. American national parks are next-level, and Europeans are jealous.
Europe has its fair share of stunning landscapes, but when it comes to sheer scale and diversity, America’s national parks are in a league of their own. From the Grand Canyon to Yellowstone, these protected areas are jaw-droppingly vast and wildly accessible. Europeans who visit often can’t believe how much untouched beauty exists within a single country.
Public lands in Europe tend to be smaller and more regulated, while American national parks feel like the ultimate adventure playground. Whether it’s spotting bison in the wild or hiking through epic rock formations, the experience is unmatched. They might claim that Europe has more history and charm, but after seeing America’s natural wonders up close, many secretly wish they had the same kind of breathtaking, open spaces at home.