With nearly 50 countries making up the continent, Europe is far from homogeneous. Each nation has its own culture, history, and customs. However, there are a few similarities among a handful of them. A common value, even across borders, is work-life balance. In a general sense, Europeans often allocate themselves more leisure time than Americans. Even some unspoken coffee etiquette in France relates to taking a moment and sitting with your drink rather than zipping out of the café like Americans do. Work-life balance factors into shopping, too.
Americans — at least in large cities — are accustomed to getting whatever they need whenever they need it. This is why Americans will be surprised to see European shops with fewer hours of operation than those in the U.S. While Americans take short lunch breaks and perhaps just a 15-minute break later in the workday, European shops might give extended breaks to their workers by closing for a couple of hours in the mid-afternoon. Shops could be empty on Sundays, notably in Austria, Germany, Greece, and other countries. For instance, it is tricky to get gas in France on Sundays because of these closures.
Some countries have laws restricting business operating hours
Shopping hours are enforced by law in some of these countries. In Germany, for example, supermarkets must close on Sundays (except for those in train stations). Changes are afoot, however. Market competition and economic strength are almost synonymous with American values, and Europeans think it is important, too. Driving for a few hours in Europe can mean entering another country. The prospect of people willing to drive to find stores open on Sundays entices nearby countries to expand their working hours to recover the lost revenue. Hungary and Greece are among the countries that have relaxed a few such laws due to these consumer and business desires.
Taking local schedules into account is something too many travelers forget while making a European itinerary. Aside from potential quirks in daily hours, lots of French people close their stores for extended breaks in August. So, no matter where you go, check store hours before you plan your shopping sprees. Most hours are online or on social media pages, but you can always note the operating hours posted on signs outside of shops. Just remember that Europe uses military time!
