Dutch is the local language in Bruges, not French. Start a shop, café or information-desk exchange with a Dutch greeting, then ask whether the person speaks the language you would like to use. Many residents speak English or French as well, but neither is something to assume of everyone. A few standard Dutch courtesy phrases […]
Christmas in Naples centres on nativity craft, public worship and food traditions that also belong to family life. San Gregorio Armeno is the clearest place to begin: its workshops make the figures that turn a nativity scene into a miniature Neapolitan world. The customary season stretches from the Immaculate Conception to Epiphany. It suits you […]
Wear something festive and elegant to the Salzburg Festival, but treat that as a welcome, not a condition of admission. You can build a suitable outfit around clothes you already own: tailored trousers and a shirt, a dress, a suit or dressier separates. Traditional Austrian dress is another option, not a purchase you need to […]
In Naples, greet a stranger in standard Italian, save a familiar Neapolitan greeting for someone you know, and use grazie for thanks. A local expression can be friendly between acquaintances without being the right way to address an unfamiliar café worker. The relationship matters as much as the words. Start with a greeting you can […]
Follow your hotel’s sauna clothing policy, rather than assuming swimwear is acceptable everywhere. In Berlin, a sauna can require you to undress even when adjoining pool facilities require clothing. Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin makes that distinction explicit, while other hotels set their own conditions for access and supervision. Before changing, settle the clothing question with […]
Wear purpose-made swimwear for your Budapest thermal-bath visit. At Széchenyi, the pool rules allow a wide range of styles, including full-coverage swimwear, provided the fabric meets the bath’s requirements. Pack bath footwear and a drying towel as well, while a swimming cap and a separate sauna towel depend on which facilities you use. The details […]
For an ordinary performance at Prague’s National Theatre, choose a clean, dressier outfit rather than packing special evening wear. Neat trousers with a shirt or a dressier top, or a skirt or dress with comfortable, presentable shoes, make useful starting points from clothes you can wear elsewhere on your trip. The important distinction is between […]
Wear ordinary casual clothes for sightseeing in Venice, with comfortable shoes and a covering for church visits. A T-shirt with shorts, trousers or a skirt is a practical starting point. Public-space restrictions concern swimwear and going shirtless; St Mark’s Basilica has separate admission requirements. A beach outfit needs changing before the journey back, while smarter […]
In Munich, a tip is a choice, not an extra amount you owe. For good restaurant table service, a modest addition is customary, while at a self-service counter, you can simply pay the price. When you do tip, tell the server the total you want to pay before they make change or process your card. […]
In Milan, validate or activate your transport ticket before travelling, cover up for Cathedral entry and establish your vehicle’s eligibility before passing camera gates. These are requirements, not matters of style. At the Duomo, clothing and photography rules affect your visit, while in cafés and markets, asking before ordering or handling produce is usually enough. […]
