Who Are the Nicest People in Europe? A Surprisingly Honest Look

What even makes people “nice” in the first place?

It’s not just about smiling all the time

Okay, so before we dive into naming names (and yes, I will name names), we need to talk about what “nicest” even means. Because I’ve traveled a fair bit through Europe, and trust me—“nice” can look really different depending on where you are.

Are we talking about warm hospitality, like people offering you soup when you're sick? Or are we talking about casual friendliness, like a stranger striking up a convo at the bus stop? Or maybe it’s about how helpful people are when you’re lost, confused, or clearly a tourist with a map flapping in the wind (true story, happened to me in Prague).

So yeah, context matters. And I’ve definitely changed my mind over time—what felt “cold” at first in some places later felt like quiet kindness.

Ireland: the gold medal for friendliness?

Smiles, small talk, and actual help

Honestly? The Irish are in a league of their own. I’ve never felt more welcome anywhere. I landed in Dublin with no clue where my hostel was, and before I could even ask, an older man pointed me in the right direction just because I looked confused. Then he told me a full story about how he used to drink near that street in the ’80s. Random, but amazing.

It’s not just surface-level politeness either—people genuinely want to chat. Whether you're buying a coffee or getting directions, you’re in a conversation whether you like it or not.

Portugal: quietly kind, no need to show off

The warmth is real—and gentle

Portugal was a surprise. People don’t always mention it, but oh man, they should. There's a kind of soft-spoken kindness there that feels real, not performative.

In Porto, I dropped my backpack near the Douro River and a local ran after me with my wallet (I hadn’t even noticed it fell out). And he refused a tip, just smiled and said “Tenha um bom dia.” That moment stuck with me. Didn’t feel like a tourist interaction. Just… human.

And the food service? So patient. Even when I butchered “obrigado” for the fifth time.

Scandinavians: reserved, but genuinely helpful

Don’t mistake quiet for cold

So here's where I messed up initially. In Sweden and Denmark, I thought people were kinda distant. No random hugs, no super-smiley waiters. But give it a minute. Once you actually ask for help or engage, they go out of their way to assist you—calmly, efficiently, and with zero fuss.

In Stockholm, I was stuck trying to figure out the tram system and this woman legit walked me three blocks to the right stop. Didn't ask for anything. Just said, “It’s easy once you get used to it,” and wished me luck. Low-key kindness? Absolutely.

Italy: passionate people, massive heart

Loud? Sure. But so much heart behind it.

Italians might not win the “most subtle” award, but they will treat you like family after two espressos. I remember being in Naples and asking for directions to a pizzeria. The guy didn’t just point—he walked me there, introduced me to his cousin who worked there, and said “You sit here, best view.”

I ended up eating dinner with his friends that night. That’s just how it goes.

So... who are really the nicest people?

Depends on what you need, honestly

If you want instant friendliness and banter: go to Ireland.
If you value calm, respectful kindness: Portugal or Scandinavia.
If you love warmth and family vibes: Italy, hands down.

But honestly, "nicest" isn't a contest. It's moments. It’s the guy who helps you with your suitcase on a train. The barista who lets you charge your phone. The grandma who smiles at you for no reason in a tiny French village.

So yeah, I started writing this thinking I’d give you a list. And now? I kinda think the nicest people are everywhere—you just have to slow down and notice.

(But seriously… go to Ireland. You won’t regret it.)

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.