The Unexpected Surprise Tourists May Encounter When Using A European Bathroom, Per Rick Steves

Picture this: You're on a holiday in Europe, walking around and enjoying the sights, when nature calls. If you're far from your hotel, what do you do? You obviously need to find a public restroom. Many countries have different toilet facilities and customs, so you may notice some differences and confusing or surprising features — some you may love — when using public bathrooms in Europe. 

Public toilets in Europe have their own set of rules, so it's helpful to be aware of them so you don't make any embarrassing bathroom mistakes. Well, worry not! Renowned travel expert and author Rick Steves comes to the rescue with valuable information about what to expect when using toilets in Europe. For example, you may know that many of Europe's public restrooms have an attendant collecting a fee, either to buy toilet paper or to use the toilet at all. But you may not realize this: According to Steves' blog, you shouldn't be surprised if you find a female attendant in the men's bathroom or a male attendant in the women's bathroom. "Sooner or later you'll be minding your own business at the urinal, and the lady will bring you your change or sweep under your feet," Steves explains. "Yes, it is distracting, but you'll just have to get used to it — she has." 

Even if it's not for maintenance reasons, it is quite common for women to use the men's bathroom if it's empty, instead of standing in line waiting for their turn when there are many women queuing up — if it's a gender-specific restroom in the first place. 

Rick Steves also mentions that in some places, particularly small restaurants, it is common to have gender-neutral bathrooms, open to all customers regardless of gender. "Some European bathrooms have shared hand-washing facilities for women and men, with adjacent but separate toilet areas," Steves explains. "And some restrooms make no distinctions for gender at all." If there is no sign on the door, expect that it is most likely a unisex bathroom. 

Finding the opposite gender attendant in the restroom happens frequently enough that Steves says it is has become "a popular topic of conversation among male tourists." He also warns, "The keepers of Europe's public toilets have earned a reputation for crabbiness," explaining that you'd probably be grumpy too if you spent most of your day in a public toilet. "Humor them, understand them, and carry some change so you can leave them a coin or two." 

Understanding common bathroom rules and setting your expectations will help you have a smooth travel experience, especially when you need to use a restroom. Just remember that traveling in Europe means embracing cultural differences, even when it comes to bathroom surprises.