Europe, that postcard-perfect continent of cobblestoned lanes, café tables, and charming accents, is a dream destination for many Indian travellers . And why not, the gondolas of Venice to the castles of Prague, it’s where wanderlust meets art, architecture, and old-world charm. However, beneath that picture-perfect façade, there’s also the less Instagrammed experience that some Indians quietly talk about, the brush with subtle racism , as influencer as influencer thatindianchick_ recently highlighted.
While she praised Europe for its friendliness—shoutouts to helpful restaurant staff, tram drivers, and even the local police—she also pointed out those small, almost imperceptible moments that can make a traveller feel “different.”
Now, before you roll your eyes and say, “Oh absolutely not!,” here’s the thing: many travellers genuinely don’t face it at all. In fact, several Indians return with glowing stories of kindness, like “I was there for 15 days and met the nicest people seriously. Everyone was so polite and helpful, restaurant staff, policemen, cab drivers, hostel mates, tram drivers, even random strangers on the Metro. Not even for a second did I feel this subtle racism.” And that’s absolutely true for most. But for others, the experience can be a mixed bag, not overt hostility, but those tiny, hard-to-place moments that leave you wondering: Was that just me, or...?
The “subtle” part of subtle racism
Unlike blatant discrimination, subtle racism isn’t about slurs or outright exclusion. It’s often unspoken, the hesitant smile, the sudden clutching of handbags, the restaurant table you somehow don’t get seated at, or the store clerk who shadows you just a little too closely. Some even shared their experience of how they get ignored in stores, and are spoken to only when they reach the counter to pay.
For Indian travellers, these micro-moments can surface in unexpected ways. A waiter assuming you’ll tip less. Locals switching to a simpler English as if you won’t understand. Security checks that feel a tad too “random.” Or that one seat next to you on the train that mysteriously remains empty till the last stop.
It’s not always malicious, sometimes it’s just curiosity or cultural ignorance. But in a continent that prides itself on diversity, these small moments can feel quietly alienating.
Why it happens (and how not to take it personally)
Let’s face it, stereotypes travel faster than people. And this is not Europe only, as even back home, we are fighting to get past so many stereotypes. Cut to chase, for years, global pop culture has painted Indians in a limited palette, IT geniuses, call-centre voices, or yoga gurus. So, when an average European meets an Indian traveller, they somehow unconsciously reach for that image. You think we don’t behave like that in our own country when we see people from the other parts of the country?
Add to that language barriers, differing social cues, and the occasional cultural misunderstanding, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for awkward encounters.
But here’s the golden rule: don’t take every odd glance as racism. Sometimes it’s plain curiosity. Many Europeans have never interacted closely with Indians, and the cultural gap can create accidental rudeness.
Read more: 5 must-visit places for Diwali shopping in Bengaluru
How to sidestep subtle racism like a globetrotterConfidence is your best passport - Walk tall, speak clearly, and carry yourself like you belong, because you do. Travelling with confidence often disarms stereotypes before they begin.
Learn a few local phrases - A quick “Bonjour,” “Danke,” or “Grazie” can melt ice faster than you can say Namaste. Locals appreciate the effort, and it instantly humanises interactions.
Don’t overreact — but don’t ignore patterns - If something feels off once, brush it aside. If it happens repeatedly — like being refused service or followed in a store — politely call it out or report it. Europe takes discrimination seriously.
Choose your travel circles wisely - Hostels, walking tours, and couch-surfing meetups often bring together open-minded travellers. Surround yourself with people who share your enthusiasm for cultural exchange , not stereotypes.
Be kind as it works everywhere - A friendly smile, a thank-you, or even cracking a harmless joke can change the tone instantly. Sometimes, people’s biases crumble when they meet someone who challenges them with grace.
Read more: Do you know the difference between an Embassy and High Commission?
Europe, like everywhere else, is evolving. From diversity campaigns in tourism boards to anti-discrimination laws, the continent is increasingly aware of its blind spots. For every awkward stare, there’s a warm conversation waiting at a café table, a train conductor offering directions, or a stranger insisting you try the local pastry on the house.
Because truth be told, subtle racism exists, but so does overwhelming kindness. And for most Indian travellers, that’s what defines their European journey.
So, it’s not about discouraging anyone to avoid their dream Europe trip . As they say, it’s also best to go prepared, or know what to expect beforehand to deal with situations more calmly. Pack your bags, brush up your merci and gracias, and step into that cobblestoned adventure with your head held high. Europe’s charm doesn’t discriminate, and neither should your travel dreams.
While she praised Europe for its friendliness—shoutouts to helpful restaurant staff, tram drivers, and even the local police—she also pointed out those small, almost imperceptible moments that can make a traveller feel “different.”
Now, before you roll your eyes and say, “Oh absolutely not!,” here’s the thing: many travellers genuinely don’t face it at all. In fact, several Indians return with glowing stories of kindness, like “I was there for 15 days and met the nicest people seriously. Everyone was so polite and helpful, restaurant staff, policemen, cab drivers, hostel mates, tram drivers, even random strangers on the Metro. Not even for a second did I feel this subtle racism.” And that’s absolutely true for most. But for others, the experience can be a mixed bag, not overt hostility, but those tiny, hard-to-place moments that leave you wondering: Was that just me, or...?
The “subtle” part of subtle racism
Unlike blatant discrimination, subtle racism isn’t about slurs or outright exclusion. It’s often unspoken, the hesitant smile, the sudden clutching of handbags, the restaurant table you somehow don’t get seated at, or the store clerk who shadows you just a little too closely. Some even shared their experience of how they get ignored in stores, and are spoken to only when they reach the counter to pay.
For Indian travellers, these micro-moments can surface in unexpected ways. A waiter assuming you’ll tip less. Locals switching to a simpler English as if you won’t understand. Security checks that feel a tad too “random.” Or that one seat next to you on the train that mysteriously remains empty till the last stop.
It’s not always malicious, sometimes it’s just curiosity or cultural ignorance. But in a continent that prides itself on diversity, these small moments can feel quietly alienating.
Why it happens (and how not to take it personally)
Let’s face it, stereotypes travel faster than people. And this is not Europe only, as even back home, we are fighting to get past so many stereotypes. Cut to chase, for years, global pop culture has painted Indians in a limited palette, IT geniuses, call-centre voices, or yoga gurus. So, when an average European meets an Indian traveller, they somehow unconsciously reach for that image. You think we don’t behave like that in our own country when we see people from the other parts of the country?
Add to that language barriers, differing social cues, and the occasional cultural misunderstanding, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for awkward encounters.
But here’s the golden rule: don’t take every odd glance as racism. Sometimes it’s plain curiosity. Many Europeans have never interacted closely with Indians, and the cultural gap can create accidental rudeness.
Read more: 5 must-visit places for Diwali shopping in Bengaluru
How to sidestep subtle racism like a globetrotterConfidence is your best passport - Walk tall, speak clearly, and carry yourself like you belong, because you do. Travelling with confidence often disarms stereotypes before they begin.
Learn a few local phrases - A quick “Bonjour,” “Danke,” or “Grazie” can melt ice faster than you can say Namaste. Locals appreciate the effort, and it instantly humanises interactions.
Don’t overreact — but don’t ignore patterns - If something feels off once, brush it aside. If it happens repeatedly — like being refused service or followed in a store — politely call it out or report it. Europe takes discrimination seriously.
Choose your travel circles wisely - Hostels, walking tours, and couch-surfing meetups often bring together open-minded travellers. Surround yourself with people who share your enthusiasm for cultural exchange , not stereotypes.
Be kind as it works everywhere - A friendly smile, a thank-you, or even cracking a harmless joke can change the tone instantly. Sometimes, people’s biases crumble when they meet someone who challenges them with grace.
Read more: Do you know the difference between an Embassy and High Commission?
Europe, like everywhere else, is evolving. From diversity campaigns in tourism boards to anti-discrimination laws, the continent is increasingly aware of its blind spots. For every awkward stare, there’s a warm conversation waiting at a café table, a train conductor offering directions, or a stranger insisting you try the local pastry on the house.
Because truth be told, subtle racism exists, but so does overwhelming kindness. And for most Indian travellers, that’s what defines their European journey.
So, it’s not about discouraging anyone to avoid their dream Europe trip . As they say, it’s also best to go prepared, or know what to expect beforehand to deal with situations more calmly. Pack your bags, brush up your merci and gracias, and step into that cobblestoned adventure with your head held high. Europe’s charm doesn’t discriminate, and neither should your travel dreams.
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