The dos and don'ts of attending a place of worship

Whether you're in a church, mosque or temple, you won't go far wrong if you aim always to be respectful. Start by switching off your mobile phone, not eating or smoking, and making sure you get the get the dress code right.

Most places of worship are open and welcoming to newcomers, and if you follow a few basic principles, you're likely to enjoy a warm reception and a very interesting experience.

Dress: Wear loose, comfy clothing, especially for meditation on floor cushions, preferably long sleeves, trousers or skirts. No head covering is usually required. Remove shoes before entering.

What to expect: Services vary. Men and women often sit together. Common elements include chanting, meditation and use of incense.

Dress: Christianity is truly a broad church, and you can find different styles, ranging from the folksy to the very formal. For the latter, modest and respectful dress is recommended, while for the former jeans and T-shirts are perfectly acceptable.

What to expect: A church service can range from very formal (very occasionally, even in Latin) to families sitting around in a semi-circle, singing along to hymns to the accompaniment of guitars and tambourines. Services and masses often involve kneeling and standing at certain points, but it's perfectly acceptable for you just to sit quietly throughout. Check about communion: in a Catholic church, only church members take communion, while in other churches communion may be available to all. Many Christian services end with coffee and a chat in a nearby hall.

Dress: Modestly—avoid shorts, short skirts, bare sleeves or tight-fitting clothes. Remove shoes before entering temple. Do not point your feet towards the deity when seated on the ground.

What to expect: More movement during services than in other religions. A certain amount of noise. Offerings to deities, worshipping with oil lamps and devotion by priests. Food is offered, first to deities and then to worshippers.

Dress: Respectfully and modestly. Men may be asked to cover their head—you'll be given a skullcap known as a "yarmulke". In strict Orthodox synagogues, married women are required to wear head coverings.

What to expect: Synagogues contain an Ark—a structure having doors and a curtain. During certain prayers the doors and curtain may open and close, and worshippers stand when this happens. Orthodox synagogues have a separate section for women; men cannot pray in the presence of women.

Dress: Before entering the church, or temple, remove shoes, wash hands, cover your head.

What to expect: Hymns, readings, prayers. Men usually sit on one side, women on the other.