These 15 US Cities Will Transport You Straight to Europe
Are you dreaming about Europe despite being unable to cross the Atlantic Ocean? A Pacaso survey shows that in 2022, domestic travel remains a priority for 87% of respondents because they are interested in places that offer international cultural experiences.
Many European-like destinations can be found throughout the US territory, representing charm and romance alongside historical heritage. Across America, several communities showcase European-inspired neighborhoods, including streets paved with cobblestones and buildings like Parisian and Bavarian structures.
These 15 selected municipalities showcase complete European atmospheres without requiring any passport or border crossing.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is a telling reminder of European cities through its colonial taste and rich historical facets. The Italianate streets compete with Beacon Hill’s historic district, and gaslit streetlamps make the district feel like an 18th-century English marketplace. The Freedom Trail and Trinity Church are must-visit sites because both historical landmarks possess European-style Romanesque architecture that complements their appearance.
After touring the sights, stop at Boston Public Market, where you can explore authentic, fresh produce alongside baked goods, like in English market towns. You should watch the leaves change in autumn because the beautiful foliage makes Boston’s past magical streets even prettier.
New York City, New York
The North American metropolis frequently earns its status as America’s European city thanks to its global cultural diversity. Tourists can experience the European atmosphere by walking its crowded streets, while Greenwich Village’s remarkable coffee shops offer a cozy European espresso experience.
Wandering through The Met Cloisters lets visitors experience medieval European art and architectural displays, and shoppers will find authentic Italian cuisine in Little Italy. The city’s public transportation system lets you visit distinct urban areas that are part of their Eura atmosphere.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia integrates British colonial designs and classical European architectural traditions throughout its historical landscape. Reliable cobblestones create a maze of pathways throughout Old City, while Georgian architectural elements grace numerous buildings in this district.
Be sure to see Elfreth’s Alley first, then progress to City Hall because this French Second Empire architectural wonder resembles European palaces. Complete your traditional heritage tour with a signature American traditional Philly cheesesteak to experience both cultural standards in one meal.
Carmel, California
Carmel-by-the-Sea’s combination of fanciful houses, Pavia pathways, and colorful garden spaces draws visitors into a European town atmosphere. This destination, combining Greek and Italian architecture with Bavarian flair, will captivate all travelers.
Whenever visiting Carmel Mission Basilica, be sure to experience the sunset views at Sunset Beach, which mimic a Santorini sunset. Explore Ocean Avenue until you discover the host of charming café places and European art gallery spaces. The tourism numbers remain low while the coastal conditions remain ideal during October.
Solvang, California
Dubbed “Little Denmark,” Solvang is a picturesque town founded by Danish immigrants in the early 1900s. Danish windmills, half-timbered houses, and authentic bakery establishments create the charming European atmosphere of this destination.
Visitors can check out the Solvang Windmill and follow up with æbleskiver pastries from local bakeries. Wine lovers who visit should experience the tastings available at neighboring vineyards. The Solvang Danish Days festival, which takes place in September, offers visitors traditional dances and harvest feasts throughout the event.
Leavenworth, Washington
Between the Cascades Mountain range, Leavenworth is America’s tribute to a Bavarian village. All buildings throughout the town adopt Alpine village architectural design while retaining wood-beamed chalets as their main structural elements.
The town celebrates traditional German food with bratwurst and schnitzel offerings, and visitors should join Oktoberfest festivities and ogle at the Christmas Lighting Festival’s dazzling winter spectacle. Wear shoes suitable for exploring because hiking trails nearby Leavenworth reveal spectacular mountain views of Alpine landscapes.
Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara provides tourists with Spanish architectural charm and Mediterranean-style ambiance related to the French coast’s atmosphere. Don’t miss Santa Barbara’s beachfront beauty because sunlight glints on its coastline. Red-tiled roof structures in white stucco blend perfectly with the open city streets.
Landmarks to visit in Santa Barbara include The Santa Barbara Courthouse and Mission Santa Barbara, two icons of Spanish colonial architecture. Enjoy Mediterranean coastal views at Shoreline Park while eating your lunch.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah resembles a European dream through its oak trees draped in moss and historic mansions located among cobblestone streets. The English settlement design of the city streets enhances its traditional European appearance.
Walk through the Historic District before eating afternoon tea at a selection of the city’s numerous tea rooms while visiting Forsyth Park. The spring season provides Savannah’s most spectacular blossom season for visitors to enjoy.
New Orleans, Louisiana
A definitive European sector exists within New Orleans’ French Quarter section. The combination of Spanish and French architectural elements blended with active jazz districts creates provincial European-like cultural interactions throughout the colorful streets that run through Bourbon Street.
You should not leave New Orleans without visiting Café du Monde to enjoy beignets alongside a Jackson Square walk beneath its French colonial buildings. Spring and fall seasons bring better temperatures and smaller crowds during your visit.
Québec City, Canada
Quebec City sits outside US borders yet gives travelers an authentic European vacation that avoids ocean travel. Travelers experience the atmosphere of a historic French village because Quebec City features a stone-walled landmark district and its native French speakers, who populate its walkable pathways with old-world charm.
Two must-visit attractions shine in Québec City: the city-towering Château Frontenac Hotel plus the panoramic viewpoint at Terrasse Dufferin. During winter, Québec City flourishes into a winter paradise that features skating on frozen surfaces and markets to celebrate the holidays.
Mount Dora, Florida
Lying along the lake shoreline, the town delivers a New England atmosphere with European artistic elements. Residents and visitors recognize Mount Dora for its mix of antique markets and creative events that draw weekend travelers.
Check out the Mount Dora Lighthouse after losing yourself among friends with visits to Lake Dora before indulging in seafood at charming local restaurants and intimate cafes. Complement your experience with a creative atmosphere at the Mount Dora Arts Festival in February.
St. Augustine, Florida
Exporting Spanish colonial architecture from its foundation as America’s longest-occupied settlement, St. Augustine maintains European street designs.
Visitors should make time to see Castillo de San Marcos alongside a visit to the Lightner Museum. Stroll down St George Street to find boutique stores and restaurants while listening to local music performances. Experiencing the Bridge of Lions at sunset lets you see amazing views of the surrounding water.
Charleston, South Carolina
This city attracts architecture fans because it combines European-inspired gardens with colorful row houses along cobblestone streets. Walk through the French Quarter while seeing Waterfront Park before eating Lowcountry cuisine at an elegant restaurant.
Summer delivers lush botanical prettiness to the landscape, but autumn’s softer temperatures create ideal walking conditions.
Holland, Michigan
Holland fulfills the expectations of its name through its Dutch architectural style, tulip-furnished streets, and operational windmills. Visitors should not postpone visiting Holland during May’s energetic Tulip Time Festival.
At Nelis’ Dutch Village, visitors can create wooden shoes while experiencing an entire European feel for the day. Due to heavy spring festival visitor traffic, hotels should be booked well in advance.
San Francisco, California
The city features a European feel through cable cars, hard-to-climb slopes, and Victorian-style architecture. It also displays its European feel through its colorful marina channels resembling Italian coastal neighborhoods and the North Beach community’s unofficial Little Italy lifestyle.
Visit Chinatown while enjoying outdoor dining in Little Italy, and then appreciate the famous Alamo Square Painted Ladies architectural gems. Begin your days by exploring different areas using your feet before the peak crowds arrive.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Disclosure: For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
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