These 17 U.S. Cities Look and Feel Like They Belong in Europe
If you dream of strolling through European cobblestone streets or admiring centuries-old architecture but can’t cross the Atlantic, look no further. Multiple cities throughout the United States have European charm by showcasing history and European ambiance through American locations that skip passport requirements.
These locations present visitors with European charm they can experience inside American borders. Take your luggage for a tour across the 17 U.S. cities that imitate European travel experiences.
Leavenworth, Washington – A Bavarian Dream
The city of Leavenworth in the Cascade foothills creates such a German-themed ambiance that visitors could easily mistake it for being in Germany. This town presents itself as a Bavarian-style village with German street signs.
Its architecture matches local chalets, and its wintry atmosphere resembles a snow globe scene. Visitors can celebrate Oktoberfest any time since bratwursts, giant pretzels, and beer halls are found at every street corner. The schnitzel at the Andreas Keller restaurant is a must-try food in Leavenworth.
During the festive season, Leavenworth maintains a Christmas market that will transport you through the gates of a Bavarian Christmas wonderland and create a feeling that may tempt you into thinking Santa will provide you with a glass of glühwein.
New Glarus, Wisconsin – Switzerland in America
Cowbells, cheese, and rolling hills—New Glarus is aptly nicknamed “Little Switzerland.” The Swiss immigrants established this tiny community where citizens showcase authentic yodeling traditions while hosting fondue dinners and building their homes in the traditional chalet style.
And then there’s the beer. The New Glarus Brewing Company has mastered the production of the iconic Wisconsin beverage Spotted Cow ale by creating its creamy consistency. Attractive Alpine features can be found throughout the year at the Wilhelm Tell Festival, together with alphorn concerts. Bringing your hiking shoes alongside Rösti cravings will lead you to European perfection in this town.
Savannah, Georgia – An Elegant Southern Paris
Experience a city that combines Spanish moss-twined streets with elegant squares, fountains, and architectural beauty in what could be the Parisian arrondissement. The oldest Georgian city, Savannah, welcomes you with its French-inspired elegance, enriching the traditional southern charm of the place.
Browsing through antebellum homes along Jones Street is complemented by the locals who offer delicious croissants in their bakeries. Any history enthusiast will enjoy a walk through Bonaventure Cemetery because the morbid atmosphere feels more like a European graveyard.
Solvang, California – A Slice of Denmark
The daily Danish pastry consumption question can finally be solved by visiting Solvang. The quaint California town is a Danish relic featuring windmills, Scandinavian stores, and butter cookies that will stay in your thoughts for weeks.
Visitors can experience Danish authenticity at the Hans Christian Andersen Museum and the Californian wine culture of local wineries in the same place. Visitors need windmill photos to prove their Solvang visit occurred.
St. Augustine, Florida – Old World Spain Meets Florida Beaches
With its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, St. Augustine openly displays its Spanish historical heritage to its residents and citizens. Founded in 1565, it is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States, according to a Florida Department of State report.
A Florida sunshine-infused piece of Seville awaits visitors who stroll along St. Augustine. People can observe the vast Spanish star fortress known as Castillo de San Marcos and enjoy waterfront restaurants with their rendition of paella. The best part? Sun-soaked beaches of the Atlantic Ocean can be reached by walking a few steps.
Holland, Michigan – Dutch Tulip Magic
According to Forbes, Holland becomes a lively floral haven during the annual Tulip Time Festival, the city’s treasured and prominent celebration every spring.
Sizable tulip fields match the Netherlands’ floral landscape through tulip blooms, and traditional Dutch windmills with wooden shoe workshops replicate its authentic appearance. Be sure to visit the DeZwaan Windmill, originally from the Netherlands, which has been operating for over 250 years.
Frankenmuth, Michigan – Bavarian Christmas Central
When you arrive in Frankenmuth, often called Michigan’s “Little Bavaria, “you might feel like you’ve entered a Hallmark movie. The city draws fame from its world-famous Bronner’s, which operates as the world’s largest holiday retailer every season.
The highlight experience at Zehnder’s features traditional German chicken dinners with abundant sides and fresh-baked bread.
Charleston, South Carolina – English Elegance With Southern Comfort
The combination of Southern hospitality and the 18th-century English atmosphere in Charleston creates a unique dance. Visitors explore buildings with pastel townhome colors and cobblestoned pathways while feeling London’s sophistication in this seaport town.
Every visitor should experience Charleston’s classic charm by riding a horse-drawn carriage through its antique district, followed by tea time inside one of its refined tearooms. The charm of this place reaches a thickness, matching the Spanish moss that hangs from the urban landscape.
Pella, Iowa – Little Amsterdam in the Midwest
The town of Pella is a delightful tribute to Dutch heritage. During May each year, it hosts a Tulip Festival that generates vibrant flower displays that match the beauty of Amsterdam’s canal flower arrangements.
The Vermeer Mill adds Dutch authenticity to Pella, and its Dutch bakeries draw photographic attention and satisfy your appetite.
Vail, Colorado – Austria With a Ski Slope
Vail rests in the Rocky Mountains in a way that reveals its unmistakable alpine atmosphere. A piece of an Austrian village somehow appeared where Colorado has its backyard.
The European enclave in Vail presents an authentic Alpine experience through its snow-covered mountains, traditional buildings, and cobblestoned lanes, from which panoramic vistas can be enjoyed.
Both winter skiing and summer hiking activities provide residents and visitors of Vail access to elevated, magical experiences.
Fredericksburg, Texas – Germany, But Make it Texas-Sized
Texas hospitality retains its identity alongside Fredericksburg’s traditional German cultural heritage. This community provides its citizens with authentic German bratwursts and Texas sunset-viewing experiences.
You can visit the National Museum of the Pacific War (NMPW), which honors Pacific War veterans, and the various wineries throughout the area. Don’t skip dessert—German chocolate cake here is worth the calories.
Venice, California – California’s Quirky Answer to Venice
Venice Beach’s free-spirited artistic nature matches its namesake, even without its original gondolas. It features the Venice Canals, which the architects designed to replicate the original canals in Venice.
The busy boardwalk presents an exciting combination of unique and imaginative elements that create a European-style madhouse atmosphere within California.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California – A Coastal Amalfi
Carmel’s picturesque coastal landscapes and traditional cottages will make you mistake the location for Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Take a leisurely beach walk while holding a gelato for a sweet taste of tranquility that encourages you to enjoy the Dolce Vita lifestyle.
With its fairytale-like atmosphere, the downtown area becomes a perfect location to taste wines in the afternoon.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas – Victorian Charm in the Ozarks
Eureka Springs, as reported by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, was established in 1879 in the Ozarks region, creating an experience resembling Victorian literature. The entire downtown district is on the National Register of Historic Places and showcases nineteenth-century European architectural design.
The town invites visitors to walk narrow streets, stay in quaint bed and breakfasts, and explore its active art community because it presents itself in a distinctly unique way.
Montpelier, Vermont – French Countryside Feels
The vast verdant terrain of Vermont presents American visitors with the closest experience of French countryside scenery, which overlooks serene landscapes beyond the busy city life.
The café culture of Montpellier provides the same relaxing atmosphere as small Provençal towns because people from the community and visitors come together to drink coffee and eat freshly made pastries.
Shoppers can explore numerous artisanal shops featuring Vermont-made cheese, local ingredients, maple products, and unique regional specialties. Vermont presents an elegant European atmosphere that matches the peaceful New England essence.
Solomons Island, Maryland – Breton Bliss on Chesapeake Bay
Solomons Island resembles a waterfront resort with timeless Brittany-style charm found in seaside villages. The waterfront location of this perfect place sits on the Patuxent River, where the natural landscape meets coastal refinement.
Small sailboats drifting inside the marina create maritime pictures that transform the area into a welcoming retirement era. The oyster shacks on the docks provide local seafood opportunities, as boutique shops and art galleries display local artists’ work in their hidden spots.
At Solomons Island, you can enjoy the boardwalk pathway, visit the historic lighthouse, and relax among the island’s relaxed European charm while escaping typical daily stresses.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee – Alpine Adventures in Appalachia
The National Park Service report designates the Smoky Mountains as America’s most popular national park—the town of Gatlinburg appeals to visitors through its combination of natural landscapes and European mountain spirit.
Tennessee residents can explore three main attractions in this heartland city, which include ski resorts alongside European-style beer gardens and well-lit rustic chalets that create an Austrian ambience among the Appalachian mountains.
The park offers infinite hiking paths leading to stunning natural vistas, and visitors can enjoy regional chocolates with homemade artisanal items.
Gatlinburg provides visitors with a delightful fusion of active leisure, local culture, and friendly village charm, catering to guests who desire both revitalization and relaxing environments.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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