I don’t know about you, but I dream of traveling. With the cost of everything going up and with so many countries still having restrictions, it is difficult to plan a trip to Europe. Guess what we found… No passport is required. These cities in the U.S., including the top US cities that feel like Europe, will make you feel like you are in Europe without that long transatlantic flight.
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Boston, Massachusetts
Walk along the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill and head over to the North End for the feel of Italy, or maybe Ireland with the Irish pubs. As one of the oldest major cities in the United States, Boston is so rich in history and European influence. Early English settlers modeled the city and architecture after the English towns they came from.
Washington, D.C.
The capital of the U.S. was designed by a Frenchman, Pierre Charles L’Enfant. He dreamed of a Paris-like city with grand, tree-lined boulevards, gardens and monuments. L’Enfant’s influence is maintained in the city with not just the National Mall or spectacular domes and obelisks, but wide streets, a low skyline and much green space to lend an old-world feel. European diplomatic workers bring their cultures to all of this.
San Francisco, California
A mishmash of world cultures along with temperate climate, palm trees, hills, distant mountains, and a Greek feel juxtaposes magically with Victorian architecture and Spanish culture. The North Beach neighborhood has a great Italian vibe and amazing food. The Presidio area has a mix of Spanish and Russian influence.
St. Augustine, Florida
This Spanish- influenced city is the oldest city in the U.S. It was here that Ponce de Leon allegedly searched for the Fountain of Youth. Castillo de San Marcos and the colonial Spanish quarter are examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture to spread the feel of a very European-inspired visit.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The historic old city in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Elfreth’s Alley, referred to as the nation’s oldest residential street, dating to 1702.
This is home to the country’s oldest continuously inhabited street, Elfreth’s Alley, with British colonial history. PhillyCity Hall is a French Second Empire masterpiece; the Philadelphia Museum of Art resembles a Greek temple, and don’t forget that heavy Italian presence with the Philly cheesesteak.
New Orleans, Louisiana
This city might be the most outwardly European city in the nation. It was settled by the French, turned over to the Spaniards and then passed back to the French. Its architecture, food, music, language, and pace of life reflect the French and Spanish influence. Visit Old Ursuline Convent and view the iron-railed Pontalba Buildings for the Big Easy unique look. Beignets and risque’ nightlife remind visitors of Paris and Amsterdam. There are over 20 National Register Historic Districts to see. It’s not referred to as the French Quarter for nothing!
New Ulm, Minnesota
Made up of more than 50% German-Americans and a high concentration of Scandinavian-Americans. The brewery, founded by a German immigrant, is one of the countries oldest. ‘s It hosts cultural celebrations complete with German-style beer. Attractions include a glockenspiel, Hermann Monument and a genuine Turner Hall.
Santa Barbara, California
Is called the” American Riviera,” as its beaches resemble something you would see in coastal France, but to see Santa Barbara is to see colonial Spain. The city’s white stucco and red-tiled rooftops make it look like a “Western St. Augustine.” Mediterranean-like landscapes and charming pedestrian malls give it that European feel.
Montpelier, Vermont
Distinctly New England, surprisingly funky, vaguely western, and subtly European is the best way to describe this city. State and Main Streets building bring to mind dusty Denver saloons, but Montpelier’s name is a nod to early America’s friendship with France. Quaint farmers’ markets, shops, green hills, and traditional European architecture gives the feel of a French countryside village.
Leavenworth, Washington
It’s a dead ringer for a Bavarian mountain village. German-Americans settled there and Oktoberfest celebrations take place in the Cascade Mountains that make it feel truly alpine. Don’t miss the Nutcracker Museum. It is full of German restaurants and shops.
Solvang, California
This small city was flooded with Danish-Americans at the turn of the 20th century. There is a Lutheran church with half-timber architecture, windmills turning in the heart of town, odes to Hans Christian Andersen and visits from Danish royals and authorities to make it a little Denmark. Beautiful Gardens, horses, and carriages in the streets and scenic countrysides make you feel like you are in Denmark.
Tarpon Springs, Florida
The city with the highest concentration of Greek-Americans lent their expertise in the sponge-harvesting trade. The Greek Orthodox Cathedral heavily influences the local culture and Greek restaurants line the sponge docks.
Newport, Rhode Island
Home of the rich and famous, its mansions, sailing culture, and famed Cliff Walk could make anyone think they’re in the French Riviera. Charter catamaran, eat oysters and sip champagne as you watch the sunset for the ultimate chic getaway with a European vibe.
Holland, Michigan
The city lives up to its moniker with quaint cobblestone streets to remind of European roots. It boasts tulip gardens and windmills for a springtime getaway like no other right here in America. Many Dutch immigrants settled in this area along Lake Michigan going as far back as 1847. This small town is full of Dutch culture including a Holland museum and DeZwaan Windmill. This is an authentic Dutch windmill from 1761 is also the oldest authentic working Dutch windmill in the United States located in Windmill Island. There is a Tulip Time Festival similar to what you see in Holland as well as a Dutch Winterfest.
