Summary
- North America offers European charm and architecture without the expensive overseas flights. Cities like San Miguel de Allende and San Juan have colonial-era architecture and a Mediterranean vibe.
- Savannah and Charleston have Southern charm and well-preserved historic districts that resemble European cities like Edinburgh and Bath.
- Montreal's Old Montreal district feels like stepping into Paris, while Solvang in California offers a taste of Denmark with its Danish-style architecture and bakeries.
Travelers might want a European vacation this summer, like the budget-friendly Lisbon in Portugal, but the reality is that overseas flights are expensive and not always within the budget. While there are cities suitable for travelers on a budget, it's possible to find the European charm within North America.
Cobblestone streets, historic buildings, windmills, Bavarian towns, and tulip fields can be found in North America. Traveling the continent also involves short flights, and travelers don't need to plan much. These North American cities are distinctly European thanks to their history, so travelers can add them to their summer bucket list on a budget.
UPDATE: 2023/09/30 21:34 EST BY LUANA FERREIRA
Most European-Like Cities In North America
It's no secret that North America has a strong influence from European countries. Therefore, it's possible to find many cities that make people feel they are in France, England, Scotland, Netherlands, and other countries. This list has been updated to include more cities, such as San Miguel Allende and San Juan.
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14 San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
The town of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
San Miguel de Allende, nestled in Mexico's central highlands, still features architecture from the colonial era. Its cobblestone streets, well-preserved architecture, and leafy plazas are a heritage of the Spanish colonizers.
The city's Baroque and Neoclassical facades, painted in warm hues, evoke a Spanish colonial influence. San Miguel de Allende's artistic community further enriches its cultural tapestry, reminiscent of a Mediterranean town. With its blend of Mexican warmth and European vibe, it's no wonder the city is often likened to a charming European destination in the heart of Mexico.
- Feels like: Toledo, Spain
- Top Attractions: San Miguel Arcángel Church, Fabrica la Aurora, Botanical Garden
13 San Juan, Puerto Rico
The vibrant La Perla neighborhood in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a vibrant Caribbean capital with a rich history and a lively modern spirit. Its UNESCO-listed Old San Juan boasts cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and imposing forts, echoing the charm of cities like Seville and Cartagena.
The city's lively energy, fueled by salsa rhythms and bustling markets, evokes the vivacity of Havana. San Juan's fusion of Spanish, African, and Taino influences creates a unique cultural tapestry. The city offers stunning beaches, world-class cuisine, and a welcoming spirit.
- Feels like: Seville, Spain
- Top Attractions: Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Castillo San Cristóbal
12 Savannah, Georgia, USA
Historic houses in the neighborhoods of Savannah, Georgia, USA
Savannah, Georgia, has a Southern charm, and visitors love its antebellum architecture and cobbled squares. Its thriving arts scene, culinary delights, and hospitable locals make it an enchanting destination for history and culture enthusiasts.
This city along the Savannah River is often likened to Charleston, South Carolina, for its well-preserved historic district. Its 18th and 19th-century townhouses, parks, and oak-lined streets evoke a European elegance reminiscent of cities like Edinburgh or Bath.
The city is linked to America's history, as it played a pivotal role in the American Revolution and Civil War.
- Feels like: Edinburgh, Scotland
- Top Attractions: Forsyth Park, The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, The Old Pink House
11 Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Dock street theater building facade with rows of stucco columns federal architecture in Charleston, South Carolina French quarter old town
Charleston, South Carolina, features plenty of cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and enchanting gardens. Often compared to cities like Edinburgh, Charleston's well-preserved antebellum buildings and ornate wrought-iron balconies can make people feel like they are in Scotland.
The city's waterfront promenades and charming squares offer a taste of European urban planning. Its rich history is reminiscent of European cities like London or Paris. When visiting, tourists can enjoy world-class cuisine and warm hospitality.
- Feels like: Edinburgh, Scotland
- Top Attractions: Charleston City Market, Joe Riley Waterfront Park, White Point Garden
10 Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Montreal Downtown View at night, Canada
The Telegraph has infamously described Montreal, Canada, as “half Brooklyn and half Paris.” This description is fairly accurate, considering modern parts of the city do have a distinctly North American feel. Still, when stepping into the heart of Old Montreal, travelers are undeniably transported to the French capital of Paris.
- Feels Like: Paris, France
- Top Attraction: Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal
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9 Solvang, California, United States
Danish Street in Solvang, a perfect vacation fall destination for families in California
The city of Solvang, California, is located in Santa Barbara County and is well known for its Danish-style architecture. The charming city boasts wooden windmills, excellent places to eat, beer gardens, pancake houses, and Danish bakeries. It’s the perfect destination for a taste of Denmark in America.
- Feels Like: Denmark
- Top Attraction: Elverhøj Museum of History & Art
8 Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Boston Seaport
Boston, Massachusetts, is a popular destination for travelers exploring New England. But what many people might not realize is that the city bears many similarities to another destination on the opposite side of the Atlantic: London. Colonial brick homes and cobblestone streets are some of the obvious visual comparisons between the two. Boston is extremely walkable, like London, and has exceptional cuisine.
- Feels Like: London, England
- Top Attraction: Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
7 San Francisco, California, United States
Fall foliage at the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California, USA
San Francisco is a vibrant city on California’s northern coast. While it has a lot of Asian influence, San Francisco also resembles the European destination of Lisbon, Portugal, in many ways. San Francisco and Lisbon are sometimes referred to as sister cities. They are both coastal, both have a famous tram system and while San Francisco has the Golden Gate Bridge, Lisbon has the similar Ponte 25 de Abril.
- Feels Like: Lisbon, Portugal
- Top Attraction: Golden Gate Bridge
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6 Holland, Michigan, United States
Tulips during the Tulip Time festival in Holland, Michigan
Holland, Michigan, is a city that is known for its Dutch heritage and displays it proudly. Attractions like the De Zwaan windmill and the annual tulip festival all present a shocking likeness to Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
- Feels Like: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Top Attraction: Windmill Island Gardens
5 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Trumpet and trombone players on Frenchman street in New Orleans
New Orleans, famously called the Big Easy, is worth visiting even if travelers aren’t seeking a European-like destination. The fascinating city has a combination of French, Spanish, and Creole influences that contribute to its exceptional gastronomy scene and gorgeous architecture. New Orleans is considered the most prominent area of Francophone culture in the United States, with significant French language and influence still present there today.
- Feels Like: France
- Top Attraction: French Quarter
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4 Helen, Georgia, United States
Helen Square in Helen, Georgia, featuring German architecture throughout the Bavarian Alpine-style town
This mountain city in Georgia’s northeast is known for its Bavarian-style architecture and vineyards that are sure to transport travelers across seas to Germany. Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen is a shop in Helen that is straight out of a German fairytale. Return in the fall for Helen's famous Oktoberfest.
- Feels Like: Bavaria, Germany
- Top Attraction: Anna Ruby Falls
3 Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Old Quebec
Quebec City is another Canadian city in the province of Quebec that has a distinctly French feel to it. The city is proud of its French heritage and has a primarily French-speaking population. Once called the capital of New France, Quebec City is one of the oldest European settlements in North America, accounting for its gorgeous French architecture. Unlike Montreal, it’s not comparable to Paris but to smaller French cities like Saint-Malo.
- Feels Like: France
- Top Attraction: La Citadelle de Quebec
2 Leavenworth, Washington, United States
Autumn afternoon with fall foliage in the Bavarian village of Leavenworth, Washington, USA
Located in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth is a Bavarian-style village that brings German charm to the United States. Not only do the buildings have Alpine-inspired architecture like a Swiss or German ski town, but there are lots of restaurants serving traditional German cuisine here as well. While it’s worth visiting in summer, travelers may want to mark a return to Leavenworth on their calendars for December since the city’s Christmas lights display and Christmas Markets are simply magical.
- Feels Like: Bavaria, Germany
- Top Attraction: Icicle Brewing Company
1 Catalina Island, California, United States
Sunset at Avalon, Catalina Island, CA, California, USA
Travelers can be transported to the French Riviera from the Pacific Coast of the United States on California's beautiful Catalina Island. Santa Catalina is one of California’s Channel Islands, with the resort town of Two Harbors at the heart of its tourism industry. Travelers can also choose to stay in the city of Avalon further south on the island. There are lots of things to see and do on the island, from staying in luxury hotels to embarking on exciting outdoor adventures.
- Feels Like: The French Riviera
- Top Attraction: Catalina Island Conservancy