These Lovely American Cities Feel Like Popular European Destinations, According To Visitors

Europe is known for its walkable cities, scrumptious cuisine, and stunning architecture, but it's not always easy to make it across the pond. Not only do transatlantic flights take hours of travelers' time, but they also leave folks with pesky jet lag and empty wallets. If that sounds like a lot of effort, it's because it is. The good news, however, is that there is a way for people in the U.S. to enjoy a bit of European charm without stepping on an airplane. 

As travel writers, we are familiar with some of America's cutest European-inspired towns and neighborhoods. These destinations allow visitors to experience foreign architecture, food, and walkability in the heart of their own country. Using traveler reviews from personal blogs, Tripadvisor, Google, and our own team at Explore, we compiled a list of amazing spots that will immerse visitors in a new cultural ambiance. We selected destinations based on the authenticity of the aesthetic and the availability of cultural or historic activities.  

If you've been dreaming of cute brick houses, old-fashioned windmills, and fields of colorful tulips, you might feel compelled to explore the Netherlands. But you don't need to book a flight to Amsterdam to experience that famous Dutch charm. Holland, Michigan, is only a 10-minute drive from West Michigan Regional Airport.

Despite its location in the heart of the American Midwest, it feels like it came straight out of a European storybook. At the Windmill Island Gardens, visitors can wander through a gorgeous tulip grove and pose for photos beneath a Dutch-style windmill. One Tripadvisor reviewer gushed about the destination: "It's a great piece of engineering. You can go inside and learn a lot about the construction, how it ended up here in Michigan and the way ... it was operating over the years."

The best part is that the Dutch vibes don't stop there. Dekker Huis is a gorgeous museum that tells the history of the Dutch influence in the region. Van Raalt Farm Park preserves an old-timey farmhouse that gives visitors a taste of how people lived a century ago. Top that off with a visit to Neli's Dutch Village theme park, and you might just feel like you're in Holland. Recalling their time at the latter attraction, one blogger applauded the cultural immersion experience on From Michigan With Love, writing that they "watched a cheese making demonstration and the Dutch dancers' performance."

Most travelers know that New Orleans, Louisiana, exudes some serious French vibes, especially for those who want to know how to visit Nola during Mardi Gras. But the Crescent City is not the only Louisiana town that's bursting with French influence. The small town of Natchitoches, Louisiana, is only 2.4 miles from Natchitoches Regional Airport and boasts incredible architecture. Centuries ago, leading up to the Louisiana Purchase, the city was controlled by the Spanish and, later, the French governments. During this time, locals built a European-style Main Street with charming brick buildings and cobblestone streets. On the outskirts of the center, Creole cabins were also constructed, creating an ambiance reminiscent of a Spanish or French village.

Modern visitors adore Natchitoches for its blend of contemporary convenience with fascinating history. A stop at Kaffie Frederick General Mercantile Store is an essential part of any journey, as it is the oldest general store in Louisiana. Describing the Natchitoches Main Street on Google reviews, one tourist gave a shout-out to this iconic spot, "Quaint southern Louisiana college town with a mix of old traditions and new. Lots of restaurants and shops even a real old time general store." Carriage rides also add to the town's historic vibe, and they are a visitor favorite. As one traveler wrote on Google reviews, "Fantastic drivers, tour, and horses! You can tell these folks really have a deep love for the town they are giving tours in ..."

Back in the day, Belfast, Northern Ireland, was a major center for shipbuilding; even the ill-fated Titanic was constructed there. Perhaps, then, it was only fate that Belfast, Maine, would share an industry with its namesake. Located nearly two hours from Portland by car, Belfast owes much of its Old World architecture to the shipbuilders who constructed their brick homes in the town's center. The result is an eclectic yet historic feel that will make you feel like you've traveled across the pond. In the words of our Explore senior features editor — a Maine local — "Some of the places [in Belfast] have a real old-school vibe to them, such as the Colonial Theatre, which has a brightly-colored façade and an elephant sculpture on the roof. There are also some really cool wood carvings and other art pieces scattered around town."

Even more than a century after its heyday, the old-fashioned Belfast Harbor stands as a memory of moments past. To absorb the atmosphere, stroll through the area and check out the docks. As our senior editor pointed out, "The Belfast Harbor Walk is going to be one of the biggest draws. It takes you by the public wharf and shipyard, both of which are filled with a mix of modern and older vessels. There's also a footbridge that leads across the water with great views." As you gaze out at the Atlantic, try to imagine Northern Ireland waiting for you on the other side.

The Greek coast has inspired stories ranging from "Ulysses" to "Mamma Mia," and you no longer need to whip out your passport to experience its charms. The town of Avalon, California, on Santa Catalina Island, embraces Greek-style scenery with its rolling hills, dramatic coastline, and hordes of white houses. Located less than an hour from Catalina Airport, this is one of the best day trips from Los Angeles. As one traveler wrote on the Lost Luxe LA blog, "Okay, let me start this by saying we LOVED our experience. It was 10/10 and we had the best time! ... Truly felt like we were in Europe somewhere, Amalfi Coast and Greece vibes!"

As if the actual scenery weren't European enough, Avalon is home to the California Chimes Tower, which rings every quarter of an hour. On a visual level, the structure calls to mind the many clock towers and church bells that pepper the Old World landscape, but the real draw is its location on a hill over the Pacific Ocean. Visitors hike to the base of the tower and gaze down at the landscape. "Catalina Chimes Tower is a beautiful and peaceful spot with amazing views over Avalon. The history behind the tower is fascinating, and hearing the chimes ring is magical," shared one happy traveler on Google. While the hike to the top may be steep, the incredible sights at the end are more than worth your effort.

Iowa may not be known as a Dutch cultural center, but that doesn't mean that the Hawkeye State lacks one of the biggest Dutch colonies in the U.S. Au contraire. The town of Pella, Iowa, represents a fascinating blend of European finishes with American midwestern charm, making for a destination that showcases multiculturalism at its finest. At the Vander Ploeg Bakery Co., travelers have the chance to experience Dutch baked goods at an establishment that has been serving the community since 1847. Describing the institution on Tripadvisor, one patron shared, "... the current ownership continues to use the original recipes and the bakery products they produce are superb. When entering the bakery it is similar to small bakeries throughout Holland. There is something calm and old world about the bakery."

As Dutch as this bakery may be, certain elements of Pella are all-American. Main Street, for example, blends 19th-century American brick shops with Dutch-style architecture. There is even a massive windmill that presides over the town, bringing a taste of the Netherlands to visitors and locals. The Sunken Gardens Park also represents an important destination for cultural tourism, thanks to its fields of 15,000 tulips. One Google reviewer adored this location, writing, "Great place to stroll. During tulip season, even better. Learn about the founding of Pella on historical markers in the park, and visit a restored log cabin." To explore Pella, drive 50 minutes from Des Moines.

The word "Naples" may call to mind the popular Italian city of the same name. But if Naples, Italy, is all about the grunge, Naples, Florida, is reputed for its trendy, award-winning restaurants and waterside vibes. Because of this, the town carries less of a resemblance to its namesake city and more of a likeness to another Italian powerhouse, Venice. The town's famous Venetian Bay comprises restaurants and houses built on stilts over the water. Its shopping center, The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, features funky, Italian-style buildings with a tall faux clock tower in the center.

As Florida locals, we have been to this spot dozens of times to wander along the shoreline and gaze at this unique architectural feat. Stroll past the stores at The Village Shops, grab an ice cream or an Aperol Spritz, and snap some cute photos by the bay. You might just find yourself immersed in the dolce vita. Per the recommendations of one Google traveler, "I found it to be a very welcoming place to walk around, with stunning views, and the perfect spot to enjoy anything from a coffee [to] a glass of wine." The best part is that you can spend a whole afternoon soaking up the ambiance at Venetian Bay. To check out Naples, drive one hour from Fort Myers or two hours from Miami.

Germany is known for its fairy tale towns, but you don't need to travel across the Atlantic to get a feel for storybook architecture. Located 45 minutes by car from Pangborn Memorial Airport, the town of Leavenworth, Washington, brims with Bavarian charm. Unlike many similar cities, Leavenworth was actually planned as an attraction. Back in the 1960s, local leaders decided to give the city a German makeover to attract tourists and bolster local businesses. 

To date, the project has been a success. As per the travelers behind the Wheatless Wanderlust blog, "The Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth, tucked away in the eastern foothills of the Cascades in Washington State, is surprisingly enjoyable without feeling cheesy or overdone. It doesn't seem like a themed town like this should work ... but Leavenworth is special." Part of the secret to the town's charm is its popping restaurant scene. With beer gardens, homemade sausages, and pretzels galore, Leavenworth is the perfect place for foodies to enjoy a weekend of fun.

Outdoor enthusiasts will also get a kick out of this destination. Just like a true Bavarian village, Leavenworth offers easy access to activities like skiing and hiking. You can also swing by a reindeer farm for a bit of a Scandinavian twist. One traveler shared their experience on Tripadvisor: "We never stopped smiling from the time we got there until we went to bed at night. Feeding, petting and learning about the reindeer and the farm will be something [I'll] never forget."

Salem, Massachusetts, is a town that practically needs no introduction. As the site of the famous Salem Witch Trials, this town all but oozes with ghosts of times past. Just a 40-minute drive from Boston, the center of this town boasts British colonial-style brick buildings that recall the days leading up to American independence. The cobblestone streets are so well groomed that you can practically imagine a horse-drawn carriage rolling over them. 

The best part, though, is that you don't need to use much imagination to learn about Salem's history under British rule. After all, guides lead walking tours of the city, providing fascinating glimpses into what life was like during the age of the witch trials. After enjoying the History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour, one traveler mused on Viator, "It was amazing, a step back into history, our guide Diane had a plethora of knowledge, and encouraged questions and enthusiastically had the answers ..."

To dig even further into the city's past, head to the Witch Dungeon Museum. There, you can watch a performance of the famous witch trials and check out a real European-style dungeon. Visitors enjoy the thrill of the experience as well as the interesting historical information. In the words of one Google reviewer, "The visit starts with a live reenactment of an actual 1692 witch trial transcript, performed by costumed actors. The performance was dramatic and engaging — it really set the tone for the rest of the tour and helped bring the history to life."

The palace at Versailles is a bucket list destination that everyone needs to visit once. However, finding the time and money to travel to Paris is not exactly a walk in the park. Folks looking to get a taste of Versailles without leaving the continental U.S. might consider heading to Wilmington, Delaware — where a replica of the famous palace sits on 300 acres of land. Indeed, the Nemours Estate seeks to embrace elements of royal French architecture, including a 47,000-square-foot structure. Previous visitors had wonderful things to say about their time there, with one writing on Tripadvisor, "There is nothing negative about this experience. The estate is breathtaking. I appreciated that the house is self-guided but has an expert in every room for questions/information."

Even travelers who had previously visited Versailles had to admit that the Nemours Estate was a sight to behold. Compared to the French property, Nemours even holds a special draw, thanks to its relatively low-key profile. "The entire estate is nearly as impressive as Versailles. But unlike Versailles, Nemours is mercifully uncrowded. Even on a weekend there were only a few dozen visitors on the entire estate. Nemours is a hidden gem," explained one visitor on Tripadvisor. Wilmington is a 40-minute drive from Philadelphia and 1.5 hours from Baltimore. 

Just two hours outside of Atlanta, Georgia, there exists a miniature German paradise that will immerse you in a fairytale European environment. With its cute Bavarian architecture and adorable German restaurants, Helen, Georgia, makes for the perfect weekend escape. Visitors can even visit a castle — known as the Uhuburg — as they soak up maximum European vibes. Folks who have stopped at this castle in the past say that it's a fascinating place to explore. Writing on Tripadvisor, one visitor recalled, "The castle was so pretty. They had a [sword fighting] demonstration that was entertaining and educational. The guys did a great job with it. The staff was very nice. Overall it was a great time."

Christmastime at Helen is said to be particularly special, as the town embraces German-style holiday magic. Every year, locals decorate Helen with sparkling lights and a festive market. As one traveler put it on the Florida Man on the Run blog, "Many of the buildings in the core of town invoke these design aesthetics. This is amplified even further during the Christmas season, when Helen seeks to mimic the Christmas Markets found in many parts of Europe." Grab a cup of hot cocoa or even traditional mulled wine and sit on one of the town's large wooden tables. As you sip your holiday beverage, gaze up at the faux German buildings and experience a taste of Bavaria. 

Compiling this list of the best European-inspired destinations in the United States was a fantastic experience. Although there are many towns with British architecture scattered across the U.S., we wanted to mention cities with other influences as well. With this in mind, we highlighted Holland and Pella for their Dutch features, while we selected Leavenworth and Helen for a Bavarian touch. Natchitoches and Wilmington immerse visitors in French history through old-timey buildings. And, if Avalon has major Greek vibes, Naples will make you feel like you're in the heart of Venice. Belfast and Salem have British architecture, but we chose them for their exceptional characteristics — the former for its historic shipbuilding industry and the latter for its shocking witch trials.

In addition to shedding light on towns representing diverse countries, we wanted to include destinations from different parts of the United States. While Helen, Natchitoches, and Naples are located in the southeast, Holland and Pella are in the Midwest. Leavenworth and Avalon represent the Pacific, while Salem and Belfast are in New England. Wilmington is nestled in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic, providing an easy day trip for people living in the region between Washington, D.C., and New York.