What North American city feels the most European?

New Orleans, Louisiana Settled by the French, turned over to the Spanish, and passing back through French hands before landing in America's lap in 1803, New Orleans might be the most outwardly European city in the nation.

What European city is closest to the USA?

The closest European country to the United States is Iceland. Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is approximately 2,482 miles (3,994 kilometers) from New York City , which is closer than any other European capital.

What US city is most like Germany?

Leavenworth, WA Inspired by the Cascade Mountains surrounding the town, Leavenworth was remodeled in the 1960s to resemble a German village. And the town didn't stop at aesthetics.

Which US city is most like England?

Perhaps best known as the strongest contender for America's most Irish city, Beantown also makes a good case for being its most British. For the history buffs among us, this will probably come as no surprise.

Which US state is most like France?

1. New Orleans, Louisiana . Founded in 1718, the French Quarter is the oldest part of the Big Easy. While the French Quarter's energy is certainly different from that of most neighborhoods across Paris, the architecture is reminiscent of buildings in France.

Which US state is the closest to Europe?

The closest US state to Europe is the state of Maine . Specifically, the easternmost point in Maine, known as West Quoddy Head, is only about 3,154 kilometers (1,556 nautical miles) from the western coast of Portugal. This makes Maine closer to Europe than any other state in the contiguous United States.

What US city is most like Paris?

Quebec City and Washington might make you feel like you are roaming in Paris. But New Orleans is where you will find yourself partying like a true Parisian. Buzzing French culture and architecture resides in New Orleans. Delicious French cuisine will surely add European charm.

Is it cheaper to live in the US or Germany?

Cost of living in Germany vs the USA If you're a US citizen moving to Germany, you'll be pleased to know that the cost of living in Germany is about 21% cheaper than in the USA . This is because the costs of food, rent, utilities and education are significantly lower in Germany than in the USA.

Which US state is like Germany?

That's easy. Wisconsin , which has a lot of terrain nearly indistinguishable from the Mittelgebirge belt that runs across central Germany and forms the bulk of Germany's topography. The climate is fairly similar, too, though it's definitely more extreme in Wisconsin.

Which US city has the most European immigrants?

The New York City Metropolitan Area is home to the largest European population in the United States.

Where do Europeans visit the most in the US?

According to Jetcost, a large majority of tourists have opted for California at the top of Europeans' searches, with Los Angeles as the second most wanted city in the U.S. for German and Italian tourists.

Does Quebec City feel like Europe?

With narrow, cobblestone streets, European-inspired architecture, and a primarily French-speaking population, Québec City, Canada, feels like a European paradise .

Can't Make It To Europe This Summer? 14 North American Cities That Feel European (2024)

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

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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

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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.

12 Savannah, Georgia, USA

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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

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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

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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

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Danish Street in Solvang, a perfect vacation fall destination for families in California

8 Boston, Massachusetts, United States

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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