When one thinks of Europe, visions of cobblestone streets, charming cafes, and centuries-old architecture often come to mind. However, you don’t have to cross the Atlantic to experience the enchanting ambiance of Europe. Nestled in The Palm Beaches’ heart are hidden gems that exude European flair. Whether you’re a local looking for a European escape or a traveler yearning for a taste of the Old World, these 10 places are sure to transport you across the pond without leaving the Sunshine State.

1. Visit Worth Avenue in Palm Beach

Often referred to as the “Rodeo Drive of Florida,” Worth Avenue in Palm Beach embodies luxury and sophistication. Its Mediterranean-inspired architecture, upscale boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and palm-lined streets evoke the glamour of European shopping districts.

Indeed, architect Addison Mizner wanted the avenue to look like a Mediterranean village, where different styles and eras of buildings are added over centuries. When designing Worth Ave, he used motifs from several countries and time periods.

Make sure to visit the short “vias” located off the main street. Via Parigi, Via Mizner, Via Roma, and Via Amore are just a few of the vias filled with boutiques and outdoor dining options.

If you’re hungry after a day of shopping, make your way to Pizza Al Fresco. Located in Via Mizner, this peculiar restaurant offers delicious brick-oven pizzas and classic Italian specialties in an outdoor courtyard surrounded by beautiful architecture.

Hidden among the fern fronds of the restaurant’s courtyard, you’ll find the only cemetery in Palm Beach—actually a pet cemetery. One of the two graves resting there belongs to spider monkey Johnnie Brown, the famous pet once belonging to architect Addison Mizner. Johnnie Brown became famous in Palm Beach around the 1920s, as he made his way around the island on the shoulder of Mizner.

2. Shop and Dine at CityPlace

CityPlace is a shopping and dining destination in downtown West Palm Beach that offers a blend of architectural and cultural elements that contribute to the cosmopolitan vibe found in many European cities.

The architecture of several buildings in CityPlace draws inspiration from European styles, featuring facades with decorative details reminiscent of European urban centers. Moreover, the layout of CityPlace, with its pedestrian-friendly streets, outdoor cafes, and fountain-filled plazas, creates a lively atmosphere similar to European squares and promenades.

Additionally, CityPlace organized daily events, from yoga and wellness classes to live music performances. Check out their events calendar here!

3. Stroll in The Gardens of The Society of the Four Arts

Step into a European-style cultural oasis at the Society of the Four Arts. This picturesque venue hosts art exhibitions, lectures, and concerts amidst lush gardens reminiscent of those found in European estates.

Founded in 1936, this nonprofit cultural organization is one of Palm Beach’s oldest and most respected cultural destinations. The 10-acre campus along the Intracoastal Waterway in Palm Beach includes a performance hall, an art gallery designed by famed architect Addison Mizner, a modern education center devoted to lifelong learning, a library, a children’s library, and beautiful sculpture gardens designed in 1938.

4. Enjoy an Italian Aperitivo at Bar Capri

As the golden hour descends, make your way to Bar Capri, the new rooftop bar of Elisabetta’s Ristorante in downtown West Palm Beach. Offering stunning vistas of the Intracoastal Waterway, this is the perfect place to unwind with a cocktail while basking in the scenic views. Bar Capri offers an extensive drink menu with classic Italian cocktails, martinis, champagne cocktails, and a selection of red and white wines. Additionally, the bar offers a short food menu which includes pizza, cheese boards, and snacks.

After your drink, head downstairs to Elisabetta’s Ristorante and savor authentic Italian dishes on the West Palm Beach waterfront. With its warm and inviting interior, reminiscent of a traditional Italian trattoria, and charming outdoor seating area, this restaurant captures the essence of dining in Italy.

5. Visit Whitehall, A European Palace

Step inside the Gilded Age elegance of Whitehall, the former winter retreat of railroad magnate Henry Flagler. Modeled after a European palace, this magnificent mansion showcases opulent architecture and furnishings reminiscent of European aristocratic estates.

Situated on the west side of Palm Beach Island, Whitehall was completed in 1902 and used by Flagler and his wife as a winter retreat until 1913. The 100,000-square-foot mansion is today a National Historic Landmark home to the Flagler Museum. The museum has restored Whitehall in all its gilded glamour and highlights Flagler’s accomplishments in shaping Florida’s history and America’s Gilded Age.

Changing exhibitions and special programs are offered throughout the Palm Beach season, and visitors can climb aboard Flagler’s private Railcar No. 91 which dates to 1896. Buy your tickets here.

6. Explore European Collections at The Norton Museum of Art

Explore a world-class collection of art spanning continents and centuries at the Norton Museum of Art. Housed in a modern building, this cultural gem showcases masterpieces ranging from Renaissance paintings to contemporary sculptures.

The Norton Museum of Art was founded in 1941 by Ralph Hubbard Norton and his wife Elizabeth Calhoun Norton. Ralph and his wife began collecting to decorate their home, but then they became interested in art for its own sake and formed a sizable collection of paintings and sculptures. In 1935, the couple began to spend more time in The Palm Beaches. They contemplated what to do with their art collection and eventually decided to found their own museum in West Palm Beach. Today, the Norton Museum of Art is internationally known for its distinguished collection, which includes masterpieces of 19th- and 20th-century paintings and sculptures by European and American artists, and Chinese jade and bronze artifacts that are considered among the best in the world. 

Get your tickets.

7. Stay at The Breakers Palm Beach

Experience the splendor of a European palace at The Breakers Palm Beach, a historic resort inspired by the Italian Renaissance. Founded by Henry M. Flagler in 1896, The Breakers is situated on 140 acres of oceanfront property in Palm Beach.

The resort’s legacy began with the development of the Royal Poinciana Hotel, a Georgian beauty built on the shores of Lake Worth. Opening to universal acclaim, Flagler quickly decided to expand his estate, constructing a second hotel on the beachfront portion of the property, down by “the breakers,” or where the waves crash. 

Throughout the years, The Breakers has been rebuilt twice due to fires in 1903 and 1925. The second reconstruction was awarded to New York City-based designers Schultze and Weaver, who used European influences and inspiration from the Villa Medici in Rome.

Upon reopening, the resort’s reputation continued to grow, and today, The Breakers is recognized as one of America’s most iconic resorts. Book a suite.

8. Stroll Through Mizner Park in Boca Raton

Stroll through Mizner Park in Boca Raton and experience a blend of European-inspired architecture with modern promenades, stylish boutiques, and al fresco cafes.

Take a stroll through the plaza, tour a fine art exhibit, or enjoy a concert at the Mizner Park Amphitheater. For the ultimate movie-going experience, try iPic Theatres, an upscale cinema with delicious in-theater dining and reserved luxury seating.

Among the several shops, you’ll find Anna Zuckerman Luxury, Kendra Scott, Tommy Bahama, and many more. And in case you get hungry, Mizner Park offers several dining options, such as Calaveras Cantina, Serena Pastificio, Kapow, and Eddie V’s.

9. Discover Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach

Discover the eclectic charm of Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, lined with art galleries, boutiques, and sidewalk cafes reminiscent of the lively boulevards found in European cities.

Atlantic Avenue, also known as “The Avenue,” is the pedestrian‐friendly epicenter of downtown Delray Beach, renowned for its shopping, dining, and small‐town curb appeal. Here, brick-paved sidewalks lined with palm and oak trees create a charming ambiance that makes for a perfect day or evening walk. Explore stylish fashion boutiques, art galleries, and dozens of gift shops to find one‐of‐a‐kind treasures.

10. Indulge in Fine French Cuisine

Experience Parisian fare at our array of French cafes and restaurants, where exceptional cuisine and warm hospitality await.

A culinary highlight is Café Boulud, nestled within the historic Brazilian Court Hotel. Under the guidance of chef Daniel Boulud, this Palm Beach establishment transports diners to the heart of France with its impeccable dishes and refined atmosphere.

For another option in Palm Beach, look no further than Café L’Europe, a family-run eatery established in 1980. Situated just moments from Worth Avenue, this restaurant offers a vibrant yet elegant ambiance paired with elevated continental cuisine.

Alternatively, venture to La Goulue for a taste of meticulously crafted French fare in a lively and inviting bistro setting.

In West Palm Beach, savor the classic French culinary delights at Pistache French Bistro, overseen by chef Mike Burgio. Located in downtown, this establishment infuses traditional Parisian flavors with Mediterranean influences, using locally sourced and imported ingredients. The ambiance exudes a vibrant European spirit, with an interior reminiscent of the Art Nouveau style that defined Parisian brasseries and bistros of the 1920s.

For a hidden gem off Worth Avenue, discover the charming courtyard of Via Encantada, where Le Bilboquet awaits. This refined French bistro, adorned with Mid-Century French elegance, showcases the best of South Florida’s ingredients alongside fresh seafood and daily specials.

The Palm Beaches offer a myriad of European-inspired experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re seeking romance, culture, or simply a change of scenery, these 10 places promise to transport you to Europe, all within the Sunshine State’s own backyard!