The Best U.S. Cities to Visit in 2024 That Look Just Like Europe
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The 50 Best U.S. Cities to Visit That Look Just Like Europe

Leavenworth, Washington, looks like it was plucked right out of Germany.

By and Janaya Wecker
bavarian style architectural buildings in the village of leavenworth showing the main street
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Before you shell out hundreds (or, most likely, thousands) of dollars traveling across the ocean, you may want to look closer to home. There are plenty of cities in the United States that look just like those quaint, historic destinations in Europe. You're going to want to visit all of them, so start saving now!

Frankenmuth, Michigan

downtown frankenmuth michigan cityscape
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Back in 1845, this village was founded as a Bavarian mission colony for Lutherans, and today it's known as "Michigan's Little Bavaria." The town is famous for Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, which claims it's the largest Christmas store in the world.

Lenox, Massachusetts

america usa massachusetts state berkshire area lenox town the mount the edith wharton's house edith wharton was a pulitzer prize winning american novelist and designer
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If you've ever wondered what it's like to live in Regency-era London, here's your chance. With its endless greenery and historic properties (like Edith Wharton's The Mount, seen here!), this centuries-old town will make you feel like you've stepped into an episode of Bridgerton.

Leavenworth, Washington

leavenworth, washington with snow
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Just two hours from Seattle is Leavenworth, which looks like it was plucked out of Germany and dropped in the mountains of Washington. It's modeled after a small Bavarian village and is the dreamiest escape, especially during the holidays.

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Healdsburg, California

ferrari carano vineyard and winery near healdsburg, sonoma county, northern california, usa
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If you've ever wanted to visit Tuscany, Healdsburg is your next best bet. It falls along the same line of latitude as the Italian region, so it has a similar climate and grows a ton of Tuscan wine varieties. The town's Italian cuisine is also not to be missed.

Solvang, California

exploring santa barbara's wine country
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Known as the Danish capital of America, this charming town is filled with quaint shops and even an iconic white and red windmill. The name means "sunny fields" in Danish, which is appropriate for the warm, California weather.

St. Augustine, Florida

st augustine, florida
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Since this city was founded back in 1565 by Spanish settlers, it's no surprise it's filled with Spanish colonial architecture, like cobblestone streets and balconies. It's also known as the oldest city in the United States.

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Vail, Colorado

beaver creek ski resort at dusk in winter
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You're probably most familiar with this town for its amazing ski resorts, but did you know it was inspired by the town of Zermatt, Switzerland, which is located at the base of the Swiss Alps? That's why you'll find architecture like decorative balconies and detailed woodwork everywhere you look.

Pella, Iowa

pella, iowa
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The Dutch-style architecture and huge windmill located in the center of this quiet town are some of the reasons this Midwest city will make you feel like you're in the Netherlands. Insider tip: Visit during May to experience the famous Tulip Time Festival.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Pubs and bars  in the French Quarter, New Orlea
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Since this city was founded by French colonists and then ceded to Spain in the Treaty of Paris, it feels like a unique mix of both countries. The wrought iron balconies and the famous Jackson Square are both French influences.

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Venice, California

residential building along venice canals in venice, los angeles, california
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It's impossible to ignore the comparisons between this California town and the famous one in Italy. Both are full of canals and bridges (like these cities!), except the waterways in the United States-based destination were man-made. Still, it's a sight to behold.

Tarpon Springs, Florida

sponge boat  rigged with netting at docks of tarpon springs
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Forget Santorini: This Gulf Coast town feels like it's a charming Eastern Mediterranean island. Tons of Greek immigrants flocked here at the turn of the 20th century, and the town still prides itself on having the largest Greek-American community in the country.

Montpelier, Vermont

montpelier, vermont skyline
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Named after Montpelier, France, this gorgeous town was founded in 1781 and is rich in history. Its French-style buildings and dazzling fall foliage make it a must-see.

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Helen, Georgia

helen, georgia, united states
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It's hard to believe this town is only 90 minutes from Atlanta. Located right next to the Blue Ridge Mountains, this city was transformed into an Alpine-inspired village in the 1960s to attract more visitors.

Kansas City, Missouri

country club plaza at the blue hour
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Since the Country Club Plaza in this downtown area was architecturally designed to mimic the city of Seville, you'll feel like you just walked off a plane and into Spain. The towers and courtyards might distract from the fact that you're more likely to find BBQ than tapas.

Hermann, Missouri

overhead of town buildings, trees and river
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This small town was handpicked by German immigrants for its close proximity to the Missouri River, which reminded them of their beloved Rhine River. The climate also made the location ideal for winemaking—and today, there tons of local wineries in the area.

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Charleston, South Carolina

cobblestoned street and historic buildings,usa
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Even though this town is the definition of Southern, it's also filled with countless similarities to European cities, like grand churches, cobblestone streets, and short, colorful buildings. Not to mention it was named after King Charles II of England.

Holland, Michigan

wooden windmill in holland michigan
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The name of this town says it all: It's a little slice of the Netherlands and was founded by Dutch settlers back in 1847. It's also home to the DeZwaan Windmill, which is the only authentic working Dutch windmill in the United States.

Fredericksburg, Texas

fredericksburg, texas, downtown
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German immigrant settlers founded this town in 1846, which is why it's known for its mix of German heritage with Texan hospitality (an unbeatable combination). Throughout the town, you'll find tons of specialty shops and biergartens.

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Poulsbo, Washington

poulsbo bainbridge island snow mountains washington
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Poulsbo was founded in the 1880s by a Norwegian immigrant, Jørgen Eliason. Ever since, it's been known as "Little Norway on the Fjord." Everything from the architecture to the beer halls to the annual Viking Festival is inspired by Scandinavian culture.

SoHo, New York City, New York

shopping street in soho, new york, usa
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While every neighborhood of Manhattan looks different, SoHo specifically has a European vibe. Its columned buildings and cobblestone streets will make you feel like you're in Belgium. In fact, the type of stone used is called Belgian block.

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