13 Most European Cities In America
Don't get me wrong, nothing can capture Europe that same way that Europe dose. However, these 13 cities in the USA and Canada come pretty close to replicating the world across the pond. Flights to Italy, Spain, France, and beyond can be absurdly expensive and a huge effort. If you are craving European beauty but are not up for a long red eye, read on to discover the 13 most European cities in America.
This post is all about the 13 most European Cities In America.
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Table Of Contexts
- Montréal, Canada
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Quebéc City, Canada
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Washington D.C.
- Solvang, California
- Newport, Rhode Island
- Winter Park, Florida
- Richmond, Virginia
- Portsmouth, New Hampshire
- Leavenworth, Washington
- Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
1. Montréal, Canada

As far as I am concerned Montréal & Quebéc City are the most European cities in America. First of all, Montreal was founded in the 17th century, and still has those same historic buildings standing. I remember stepping out of my taxi in Old Montréal and immediately feeling like I was in Paris. Montréal does not only look like Europe, the language is French in the Quebéc province. In Montréal you will find delectable French Canadian food (don't miss out on the Crêpes and Poutine).
The best time to visit the charming city is in the fall or summer. I prefer the fall because of the colorful leaves and crisp air.
🏒Read Next - The Ultimate Guide To Montréal, Canada
Top 10 Things To Do In Montréal, Canada
Montréal has so much to do! Weather you are exploring Old Montréal or Downtown, it is hard to get bored in the captivating Canadian city. These are ten of my favorite things to do in Montréal, Canada.
- Rue Saint Paul
- Place d'Armes
- Notre Dame Basilica
- Bonsecours Market
- Place Jacques-Cartier
- Explore Old Port
- Hike To The Top of Mount Royal
- Mary, Queen Of The World Basilica
- Mile End
- St. Louis Square
🛎️Our Favorite Montréal Hotel - Maisons & Co.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana

Founded by the French in 1718, New Orleans is a city full of beautiful chaos and European charm. NOLA is known for Mardi Gras, witch craft, and French Culture. While it is not as European as Montréal, it still has buildings that remind me of Amsterdam and other European cities. People in New Orleans speak English with a heavy accent, and some people in NOLA still speak French Creole. The food in NOLA is a interesting mix of cuisines with mainly French influence, but they have their own thing going on in New Orleans (be sure to try the gumbo).
Top 10 Things To Do In New Orleans
New Orleans is a city full of so much to do for every kind of traveler! You will seriously never get bored in the Louisiana city. These are my 10 favorite things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana.
🎭Read Next - A Complete Travel Guide To New Orleans, Louisiana
- Explore Bourbon Street
- Try a Beignet and Cafe De Monte
- Take a Stroll Down Magazine Street
- See Jackson Square
- Frenchman's Street
- French Market
- See The Mississippi River
- Visit the Creepy New Orleans Cemeteries
- Stop by Louis Armstrong Park
- Have a Drink At Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop
🛎️Our Favorite New Orleans Hotel - Old Number 77 Hotel
3. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is easily one of the most European-like cities in the USA. My home city reminds me of Dublin, Ireland with the charming pubs and cobblestone streets throughout the city. If you go to the North End you will get a glimpse of Italy with plenty of Italian eateries and culture. Boston is one of the oldest cities in the USA as it was founded in the 1600s. The best time to visit Boston is in the summer or fall.
Top 10 Things To Do In Boston
Weather you are a history buff or crazed sports fan, you can find everything you are looking for in charming Boston. These are my 10 favorite things to do in my home city.
⭐Read Next - A Locals Guide To Boston, Massachusetts
- Freedom Trail
- Faneuil Hall Marketplace
- Newbury Street
- The Boston Common
- The North End
- The Bruins
- Fenway Park
- Beacon Hill
- Cambridge
- The Seaport
🛎️Our Favorite Hotel In Boston - The Newbury
4. Quebéc City, Canada

Located about two and a half hours northeast of Montréal, Quebéc City takes the cake for being the most European city in America. Quebéc City is one of the oldest cities in Canada and offers fairytale like backdrops that makes for a magical trip. Similar to Montréal, you will find narrow cobblestone streets, European style architecture, and French influence in Quebéc City.
Top 10 Things To Do In Quebéc City, Canada
Québec City is full of so much to do and see! There are stunning streets, eateries, historical buildings, and museums throughout this small Canadian city. These are our top 10 things to do in Quebéc City.
- Stay In The Ice Hotel
- Visit Old Quebéc City
- Have Brunch at The Fairmont
- Walk Down Quartier Petit Champlain
- See The Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral
- Take a Day Trip To Montmorency Falls
- Stop By Place Royale
- Museum of Civilization
- Take In The Views At Observatoire de la Capitale
- Visit Sanctuaire Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
🛎️Our Favorite Hotel In Quebec City - Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
5. St. Augustine, Florida

Did you know that St. Augustine was considered Spain for over 200 years? St. Augustine was founded in 1565, which makes it the oldest city in North America. This once Spanish city looks like a set of Johnny Depps, Pirates of the Caribbean. With the stunning St. Georges Street and the well preserved Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, St. Augustine is certainly reminiscent of small coastal cities in Spain.
🌴Read Next - A Quick Guide To St. Augustine, Florida
Top 10 Things To Do In St. Augustine, Florida
From treasure hunts to architectural gems, St. Augustine is certainly a fascinating destination to visit (not to mention the world class beaches.) These are our top 10 things to do in St. Augustine, Florida.
- Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
- St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
- St Augustine Beach
- Old Jail Museum
- Lighter Museum
- St. George Street
- Pirate Museum
- Do a Ghost Tour
- Do a Sunset Cruise
- Do a Walking Tour
🛎️ Our Favorite Hotel In St. Augustine - Casa Monica Resort & Spa
6. Washington, D.C.

The capital of the USA, Washington D.C. is located on the east coast and definitely has a little European charm. With its grand buildings and international blend of architecture, Washington D.C. is home to all things politics. Some political buildings are reminiscent of Greek architecture, while others have Roman features. The city itself is designed the same way as in Paris with a grid based street plan, diagonal avenues, and a canal system.
Washington D.C. is lovely to visit year round, but is best in the Spring because of the cherry blossoms that add a pop of color to the city.
🇺🇲Read Next - A Quick Guide To Washington, D.C.
Top 10 Things To Do In Washington, D.C.
There are so many jaw dropping political buildings and monuments throughout Washington D.C. that cannot be missed! These are our top 10 things to do in Washington, D.C.
- Visit The National Mall
- See The Korean War Veterans Monument
- The White House
- The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- Library of Congress
- Visit Union Market
- Do a Night Tour
- See the Declaration Of Independence
- Go On a Day Trip To Mount Vernon
- Have Brunch at Tatte
🛎️Our Favorite Washington D.C. Hotel - Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
7. Solvang, California
Located just two hours north of Los Angeles, Solvang is an adorable village that is most well known for its Dutch architecture and culture. In Solvang you will find a little slice of the Netherlands with Dutch restaurants, European motor scooters, traditional windmills, and Dutch style buildings. If you know anything about Southern California you will know that you can visit any time of year as it hardly rains. I love October in SoCal because it is still warm.
Top 10 Things To Do In Solvang, California
- Walk through the Danish Streets
- See The Little Mermaid Fountain
- Visit the Giant Red Clog
- See The Windmills
- Shop Your Heart Out In The Unique Boutiques
- Go To a Beer and Wine Tasting Room
- Try Danish Pastries in Downtown
- Old Mission Santa Inés
- Bethania Lutheran
- Go To The Hans Christian Andersen Museum
🛎️Our Favorite Solvang Hotel - The Landby
8. Newport, Rhode Island

Newport is a quaint town on the east coast in the tiny state of Rhode Island. Newport is most well known for the Newport Mansions. The mansions were owned by wealthy tycoons from New York City, as Newport served as their escape from the city. Built between the 1850s and 1910s, these elegant and magnificent mansions have a certain European flare to them. Tourists are welcome to take tours of the historic homes as well. Downtown Newport is home to adorable brick streets, sidewalk cafes, and preppy boutiques.
🛥️Read Next - A Complete Guide To Newport, Rhode Island
Top 10 Things To Do In Newport, Rhode Island
- The 11 Mansions
- The Tennis Hall of Fame
- the Newport Cliff Walk
- The Beach
- Stop By One of the Legendary Breweries
- Have a Go at Surfing
- Do The Bike Path
- See Ocean Drive
- Go To The Newport Car Museum
- Try The Local Seafood
🛎️Our Favorite Hotel In Newport - The Vanderbilt Hotel
9. Winter Park, Florida

Situated just north of Orlando is one of Florida's best kept secrets, Winter Park. Winter Park reminds me a lot of Spain. With archways, tile work, and spanish style villas, Winter Park is definitely one of the most Europeans cities in America. In the downtown area you will find unique restaurants, hidden pathways, and adorable shops. Winter Park is a lovely day trip from Orlando!
🌳Read Next - The Ultimate Guide To Winter Park, Florida
Top 10 Things To Do In Winter Park
- Explore Park Ave
- Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
- Wander Through Central Park
- Take a Stroll Through Rollins College
- Wander Down Random Streets
- Hannibal Square
- Golfing In Winter Park
- Winter Park Farmers Market
- Go To Disney World
- Mead Botanical Gardens
🛎️Our Favorite Winter Park Hotel - Alfond Inn
10. Richmond, Virginia

Richmond is a small city located just two hours south of Washington D.C. Due to its colonial architecture, Richmond is remnant of a small English town. Founded in 1611 by English settlers Richmond is home to southern living, plenty of charming boutique hotels, cobblestone streets, and adorable eateries. Be sure to explore Old Town Richmond if you are looking for the European aesthetic!
⭐Read Next - The Ultimate Guide To Richmond, Virginia
Top 10 Things To Do In Richmond, Virginia
- Virginia Museum Of Fine Arts
- Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
- Hollywood Cemetery
- James River
- Go On a Tuk Tuk Tour
- Maymont
- Carytown
- Downtown Richmond
- Do a Food Tour
- Stay At The Linden Row Inn
🛎️ Our Favorite Richmond Hotel - Linden Row Inn
11. Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Portsmouth is one of my favorite towns in New England. This seaside town is only an hours drive north from Boston. Settled in 1623 and founded in 1653, Portsmouth played a huge role in the new world as it was one of the first ports and ship building cities. There are plenty of historic houses and buildings still standing in Portsmouth which make for a European feel. The downtown area is full of charming shops, seafood restaurants, and really does feel like a small city in England or Ireland. The best time to visit Portsmouth is either in the summer, fall, or winter. I love going over the holiday season because of the decorations!
⭐Read Next - A Complete Guide To Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Top 10 Things To Do In Portsmouth, New Hampshire
- Explore Market Street
- Visit Strawbery Banke Museum
- USS Albacore Museum
- Take a Stroll In Prescott Park
- See a Show At The Music Hall
- Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden
- Do a Day Trip To Maine
- Go To The Beach
- Have a Seafood Feast
- Shop at The Unique Boutiques
🛎️Our Favorite Portsmouth Hotel - The Hotel Portsmouth
12. Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is one of the most stunning cities on this list. Located in the Cascade Mountains in Washington State, Leavenworth is famous for its Bavarian-styled architecture and easy access to the slopes. If you are looking for the perfect place to spend the holiday season, Leavenworth, Washington is the place for you. With top notch resorts, Christmas Markets, amazing restaurants, and adorable boutiques, Leavenworth should be on your travel bucket list.
Top 10 Things To Do In Leavenworth, Washington
- Go To The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum
- Go Skiing
- See Lake Wenatchee State Park
- Have German Food at München Haus
- See The The Enchantments
- Hike To Colchuck Lake
- Explore Downtown
- Go Christmas Shopping at the Festive Boutiques
- Go The The Leavenworth Reindeer Farm
- Go Horseback Riding
🛎️Our Favorite Leavenworth Hotel - Bavarian Lodge
13. Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

Founded by the Dutch in 1681, The US Territory in the West Indies is like Europe in Paradise. Charlotte Amalie is the capital of the US Virgin Islands and is home to forts, old churches, cobblestone, streets, and plenty of historic sights. Denmark sold the USVI to the United States in 1917, so a lot of the architecture looks very similar to Denmark's. This Island paradise is unique and beautiful. If you are a fellow history buff, but also like the Island life you will love St. Thomas and Charlotte Amalie!
🍍Read Next - A Complete St. Thomas Travel Guide
Top 10 Things To Do In Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
- Magens Bay Beach
- Explore Charlotte Amalie
- Brewers Bay Beach
- Dao a Snorkeling Tour
- Day Trip To St. John
- Drake's Seat
- Paradise Point
- Go Ziplining
- Go on a Food Tour
- Explore Red Hook
🛎️Our Favorite St. Thomas Hotel - At Home In The Tropics
13 Most European Cities In America
Nothing can compare to the history and charm to Europe, by these cities come pretty close to replicating it. We hope that this guide to the 13 Most European Cities In America helps you plan your next getaway! If you liked this post checkout our guide to The Best Places To Visit In November or our USA East Coast Road Trip Itinerary.
Happy Travels,
Daisy
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