You don’t need a passport to experience the charm of cobblestone streets, fairy-tale architecture, and old-world ambiance. Scattered across the United States are towns that look like they’ve been lifted straight from the heart of Europe.
From Bavarian-style villages to French-inspired enclaves, these cities transport you across the Atlantic—no long-haul flight required. Whether you’re looking for Alpine vibes, Mediterranean flair, or something straight out of a Dickens novel, this list is your go-to for planning a Euro-style getaway close to home.
1. Leavenworth, Washington (Bavaria, Germany)
Tucked into the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth is a full-blown Bavarian fantasy, complete with half-timbered houses, alpine murals, and even a glockenspiel. The entire town was redesigned in the 1960s to resemble a German village, and it’s been pulling off the illusion ever since—especially during its magical Christmas Market and Oktoberfest celebrations.
From bratwurst and beer halls to lederhosen-clad shopkeepers, Leavenworth leans all the way into its theme, making it one of the most immersive European-style towns in America. Hiking trails and mountain scenery give it an authentic Alpine backdrop, while the town’s hospitality scene keeps things cozy year-round.
My Fav Stays: Posthotel Leavenworth – a luxury, adults-only wellness retreat with serious Swiss spa vibes.
2. Solvang, California (Denmark)
Known as the “Danish Capital of America,” Solvang brings a touch of Scandinavia to California’s Central Coast. Its streets are lined with windmills, red-tile roofs, and half-timbered buildings, all inspired by traditional Danish design. Even the pastries are authentic—don’t leave without sampling an aebleskiver (Danish pancake balls).
The town’s museums, including a Hans Christian Andersen exhibit, reinforce the fairy-tale feel. Solvang also sits in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country, so you can sip Pinot while pretending you’re in Aarhus.
My Fav Stays: The Landsby – a stylish boutique hotel with a Scandinavian-modern aesthetic and excellent cocktails.
3. Newport, Rhode Island (French & Italian Riviera)
Newport exudes the kind of refined, old-world glamour you’d expect along the Mediterranean coast. With its cliffside mansions, classical architecture, and yacht-lined harbors, the city calls to mind the opulence of Nice or Monaco. Its historic district is a tapestry of European-inspired detail, from Beaux-Arts ballrooms to Gothic chapels.
Walking the Cliff Walk feels like meandering a coastal path in Liguria, and the gilded mansions—like The Breakers—are essentially American châteaux. Summer in Newport means polo matches, rose gardens, and Aperol spritzes on waterfront patios.
My Fav Stays: The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection – a reimagined Gilded Age mansion with rooftop views and timeless charm.
4. St. Augustine, Florida (Spain)
Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, St. Augustine is the oldest city in the U.S.—and it wears its Iberian roots with pride. Its colonial architecture, including the Castillo de San Marcos fortress and terracotta-roofed buildings, mirrors the look and feel of Southern Spain.
With horse-drawn carriages, cobbled streets, and historic courtyards, the city feels like a slice of Andalusia plopped onto Florida’s Atlantic coast. You’ll find tapas bars, flamingo-pink buildings, and even Spanish-influenced festivals on the regular.
My Fav Stays: Casa Monica Resort & Spa – a Moorish Revival stunner dating back to 1888, full of exotic tilework and regal details.
5. Holland, Michigan (The Netherlands)
With its tulip fields, Dutch windmill, and charming canals, Holland, Michigan, lives up to its name. Every May, the city bursts into bloom with its annual Tulip Time Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors dressed in traditional Dutch costumes and wooden clogs.
DeZwaan Windmill—the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the U.S.—spins proudly on Windmill Island Gardens. Visitors can explore Dutch-inspired architecture downtown, browse shops full of Delftware, and enjoy stroopwafels in the local bakeries.
My Fav Stays: Holland Farmhouse Inn B&B – a quaint, romantic B&B with European-style service and charm.
6. Frankenmuth, Michigan (Germany)
Nicknamed “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” Frankenmuth is a postcard-perfect German village known for its Bavarian architecture, covered bridges, and hearty, old-world cuisine. The town is famous for its chicken dinners and beer gardens, making it a foodie’s Alpine daydream.
Frankenmuth feels particularly magical during winter, with horse-drawn carriages, twinkle lights, and Bronner’s—one of the world’s largest Christmas stores. Architecture lovers will appreciate the decorative timbering and flower boxes that adorn most storefronts.
My Fav Stays: Marv Herzog Hotel – a classic family resort with old-country charm and a riverside beer garden.
7. Healdsburg, California (Provence, France)
Tucked in the heart of Sonoma wine country, Healdsburg channels the relaxed elegance of Provence. With its lavender fields, olive groves, and vineyard-dotted hills, the scenery alone is enough to transport you to the South of France.
Downtown Healdsburg’s tree-lined plazas and artisan boutiques feel très European, and the local cuisine leans heavily into French influences—think duck confit, rosé spritzers, and lavender crème brûlée.
My Fav Stays: Hotel Les Mars – a French-style chateau with antique furnishings and impeccable service.
8. Vail, Colorado (Austria/Switzerland)
Vail might be one of the most Alpine-looking towns in the United States. Modeled after an Austrian ski village, it boasts chalet-style lodges, pedestrian-friendly cobblestone streets, and snowcapped peaks as its backdrop.
Whether you visit in winter for skiing or summer for hiking and music festivals, the architecture and mountain lifestyle evoke the Tyrol region. You’ll find fondue restaurants, yodeling performances, and enough wooden balconies to make a Swiss architect proud.
My Fav Stays: Sonnenalp Hotel – a family-owned Bavarian-style resort with spa services, fireplaces, and authentic alpine décor.
9. New Orleans, Louisiana (France)
TThe French Quarter’s iron balconies, pastel facades, and bohemian courtyards make New Orleans the most unmistakably European city in the South. While the city’s roots are Creole, French and Spanish influences are everywhere—from the fleur-de-lis tiles to the beignets.
Its French heritage runs deep in both architecture and attitude. New Orleans feels more like an offbeat Parisian arrondissement than an American city, with its love of food, music, and long, lazy meals shared under gaslit lanterns.
My Fav Stays: French Market Inn – a romantic, design-forward guesthouse with the ambiance of a Parisian pied-à-terre.
10. Cape May, New Jersey (Victorian England)
Cape May feels like stepping into a Dickens novel or a Victorian seaside town. With its pastel-painted mansions, gingerbread trim, and horse-drawn carriages, this beach town is as English as the Jersey Shore gets.
The entire city is a National Historic Landmark, and walking around feels like visiting a living museum of Victorian architecture. Afternoon tea is a popular pastime, and there’s even a Christmas candlelight tour that rivals anything in Bath.
My Fav Stays: The Virginia Hotel – a refined boutique inn with timeless charm, white rocking chairs, and old-school luxury.
Whether you’re craving the charm of a French château, the warmth of a Tuscan village, or the whimsy of a Bavarian hamlet, these ten cities prove you don’t have to cross the Atlantic for a European-style escape. Each one offers a unique blend of architecture, cuisine, and culture that transports you—if only for a weekend—into a different world.
So pack your bags, bring your camera, and prepare to be enchanted. From California to Cape May, these destinations promise all the old-world beauty with none of the jet lag. Bon voyage—American style!
Most Charming Towns in the USA
The United States is a vast country filled with stunning landscapes, rich histories, and charming towns that offer picturesque views, captivating architecture, and warm hospitality. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities, these small towns are perfect destinations. From coastal gems to mountain retreats, here’s a list of the 20 prettiest towns in the USA that will leave you awe-inspired.