Lisa O.
Looking to escape for a bit but don’t have time for a long flight? You can soak up the charm and romance of a French getaway without ever leaving the country. From cozy towns to vibrant cities, there are spots all over the U.S. where you might just feel like you’ve landed in an international destination. Check out these 15 U.S. cities that look like they’re from another country.
New Orleans, Louisiana – France
New Orleans, especially its French Quarter, feels like a little piece of Paris. This area is known for its historic buildings with fancy wrought-iron balconies and bright, colorful facades. Stroll down Royal Street, and you’ll find shops and cafés that could easily be straight out of a French travel guide. The city’s French heritage runs deep—from its street names to its delicious food scene, which includes beignets and jambalaya that mix classic French and Creole flavors.
Leavenworth, Washington – Germany
Back in the 1960s, folks in Leavenworth came up with a cool idea to turn their town into a Bavarian-style village to attract tourists. Nearly 60 years later, that idea is still alive and kicking. The town’s got charming Alpine-style buildings, stunning mountain views, and loads of tasty sauerkraut and bratwurst. Wander around, and it’s a breeze to feel like you’ve stepped right into Germany without ever leaving the U.S.
St. Augustine, Florida – Spain
St. Augustine feels like stepping into a Spanish colonial village. Founded in 1565, it’s the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the U.S. The historic district is full of Spanish-style buildings with narrow streets, stucco walls, and red-tiled roofs. The Castillo de San Marcos—a 17th-century fort made from coquina stone, is a big highlight of its Spanish heritage.
Framingham, Massachusetts – Brazil
Massachusetts and Brazil might seem pretty different, but in Framingham, a big Brazilian community has made the city a real foodie hotspot. Thanks to the Brazilian influence, the local scene is packed with delicious options. You’ve got to try Pão Brasil Bakery for some super tasty pão de batata (Brazilian potato bread) or dig into a plate of mouthwatering Brazilian BBQ at Framingham Station.
Solvang, California – Denmark
This city in the Santa Ynez Valley is so Danish that Danish royalty has visited it four times. Solvang’s got timber-framed houses, windmills, and a copy of Copenhagen’s famous Rundetaarn, making it feel like you’re really in Denmark. Plus, after a few glasses of wine from one of the 120+ local wineries, it’s even easier to believe you’ve been transported to another country.
Santa Fe, New Mexico – Southwest Native American & Spanish Influence
Santa Fe’s unique architecture and cultural scene show off its Native American and Spanish roots. The city’s famous for its adobe-style buildings give it a cool Southwestern vibe. Walking through the historic Plaza, you’ll spot colorful art galleries and classic Pueblo-style buildings. The annual Santa Fe Indian Market is a big deal—featuring Native American arts and crafts and adding even more to the city’s rich cultural mix.
Lindsborg, Kansas – Sweden
The charm of Sweden, with its famous cardamom buns (kardemummabullar) and colorful wooden horses, really comes to life in the small town of Lindsborg. This cozy town embraces its Swedish roots, especially during the Svensk Hyllningsfest, which comes around every two years. The festival is a fun celebration of Swedish immigrants with lively dancing, cool art, and plenty of traditional eats.
Decorah, Iowa – Norway
In the 1800s, Decorah was a favorite spot for Norwegian settlers because the hills and forests reminded them of Norway. Today, the town still has that Norwegian feel—and many people there have Norwegian roots. Each year, the Nordic Fest brings the Scandinavian vibe to life with cool dance, delicious food, and lively music.
Bahia Honda Key, Florida – Caribbean Islands
For a Caribbean vibe right here in the U.S., Bahia Honda in the lower Florida Keys is the place to go. The island features the 524-acre Bahia Honda State Park, where you can relax under palm trees on white sand beaches or snorkel in clear, turquoise water—all without leaving the country.
Fredericksburg, Texas – Germany
Texans have always been drawn to Fredericksburg, a charming city in the Texas Hill Country just over an hour from San Antonio and Austin. Founded by 120 German immigrants in 1846, the town spoke German as the main language until the 1940s. Today, Fredericksburg is known for its awesome wineries (with more than 50 to choose from), fantastic German food, and a replica of Vereins Kirche, the old building that served as the community’s church and school.
Tarpon Springs, Florida – Greece
Tarpon Springs, Florida, has the highest percentage of Greek Americans in the U.S., so it’s like a Greek hotspot. Located on the Gulf of Mexico—the city has tons of blue-and-white buildings with Greek shops and restaurants. With Greek street names and a harbor full of boats, Tarpon Springs feels more like a Greek island than a regular American suburb.
Boston, Massachusetts – United Kingdom
Boston’s historic district has a strong British vibe. The Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile path through historic sites, takes you past cobblestone streets and colonial-era buildings that feel like a charming English town. Boston’s traditional pubs and old taverns also have a British touch—giving you a taste of England right in New England.
Miami, Florida – Cuba
Miami’s Little Havana is a buzzing Cuban hotspot. It’s got colorful murals, upbeat street music, and the mouthwatering smell of Cuban coffee in the air. Calle Ocho (8th Street) is the heart of the neighborhood, lined with cafés, cigar shops, and cool spots for Latin music. Festivals like Carnaval Miami and the Cuban Sandwich Festival bring Cuban culture and food to life.
Savannah, Georgia – England
Savannah’s historic district feels like stepping into an English countryside. With its cobblestone streets, lush squares, and grand antebellum buildings—it’s got a real old-world charm. The city’s beautiful squares, lined with historic homes and gardens, remind you of classic British town layouts. Plus, Savannah’s cozy B&Bs and tearooms just add to that English feel.
Chicago, Illinois – Italy
While Chicago isn’t widely known for Italian architecture, its Little Italy neighborhood showcases Italian culture through traditional restaurants, festivals, and historic streets. The influence of Italian immigrants is also reflected in Chicago’s famous Italian dishes, especially its pizza. Though Chicago’s overall architecture is more modern and industrial, Little Italy remains a charming hub of Italian heritage within the city.
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