Introduction
Who doesn’t want to visit Europe? But when it comes to money, most people step back. Honestly, as a travel expert, I can tell you that you can do a lot on a budget with just the right planning and guidance. here are 7 European Towns in the U.S Today, we’ll talk about U.S. towns that give you a Europe-like feel. Yes, you can experience Europe without leaving the U.S., and it’ll cost you less too! Let’s explore these beautiful U.S. destinations that feel like Europe.
1. Leavenworth, WA – Little Bavaria in the Northwest
In the 18th century, Leavenworth was known for its railway and lumber industries. Back then, it wasn’t very green or lively. When the railway was removed, the place became deserted, almost as if Leavenworth was cursed! But in the 1960s, local leaders decided to give Leavenworth a makeover. They planned to transform it to look like Bavaria, Germany, a place famous for its beauty. Today, Leavenworth looks like it’s been painted with a Bavarian theme!
Leavenworth’s Culture
- Bavarian Look: The restaurants here have German-style wooden designs with colorful decorations. The buildings and shops make you feel like you’re strolling through a village in Europe.
- German Food and Drinks: Here, you can find schnitzel (fried cutlet), bratwurst (grilled sausage) with sauerkraut, and soft pretzels with cheese sauce. Andreas Keller Restaurant and München Haus are very popular. Bavarian beer is also a big favorite!
- Love for Nature: This little Bavarian village makes you want to go hiking, skiing, and river rafting! Surrounded by mountains and rivers, both locals and tourists love these activities.
- What is it known for: Bavaria, Germany
- Best time to visit: Summer (July–August) is the best time for hiking, river rafting, and skiing.
2. Newport, RI – European Towns in The U.S
If you like France, then you don’t need to leave America and go to France. You can fulfill this dream by staying in the US. Newport, located in Rhode Island, gives you the opportunity to do this. The royal mansions here are built on the seaside.
Their furnishings, gardens, architecture give a completely French vibe, which gives a lotus view due to being on the seaside! There are many French food options here which double your experience and there are also sidewalk cafes.
Beautiful cafes are seen on Thames Street in Newport where you can enjoy coffee, wine, croissants. The Cliff Walk, The Breakers Mansion, which are the most royal mansions, give you a feel like the French Riviera.
If you like France or Spain, then you must go here. All the destinations are also within budget because you neither need a passport nor to go out of America!
- Famous Dishes: Lobster Bisque, Moules-Frites, Fresh Baguettes & Pastries
- Famous Restaurants: Bouchard Restaurant & Inn
- What is it Known For: Royal Mansions, Seaside Luxury, French Dishes
- Best Time to Visit: (September) For Newport Wine & Food Festival
3. Solvang, CA – A Slice of Denmark in Wine Country
Solvang is one of those destinations that feels like Europe and is often called a piece of Denmark! It has European-style architecture with windmills and half-timbered buildings that give a true European vibe. You’ll find many European bakeries here offering dishes like Aebleskiver, a popular Solvang restaurant dish known as Danish pancake balls, served with raspberry jam and powdered sugar. Smørrebrød, open-faced sandwiches, are available at Red Viking Restaurant, served on pumpernickel bread with cheese or meatballs. Famous attractions like Nojoqui Falls Park, Hans Christian Andersen Park, OstrichLand USA, and family-friendly spots like Solvang Festival Theater make your trip even more fun!
Solvang’s Danish Culture
- Famous Events: Solvang Danish Days This event will start on September 19–21, 2025, and is celebrated with Danish music, folk dance, and an Aebleskiver breakfast!
- Famous Dishes: Aebleskiver, Smørrebrød, Danish Pastries, Medisterpølse
- Best Time to Visit: Fall (October) is less hot, the weather is pleasant, and there are fewer crowds. You can also enjoy events like Danish Days and Grape Stomp!
- What is it Known For: European-style architecture, windmills, our Little Mermaid statue
4. Helen, GA – The Alps in the American South
In the list of Bavarian villages in the US, Helen, located in Georgia, is another gem! About 1.5 hours from Atlanta, near the Blue Ridge Mountains (close to Savannah), this small mountain town looks just like Bavaria, Germany. With Alpine-style buildings, German-themed restaurants, cobblestone roads, and pure Bavarian decor, it feels like you’ve stepped into a German alpine village. It’s comparable to Holland, Michigan. This is the best european towns in the U.S Trust me, you won’t be disappointed visiting Helen—Georgia’s third most-visited city. The mix of Southern charm and European feel attracts people. Oktoberfest is a famous event here, the longest-running in the US (September–November). Spring and summer are great for popular activities, and the weather is nice too!
- Famous Events: Oktoberfest
- Famous Dishes: Bavarian Soft Pretzels (Brezn), Schnitzels, Bratwurst & Wursts
- Famous Restaurants: Hofer’s of Helen, The Heidelberg, Bodensee Restaurant
- What is it Known For: Bavarian Architecture & Charm, America’s Longest-Running Oktoberfest, Georgia Mountain Coaster
- Best Time To Visit: (September–November)
5. St. Augustine, FL – Spain Meets the Atlantic
St. Augustine is the oldest city in America. This city is also called the European city of the US because the historic landmarks and architecture here are exactly like European countries. The Castillo de San Marcos is no less than a historical treasure of America. After seeing it, it seems as if there are fires in some old history. It is a family friendly place. You can also see the sea here! The workers working here are very down to earth, who remain motivated by the coming of tourists and also tell you about the history! St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, which is quite famous, from where one gets to see very beautiful views. The longest event here, Nights of Lights, starts from November 15, 2025, which lasts for 2 months, in which every corner is decorated with millions of lights!
- Famous Events: First Friday Art Walk, Saint Augustine Film Festival
- Famous Dishes: Fried green tomatoes, shrimp, barbeque and grits
- Famous Restaurant: Sunset Grille, Salt Life Food Shack
- What is it Known For: Spanish Colonial Architecture
- Best Time To Visit: (December to February) beautiful Nights of Lights festival
6. New Glarus, WI – Little Switzerland in the Midwest
If I talk about world class destinations, then Switzerland’s name definitely comes up which is known for its small beautiful towns, natural beauty and hiking trails. But we all know that not everyone can go there, neither does everyone have the time nor the budget. Is there any other way which is within the budget and does not require going out of America? Here is a smaller version of Switzerland. New Glarus is a farming town settled in the rolling hills of Southern Wisconsin in 1845 by 108 Swiss immigrants who came from Switzerland’s Glarus state. It is famous for its traditional architecture, food and festivals. You can go there and explore this mini Switzerland.
- Famous Restaurant: New Glarus Bakery
- Famous Dishes: Swiss, and German breads, pastries, and cookies
- What is it Known For: Swiss Historical Village, Chalet of the Golden Fleece Museum
- Best Time To Visit: (October-November) For pleasant weather
7. Frankenmuth, MI – European Towns in The U.S
Located in Michigan of the US, this Bavarian village Frankenmuth was settled in 1845 by a small group of German Lutheran immigrants. They gave the look of Bavarian style architecture which becomes a European destination for tourists. The two biggest iconic restaurants here are Bavarian Inn Restaurant, Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth which are famous for serving world famous family-style chicken dinners! The best part is that both the restaurants are right opposite each other on the street, whether you choose Bavarian Inn or Zehnder’s and the delicious meals served here are unmatched. Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Green Beans – really, the taste of these will not go away after eating them!
- Famous Dishes: Fried Chicken (signature item)
- Famous restaurants: Zehnder’s, Bavarian Inn
- What Is It Known For: Bavarian (German) vibe
- Best Time To visit: Winter (November – February) Christmas magic & snow
