Cast your mind to a place that looks and feels like Europe but is far cheaper and much less crowded. Europe has that unmistakable charm, with cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, romantic cafes on the sidewalk, and Baroque and Neoclassical cathedrals.
But not all European-esque cities are in Europe. There are plenty of cities across the world that look and feel just like our European favorites. And these places aren’t just arbitrary clones of European cities. Many were shaped by centuries of trade, migration, and colonization, where Europeans settled and left their architectural and cultural marks.
Historically and socially, it’s a little complex. But one thing that isn’t complicated is how beautiful these international cities still are today:
10. Stellenbosch, South Africa
Stellenbosch is South Africa’s premier wine-growing region. It’s a small farming town about an hour outside of Cape Town, rimmed by rolling hills and spiraling vineyards. When the Dutch settled in the Western Cape, they brought wine-making techniques and a thirst for good wine with them.
Naturally, Stellenbosch has a huge Dutch influence. You can see it in the whitewashed Cape Dutch architecture, with elaborate gabled homes and farmstead houses that give those in the Netherlands a run for their money. Now a buzzing university town, the streets of Stellenbosch are lined with art galleries and oak trees.
I like to think of Stellies as the perfect blend of European style and African hospitality.
9. Galle, Sri Lanka
The Portuguese wandered into this trading port in 1589, followed by the Dutch in 1640 and the British in 1796. As a result, the fortified city of Galle draws influence from all corners of the European continent.
The vibe here is peaceful and serene. There is no traffic to speak of, and the locals typically live down-to-earth yet comfortable lives. The cafes and boutique shops feel like they’ve been taken straight from a high street in Europe and planted in the tropical foliage of this south Sri Lankan coastal town.
8. Puebla, Mexico
Mexico’s heritage is intricately connected to Spain, and dozens of cities have a Spanish-colonial core. Puebla is easily one of the most European-esque cities in Mexico, thanks to its ancient pre-columbian structures, which were built by the Spanish as far back as 1531.
Downtown Puebla is a Spanish colonial site with Baroque and Renaissance buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. Many of these buildings are famous for their azulejos, the glazed ceramic tiles that give the city a traditional Mexican edge.
Another European influence is the city’s grid layout, which was commonplace in European cities at the time. Today, this layout makes it easy to navigate the city on foot.
7. Swakopmund, Namibia
Namibia was colonized by Germany in the late nineteenth century. Back then, the country was called German South West Africa, with a strong German influence seen throughout its architecture, food, language, and culture. However, this German-influenced city has a twist—it’s surrounded by endless sand dunes – a geographic phenomenon not found anywhere on the European continent.
Swakopmund is a coastal town with half-timbered houses, beer halls, and even bratwurst. The Germans originally founded it as a colonial harbor, and eventually, it grew to become a beautiful (although small) city.
6. Bariloche, Argentina
They say Bariloche is the ‘Little Switzerland of South America.’ Located in the depths of Patagonia on the banks of the Nahuel Huapi Lake, this city has a distinctly European feel. In the 1800s, plenty of German, Swiss, and Italian immigrants moved here, bringing with them their architectural styles and fine chocolate-making skills.
You might think you’re in the Swiss Alps until someone hands you a strong cup of mate instead of a Lindt hot chocolate. This mountain city mixes Alpine charm with a distinctly Argentinian soul.
5. Pondicherry, India
Pondicherry, or Puducherry, is a small union territory in India that was a French enclave during India’s colonial past. Although the French entered the country in the 1600s, this little town gained its French influence in 1814. Since then, most of the French speakers and descendants have left town. However, the tree-lined boulevards, faded St. Tropez-inspired villas, and French street names remain.
The town is as laid-back and low-key as Indian cities get. You can still indulge in some of the best French food in India here—from nicoise salad to crepes suzette. The most European part of Pondicherry is the White Town, where cobblestone streets wind through mustard-colored buildings.
4. Holland, Michigan
It’s not common knowledge, but there is a slice of the Netherlands in the American Midwest. Holland, Michigan, might sound like a marketing gimmick, but it’s about as authentically Dutch as it gets in the U.S.
It’s the real deal, complete with classic Dutch-style houses, tulip festivals, and windmills. The town was founded by Dutch immigrants in the 19th century, and it has embraced its European roots ever since.
Holland is connected with typical Amsterdam-inspired canals and plenty of bike paths, all on the shores of Lake Macatawa in Michigan.
3. Blumenau, Brazil
The town of Blumenau in southern Brazil was founded by German immigrants in the 1800s. Today, the city celebrates its German heritage predominantly by hosting the second-biggest Oktoberfest in the world.
Whether you visit for the beer-drinking festivities or not, the city is known as ‘Little Germany,’ boasting half-timbered houses and even German school curriculums.
But by far, the most impressive German influences are in the traditional food and breweries. You can find typical sweets and pastries like Black Forest cherry cake, beer gardens, and various potato dishes with sausages.
2. Macau, China
Picture the streets of Lisbon—but with neon-lit casinos and a Chinese influence. This is what it’s like to visit Macau. Interestingly enough, this territory just east of Hong Kong was controlled by the Portuguese until as recently as 1999.
This Chinese city is a fascinating blend of Portuguese colonial history and modern-day Chinese tech and glitz. Parts of the city are paved with cobblestone streets and pastel neoclassical buildings that look like they belong in Portugal.
Deservedly, Macau was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 for its incredible blend of Portuguese and Chinese culture.
1. Quebec City, Canada
A quick stroll through Quebec City might transport your mind straight onto the streets of Paris. This Canadian city has a strong French influence, from the Parisien-style sidewalk cafes to the French language spoken by just about every local. You can really feel the pride that Quebecois have in their French heritage.
The centerpiece of this city is the Chateau Frontenac and the Quartier du Petit Champlain in Old Quebec. One day in this area, and it’s not hard to believe that the entire Old City is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a Francophone gem with a side of Canadian hospitality and sweet maple syrup.
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