Summary

• European cities like Edinburgh, Belfast, and Zurich have elements that make them feel like American destinations, with similarities in urban planning and architectural styles.
• Madrid, Copenhagen, and Stockholm also have aspects that evoke an American feel, such as cosmopolitan vibes and familiar cultural influences.
• Cities like Helsinki, Berlin, and Liverpool offer a sense of comfort and familiarity to Americans, whether it's through shared values, architectural resemblances, or cultural similarities.

It kind of goes without saying at this point, but the United States of America, as a nation, has had a pretty significant impact on the rest of the world throughout the course of time. The country has also received a strong influence from European countries through the centuries, so it's no surprise that there are many cities in the North American continent that feel European. The opposite also happens: There are many cities in Europe that make people feel they are in New York or other American cities.

In addition to being a primary tourist destination, it is also quite influential in terms of how foreigners behave, react, and develop their own lives and personalities. That sounds quite extreme, but it's true, and in many ways, it's never been more accurate than in Europe. The Old Continent has many destinations that offer a romantic city break and also places throughout the continent that are much more 'naturally' breathtaking than anywhere in the States. Still, there are certainly a handful of cities that give off the impression of an American destination.

UPDATE: 2023/09/30 22:29 EST BY LUANA FERREIRA

More American-Like Cities To Explore In Europe This Year

The history of America and Europe are intertwined, so it's no surprise that travelers can feel they are in America while walking in London, Zurich, or Edinburgh. This list has been updated to include more European cities that could claim the title of "most American city in Europe."

14 Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland, has certain features that might make visitors feel they are in America. Its New Town, planned in the 18th century, showcases a grid-like street layout and neoclassical architecture akin to parts of cities like Boston or New York.

Edinburgh's Princes Street, with its wide boulevard and shops, exudes a touch of American urban planning. While Edinburgh is distinctly European in character, these elements may hint at a resemblance to the urban layouts found in select American cities, adding a unique layer to its rich cultural tapestry.

Travelers heading to the city can benefit from a range of hotels, including staying in a ship converted into a boutique hotel.

• Top attractions: Edinburgh Castle, National Museum of Scotland, Palace of Holyroodhouse

13 Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast, Northern Ireland, possesses pockets that resonate with American influences. The city's revitalized waterfront area, with its modern architecture and spacious boulevards, echoes the layout of cities like San Francisco or parts of Boston. While distinctly European, these elements contribute to Belfast's unique cultural and architectural influences.

The vibrant business district exudes a cosmopolitan ambiance reminiscent of certain American cities. Belfast's mix of historic charm and contemporary urban development lends it a dynamic quality akin to aspects of cities such as Seattle or Philadelphia.

• Top attractions: Titanic Belfast, St George Market

12 Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich, Switzerland, is a well-organized cityscape punctuated with vibrant cultural hubs that exude a cosmopolitan feel akin to cities like San Francisco or Seattle in the United States.

The financial district, in particular, boasts towering skyscrapers resembling the urban layouts found in American cities. Zurich retains its distinct Swiss character, and its architectural and urban design elements may evoke a sense of familiarity for visitors familiar with specific American urban centers.

• Top attractions:Lindnhof, Grossmünster

11 Madrid, Spain

Madrid, Spain, is famous for its lively plazas, elegant boulevards, historic architecture, and scenic wine tours. While Madrid possesses a distinct European charm, some neighborhoods, like Salamanca, offer a taste of Santa Barbara, California's refined allure. Both cities boast tree-lined avenues, upscale boutiques, and an air of relaxed sophistication.

Like Santa Barbara's lush parks, Madrid's Retiro Park provides a serene escape amidst urban bustle. The combination of cultural richness, artistic heritage, and a Mediterranean climate in Madrid, akin to Santa Barbara's coastal charm, makes both cities destinations that celebrate the finer aspects of life.

• Top attractions: Plaza Mayor, Museo Nacional del Prado, Royal Palace of Madrid

10 Copenhagen, Denmark

This isn’t going to be a universal thought process by any stretch of the imagination, but there just seems to be something about the bright lights of the Danish capital that allows it to qualify.

The best possible compliment that could be awarded to Copenhagen is that it feels like a mesh of the quaint Gdansk and the larger-than-life New York City. People are very into their fitness, as is the case in NYC, and there are a lot of major brands that have recognized and capitalized on the market growth of the area. Even tourists staying just one day in the city notice the similarities.

9 London, England

The majority of Americans who take the time to change up their life and move to Europe will lean towards London. Why? Because it’s familiar. America and England are two nations that have consistently bound together for years now, and there’s just something about the partnership that works.

Visually speaking, London is as hectic and sometimes rude as a lot of the major US destinations, and that feeling of living in an English-speaking big city just kind of translates. It’s like there’s some kind of unspoken connection, and probably always will be.

• Top attractions: London Eye, Tower Bridge, The National Galery

RELATED: 10 London Bridges With The Best Views Of The City

8 Stockholm, Sweden

The Swedes seem to idolize the way of living that stems from being an American, from the big restaurant and fashion chains all the way down to the similar parks and areas of natural beauty. Scandinavia as a whole is pretty good in that sense, but of course, one of the defining features that can serve as a prime example of everything we’ve spoken about is IKEA.

At the risk of sounding too stereotypical, the crossover in nations can kind of be defined by this one store. It’s larger than life, it’s diverse, and it’s something people know.

• Top attractions: The Royal Palace, Vasa Museum

7 Helsinki, Finland

In terms of the pace of the city and the movement of life, Americans would probably feel pretty comfortable in Helsinki. There isn’t too much of a language barrier, business is at the focal point of the city, and there’s an overwhelming focus and intrigue when it comes to the local cuisine – some may even call it pride.

Architecturally speaking, there are even a few buildings that you’d have to look twice at, as you may believe, if only for just a second, that you’ve been transported over to Washington, D.C.

• Top attractions: Helsinki Cathedral, Lutheran church, Temppeliaukion Church

6 Berlin, Germany

It’s just so large.

Berlin is an absolutely massive city with an extraordinary amount of history behind it, both for good and bad reasons. It takes 30-35 minutes or so just to get out of the outskirts on the train, and sometimes it can even take up to an hour.

Whether you’re young or old, it really does come across as the kind of place that can be enjoyed and appreciated by all, and even if you aren’t looking for it, controversy is bound to fall at your feet somehow during your stay.

• Top attractions: Brandenburg Gate, Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, East Side Gallery

RELATED: 20 Spots In The USA That Actually Feel More Like Europe Than America

5 Liverpool, England

Once you hear the accents, you may think that this argument falls apart, but there’s more to it than that. In Liverpool, you will find a distinct divide between the poor and the rich, passionate locals who have a burning passion for their city and a style of music that is revered and appreciated throughout the entire globe.

As unique as the great Merseyside city may seem, there’s also a lot to be said for how much it mirrors the States. Specifically, Boston seems like a pretty good ‘twin’ city.

• Top attractions: Anfield, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, Liverpool Cathedral

4 Benidorm, Spain

A poor man’s version of Miami would be the right kind of way to describe Benidorm, which isn’t even a popular tourist destination amongst Spaniards themselves. They feel like it gives them a poor reputation in the wider world, but from a visual perspective alone, it’ll strike a lot of Americans as being pretty familiar.

The locals there kind of act like they’re from grander and more intriguing cities, too, which is the kind of arrogance that is hard to come by.

In truth, more folks probably talk English here than they do Spanish.

• Top attractions: Aqualandia, Balcó del Mediterrani

3 Frankfurt, Germany

One glance at the city of Frankfurt should tell you all that you need to know. Financially speaking, it is one of the primary hubs of the European market, with businesses and brands alike running a great deal of their work through Frankfurt.

It hasn’t always been the most popular of tourist destinations, and it still isn’t to this day, but it’s rare that you get to witness this kind of skyline outside of North America and the major Asian cities. Whether that’s a blessing or a curse is for the public to decide.

• Top attractions: Städel Museum, Palm Gardens, Alter Oper

RELATED: 10 Castles In Germany Which Will Make You Feel Like Royalty

2 Milan, Italy

Milan is a famous shopping destination. From the days of Versace’s rise all the way up to the present day, the art of fashion has had a devastatingly powerful impact on the city of Milan. The culture of Italy is still felt pretty strongly in certain regions, but that ‘Americanised’ vibe is quite clear to see – especially on the primary shopping streets.

Anyone who is anyone has been there in order to witness it for themselves, and it almost comes across as a ‘little brother’ of the States. It’s cliché, but it’s certainly the truth.

• Top attractions: Duomo di Milano, Sforzesco Castle, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

1 Rotterdam, Netherlands

There’s no Old Town in Rotterdam, which tends to be one of the integral features of a niche, traditional European city. It almost feels as if it has been picked up from the Midwest and placed directly into the middle of the Netherlands as if it doesn’t really belong.

The prices of flights tend to echo that thought process, with Skyscanner quoting a return price to and from London of around $185. That doesn’t sound like a lot of money, but over in Europe, that’s incredibly pricey, and you won’t find many travelers who would pay it.

• Top attractions: Euromast, Erasmubrug

NEXT: 20 Bizarre Things About European Travellers From The U.S. Can't Get Over