The Wanderlist: Europe-Like Cities in North America
Find picturesque settings and Old World charm in these Europe-like cities not far from home.
New Orleans
Settled by the French and later taken over by Spain – it’s been La Nouvelle-Orléans and Nueva Orleans – its food, music, language and architecture are shaped by European influence. With its gaslight-style lamps, centuries-old buildings and courtyard gardens, the city’s French Quarter could easily be mistaken for a charming European town. The way of life in New Orleans is inspired by the other side of the Atlantic, from leisurely days to a lively nightlife scene on par with Amsterdam or Berlin.
Boston
From cobblestone streets and handsome brownstone buildings to Harvard’s enchanting collegiate architecture, one of the oldest cities in America feels deeply tied to its British colonial roots. Roughly 20 per cent of its citizens claim Irish ancestry, so there is no shortage of pubs. In the North End, pastry shops, restaurants, delis and gelato stands reflect the neighbourhood’s Italian roots.
Quebec City
Their official tourism slogan, “so Europe, so close” is an apt description for its old town, the only walled city north of Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking along the winding cobblestone streets under the enchanting silhouette of the Chateau Frontenac, you’d be forgiven for forgetting that you’re only a 90-minute flight from Toronto and not in a picturesque town in France.
Cape Breton Island
Rustic coastal landscapes bordered by moss-covered rock formations may be the stuff of Scottish tourism ads, but Canada’s east coast is home to similarly captivating maritime vistas. In Scotland, endless hikes are the thing to do, whereas in Cape Breton it’s the famed Cabot Trail road trip with plenty of stops. Must-see landscapes include the semi-saltwater Bras d’Or Lake and the cliffs of Highlands National Park. Local pubs and inns frequently host traditional ceilidhs, celebrating Celtic dance and culture.
Santa Barbara
The sun-soaked California coast is home to an unexpected hub of European history and culture in Santa Barbara. As the home of Spanish missionaries back to the late 1700s, the city has retained the charm and essence of its earliest European settlements. The white stucco exteriors and red clay rooftops of buildings like the County Courthouse and Old Mission are in the Spanish colonial style. Santa Barbara’s scenic coastline and mild climate help earn its nickname – the American Riviera.
