American Cities Europeans Don’t Know (But Should Visit!) – 2025 U.S. Travel Guide

Skip the chaos of Manhattan and step into Savannah, one of the most charming historic cities in America. With 22 historic squares across a one-square-mile area, cobblestone streets, and colonial mansions, the city feels more like a European old town than a typical American city.

• Boutique hotels from $120/night
• Grand homes with wrought-iron balconies
• A completely walkable historic district (no taxis needed)
• Blooming azaleas and dogwoods in spring

Best time to visit: March–May, when the weather is mild and flowers are in full bloom

Savannah offers atmosphere, architecture, and Southern hospitality—all for half the price of New York.

Santa Fe is unlike any other American city. Set at 7,000 feet above sea level, this desert capital is defined by its adobe architecture, vibrant art scene, and deep Native American, Spanish, and Mexican heritage. As a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Arts, it offers a unique cultural experience.

• Over 250 art galleries in the compact, walkable downtown
• The famous Santa Fe Plaza, dating back to 1610
• Historic hotels from $150/night
• Spicy local cuisine infused with green and red chiles

Best time to visit: September, during the annual Balloon Fiesta and chile harvest

Santa Fe is a UNESCO Creative City and a cultural experience you won't find in LA or Vegas.

Perched on the edge of Lake Champlain, Burlington offers Alpine-style scenery, a cozy small-town feel, and a distinctly European atmosphere.

The city's Church Street Marketplace is a brick-paved pedestrian zone filled with local shops, cafés, and street performers—think Copenhagen meets the U.S. Northeast.

• Lakeside hotels from $140/night
• Award-winning craft breweries
• Lake and mountain views that rival the Alps
• A vibrant but relaxed community vibe

Best time to visit: September–October for fall foliage that rivals Central Europe

It's America's most underrated autumn destination.

With its pastel-colored colonial homes, cobblestone alleys, and shaded courtyards, Charleston looks like it belongs in a European coastal city—yet it's one of America's oldest and most historically rich places.

• Historic Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began
• Gullah cuisine, Southern cooking, and fine dining blended together
• Hotels from $160/night in the heart of the historic district
• Stunning gardens and antebellum mansions open to visitors

Best time to visit: March–May for garden tours and sunny spring days

Charleston feels like a Southern Florence meets New Orleans, with charm around every corner.

Portland offers a working harbor, cobblestone streets, and historic Victorian architecture, along with some of the freshest seafood in America. It's small, scenic, and packed with personality.

• Waterfront hotels from $130/night
• Boat tours of historic lighthouses
• Oysters, lobster rolls, and chowder caught that same morning
• Local breweries and bakeries scattered throughout town

Best time to visit: June–September, when the weather is sunny but the tourist crowds haven’t taken over like in Boston

For Europeans seeking a true New England experience, Portland offers authentic charm without the big-city hustle.

If you're planning your first trip to the U.S., don’t stop at Times Square or Rodeo Drive. These five cities—Savannah, Santa Fe, Burlington, Charleston, and Portland (Maine)—offer history, architecture, and charm that many Europeans crave, but without the sky-high prices or overwhelming tourist scenes.

In 2025, skip the obvious and explore the American cities that feel like Europe—with a twist.