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If you’ve been dreaming of romantic cobbled streets, picturesque towns and fairytale castles that could belong in a Disney classic, then Europe is probably on your radar this summer; However, if you waited too long to book that transatlantic trip, it may already be too late…
Not only are prices rising dramatically on the Old Continent, but several European destinations are also taking measures Reduce tourism amid rising demand, and in large parts of Spain, France and Italy, Americans are no longer welcome, if the mass protests are any indication.
Fortunately, you don’t have to spend too much money to cross the pond, or risk hostility when you get a chance to sample the culture: this one 5 North American cities to watch just now like Europeand they are a much shorter 2 to 3 hour flight away depending on where you are in the United States.
Montpellier, Vermont
You can even leave your passport at home for this: Vermont’s historic capital, Montpellier, is named after the old French town, and although it’s not medieval miracle, that’s what it is one of the best preserved colonial settlements throughout the US of A.
Crossed by leafy streets lined with historic homes and romantic lampposts, dotted with church steeples, and dominated by the 1859 Vermont State House, a Greek Revival initiative with a gold dome, and with visual arts exhibits, it is a cultural center of world class. hotspot.
Like France’s faithful daughter, Montpellier is also famous for its many museums, most notably the Vermont Historical Society Museum, housed in a Grade II listed 19th-century building, and the TW Wood Art Gallery, one of the oldest in the city.
Guanajuato, Mexico
We’re heading south of the border for this, and luckily for culture vultures from the southern states who hate long flights, this cross-border trip takes just two hours: Guanajuato is one of the most historically charged cities in the world. Mexico, and it is certainly breathtaking.
It looks like it could belong in Spain, with its beautiful neo-Gothic churches, stately university and vast network of cobbled streets; the imposing, yellow-washed Basílica Colegiata is an icon of the city’s colorful skyline, and you won’t want to miss Callejón del Beso.
This uphill street is so narrow that the opposing balconies almost touch, allowing couples to reach over the gap for a kiss. countless romantic spots around the city: imagine picturesque hidden courtyards, green city parks and baroque neighborhoods layered with pastel-colored houses.
Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City, the capital of the French-speaking Canadian province of Quebec, is a literal extension of France on this side of the pond, from the stone low-rise houses to the pedestrianized winding streets and charming squares lined with cafes. to the castle on the hilltop.
It is home to a striking, neo-Gothic Frontenac castle, now Fairmont-listed, a preserved old quarter from 1608 and city walls, making it one of two cities on the continent that still surrounded by European-built fortifications.
Thanks to his citadelFrench bistros and the Petit Champlain district, where the usual modernist Canadian cityscape gives way to legendary boutiques and ethnic museums, it is one of the few Canadian made by humans UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
San Francisco de Campeche, Mexico
Mexico has a cultural heritage like no other, so it is only natural that this is also present twice on the list: a two-hour train ride from Merida, the Yucatán capital, this overlooked colonial gem is one of only two cities in mainland America to retain its Old Town fortifications, in addition to.. .
You guessed it, the beautiful city of Quebec! While Canada’s French-speaking microcosm has a distinctly Northern European character, San Francisco de Campeche, or simply Campeche, is a vibrant Spanish dreamland with cheerfully painted facades and a monument-studded waterfront.
Yes, Campeche is on the coast, so visitors can immerse themselves in history, whether they walk along the anti-pirate ramparts or admire the architecture around Independence Square, and find beautiful unspoilt beaches just a 15-minute drive from the city center.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
A little trip to the Caribbean, anyone? We love the pristine white sand with powdered sugar and crystal clear water, but if you’re a culture vulture looking for more than just lounging on the beach all day, San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, is a good one choice. .
Founded by Spaniards at the height of the Spanish Empire, it has the cobblestones, the great seafood restaurants (with the Latino twist you would expect), the beautiful 16th century cityscapethe enormous fortress and intact walls that you usually associate with southern Europe.
Like Quebec City, San Juan and its fortified harbor are a World Heritage Site, only it is far from your average open-air museum, with lively bars, casinos and five-star resorts in abundance; plus, since Puerto Rico is a US territory even though it is unincorporated, You don’t need a passport to visit as an American.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
