19 Budget-Friendly Dupes For European Experiences
Dreaming of Europe but dreading the price tag? Don’t worry there’s a smart way to get the charm without the splurge.
I’ve uncovered 19 stunning destinations that feel like classic European getaways, minus the hefty bill. Think cobblestone streets, rich history, dreamy views, and delicious food all for way less. Whether you’re after romance, culture, or just that timeless vibe, these budget-friendly swaps deliver big.
Ready to travel smarter and still soak up the magic? Your affordable adventure starts right here.
1. Colmar, France → Leavenworth, Washington
How does a cheerful mountain village with half-timbered buildings sound? Leavenworth, nestled in the Washington Cascades, offers a Bavarian twist that feels just like Colmar, only stateside. Festivals burst with polka music, and bratwurst is always sizzling.
When I stroll the flower-box-lined streets, it’s easy to imagine I’m wandering through Alsace. There’s a playful spirit to the town, almost like a perpetual Oktoberfest.
If you visit in December, twinkle lights transform Leavenworth into a snow-globe wonder. It’s the perfect dupe for European charm without a long-haul flight.
2. Amalfi Coast, Italy → Big Sur, California
Where coastal cliffs meet the sky, I’m reminded of Italy’s famed Amalfi Coast. Big Sur brings that same drama with towering bluffs and sparkling Pacific views. The highway here hugs the land like a ribbon, inviting lingering glances.
Picnicking at sunset while waves crash below feels just as romantic as Positano. Though the restaurants serve more avocado than arancini, the scenery is pure Mediterranean fantasy.
Are road trips your thing? This stretch is an icon for good reason, delivering that Euro-glamour along California’s edge.
3. Santorini, Greece → Oia, Santorini → White Sands National Park, New Mexico
If your heart skips at the sight of those famous whitewashed Greek buildings, White Sands National Park might surprise you. The dunes here glow as if dusted with powdered sugar, evoking that iconic Santorini brightness.
Sometimes I’ll sit atop a dune as the sun drops, colors shifting from blue to rose. The serenity rivals any Mediterranean island.
It’s a surreal setting for photos, and you won’t find the crowds or prices of the Aegean. Want the “wow” without the airfare? This is your spot.
4. Venice, Italy → Annecy, France
Did you ever dream of a watery labyrinth but dread the Venetian crowds? Annecy in France feels like a secret Venice, with alpine air drifting over crystal-clear canals.
Cafés spill onto stone lanes, where swans glide past pastel facades. Each bridge feels like an invitation to explore.
The old town radiates fairy-tale charm, making it easy to believe you’re lost in a European painting. Without the tourist mobs, Annecy’s magic shines even brighter.
5. Barcelona, Spain → Buenos Aires, Argentina
When I saw Buenos Aires for the first time, echoes of Barcelona’s energy greeted me. Wide boulevards, playful modernist facades, and a city that never seems to sleep.
Street artists splash color onto walls, and plazas hum with local tango. Foodies will find a wild ride here—think tapas with a South American twist.
If architectural adventures and bold flavors call to you, this city is your ticket. It’s Europe’s bohemian cousin, with a Latin flair.
6. Swiss Alps, Switzerland → Banff National Park, Canada
How do you find Alpine majesty without Swiss prices? Banff National Park is my answer, with glacier-fed lakes and peaks that rival any postcard from Switzerland.
Morning hikes along Lake Louise make me feel like I’m part of an epic adventure. Wildlife sightings add a thrill you rarely get in the Alps.
Travelers on a budget can camp or stay in cozy lodges. It’s grandeur with a wild Canadian spirit—and plenty of mountain air.
7. Paris, France → Montreal, Canada
Ever wanted Parisian flair with friendlier prices? Montreal is where I go when I crave cobblestone streets and café culture—without crossing the Atlantic.
Bakeries fill the air with buttery scents, and public art splashes color on every corner. Locals switch between French and English with such ease.
Summer festivals light up the city, while winter brings cozy underground adventures. Parisian style, North American ease.
8. Prague, Czech Republic → Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
Where can you find storybook towers and medieval bridges without the crowds? Český Krumlov is my secret, tucked along a winding river in the Czech Republic.
It’s a place where every turn reveals bright facades and timeless stonework. The castle looms above, watching like an old friend.
This town feels like a fairytale come to life, with river rafting and open-air concerts in summer. Prague’s little cousin is a gem I always recommend.
9. London, England → Victoria, British Columbia
This city on Canada’s west coast feels like a British time capsule. Victoria’s manicured gardens and classic architecture evoke London, but with Pacific breezes.
Tea service at the Empress Hotel always makes me feel royally pampered. Red buses and floral displays lend a touch of whimsy.
Where London buzzes, Victoria strolls—perfect for those who savor tradition at a gentler pace. Here, heritage meets harbor views.
10. Iceland’s Blue Lagoon → Hot Springs, Colorado
Though Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is legendary, Colorado’s mountain hot springs deliver just as much relaxation. Here, warm pools steam beneath rugged peaks, sometimes with snow falling softly.
I love slipping into mineral-rich waters after a day in the wild. The contrast of cold air and hot pools is pure bliss.
If you crave serenity and natural beauty, these springs offer the same soothing escape—minus the transatlantic journey.
11. Provence, France → Sequim, Washington
If you’re longing for fields of purple under endless sky, Sequim brings Provence to the Pacific Northwest. Every July, lavender blooms transform the landscape into a fragrant wonder.
Local farms welcome visitors with festivals, homemade soap, and berry-lavender ice cream. The air is sweet and calm.
It’s a peaceful spot to recharge, photograph, and breathe deeply. All the charm of France, just hours from Seattle.
12. Budapest, Hungary → Tbilisi, Georgia
Are you fascinated by grand architecture and lively bathhouses? Tbilisi in Georgia has its own version of Budapest’s vibrant energy and thermal traditions.
Narrow alleys wind past ancient churches and pastel balconies. Local bakeries tempt with cheesy breads and sweet wine.
The city pulses with creativity and history—a crossroads of cultures for centuries. This blend is irresistible for those hungry for something offbeat.
13. Edinburgh, Scotland → St. John’s, Newfoundland
With cliffs and lighthouses battered by wind, St. John’s feels like a Scottish tale set on Canada’s eastern edge. Rows of colorful houses climb steep streets, and bagpipes sometimes echo on the breeze.
Locals spin legends over pints in cozy pubs, and the weather keeps things dramatic. I often lose track of time exploring winding alleys.
Scottish roots run deep here, making it a soulful alternative to Edinburgh’s storied streets.
14. Vienna, Austria → Bratislava, Slovakia
When I wander Bratislava’s old town, I’m struck by how much it echoes Vienna’s imperial elegance. There’s music in the air, and pastel buildings bask in the sun.
Duck into a café for rich coffee and cake, or climb up to the castle for river views. The vibe is artistic, but prices are much kinder.
For fans of classical beauty who like surprises, this city is a smart pick. Vienna’s cousin, with its own twist.
15. Dublin, Ireland → Savannah, Georgia
Are you after pub culture and poetic charm? Savannah’s emerald squares and old-world pubs easily conjure Dublin’s cozy spirit. The city’s storytellers love a good tale over a pint.
Live music drifts from bar doors, and the streets glow at sunset. I find the mossy oaks especially enchanting.
Where Southern hospitality meets Gaelic soul, you find a place that feels like a homecoming. Dublin by way of Georgia.
16. Cinque Terre, Italy → Manarola, Cinque Terre → Vernazza, Italy → Capitola, California
How about pastel houses tumbling down to the sea? Capitola, California brings a slice of Italian Riviera life, packed into a lively beach town.
Fishermen haul in the day’s catch, and cafés bustle with surfers and sunseekers. There’s a dash of whimsy everywhere.
If you close your eyes, the salt air and colorful facades might just convince you you’re in Liguria. It’s a festive dupe for Cinque Terre’s dazzle.
17. Lisbon, Portugal → San Francisco, California
When I ride a vintage streetcar up a steep hill in San Francisco, Lisbon’s spirit is right there. The city’s hills, bridges, and fog feel strikingly Iberian.
Step into a bakery, and you’ll find custard tarts worthy of Lisbon’s cafés. The art and music pulse with old soul.
It’s that blend of grit and glamour that makes this city a ringer for Portugal’s capital—just on the Pacific.
18. Dubrovnik, Croatia → Kotor, Montenegro
If ancient walls and Adriatic views call your name, Kotor is the under-the-radar answer to Dubrovnik. Its old town dazzles with labyrinthine lanes and Venetian flair.
Mountains cradle the city, and the bay shimmers like a jewel. Locals sell figs and olive oil in tiny markets.
The energy is more relaxed, but the medieval magic is just as strong. History lovers will feel right at home here.
19. Munich, Germany → Fredericksburg, Texas
Did you know Texas has its own Bavarian spirit? Fredericksburg’s Main Street overflows with beer halls, bratwurst, and oompah bands, echoing Munich’s festive traditions.
The town’s roots go back to German settlers, and the architecture still shows it. Every fall, Oktoberfest transforms Fredericksburg into a rollicking celebration.
Hill Country scenery adds a wild twist, and the friendliness is pure Texas. It’s a quirky, joyful substitute for Munich’s bustle.