Pennsylvania Cities That Look Straight Out Of Europe

Pennsylvania hides charming cities that transport visitors straight to Europe without needing a passport. From cobblestone streets to Gothic architecture, these towns capture the essence of various European countries through their buildings, town squares, and cultural heritage.

Pack your camera and get ready to experience these Pennsylvania gems that feel like you’ve stepped across the Atlantic.

1. Jim Thorpe’s Alpine Charm

Nestled in the Pocono Mountains, Jim Thorpe showcases Victorian architecture reminiscent of a Swiss Alpine village. Colorful buildings cling to hillsides while the Lehigh River cuts through town just like European mountain streams.

Once called the “Switzerland of America,” this former coal mining town transformed into a picture-perfect getaway with its Opera House and Asa Packer Mansion standing as testaments to Old World craftsmanship.

2. Philadelphia’s Old City District

Walking through Philadelphia’s Old City feels like strolling through a London neighborhood. Red brick townhouses line narrow cobblestone streets while historic pubs and shops occupy centuries-old buildings.

Elfreth’s Alley, America’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street, mirrors the intimate charm of English mews. Gas lamps illuminate evenings, and the district’s Georgian architecture evokes British elegance with its symmetrical facades and decorative doorways.

3. Lititz’s Quaint German Roots

Founded by German Moravians in 1756, Lititz preserves its European heritage through half-timbered buildings and a walkable downtown that mirrors small German villages. The town’s pretzel bakeries and chocolate shops enhance its authentic Old World atmosphere.

Strolling past the Moravian Church and historic Sturgis Pretzel House transports visitors to Bavaria. Annual festivals celebrate Germanic traditions with folk dancing, traditional music, and crafts that honor the town’s continental origins.

4. Bethlehem’s Medieval Stone Quarter

Moravian settlers created Bethlehem’s historic district with limestone buildings and a central square that echoes medieval European town planning. The 1741 Gemeinhaus stands as America’s largest 18th-century log structure, showcasing Germanic building techniques.

During Christmas, Bethlehem transforms into a magical wonderland reminiscent of German holiday markets. Gas lamps cast warm glows on stone facades while the Bach Choir performs in historic churches, completing the illusion of being in an ancient European city.

5. Doylestown’s Mediterranean Castle Town

Doylestown surprises visitors with its collection of castle-like structures that seem plucked from Mediterranean hillsides. The Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle showcase concrete marvels built by archeologist Henry Mercer, resembling Spanish and Italian fortresses.

The downtown features stone buildings with arched doorways and terra cotta accents. When sunlight hits the Moravian pottery tile works and illuminates the town’s unique architecture, visitors might momentarily believe they’ve been transported to a hilltop village in southern Europe.

6. Milford’s Victorian English Elegance

Tucked against the Delaware River, Milford’s tree-lined streets showcase Victorian and Federal-style mansions that evoke American Gilded Age elegance. The Hotel Fauchère anchors the town with its black shutters and white façade, built in the classic Italianate style, reminiscent of historic inns.

Antique shops occupy various converted historic buildings while the town’s central green, Kennedy Triangle Park, serves as a community gathering space.