Your European travel dreams are closer than you think…they’re in New York State! If you’re ready to head overseas without the transatlantic price tag, we’ve got you covered. Maybe you’ll find yourself sipping wine at a Tuscan-inspired villa in the Hudson Valley or soaking up Swiss Alp vibes in a postcard-perfect ski town in the Adirondacks. Check out these 24 European travel dupes and get ready to plan your next Empire State adventure. Photo credit: @rbbramlett on Instagram

Revel in lakeside paradise at New York’s “Little Lake Como” (Finger Lakes)

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Italy’s Lake Como, New York has its own little slice of lakeside paradise nestled in the Finger Lakes. Coined as New York’s “Little Lake Como,” Hammondsport is the place to be if you’re looking for picturesque beauty, a postcard-perfect town, and an award-winning wine scene, without the cost of a trip to Italy! Like Lake Como, Keuka Lake was formed by ancient glaciers, and both lakes are known for their distinctive “y” shapes. Wine lovers can venture into Finger Lakes Wine Country to sip on world-class vino along the Keuka Lake Wine Trail, while outdoor enthusiasts can splash around in Keuka Lake at Depot Park or Champlin Beach Park. Keuka Watersports offers kayak, jet ski, paddle board, and boat rentals from Champlin Beach Park or opt for a historic boat tour with the Finger Lakes Boating Museum. Downtown Hammondsport is packed with small town charm with local shops and restaurants and an adorable town square. 

Feel like you’re in the Swiss Alps in Lake Placid (Adirondacks)

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With dramatic mountain peaks, Winter Olympic history, and outdoor adventure galore, you may think you’re in the Swiss Alps on a trip to Lake Placid! Immersed in the beauty of the Adirondack High Peaks, this two-time winter Olympic city is packed with year-round fun. In the winter, experience skiing at its best at Whiteface Mountain, home to 94 trails and the biggest vertical drop east of the Rockies. Dog sled rides, ice skating on Mirror Lake, and a charming apres-ski scene are also winter staples. In the summer, discover amazing opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more. Whether you prefer the snow or the summer sun, a stroll through town is sure to evoke Alpine village vibes with chalet-style architecture at resorts like Whiteface Lodge and Lake Placid Lodge, and charming shops, boutiques, bars, and restaurants. Don’t forget to stop at the Lake Placid Olympic Sites: the Olympic Center and Museum, Olympic Jumping Complex, Mt. Van Hoevenberg, and Whiteface Mountain.

Channel Via Ferrata vibes in the Shawangunk Mountains (Hudson Valley)

PHOTO COURTESY OF MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE

Looking for other places that evoke the alps? In the Hudson Valley, Mohonk Mountain House has its very own Via Ferrata and Pinnacle Ledge Tour! Nestled in the Shawangunk Mountains, one of the East Coast’s premier rock climbing regions, experience a thrilling adventure unlike any other, offering a blend of rock climbing, cable traverses, and aerial staircases through an unforgettable landscape. 

Explore a Scottish-inspired castle in the Thousand Islands (Thousand Islands-Seaway)

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Ready to feel like royalty? Take a boat tour out to Dark Island with Uncle Sam Boat Tours or Clayton Island Tours, where you’ll find the grand Singer Castle, inspired by the beautiful and historic castles in Scotland. Built between 1900 and 1905, this gem on the St. Lawrence River was once the summer home of Frederick Bourne – the fifth president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, where the name Singer Castle came from.  Follow along on a guided tour of the castle and grounds which includes a five-story clock tower, four-story boat house, heated squash court, pergola and rose garden, and dozens of hidden passageways leading to every room. You can even spend the night like royalty in the castle Royal Suite, which is actually an entire wing, featuring canopy beds, lavishly decorated rooms, and luxurious bathrooms equipped with period-style fixtures. 

Discover medieval European art without leaving New York City (NYC)

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Step into medieval Europe without leaving New York City at The Met Cloisters! Perched high above the Hudson River in Fort Tryon Park, this enchanting museum blends stunning views, peaceful gardens, and awe-inspiring architecture built from actual medieval French abbeys. Experience a Gothic and Romanesque escape as you wander through serene cloister gardens and marvel at masterpieces like stained glass, stone carvings, and the legendary Unicorn Tapestries, dating back to as far as the sixth century.

Feel like you’re sipping through European wine regions in the Finger Lakes (Finger Lakes)

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Did you know that the Finger Lakes is known as one of the greatest Riesling regions in the world? In fact, it’s known as America’s premier cool-climate wine region, growing many of the same grapes that originated in Germany, Austria, and Northern France! Much of the success of Finger Lakes Wine Country has been shaped by a handful of European winemakers, who have blended the best of old-world traditions and new-world innovation. Expect dazzling lakeside views, award-winning wine, and a tasty food scene as you make your way through the region’s four distinct wine trails: Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail, Keuka Lake Wine Trail, Seneca Lake Wine Trail, and Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, home to favorite wineries like Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery (pictured), Domaine LeSeurre Winery, and Weis Vineyards. 

Explore a Rhineland-style castle on the St. Lawrence River (Thousand Islands-Seaway)

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Dreaming of romantic fairytale castles without the transatlantic flight? Hop aboard a charming boat ride with Uncle Sam Boat Tours from Alexandria Bay or Clayton Island Tours from Clayton, and you’ll find yourself on Heart Island, home to the enchanting Boldt Castle. This 120-room Rhineland-style masterpiece was built in 1900 by George Boldt, the millionaire behind New York City’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel, as a grand gesture of love. Wander the hallways and secret passageways, explore the Power House, tiptoe through Italian gardens, and gaze out at the St. Lawrence River from the Yacht House; it’s something out of a storybook!

Taste authentic Italian cuisine in the Bronx (NYC)

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Craving authentic Italian cuisine, but not a flight to Italy? You’re in the right place! Arthur Ave AKA Bronx Little Italy is a slice of culinary paradise, where world-class restaurants, high-quality artisanal food shops, and specialty stores carrying handmade local and imported items line the streets. A stroll through this vibrant neighborhood will lead you to must-stops like Michelin-starred Enzo’s of Arthur Avenue (be sure to try their fried meatballs appetizer) and authentic Italian bakery, Artuso Pastry Shop. Don’t leave without stopping at the Arthur Ave Retail Market filled with all kinds of vendors like Mike’s Deli, serving up tasty sandwiches named after luminaries like DeNiro and some of the best handmade mozzarella around.

Get a taste of Germany at New York Oktoberfests (Various Regions)

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Trip to Munich not in the cards? New York State is the next best place to be for Oktoberfest! The good news is you can get a taste of Germany at festivals from virtually all corners of the state. OktoberFest NYC takes place at Pier 15 starting September 12 for a month-long celebration with German beer, brats, giant pretzels, and fun. In the Catskills, Hunter Mountain holds a three-weekend Oktoberfest (Sept. 27-28, Oct. 4-5, 11-12) with German-themed live music, beer tents, food trucks, a doxie derby, and fall foliage skyrides. Niagara Falls’ historic Old Falls Street has its Oktoberfest on September 27 featuring live music and dancing from the German American Musicians Association, German cuisine, and kid-friendly activities. Whiteface Mountain Oktoberfest is a staple in the Adirondacks with authentic dancing, music, food, and beer alongside stunning mountain views. Locktoberfest in Lockport is a must if you’re looking to celebrate Oktoberfest and the Erie Canal Bicentennial, featuring festive food and drinks from local farms and a demonstration of the original Flight of Five Locks in motion.

Celebrate Dyngus Day in Buffalo’s Little Polonia (Greater Niagara)

Buffalo’s Little Polonia is home to one of the largest Polish communities in the world outside of the country itself and it’s one of the top cities in the world to celebrate Dyngus Day! Taking place the day after Easter, this Polish holiday marks the end of Lent and the start of spring, bringing with it a vibrant celebration of heritage. Watch the parade and then keep the party going at post-parade festivals and events at local businesses throughout the neighborhood, offering traditional live entertainment, delicious Polish cuisine and beer, colorful folk troupes, and plenty of polka dancing!

Admire a dramatic Gothic-style cathedral in NYC at St. Patrick’s Cathedral (NYC)

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This New York City landmark is iconic in its own right, but if you’re looking for a grand European cathedral in New York State, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a perfect demonstration of the dramatic Gothic-style prevalent in the 12th and 13th centuries. Located on Fifth Avenue across from Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s is the largest Gothic Cathedral in the United States. Gaze up in awe at the 330-foot spires, admire the stained glass windows and intricately-designed interior with a seating capacity of 2,400 and a giant organ with 7,855 pipes.

Relax amidst the French countryside in Skaneateles (Finger Lakes)

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The address may say Skaneateles, but you’ll swear that you’re in the French countryside when you arrive at the Mirbeau Inn and Spa! Designed with a distinctly European vibe, this resort is the perfect place to unwind. Settle into one of the 34 guest rooms, each featuring a cozy fireplace and over-sized bathrooms, and take a slow stroll through the gardens, inspired by the paintings of Claude Monet. A trip to the spa is a must, equipped with saunas, steam rooms, an outdoor bar, whirlpool spa, and a menu offering services such as massages, facials, and wellness classes.

Stay at a Tuscan-inspired villa in the Hudson Valley (Hudson Valley)

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Tuscany is closer than you think at Glenmere’s Tuscan-inspired villa in the Hudson Valley. Nestled on 150 acres in the scenic rolling hills of Orange County, this lush hilltop mansion, built in 1911, is the place to indulge in all things elegance, just 50 miles from New York City. Expect European-style luxury when you check into one of the 15 guest rooms and soak up the luxe vibes throughout the formal gardens, sweeping marble staircases, grand cortile, and gracious terraces. Pay a visit to the spa or outdoor pool for a quiet moment of relaxation and end the night with dinner and drinks at one of the estate’s four onsite restaurants.

Tour a French-style Chateau estate on Long Island (Long Island)

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Did you know a French-style Chateau estate exists on Long Island? Located on Long Island’s famed Gold Coast (and featured in Taylor Swift’s Blank Space music video), Oheka is filled with charm and elegance with gorgeous gardens, ornate interior, and unforgettable exterior. Feel like royalty on a historic mansion tour, where you’ll get to wander the castle halls, or make a reservation to have lunch or dinner at the OHK Bar & Restaurant. You can even stay overnight in one of the 34 lush guestrooms and suites!  

Experience charming Scottish hospitality at the Brae Loch Inn (Central New York)

Get a taste of Scottish hospitality in Central New York! Decorated with Scottish memorabilia, tartan furnishings, and delightful antiques, the Brae Loch Inn is the perfect place to experience the warmth of the Scottish Highlands. Spend the night in one of the 12 cozy rooms, many of which feature canopy beds and jacuzzi tubs. Be sure to stop at the restaurants for creative American cuisine with a Scottish and French flair and the largest selection of Single Malt Scotch in Central New York. 

Plan a Scandinavian-inspired getaway at Eastwind Oliverea Valley (Catskills)

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Looking for a Scandinavian getaway close to home? Spend a weekend at Eastwind Oliverea Valley in the Catskills. Tucked into the scenic mountainside, each of the 26 cozy rooms are inspired by Scandinavian design and paired with carefully-selected vintage pieces, some even feature loft space, window nooks, and private front porches. Try out glamping in one of the luxury Lushna cabins, featuring a queen bed in white Frette linens, a private deck, and a private bathroom located a few steps away from the cabin. Your stay also includes two infrared dry saunas, communal fire pits (and s’mores), hiking trails with direct access to the McKinley Hollow Trailhead, and the on-site bar and restaurant, Dandelion. Round out your trip with some skiing at nearby Belleayre Mountain and you have the ultimate Scandinavian vacation! 

Discover fine Italian art at Magazzino (Hudson Valley)

Don’t travel far for fine Italian art! A quick ride on Metro North from New York City will land you in Cold Spring, where you’ll find the Magazzino, a museum dedicated to Italian art. Meaning “warehouse” in Italian, Magazzino’s building features more than 20,000 square feet of exhibition space, where you can explore a variety of Italian artists and their creative practices from Arte Povera to the present. 

Admire European architecture at Old Fort Niagara (Greater Niagara)

Did you know that you can explore a “French Castle” at Old Fort Niagara? Located at the mouth of the Niagara River, a stone’s throw from Canada, this historic fort once controlled access to the Great Lakes and westward route to the heartland of the continent during the French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, and War of 1812. Learn about the history of Old Fort Niagara at one of the living history reenactments or a historic tour, where you’ll get to see 18th century fortifications like the “French Castle,” which is the oldest building in the Great Lakes region! 

Experience Tudor-style charm at Peek’n Peak ski resort (Chautauqua-Allegheny)

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Ready to feel like you’re in Great Britain? Head to Peek‘n Peak Resort in Chautauqua-Allegheny, where you’ll be surrounded by Tudor-style architecture and year-round adventure. The Inn at The Peak features a distinct old world charm with stained glass windows, cascading ivy, gorgeous chandeliers, rich hardwoods, roaring fireplaces, and a geode-filled bar, alongside modern amenities. In the winter, fly down 26 spectacular ski slopes, go snow tubing, show off your skills in the terrain park, and end the day cozying up in front of the fireplace. In the summer, the championship-caliber, par-72 golf course with yardages ranging from 4,800 to 7,000 yards, accommodates players of all skill levels. For adventurers, there’s a giant zipline, aerial ropes course, and Soaring Eagle Zipline (perfect for younger thrill seekers), plus tons of games for the whole family like paintball, volleyball, mini golf, and more.

Get a taste of Ireland in the Great Northern Catskills (Catskills)

For a taste of Ireland in the Great Northern Catskills, spend the weekend at Gavin’s Irish Country Style Inn. This family-owned, all-inclusive resort, nestled in the “Emerald Isle” of the Catskills has been welcoming visitors for more than four decades. Your stay includes a cozy guest room, fun family-friendly activities and games, nightly live music from Irish-American musicians, and three home cooked meals a day–don’t leave without trying their famous Nellie Gavin’s Irish bread and scones.  

Feel like you’re in Eastern Europe in Brooklyn’s Brighton Beach neighborhood (NYC)

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Get a taste of Eastern Europe in Brooklyn’s Brighton Beach! Also known as Little Odessa, this vibrant neighborhood is home to the United States’ largest Russian-speaking community, where you’ll find delicious cultural cuisine, a laidback beach and boardwalk, and a vibrant Eastern European community. Dig into a lavish banquet spread, grab a table at a boardwalk cafe, or hit up nearby Brighton Beach Avenue for some goodies you can eat on the beach. For unique cultural experiences go to the bath houses (or banyas) and grab Russian nesting dolls and other souvenirs at St. Petersburg Bookstore (the world’s largest Russian language bookseller outside of Russia). Don’t leave without grabbing some goodies like cabbage and meat-stuffed piroshki, Russian sweets, and kvass to go from Gold Label International Food!

Explore a Central Park landmark inspired by Alhambra in Spain (NYC)

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Located in the heart of Central Park, Bethesda Terrace is one of the park’s most iconic and well-known features, but did you know that this plaza is actually inspired by Alhambra in Spain? Designed by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould, the latter who spent two years in Granada studying the Alhambra, Bethesda Terrace showcases Moorish influences through the terrace’s intricate engravings and the Milton tiles that line the ceiling of the arcade. Explore this wonder for yourself or follow along one of the park’s guided tours. 

Indulge in Parisian dining in New York City (NYC)

Ever dreamed of dining in Paris? Try La Grande Boucherie in New York City! Located in Midtown Manhattan, this authentic French dining destination is a perfect slice of Paris in New York, inspired by the elegant Art Nouveau style. The restaurant stretches an entire block, offering indoor seating in the dazzling dining room or year-round outdoor seating in the gallery (outdoor plaza), thanks to heated floors and an arched skylight. The menu is the true star of the show with everything from Escargot made with garlic, shallots, and parsley butter to Beef Bourguignon to an expansive French wine list. 

Pose alongside an English-style mansion on Long Island (Long Island)

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For a little slice of Britain on Long Island, head to Caumsett State Historic Site in Huntington! Situated on a scenic peninsula extending into the Long Island Sound, this historic preserve is an oasis for those looking to get outdoors with miles of paths and nature trails that weave through acres of woodland, meadows, shoreline, and salt marsh. The crown jewel of Caumsett is the Gold Coast era, English-style estate built by Marshall Field III in 1921, which once featured a main house, polo stable, the Summer and Winter cottages, greenhouses, indoor tennis courts, and other structures. Today, you can still admire the luxurious main house and polo stables on a walk through the grounds, or attend their annual benefit in September, which includes a real polo match, dining, and other activities. All proceeds help enhance the preserve. 

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