Thanks to the world constantly jumping from one crisis to another, non-essential traveling is practically non-existent. Therefore, people who'd like to travel overseas and see some famous European cities mostly put those plans on hiatus. The general consensus is this is not the best time for any large-scale adventure to other continents. However, this doesn't mean you cannot visit Paris, Amsterdam, or Athens - a bunch of small American cities are named after European dream destinations. Thus, if you're feeling adventurous, give them a go.
10. Amsterdam, Pennsylvania
The Dutch capital in Pennsylvania is just one of eleven
Amsterdam is a top-rated destination for tourists worldwide. However, you don't have to go to the Netherlands to visit Amsterdam. Did you know there is an Amsterdam in Pennsylvania, just an hour's drive from the Pittsburgh International Airport? The town's early settlers were mainly from Holland, and that's how it got its name.
Although you will not find the famous canals or red light district, you may enjoy some nice beer at Big Rail Brewing. To prove you've been to Amsterdam, Pennsylvania, you can buy a souvenir at Prairie Daze Schoolhouse. The best thing is that there are ten more Amsterdams in the United States. That means you can visit almost a dozen Amsterdams without ever leaving the country.
9. Athens, Ohio
The university city is named after the Greek capital
This town is nestled in Southeastern Ohio and doesn't look like the Greek capital. Therefore, you will not see the Mediterranean climate, ancient temples, and exotic cuisine. Nevertheless, this mountain town has quite a few attractions to offer. Athens in Ohio has a vivid musical scene and some friendly cooking establishments.
Additionally, this city is the home of Ohio University, and many young people roam the streets. If you appreciate history, you should visit the Southeast Ohio History Center, one of the many museums in town. If you like art, check out the Kennedy Museum of Art in the old asylum. Athens also offers the best mountain biking in the state. By the way, there is another Athens in Georgia.
8. Berlin, Wisconsin
The American Berlin has its own Brewery
Germany might not be a plausible travel option in the near future, but that should prevent you from visiting Berlin in Wisconsin. This small town in Green Lake Country was founded in the 1800s, and it got its name after the capital of then Prussia. If you want a horror movie experience, you can go to one of the two Berlin cemeteries, Oakwood and St Stanislaus.
If the idea of spending an afternoon doing stone rubbing doesn't sound appealing, you can always head out to some cultural institutions. Berlin has its own Museum of Local History and the famous haunted house, Berlin Tannery. Be prepared for some groundbreaking paranormal experiences while staying there. If you don't want to go to the countryside, there is New Berlin near Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
7. Budapest, Georgia
Once developed wine yard, Budapest in Georgia is now desolate
Not to anyone's surprise, this unincorporated community was founded by settlers from Hungary. Budapest used to be known as a landscape of vineyards, but now it's a cemetery and a giant mansion built by one of the town's first residents. This once-booming winery town went down due to Prohibition and unacceptable soil conditions.
This remote place has no groundskeepers for miles, and the flora is probably overgrown. If you plan to visit Budapest in Georgia, check the weather in advance, take a camera and wear comfortable and durable footwear. The closest airport to Budapest, Georgia, is Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International. If you have enough time, you can visit the neighboring town, Nitra, founded by Slovakian settlers.
6. Copenhagen, New York
Visit Copenhagen, New York, for the best milkshake and woodwork
If you have ambitions to explore the capital of Denmark, but international flights are out of the window, maybe you could give a chance to this village in Lewis County, New York. In all honesty, Copenhagen in New York doesn't look like its Denmark counterpart. Nevertheless, it is still a fine place to visit.
This is not a big village - on the contrary, the population is under 1000. Out of attractions worth visiting, Old Mill Ice Cream Shop features probably the best strawberry milkshake you will ever have. The Amish Connection also has excellent quality furniture, décor, and gifts. Interestingly enough, Copenhagen, New York, is surrounded by Rome, Florence, and Antwerp, all within an hour away.
5. Dublin, California
The American Dublin is a prominent historical City
American Dublin doesn't have the rugged green hills of Ireland. Instead, you will find yourself in the peaceful suburbs. This town is the "crossroads of the Bay Area," or at least it says on its official website. This town features a historical landmark, Alamilla Springs, where travelers used to change horses and freshen up on long journeys.
Dublin, California, has some history before it became a suburban area. The town was built in the 1850s, and even now, you can see its ten-acre park with historical buildings and an Irish cemetery. Unsurprisingly, there's another Dublin in America, in Texas.
4. Florence, Alabama
Florence on the Tennessee River has a lot of exciting landmarks
Florence, Alabama, has been built next to the Tennessee River, and it is quite a sight to see. Florence is an example of typical Southern living, and you might find historical homes downtown in the city. Don't miss out on visiting Harrison Plaza at the University of North Alabama.
Other notable sites in Florence include Pope's Tavern Museum and the Florence Indian Mound Museum. Both of those are kid-friendly. Not far from the Florence Indian Mound is the only Frank Lloyd Wright building in Alabama, called The Rosenbaum House. This facility is one of the examples of Wright's "Usonian" style, and it's open six days a week. If you prefer the west coast, there's another Florence in Oregon.
3. Warsaw, Illinois
Polish capital in Illinois is famous for its southern lifestyle
This town is just downstream from the Mississippi River from Mark Twain's home. Warsaw, Illinois, is famous for its Brewery and historic downtown. This town is much smaller than its Polish namesake, but you can find exciting things to do while there. For example, there is Muddy Hog Fest, with a lot of mud and countryside-style fun.
The famous Warsaw Brewery was initially opened in the mid-1800 and worked for around a century. In 2006 it was reopened as a bar and microbrewery, and it's an excellent place to stop by if you are nearby. Alternatively, there are two more Polish capital namesake towns in Indiana and Missouri.
2. Zurich, Kansas
Zurich in Kansas has incredible landscapes for photography
This is probably the smallest town on our list, with a population under 100. Despite that, Zurich has a fascinating history. It was founded in the 1800s when the Union Pacific railroad was routed south of town. The town was named Zurich by a Swiss couple who settled there in the mid-19th century.
The majority of the town's business district was destroyed by fire in 1918. Although the business aspect of Zurich never fully recovered, there are still many things to see. Zurich in Kansas is a favorite place for landscape photographers and Instagrammers. Make sure to bring your drone to have some aerial farm photography.
1. Paris, Texas
If you've seen the film, you know what to expect
This is definitely the most famous town on this list, primarily because of the art house western movie by Wim Wenders. The proverb that everything is bigger in Texas doesn't work here. There is the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Texas, but it is only 65 feet tall. It also has a cowboy hat and resembles a combination of the Iconic Parisian landmark and Texan oil drilling tower.
Paris, Texas, is considered the best small town in Texas, as pronounced by Kevin Heubusch in his book about rating life in America's small cities. Before you visit southwestern Paris, make sure you watch the fantastic movie we named after this town. In case you wondered, there are more towns called Paris in Arkansas, Illinois, Maine, and Missouri.
The multinational properties of the United States are visible in the cities' names. More often than not, settlers named their new communities after their hometowns. Despite the official language being English, meaning that most of the settlers were former British, many communities were founded by various European people. Therefore, nowadays, you can take a tour around most European capitals without leaving the United States.
What's your favorite American namesake city? Which cities would you add to the list?
Cover photo: Vandana G/Tripadvisor