This U.S. City Just Ranked as the Best 'Euro Summer' Dupe in the Country
If your Instagram feed is already filled with dreams of the Amalfi Coast and Parisian cafes, but your bank account is leaning more toward a domestic road trip, you're in luck. The "Euro Summer" aesthetic-the trend centered around stylish, sun-drenched trips across Europe-has seen Google searches skyrocket by 133% in the last year. But with international travel costs rising, a new study from SIXT+ has identified the top 25 U.S. destinations that perfectly replicate the vibe of iconic European hotspots.
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The Surprising #1: Chicago is the "London of the U.S."
In a move that might surprise coastal travelers, Chicago took the top spot as the best domestic dupe for London. According to the data, the Windy City shares a "climate match score" of 70 with the Big Smoke, but the similarities go deeper than the weather. Both cities are defined by world-class architecture, iconic riverfronts and a massive theater scene. Swap the Thames for 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, and Chicago delivers a genuinely European summer experience without the transatlantic flight.
Beyond the Windy City: More Domestic "Twins"
While Chicago leads the pack, it isn't the only U.S. city pulling double duty as a European look-alike. Coming in at #2, Washington, D.C. was found to be a near-perfect match for Athens, earning a staggering climate match score of 90. Both cities feel like "living museums," where monumental architecture and historic plazas are around every corner.
For those craving the rolling hills of Italy, Napa Valley is the ultimate dupe for Tuscany. With a climate match score of 95, the two regions sit at similar latitudes and share that "slow-travel luxury" feel. With over 400 wineries and more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than almost anywhere else in the country, Napa offers that golden-hour vineyard magic for just a fraction of the travel time.
The "Parisian Energy" of NYC
While New York City landed at #6 on the overall list, its pairing with Paris saw the second-highest search demand increase at 42%. Travelers and content creators alike are flocking to the Big Apple for its sidewalk cafe culture and world-class art institutions, proving that the "frenetic and romantic" energy of the City of Light is alive and well in Manhattan.
Related: JetBlue Just Launched Its First-Ever Flight to This Sun-Drenched Mediterranean Hub
Top 5 "Euro Summer" Dupes for Your Bucket List:
- London: Chicago, IL
- Athens: Washington, D.C.
- Tuscany: Napa Valley, CA
- Biarritz: Montauk, NY
- Amsterdam: Portland, OR
Whether you are looking for the "French Riviera" in Malibu or a "Lake Como" escape in Lake Tahoe, these domestic dupes prove you don't have to cross an ocean to find a little European magic this summer.
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This story was originally published April 25, 2026 at 9:10 AM.