LA is one of the most glamorous and fun cities in the world and boy do we love it. But we also have a deep appreciation for the style and elegance of Europe as well.
Luckily you don’t have fly across the Ocean to get a taste of that old world charm, as there are many places right here in Los Angeles that offer us a slice of Europe. In this post we bring you 5 places that look and feel like Europe and we encourage you to visit them all.
Al fresco cafes, plazas, statues and beautiful vistas will make your .
Use this article as your guide to visit these gorgeous places in LA that will make you feel like you transported to Italy, Germany and other places across the pond.
1 – Venice Canals
Description:
Has a trip to Italy been on your bucket list for to long? No problem! You can enjoy a trip to our version of the Venice Canals in Los Angeles that is almost as beautiful as the ones in Europe.
The Venice Canals Historic District is tucked away in a quiet residential Venice suburb of LA near the beach. The man made canals were constructed in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney as part of his big vision for a “Venice of America”. This was inspired by a trip he made to Italy where he was wowed by the beauty of their historic canals.
This is a very unique activity that you can enjoy solo or with someone special. You can take your own kayak or gondola to the area. But (as far as we know) there are no rentals or paid gondola rides like at Naples in Long Beach.
This beautiful area is best for taking a peaceful stroll on the many walkways and bridges through the canals.
The homes around the canals are absolutely gorgeous and beautiful to admire as well.
Location: 200 Linnie Canal, Venice CA 90291
Pic Credit: @strikingplanet
2 – Malaga Cove Plaza
Description:
Many visitors have claimed that the breathtaking coasts of Palos Verdes resemble Italia, especially the views from the cliffs of Lunada Bay. Yes you feel like you have been transported all the way to Sicily when you look out from the Ocean views in PV and the Hills will remind you of Umbria and Tuscany.
Going on that theme, Malaga Cove Plaza is a city center spot in Palos Verdes designed to remind us of Italy and Europe. Their is a statue of King Neptune displayed here and is inspired by the one in Fontana di Nettuno in Bologna in Northern Italy.
The buildings in this plaza all have this rustic old world charm including the onsite Yellow Vase Café. If you have been to Italy before, take a stroll around the plaza to feel as if you were back to that memorable moment.
If you haven’t been to Italy yet then enjoy this little preview in Palos Verdes!
Location:Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
PIC Credit: @chillani_
3 – St Vincent Court DTLA
Description:
There is a little slice of Europe hidden in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. St. Vincent Court is a ‘blink and you will miss it’ little beautiful alley that looks just like an European alleyway.
In addition to all the buildings in the alley having the European style architecture, they also embrace the culture of outdoor cafes on the brick sidewalks. After enjoying a coffee on the sidewalk you can also find a few al fresco shops and small restaurants.
Some recommendations is to grab a delicious lunch at one of the Mediterranean or Persian restaurants that line the alley. Or simply enjoy some amazing cappuccino at Café Bonjour.
Go check it out this secret Euro surprise and you will get some great pictures as you enjoy the stroll.
Location: St Vincent Ct. Los Angeles, CA 90014
PIC Credit: @chillani_
4 – Two Rodeo Beverly Hills
Description:
Want to experience a luxury European shopping trip without having to get on a plane? Two Rodeo in Beverly Hills and right next to world famous Rodeo drive, is a European style walkway with tons of stores that will surely captivate your imagination and having you dreaming of a life of splendor.
Luxurious hotels, restaurants and shops, and the celebrity sightings of course, is what has made this area one of the most visited in Los Angeles as it has more than 100 renowned stores and hotels, with most of them being high end.
The shopping streets are cobblestone and were specifically designed to look like shoppers are strolling around a European city and you wont find many generic American shopping mall attributes here. High quality elements such limestone, sandstone and terra cotta were used to build architectural details.
Have fun while visiting this gorgeous spot and if you don’t quite yet have the budget you can at least window shop in style!
Location:9480 Dayton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
PIC Credit: @aishawaryadesai
5 – Alpine Village Torrance
Description:
Los Angeles has its own small slice of Bavarian vibes and it’s located in Torrance. The charming Alpine Village first opened in 1968 and ever since it has delighted locals and visitors with a plaza featuring German beers, grocery store, unique shops and delicious food.
When you stroll around the beautiful village and visit all the unique spots you will discover an array of different imported items such as lotions and soaps, German toys and Christmas ornaments, and even second hand books, many of which are collectors items that you might only find here.
One of the most visited places here is the beloved Alpine market. The small grocery store has a huge selection of imported items and German beers. You can also find delicious cakes, pastries in the bakery and amazing sausages in the markets deli.
If you want to grab a quick lunch be sure to visit the small café next door that serves authentic German food at reasonable prices.
Location:833 W Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90502
PIC Credit: @danielmys
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!