Paris is a dream destination for everyone interested in history, art, fashion, romance and of course, evening coffee. The fabled capital of France manages to infatuate just about everyone who visits it. It is considered the epitome of culture, sending shivers of pleasure in the minds of anyone who sets eyes on it. If you are enamored by Paris’s charm and culture, then here are 5 other cities around the world that offer you the same experience as the French capital.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is known for its quiet and peaceful atmosphere. However, like Paris, it is also home to some of the best art galleries in the world, housing impressive exhibits from around the world.
The Van Gogh Museum houses the largest collection of expressionist artist’s painting while the Rijks Museum houses exhibits from renowned artists like Rembrandts, Jan Vermeer and Jan Steen. And the Stedelijk Museum is home to an impressive modern and contemporary art collection. Following visits to these museums, you can choose to stroll along the Canal Ring and relax in the myriad cafes that dot the area.
Florence, Italy
Florence held the distinguished title of the original Paris much before its current counterpart came into existence. Dating back to 205 years ago, the city was home to world renowned artists like Michelangelo, politicians like Machiavelli and writers like Dante.
The marvelous history of the city is reflected in each and every street in the form of palaces, churches, statues and sculptures. The streets are packed with cafes that warrant a visit while exploring the city on foot. The city is also home to a wide range of designer and boutique shops that offer the perfect blend of historic and commercial fashion for shoppers.
Stockholm, Sweden
Emulating Paris, Stockholm in Sweden has its own coffee time routine in the afternoon. Called Fika, it involves having coffee in the afternoon along with a sweet while chatting with friends. The city is known for more than this routine though. Its old town quarters named Gamla Stan dates back to 1252.
You will also find peace with yourself while walking through the picturesque streets connected to one another via bridges that span over elegant waterways. Don’t miss out on the myriad bakeries and waffle shops dotting the streets while here.
Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City holds the distinguished title of being the oldest as well as the most elegant settlement in North America. The city is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the quaint Old Town is filled with cobblestoned streets, gothic churches and 17th century homes.
If this does not give the vibes of being in Paris, you will be delighted to know the Quebec also houses the largest Francophone population outside France. As such, everything from the cafes and bistros to the vibrant restaurants, shopping malls and pubs you find here will have the quintessential French flair in it.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Dubbed the ‘Paris of South America’, Buenos Aires is one of the most popular tourist hotspots of Argentina. The city is home to several Parisian boulevards that have a striking resemblance to those back in France. The Palermo district will also give you the feel of entering a quintessential Parisian shopping district as you find the streets lined with French fashion labels and restaurants.
Of course, apart from all this, you can expect to experience Bueno Aires’s distinct vibe in the form of the La Boca tango dancers, the San Telmo nightlife , the barrios and the steakhouses. This will give you the chance to experience and eclectic mix of two very different civilizations in one destination.
Paris is known for its historical monuments, museums, restaurants and shopping districts. There are many other cities in the world that also offer a Parisian vibe for visitors, should they find it hard to visit the French capital itself.