You don't need a passport for European vibes. These 5 U.S. destinations capture the continent's charm.

Oh, the Old World. Europe has an air of sophistication, a je-ne-sais-quoi of lingering lunches at outdoor cafes and some of the best museums in the world. Unfortunately, all of that comes with a long plane ride and the cost of traveling abroad.

But thanks to shared traditions and architectural influences, there are ways to experience some of that European energy on U.S. soil. In Maine, Mount Desert Island has an appeal similar to Bergen, Norway, while the old-school fishing village of Provincetown has Cascais, Portugal, vibes. These, plus more ways to enjoy the flavor of Europe within the borders of the Lower 48, are below.

1. New Orleans, La., for Marseille, France

New Orleans is one of the strongest examples of American cities with a European flair. Marseille and the Big Easy are beloved port cities, made up of communities from around the world. Like Marseille, the blend of cultures in New Orleans is robust — African, French, Spanish, Caribbean, Creole and more have heavily informed its cuisine, music and celebrations.

Among NOLA's specifically French attributes are the eponymous French Quarter neighborhood. The pastel facades of the Faubourg Marigny area, once a private estate, most resemble those of the south of France. More distinctly Gallic sites include the Ursuline Convent, with French Colonial architecture dating to the mid-18th century, and the Degas House Museum in Esplanade Ridge, where the artist lived and worked.

2. Mount Desert Island, Maine, for Bergen, Norway

Norway, with its stellar fjord landscapes, simple seafood cuisine and sustainable mindset, is the epitome of slow tourism. Bergen is particularly popular thanks to its walkability and easy access to excellent food, sleek design and awesome natural attractions.

For a similar coastal getaway, explore Mount Desert Island, the Maine home of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Like its Norwegian counterpart, MDI's most impressive amenity is its pristine nature: enormous rock formations edged in craggy inlets, an interior carpeted with towering trees, and glacial Somes Sound, reminiscent of the fjords. As in Norway, hiking, kayaking and sailing are popular ways to experience the area.

A few of the island's private homes take a modern approach to living amid that landscape. One family compound uses solar power and passive cooling, while the Camp Boss retreat pairs durable materials with views of its coastal surroundings.

3. Provincetown, Mass., for Cascais, Portugal

At the outermost point of Cape Cod, Provincetown — a long-lauded creative hub — evokes Portugal, the country its history is so steeped in. Like Cascais, P-Town is a storied beach retreat with deep roots in fishing. Both are popular day trips for exploring the golden shores, strolling among small boutiques and independent art galleries, and eating loads of fresh-caught seafood.

Provincetown's Portuguese influences date to the 1800s. On Fisherman's Wharf, They Also Faced the Sea is a photographic mural honoring women from the town's fishing families. For a glimpse of older buildings, head to the west end, where historic houses still line the streets.

Commercial Street, the main drag, is also chock-a-block with traditional buildings, including the wildly popular Provincetown Portuguese Bakery. A longtime mainstay, it serves malasadas and pastéis de nata, among other favorites. In late June, the annual Provincetown Portuguese Festival and Blessing of the Fleet celebrate the town's heritage and fishing history.

4. Solvang, Calif., for Copenhagen, Denmark

Amid the pastoral vineyards and rolling farmlands of California's Santa Ynez Valley stands a totally charming and completely unexpected Danish enclave. Stepping into the tiny town — it clocks in at just over two square miles — is truly like traveling deep into its European counterpart. Dubbed "Little Denmark," Solvang flaunts fairytale-like architecture, large windmills, a Hans Christian Andersen statue and museum, plus loads of wooden shoes.

Taste Danish rolls (flaky, multilayered sweet breads) and cream puffs at one of the bakeries, and stop in the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art, housed in the Danish-style former home of artists Viggo and Martha Brandt-Erichsen. It can all be enjoyed in a single afternoon, but those who want to linger can check into the Landsby Hotel, with its sleek, chic Scandinavian design.

The tulips bloom in the spring, while September welcomes the Danish Days festival. Holidays are particularly memorable in Solvang thanks to the Julefest, a winter celebration of light. 

5. Door County, Wis., for Dalarna, Sweden 

Towering pines, birch groves, glacial outcroppings and rocky shores reminded Swedish settlers of home when they came to this wooded peninsula on Wisconsin's shores of Lake Michigan. Their heritage remains visible in red-timbered buildings and traditions such as saunas, festivals and the hygge approach to hospitality.

Visitors to Door County can experience Swedish hospitality at The Dörr Hotel, a boutique hideaway with fewer than 50 guestrooms, with modern Nordic design and excellent natural views. A neighboring trail system offers four-season adventures from hiking and biking to cross-country skiing — just like in Sweden.

For a sauna, book a session at KILN, a floating wooden structure with oversize windows that provide epic views. Al Johnson's pairs a Swedish restaurant with a shop stocked with Scandinavian goods.

Ephraim's Fyr Bal Festival, with its bonfires, fireworks and music, celebrates the arrival of summer in the spirit of Scandinavian midsummer traditions. Door County also hosts Midsummer's Music, a chamber music series held throughout the summer.