Oscar Wilde once said, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” Why shouldn’t that notion apply to travel? If you’ve ever found yourself on vacation thinking that the place you’re in feels remarkably familiar, maybe that’s because it is. Across the world, there are cities, neighborhoods, buildings, and landmarks that bear a striking resemblance to others — often continents apart. Let these six look-alike destinations serve as inspiration for your next trip.

Hallstatt, Austria / Hallstatt, China

China’s fad for imitation has led to the construction of numerous copycat towns: Paris is reproduced in Tianducheng, Jackson Hole near Beijing, and Venice in Dalian, to name just a few. Perhaps the most famous is Hallstatt, which is a carbon copy of a picturesque village of the same name in Austria’s Salzkammergut region. 

Located within Huizhou in the Guangdong province, the city features replicas of the fountain, church, and main street found in its Austrian counterpart. Still, it lacks the historic and cultural value of the original, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the world’s oldest salt mine. This characterful place, hemmed in by the Dachstein Mountains, was inaccessible for many centuries except by boat or on foot. As a result, Hallstatt was largely spared from modern development. Instead, colorful Baroque-style buildings still line its charming cobblestone streets. 

Guanajuato, Mexico / Gamcheon, South Korea

The central Mexican city of Guanajuato, founded in 1554, was once at the heart of the country’s silver-mining industry. The wealth that it generated paid for the construction of some of Guanajuato’s most ornate churches, and today the city is as well known for its colorful architecture as it is for its religious and industrial heritage. One of the best ways to experience it is to ride the funicular to Monumento al Pípila and take in the panoramic views from above. 

The vibrant paintwork brings to mind the Gamcheon Cultural Village in the South Korean city of Busan. This neighborhood was one of the city’s poorest areas, when, in 2009, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism funded a regeneration project to make it a more attractive place to live. Though some have dubbed it the Machu Picchu of Korea, it perhaps has more in common with Guanajuato’s colorful architecture than Peru’s most famous archaeological site.

Statue of Liberty, New York / Statue of Liberty, Tokyo

Dedicated in 1886, the Statue of Liberty is one of New York City’s most emblematic landmarks and one of the world’s most recognizable statues. Looking out across New York Harbor from Liberty Island, the statue was a gift from the French people to the United States. French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi designed the copper figure, and its steel framework was the work of Gustave Eiffel (of the Eiffel Tower in Paris). 

The statue depicts Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, which may explain why there are many other similar statues around the world. In Japan, for example, you can travel to Odaiba to see the one-seventh-size replica that has stood in front of the Rainbow Bridge in Tokyo Bay since 1998. Like the original, it symbolizes a friendship with France. And there are other similar statues in Japan — the tallest of them is in Oirase, which sits on the same latitude as New York City.

Haifoss, Iceland / Maletsunyane, Lesotho

Drive through the Icelandic countryside and you’ll likely come across an impressive number of waterfalls. Though you can see plenty from the country’s famed Ring Road, one of the most remarkable is Háifoss, located on the Fossá River on the edge of the Icelandic Highlands. Its name translates to “the high waterfall,” which is apt when you consider it drops a staggering 400 feet to the valley floor. 

Standing in front of Maletsunyane Falls in the southern African mountain nation of Lesotho, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re in the North Atlantic — like its European counterpart, it plunges over basalt softened by lush green vegetation. You’ll find the 600-foot-tall single cataract near the village of Semonkong, whose name means “smoky place” thanks to the near-constant spray from the waterfall. If you have a head for heights, you can even arrange to rappel down the side of the falls. 

Leaning Tower of Niles, Illinois / Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy

Travelers flock to the Italian city of Pisa to see its famous Leaning Tower. From the start, construction of this unusual landmark was beset by problems. After the first three stories were completed in 1173, the weight of the marble caused the structure to sink into the soft ground. The project was put on hold while engineers were tasked with figuring out a solution. When that solution came, it was a dud — making the blocks on the sunken side taller only added to the weight and accentuated the lean. 

Nevertheless, this iconic bell tower has never collapsed, and more than 600 years later, it’s a perennial favorite with visitors, who often pose for photos as they pretend to prop it up. But you don’t need to make the journey to Italy to do so: There’s an exact replica of the tower in the city of Niles, Illinois. Businessman Robert Ilg laid out a city park in the 1920s but wanted to disguise a water tower, and a replica of the Italian landmark was considered just the ticket. Thanks to these look-alike landmarks, the cities of Niles, Illinois, and Pisa, Italy, became sister cities in 1991.

Fiordland, New Zealand / Fjords of Norway

The Fiordland region of New Zealand is home to some of this South Pacific island nation’s most dramatic scenery. Craggy granite mountains rise out of the water, including the famous Mitre Peak (Rahotu in the language of the country’s Indigenous Māori peoples) in the UNESCO-listed Milford Sound (Piopiotahi). Nearby Doubtful Sound boasts bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and penguins. In both places, waterfalls — some of which stretch hundreds of feet tall — plunge over towering cliffs. Inland, the area’s glacial valleys are just as breathtaking and best appreciated from the air. 

But you don’t need to travel to the Southern Hemisphere to find remarkably similar scenery. In Europe, the Norwegian coastline is also known for its fjords — in fact, the word has origins in Old Norse. Highlights of the region include Nærøyfjord, an extraordinarily beautiful arm of the Sognefjord, and Geirangerfjord, known for its three waterfalls: the Seven Sisters, the Suitor, and the Bridal Veil. Even as you move away from the coast, you don’t lose the wow factor — take, for instance, Trolltunga, a spectacular rocky precipice jutting out over Lake Ringedalsvatnet. 

Canada is the world’s second-largest country by area, home to vast stretches of spectacular scenery, from rugged Arctic wilderness to the majestic Colorado Rockies and the awe-inspiring coastlines of the Maritimes. But Canada’s population of 38 million people is less than that of California alone, which means there are plenty of places for travelers to spread out and avoid the crowds — as long as you know where to look. Start by exploring six of Canada’s most beautiful small towns below.

Ucluelet, British Columbia

The resort town of Ucluelet sits on the southwestern coast of Vancouver Island, which many consider the crown jewel of British Columbia. This small port community is home to under 2,500 people, who enjoy a quiet lifestyle surrounded by untouched wilderness. Visitors can get their bearings with a walk around the Wild Pacific Trail, a gorgeous 1.5-mile loop that passes through coastal forest, bogs, and mudflats. Black bears roam the island’s temperate rainforest, whales and otters swim just offshore, and eagles soar overhead — making Ucluelet an ideal destination for wildlife tours. 

Visitors eager to further connect with nature should check out Pacific Rim National Park Reserve for epic hikes across 200 square miles of pristine landscapes. And while local surfers brave freezing temperatures in the winter to catch the best swell, visitors can take advantage of the warmer water in summer with a surf lesson at Long Beach, one of the most popular surf spots in Canada.

Ucluelet’s food scene awaits after you work up an appetite; choose from the tasty vegan café Yayu, artisan bakeries, seafood restaurants, bustling diners, and an assortment of food trucks parked around town. Splurge on a meal at Pluvio, Ucluelet’s award-winning eatery serving dishes made from seasonal and wild ingredients foraged in the area.

Victoria-by-the-Sea, Prince Edward Island

This picture-perfect seaside village is home to many local artists and makers who draw inspiration from the rugged natural surroundings of Victoria-by-the-Sea. Visitors come to Victoria-by-the-Sea to splash in the bays and cruise the historic coastline. Must-stops include Palmer’s Range Light, a working 19th-century lighthouse that doubles as a maritime history museum. After, browse galleries like Michael Stanley Pottery for one-of-a-kind red stoneware and porcelain pieces, and the Studio Gallery for a collection of dreamy landscape prints and paintings.

Time on the water is time well spent in Victoria-by-the-Sea, so do as the locals do and paddle out on a clam-digging kayak excursion to harvest clams from the muddy shoals. It’s no surprise that seafood like oysters, lobsters, fish, and, of course, clams are the best foods to satisfy your hunger after a day on the water. When you’re ready for a meal, check out Landmark Oyster House and experience firsthand why Prince Edward Island’s premium shellfish is exported worldwide. Or feast on locally caught specialties at Richard’s Fresh Seafood and catch some rays on the restaurant’s back deck on the waterfront.

Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia

Just wandering around the quaint streets of Mahone Bay, a picturesque town on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, can put anyone’s mind at ease. Snap the obligatory tourist photo of the “Three Churches” from across the harbor, and then admire the architecture of St. James’ Anglican Church, St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, and Trinity United Church as you walk down Edgewater Street.

Mahone Bay truly is a town of makers; entrepreneurs flock to the cozy hamlet to launch their start-up careers in art, handicrafts, and metalwork. Because of this influx, Mahone Bay is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Nova Scotia. Browse the boutiques and galleries along Main Street and watch as artisans mold molten pewter into stunning jewelry, ornaments, and sculptures at Amos Pewter.

Jasper, Alberta

Though Jasper faced a devastating wildlife in 2024 that destroyed roughly 30% of structures in town, recovery efforts are well underway as the town continues to rebuild. This charming alpine town of roughly 5,000 year-round residents is nestled near Jasper National Park, an area home to glacier-fed lakes, dense forest, and rushing rivers. Many visitors to the national park use Jasper as a home base for exploring the surrounding wilderness. Soaring to the top of Mount Whistlers on the SkyTram puts the region in perspective and is a great way to get a lay of the land.

For more vistas, head to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a 0.6-mile walkway leading to a glass platform perched over a 1,000-foot drop with 360-degree views of the Sunwapta Valley, glaciers, and waterfalls. Experience the traditional culture of Jasper with a Fire Side Chat hosted by the Warrior Women and learn about the region’s Indigenous history through stories, drumming, and singing. And if you happen to visit in winter, there’s nothing more memorable than a dogsled tour through the stunning snow-covered terrain.

Dawson City, Yukon Territory

The former Klondike Gold Rush town on the Yukon River is still a prominent destination in northwestern Canada. Dawson City is best described as a historic hub surrounded by swaths of untouched forest. Acquaint yourself with the town’s history on a walking tour led by a 19th-century-clad guide who can get you up to speed on all of Dawson City’s secrets. Allow yourself to be transported to a time when the area was flush with gold as you wander past carefully preserved heritage buildings in downtown Dawson City, such as the Palace Grand Theatre and the Commissioner’s Residence.

If you’d prefer, hop on the Klondike Spirit, the only paddlewheeler in the Yukon, and enjoy a historic tour while you soak up the beautiful landscape along the river. The trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting the family-run Claim 33 Goldpanning and Jerry Bryde Klondyke Mining Museum, where you can learn how to pan for gold and even try the techniques for yourself in the nearby streams. Celebrate the success of your gold-panning mission at Sourdough Joe’s, named after one of the founding town members, with a battered fish sandwich and house-made chowder.

Port Carling, Ontario

Completely surrounded by lakes and rivers, the Muskoka District town of Port Carling is fittingly dubbed the “Hub of the Lakes.” The region gets plenty of recognition for its beauty, earning another nickname, “The Malibu of the North,” due to the number of celebrities who vacation there. It’s hard to resist the dockside shops of Port Carling, featuring cottage country-themed boutiques, fudge shops, and waterfront restaurants. It’s also impossible to miss the Port Carling Wall, a massive mosaic (100 feet tall and 45 feet wide) of individual photographs taken between 1860 and 1960.

Explore downtown Port Carling’s array of shops such as Muskoka Emporium and Red Canoe Gallery to ensure you’ll come home with authentic Canadian garb, furnishings, and crafts. The Muskoka Lakes Museum is a must-see for learning more about First Nations history and the area’s boat-building roots. There are plenty of ways to enjoy Port Carling’s spectacular scenery, but nothing beats a cruise around Lake Muskoka aboard the Lady Muskoka.

For many travelers, the best way to explore a destination is through its food. Food festivals take that notion to the next level — often, they are full-sensory experiences that combine local flavors and cultural traditions in a communal celebration. From throwing tomatoes to making giant omelets, these five famous food festivals are bucket-list experiences for any food-focused traveler.

La Tomatina – Spain

To partake in the time-honored tradition of La Tomatina, thousands of people gather in Buñol, Spain, on the last Wednesday in August — not to eat tomatoes, but to throw tomatoes. According to local tradition, the festival began in 1945 when a food fight erupted during a local parade, and it has since exploded in popularity, now drawing participants from around the globe.

Billed as the “world’s largest food fight,” the festival follows the same schedule every year. First, the crowd gathers as truckloads of tomatoes are offloaded in the town square. Then, a single brave soul climbs to the top of a greased-up wooden pole where a Spanish ham awaits. Once the ham is retrieved, water cannons are fired and the tomato throwing begins, lasting for exactly one hour.

After the last tomato is thrown, trucks spray down the streets and many participants wash in the river. Goggles are required to participate, and since the festival is capped at 20,000 people, tickets should be purchased well in advance. In 2022, a whopping 27,000 pounds of tomatoes were tossed around the streets of this small city in eastern Spain that is home to just 9,000 people.

Pahiyas Festival – The Philippines

One of the largest harvest festivals in the Philippines, the Pahiyas Festival takes place annually on May 15 in the town of Lucban, about 2.5 hours southeast of the capital of Manila. Also known as the Feast of San Isidro, Pahiyas is a celebration of thanksgiving, honoring both the bountiful harvest and the patron saint of farmers, San Isidro de Labrador. 

The festival began in the 16th century with farmers gathering to celebrate their harvests by enjoying a large meal together. Today, Pahiyas serves as an opportunity for farmers to show off their crops, which often include rice, peppers, radishes, and chayote. Food vendors also sell local delicacies, such as pancit habhab (fried rice noodles) and Lucban pilpat (squash dipped in caramelized sugar).

The festival’s main event is a parade through the town of Lucban, led by the image of San Isidro. The route changes annually, so each house can get the opportunity to show off its kiping, which are traditional decorations constructed of rice, fruits, plants, and vegetables. Perhaps the most essential part of the festival, these elaborate ornaments are hung throughout town as a way to celebrate and honor the harvest. 

Maslenitsa Pancake Festival – Russia

Popularly known as “Pancake Week,” the Maslenitsa Pancake Festival celebrates the end of winter. Held annually on the last week before Great Lent in the Eastern Orthodox religion, the festival combines both pagan and Christian traditions. As its name suggests, the centerpiece is the cooking and eating of pancakes, or blinis — as their shape represents the sun, warmth, and the passing of the season.

The pancakes — which are served with toppings such as caviar, salmon, sour cream, and honey — are an opportunity for Russians to eat as much as they want before sticking to the dietary restrictions required during Great Lent. The festival is observed throughout Russia, but the biggest celebration occurs in Moscow, where traditional Russian costumes are encouraged and different themes are attached to each day. As the week progresses, the celebrations grow bigger, culminating in a final day of forgiveness, during which people forgive each other of their wrongs by burning a straw doll.

Pizzafest – Italy

As the birthplace of pizza, Naples is a fitting location for Pizzafest — billed as the largest celebration of pizza in the world. The festival hosts more than a million people annually, who travel from across the globe to cook and eat the beloved dish. Throughout the 11-day festival each June, roughly 100,000 pizzas are cooked and consumed, averaging about 9,000 pizzas per day. 

Pizzafest brings together expert pizza makers in a competition of the best of the best, including the most recognized pizza chefs in Naples. Of course, pizza is served everywhere throughout the festival, and competitions involve crowd participation to vote on the best pizza. 

With its own dedicated space in the Naples Pizza Village, the festival also includes pizza-making workshops, entertainment programs, and live music. When the sun goes down, Pizzafest turns into a lively celebration, with guests singing, dancing, and eating throughout the night.

Giant Omelet Celebration – France

The Giant Omelet Celebration has a storied past: As legend has it, in the early 19th century, Napoleon Bonaparte was marching his troops through the South of France when they stopped to spend the night in a small town. After enjoying an omelet at the local inn, Napoleon ordered for all the eggs in town to be gathered so a giant omelet could be cooked and served to his army.

Today, the making of the giant omelet has become an annual tradition in the town of Abbeville. Every year in early November, the town invites chefs from its international sister cities (including Quebec City, Canada; Pique, Argentina; and Malmede, Belgium) to travel to France to make a giant omelet together. 

The making of the giant omelet is the culmination of a two-day festival, which includes events such as an egg-cracking competition and a food show. Before the 5,000 eggs (plus one for each year since the festival began in 1985) are cracked into the giant pan, the international chefs hold a procession to the town square. Once the giant omelet is cooked, it is portioned and served to festival goers.