New York has a habit of borrowing names from famous European cities.
Drive through the state, and you’ll find towns named after places in Italy, France, Germany, and beyond—yet they look nothing like their Old World counterparts.
Instead of ancient castles and grand cathedrals, you’ll discover rolling farmland, charming main streets, and old-school diners.
This road trip highlights some of the best, offering a European twist without the passport or jet lag—so keep reading because you’re in for some surprises.
1. Warsaw
Warsaw is a small town in Wyoming County that many believe got its name from the capital of Poland.
As of 2020, about 5,316 people call this place home—so yeah, it’s a tiny but mighty spot on the map.
It’s known for its natural salt springs, which once made it a hotspot for salt production (before modern grocery stores made that a little less exciting).
2. Naples
A little farther down the road, you’ll hit Naples, a beautiful spot in Ontario County that borrowed its name from the famous Italian city.
As of 2020, about 2,417 people live here, and we assume that there are probably more grapevines here than residents.
And that makes sense—this place is all about grapes, from vineyards to wineries to its ridiculously good grape pie (yes, that’s a thing, and yes, you need to try it).
3. Copenhagen
Keep heading north, and you’ll find yourself in Copenhagen, a tiny village in Lewis County that clearly had big European dreams when it picked its name.
With just 631 residents, this place is small—like, “blink and you’ll miss it” small.
But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in snow, thanks to its spot in the Tug Hill region, where winter storms love to drop feet (yes, feet) of the fluffy stuff.
4. Vienna
Next up is Vienna, a quiet little town in Oneida County that swiped its name from Austria’s elegant capital—but don’t expect opera houses and grand palaces here.
In 2020, about 5,260 people lived here, spread out across plenty of countryside.
It’s best known for being home to Sylvan Beach, a summertime favorite with sandy shores and an old-school amusement park.
This place has a fun boardwalk that will make you want to grab an ice cream cone immediately.
5. Rome
Not far from Vienna, you’ll roll into Rome—a city in Oneida County that shares its name with Italy’s legendary capital but has way fewer gladiators.
With a population of 32,127, it’s one of the bigger stops on this road trip.
History is kind of its thing, especially at Fort Stanwix, a reconstructed Revolutionary War fort where you can step back in time and channel your inner warrior.
(Please note: Fort Stanwix normally closes over the winter and usually reopens in April.)
6. Paris
Keep driving, and you’ll land in Paris—another Oneida County town that has a world-famous name but swapped out croissants and the Eiffel Tower for rolling hills and farmland.
As of 2020, about 4,332 people lived here, enjoying the kind of peaceful, small-town life that probably doesn’t involve much debating over baguette quality.
Fun fact: This place wasn’t named after Paris, France but after Colonel Isaac Paris, a generous man who supplied early settlers with much-needed goods.
7. Amsterdam
Heading east, you’ll hit Amsterdam, a city in Montgomery County that took its name from the Netherlands but left out the canals and tulip fields.
With a population of 18,219 in 2020, it’s one of the larger spots in this itinerary, and it’s packed with history.
Back in the day, this place was a major player in the carpet and textile industry, cranking out rugs instead of Dutch cheese.
8. Berlin
Keep driving, and you’ll find Berlin, a tiny town in Rensselaer County that borrowed its name from Germany but skipped the whole “massive metropolis” thing.
As of 2020, only 1,808 people lived here, which means you’re way more likely to see cows than crowds.
It’s a quiet, outdoorsy kind of place, surrounded by the Taconic Mountains and perfect for hiking, camping, or just breathing in that fresh, clean air.
9. Athens
Next up is Athens, a riverside town in Greene County that takes its name from the Greek capital but is much more “quaint and cozy” than “ancient ruins and mythology.”
In 2020, about 3,916 people called this place home, enjoying its scenic spot along the Hudson River.
It’s the kind of town where you can stroll past historic 19th-century buildings and then hop on a boat for some awesome river views.
If you get hungry, grab a bite at a local café that will probably know your name by the second visit.
10. Milan
Not far from Athens, you’ll find Milan, a quiet little town in Dutchess County that shares its name with Italy but left out the high fashion and espresso.
As of 2020, about 2,245 people lived here, spread out across rolling hills, farms, and winding country roads.
It’s the definition of peaceful, the kind of place where you’re more likely to run into a deer than a designer handbag.
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