Paris Travel Dupes

This article was originally published in the Detour in January 2024

I’m not a big one for leaning into travel trends—go where your heart truly desires, I say! But if your heart reeeeally wants to go “somewhere like Paris but not so touristy,” then maybe the travel dupes trend is actually for you. 

Let’s be clear, I’m not talking about going somewhere that looks exactly like Paris—short of a visit to Vegas, you’re not going to get a selfie with the Eiffel Tower anywhere else. TikTokers jumping on the bandwagon are all about finding somewhere “better” than the original destination, but for me, it’s more about getting to the heart of what you want from a trip and looking for places that offer a similar experience. 

So, what is it that visitors want from a trip to Paris? Romantic sunset strolls along the Seine, world-class art and stunning architecture… some really tasty baked goods and great wine? Unsurprisingly, these are all things you can find elsewhere, too.

We’ll start with a suggestion to satisfy anyone wanting to practise their French: Rouen, the capital of Normandy. At first glance, it’s a little more industrial than Paris, but stick with me—it still checks a bunch of boxes! 

For those leisurely strolls, you’ve got the Seine running through the centre of town. But here, I’d say it’s best enjoyed as part of the panorama from atop Saint Catherine’s Hill. Even Monet found the views inspiring!

The steeple towering above the rest of the old town belongs to none other than Rouen’s own Notre-Dame Cathedral, which spends its summer evenings bathing in illuminations. And then there’s the Gothic church of Saint-Laurent, worth a visit for its unusual museum packed with wrought iron works of art.  

Just walking through the medieval cobblestone streets will keep you entertained, though. You can hunt down the spot where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake, admire the city’s astronomical clock from inside and out, and duck in and out of cheese shops (or cheese bars!) along the way. It’d be rude not to sample the local tipples, too!

My second suggestion takes us a hop northeast to the Belgian city of Antwerp. This one has already popped up on social media as a suggested Paris “dupe”, but I actually think it fits more for Amsterdam. That said, I can definitely get behind it from a more historical destination angle. 

The grand boulevards lined with historic buildings, luxury shopping galleries, and UNESCO-protected train station all play a major role in setting the tone for the city. Add in the Italian-style palazzo surrounded by lush gardens and stuffed to the brim with Baroque art, and you’ve probably got a pretty good idea of what to expect.

Don’t worry, Antwerp also has a Cathedral of Our Lady for you to visit, complete with more works of art by Rubens and an effigy of Isabella of Bourbon. Bonus activity for anyone who isn’t claustrophobic or afraid of heights: free guided tours of the cathedral include the opportunity to climb the small cathedral tower. For the full belfry experience, you’ll need to stop by the Museum Vleeshuis interactive music museum.

Antwerp also takes care of you boat-trip fans. The Scheldt River is teeming with life—between the waterbuses connecting the city and the tours that take you around the harbour, you won’t lack an opportunity to get on the water. The sunset strolls may look a little different here than Paris, but they can definitely still be romantic.

My final Parisian alternative is Bucharest, Romania. You can probably surmise from its nickname, “Little Paris of the East,” that I’m far from the first person to suggest that Bucharest might indeed remind you of the French capital. 

I’ll get the most obvious reason out of the way first: the Arcul de Triumf. In fact, much of the architecture in Bucharest wouldn’t feel at all out of place in Paris. As well as an old town packed with cafe-lined cobblestone streets and hidden courtyards, you’ll soon encounter the imposing tree-lined boulevard that was specifically designed to rival the Champs-Élysées. 

The Muzeul Micul Paris (Museum of Little Paris) is a good place to get a feel for where the nickname came from. It celebrates Bucharest’s golden age in a staged bourgeois house that’ll take you right back to the late 19th century.  

But Bucharest does have remarkable landmarks of its own as well! Located at the end of Bulevardul Unirii, the Palace of the Parliament is hands-down one of the most jaw-dropping buildings I’ve ever seen. It’s the largest civilian building in the world, and apparently also the heaviest and most expensive.

There are loads of excellent spots to stop around the city for a browse or a bite to eat, like the beautiful Carturesti Carusel bookshop and Caru’ cu bere restaurant. And come the evening, you can pop into a cosy little wine bar and find out just how well the local produce rivals Paris’.

Now we’ve got a few options lined up instead of the City of Lights, your brain might be ticking away thinking about “dupes” for other destinations. Here are a few ideas to consider:

• Switch the Maldives for Malaysia. Already popular with diving enthusiasts, the white sand beaches and overwater bungalows of Sipadan and Langkayan just scream relaxation. Or for more budget options, pick the Perhentian Islands.

• Want the big city vibe without the Big Apple price tag? Head to Chicago. Walk The 606 instead of the High Line, sip a cocktail while taking in the views at Cindy’s, catch a show at Second City. And of course, treat yourself to a slice (deep-dish or otherwise).

• The busy temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia are high on many lists, but Indonesia’s Borobudur deserves just as much attention. It’s the largest Buddhist temple compound in the world and which took 75 years to build. Its 3-tiered stupa is made from over 2 million stones and surrounded by 72 smaller shrines. Unsurprisingly, sunrise is a popular time to visit.