Skip Europe This Summer: This Small Town in Arizona Is Just as Charming as a European Village

I’ve written about various aspects of Bisbee, Arizona, before, but today, I want to highlight one thing in particular about the small town: its European ambiance. Bisbee is a charming town nestled in the Mule Mountains of southeastern Arizona with a population of roughly 5,000. It’s only 90 miles from Tucson, but you’d never know because nothing here gives big city vibes. Instead, Bisbee is an eclectic, artsy hamlet whose narrow streets are lined with cafes and boutiques that look like a postcard from Europe. With a picturesque mountain landscape, this European-inspired town in Arizona is a no-brainer for your summer bucket list. 

With the narrow streets of Italy, the arts scene of Paris, and a blend of Italianate, Neo-Classical, and Baroque Revival Architecture, Bisbee’s European influence doesn’t come from one country alone; much like the town itself, it’s a bit of a menagerie. Ever since the mines ran dry in the 1970s, Bisbee has evolved into a lively art community with street murals, galleries, studios, exhibitions, and more. 

The town square also has lots of locally owned shops and restaurants. It’s the kind of place where life is still simple: you could walk to the bakery in the morning to pick up a loaf of fresh bread and chat with the shopkeeper, then end the day with an al fresco meal at a quaint cafe. Much like small European towns, nothing is hurried or urgent in Bisbee, and that’s one of my favorite things about it. 

Pop into James Beard Award-nominated Patisserie Jacqui for European-inspired pastries like croissants and tarts. The shop's black-and-white striped awning will transport you to the streets of Paris, and Bisbee is just as walkable as the City of Love. Enjoy your treats while walking around downtown and taking in the art and other sights. Spend the day gallery hopping or exploring Bisbee's rich history with a tour of the old Queen Mine. You can also check out some of the boutiques and see if you find anything that matches your style.

Besides art and mining, Bisbee is best known for its steep, narrow staircases built to replace the mule trails that used to crisscross through town. There are an estimated 350 sets of stairs with a total of 30,000+ steps, and they impart a distinct, quirky charm that's impossible not to love. One of the staircases has even been turned into a community art project, with hundreds of thrift store paintings hanging from the walls on either side.

After spending the day getting to know Bisbee inside and out, refuel with an unforgettable meal at Café Roka. With an Art Deco atmosphere and locally-sourced ingredients, this historic restaurant feels a bit like a French bistro. And when it comes to where to stay in Bisbee, the Copper Queen Hotel is an easy choice. The century-old, Victorian-style building preserves the town's storied past while remaining an icon of its present and future (plus, it's rumored to be haunted).

Have you ever visited this European-inspired town in Arizona? If so, what’s your favorite thing to do in Bisbee? We’d love to hear your thoughts.