These Gorgeous NYC Buildings Look Straight Out Of Europe – And Many Have Already Gone Viral: The Plaza Hotel, Met Life Tower & More

La Sagrada Familia, Notre Dame, St. Peter’s Basilica — Europe’s spoiled when it comes to gorgeous architecture. But you don’t have to fly across the Atlantic to get a taste of that iconic European style. We’ve got a load of magnificent European-inspired buildings right here in NYC . From iconic landmarks like St Patrick’s Cathedral and The Plaza Hotel to lesser-known hidden gems, we’ve uncovered all the Euro-style spots that TikTok and Instagram are loving too. Discover classic Gothic Revival, French Renaissance, Beaux-Arts and Venetian-inspired architectural masterpieces in the heart of New York City below. 1. The Woolworth Building ----------------------------- With its grand Neo-Gothic design, the Woolworth Building in Tribeca is a true architectural icon. It features pointed arches, ornate terra-cotta cladding and a dramatic vaulted lobby with mosaics and sculptures.It’s often referred to as the ‘Cathedral of Commerce’ because its design brings to mind a medieval European church. 📱In May 2024, it went viral on TikTok after the building’s luxurious penthouse sold for $130 million. *Location: 233 Broadway, New York, NY 10007* 2. St Patrick’s Cathedral ------------------------- St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Midtown Manhattan needs no introduction. It’s the largest Gothic Revival Catholic cathedral in North America and boasts soaring spires, intricate stonework, 103 stained glass windows and altars designed by Tiffany & Co. Architect James Renwick Jr. spent years studying English, French and German Gothic architecture before designing the cathedral. 📱Videos of weddings that take place inside St Patrick’s Cathedral go viral on Facebook and TikTok often. *Location: 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022* 3. The Church of the Heavenly Rest --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Church of the Heavenly Rest on the Upper East Side is a gorgeous blend of Neo-Gothic and Art Deco styles. It features pointed arches, vaulted ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows reminiscent of old European churches . Because few NYC locals have discovered its beauty and charm, the church is considered to be a hidden gem nestled just steps from Central Park and Carnegie Mansion. *Location: 1085 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128* ⛪Read more about The Church of the Heavenly Rest here. 4. The Plaza Hotel ------------------ The Plaza Hotel in Midtown Manhattan is more than just Kevin McCallister’s favorite hotel. It’s an ornate 18-story building designed in the French Renaissance style by architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh. The exterior combines terracotta veneers and white brick with ornate details. Inside you can find extravagant public rooms influenced by Louis XVI and Italian Renaissance styles. 📱The Plaza Hotel goes viral on TikTok all the time, especially during the holidays when ornate festive decorations line the lobbies and halls. *Location:768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019* 5. Met Life Tower --------------------- The Metropolitan Life Insurance Tower (or the Met Life Tower for short) is a huge skyscraper located in the Flatiron District. Designed by Napoleon LeBrun & Sons in the early 20th century, this 700-foot tower draws its inspiration from Venice’s iconic St. Mark’s Campanile — a fabulous blend of Neoclassical elegance and Italian Renaissance charm. 📱It’s gone viral a few times online, with users on TikTok comparing The Met Life Tower to The Avengers Tower. *Location: 1 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010* 6. St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church in Brooklyn Heights is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture. Thanks to its spectacular interiors and historical significance, the church was officially listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Its colorful stained glass windows, intricate stonework and soaring vaulted ceiling have often been compared to the those of York Minster in England. *Location: 157 Montague St, Brooklyn, NY 11201* ⛪Find out more about St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church here. 7. Tiffany & Co. Building ----------------------------- Modeled after the 16th-century Venetian Palazzo Grimani di San Luca , The Tiffany & Co. Building is a striking structure on 401 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. It was built in 1905 and underwent major renovations in 2023, but the gorgeous marble façade as well as a sloped metal roof resembling Venetian tiled roofs were left untouched during the refurbishment period. 📱Since the renovations, several Tiffancy & Co. events have been held here and appearances from the likes of Jacob Elordi, Katy Perry and Hailey Bieber and have inspired a number of viral clips. *Location: 401 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016* 8. Ellis Island National Immigration Museum ----------------------------------------------- Completed in 1900, Ellis Island National Immigration Museum is one of the most popular museums in NYC. Alongside its artifacts and exhibits, this museum showcases history and culture through its grand architecture. It’s a shining example of French Renaissance-inspired Beaux-Arts style and features steeply pitched copper-clad roofs, ornate towers and large arched windows. *Location: Ellis Is, Jersey City, NJ 07305* 9. The Pierre Hotel ------------------- The Pierre Hotel on the Upper East Side was designed by the architectural firm Schultze & Weaver and built in 1930. The designs were heavily inspired by the Royal Chapel at Versailles , most apparent in its mansard copper-green roof with Corinthian pilasters and arch-headed windows. Take a look inside the hotel and you’ll find a grand ballroom and rotunda with hand-painted murals that feature neo-Georgian and Louis XVI details. 📱The hotel is a favored pre-Met Gala prep spot for celebrities and many videos of stars like Gigi Hadid and Sabrina Carpenter unveiling their looks here have gone viral. *Location: 2 E 61st St, New York, NY 10065* Source: https://secretnyc.co/european-inspired-buildings-architecture-nyc/