There’s something magical about being by or on the water, which is what makes touring canal cities, like Venice, such a memorable travel experience. But Venice isn’t the only city where you can take a boat ride from your hotel room to a café or bar, there are many other beautiful cities built by canals around the world worth getting to know.
Bruges, Belgium
This medieval city looks like something out of a fairy tale – and that’s without even factoring in the charming canals that link neighbourhoods and market squares. Cobblestone streets, historic churches, and of course, the opportunity to take a canal tour to see the city from the water, are all good reasons to visit Bruges.
Can Tho, Vietnam
The waterways here are part of the Mekong River Delta and Can Tho is the largest city in the region. Come here to travel along the many rivers and canals that lead in and out of the city, or to check out one of the many floating markets.
St. Petersburg, Russia
Sometimes known as the “Venice of the north” St. Petersburg is built on the water and surrounded by myriad rivers and canals. Travel the city by water taxi or take a sightseeing tour on the water to explore some of St. Petersburg’s historical districts and attractions.
Bangkok, Thailand
Thailand is a beautiful country filled with inspiring destinations, but bustling Bangkok is well worth a visit in it of itself. Avoid taking a taxi or tuk-tuk through crowded streets and instead hop on a water taxi to get around via the Chao Phraya River and Bangkok’s many canals.
Kerela, India
Many people travel to India just to visit the backwaters of Kerela, the southernmost Indian state. The backwaters stretch more than 1,400 kilometres through the coastal areas of the state and can be traversed by boat. Rivers, lakes and man-made canals can be explored on a canal cruise, or some opt to rent a houseboat to explore on their own.
Stockholm, Sweden
Sweden is about more than IKEA. There is much to see and do in Sweden’s capital, which include the canals that link the city. Take a sightseeing canal tour, rent a canoe or kayak to see the city from the water.
Cape Coral, Florida
In addition to beaches, golf courses and family-friendly attractions, Cape Coral also boasts more than 640 kilometres of canals. This means that water spots, fishing and boating the name of the game here, making it easy to see why the city is nicknamed, “Waterfront Wonderland”.
Annecy, France
The pretty town of Annecy situated on the crystal clear Lake Annecy is set against the snow-capped Rhone Alps. But it’s in the old town where you’ll find the charming canal that winds though Annecy, lined with shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.
Lead photo: Daniel Jolivet
