Top 10 Most Mesmerizing Canal Cities

Tags: #Venice ,   #Stockholm ,   #Bruges ,   #Travel ,   #CityBreak

Alex O'Brien

Alex O'Brien

Last updated:  2023-11-14 09:52:07

We all like to see and explore new and exciting places, as there's no more to life than beautiful memories. Hence, we can instantly fall in love with some mesmerizing sites. Even though there are many charming cities, some are more lovable than others, like those built on the water. Yet, have you ever asked which city is famous for its canals? Let's look at the top ten most fascinating ones.

10. Bangkok, Thailand

People selling fruits at floating market in Bangkok
Bangkok's canals are the busiest trading "streets" (Photo: terimakasih0/pixabay.com)

One of the most sensational Asian cities offers so much that you can spend days discovering the city's main attractions. One of those is the Bangkok canals, used for transport and as a central point of residents' lives. Therefore, they use them for trading in the cutest way we can think of, as floating markets. Hence, the merchants bring their goods daily in the vessels and sell the products to the residents.

The unique loud, and vivid atmosphere following these events is pretty exciting. Moreover, some breathtaking temples and palaces will capture your attention along the banks. So when you are in Bangkok, stroll along the riverbanks and enjoy.

9. Stockholm, Sweden

A view of Stockholm's Old Town
Stockholm is a vivid and exciting place to visit (Photo: brightfreak/pixabay.com)

Sweden's capital is a vivid and exciting place to visit. The city offers many historic buildings, a beautiful old center, and breathtaking views. This is a world heritage site with more than 100 museums, and that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Moreover, Stockholm is built on fourteen islands connected by over 50 bridges, so you can imagine how vital canals are. The passages are very busy, as the ferries and the sightseeing boats take residents and tourists across them all the time. Moreover, Stockholm's water views are incredible, so boat tours are the best way to explore.

8. Tigre, Argentina

Gorgeous town and it's prettiest face

Tigre is a lovely town and the primary weekend destination for the residents of nearby Buenos Aires. The city's location on one of the largest river deltas in South America, the Paraná Delta, made the boats the primary transportation for the locals.

Tigre was built on the river island, intersecting with the canals and streams. The city's architecture is astonishing, with old mansions and stilt houses. Moreover, Tigre is a starting point for Delta's sightseeing tours.

7. Copenhagen, Denmark

Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the birthplace of Little Mermaid (Photo: Witizia/pixabay.com)

Denmark's capital is exciting, as the Danes are among the world's happiest people. Copenhagen is full of royal history, as it's the primary residence of the monarchs. These historical buildings perfectly blend in with modern architecture. Copenhagen's residents are very attached to the harbor and canals that flow throughout the city. Therefore, some neighborhoods are on the banks as people adjust to riverside and seaside living. 

Hence, there are various seafood restaurants and activities connected to the water. Yet, like every other tourist city on the riverbanks, Copenhagen offers boat sightseeing tours. Exploring the capital and its surroundings from the water is an exciting experience!

6. Suzhou, China

Gondola passing under the bridge in Suzhou
Suzhou is the Venice of China (Photo: MemoryCatcher/pixabay.com)

Suzhou is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known as the Venice of China. The city on the Yangtze River Delta has a history older than 2500 years. Intersected with narrow canals, Suzhou is a charming place to visit. Hence you will be swept off your feet with romantic gondolas lightened by paper lanterns gliding on the waterways underneath the stone bridges.

However, besides this lovely scenery, Suzhou has many stunning pagodas and is among the world's best classical gardens. So if you love nature and parks combined with history and wrapped up in the city on the water, you'll love Suzhou.

5. Amsterdam, Netherland

Chanel in Amsterdam during the night
You will be enchantment with a beautiful Amsterdam's scenery (Photo: ansgarscheffold/pixabay.com)

Undoubtedly, Amsterdam is one of the Netherlands' main attractions. The city lures tourists mainly because of the legal weed consumption and prostitution. However, everyone who comes to the capital loves its beautiful architecture and charming canals.

The residents use the waterways as one of the main traffic routes, but they add to the city's attraction. The buildings and the bridges across the canals are unique, with a story to tell! Therefore, the best way to explore Amsterdam is a canal cruise. This way, the entire capital is in the palm of your hand.

4. Bruges, Belgium

Belfry tower and Bruges canal
Bruges has something more spectacular than a beer to offer, and that's lovely scenery (Photo: pixel2013/pixabay.com)

The charming Belgium city of Bruges mainly attracts visitors for its beautiful old town. However, people also come to the city to try the world's best beers, as Belgium's are known worldwide. But let's get back to the subject - the famous canals. 

The primary purpose of Bruges' channels for centuries was to connect the city with the sea. They were its main artery and trading business center. Till the present day, they've remained intact, but now they have an additional touristic purpose. Hence, boat sightseeing tours are a must-do when in Bruges.

3. St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg canal and a church
Beautiful architecture and charming canals are St. Petersburg's most valuable asset (Photo: Georg11/pixabay.com)

St. Petersburg's main attractions are neoclassical buildings and the canals flowing throughout the city. The impressive neoclassical structures were created in the 19th century to satisfy the needs of the bourgeoisie society. Yet, the canals were created to dry out the swamped terrain and ensure a safe place to live. Hence, it was a necessity that gave St. Petersburg its charm.  

Today, this is one of the most romantic and prestigious canal cities in Europe. Therefore, it's a highly visited tourist attraction, as its beauty drowns them. You can never be bored in St. Petersburg, as its many excellent museums, beautiful architecture, and lovely canals add to its appeal.

2. Annecy, France

Annecy canal, France
Annecy is a beautiful Alpine town (Photo: MemoryCatcher/pixabay.com)

Annecy is located in the French Alps, where Annecy Lake feeds the Thiou River. To describe these lovely surroundings, it's best to imagine mountains and the cleanest lake in Europe in the same place. Moreover, add to that a cute old town with cobblestoned streets, and you'll get the fairytale scenery. Furthermore, the canals' water is crystal clear, and swans are often enjoying it.

The numerous channels intersect the old town, so Annecy is known as Venice of the Alps. Moreover, stunning medieval castles and charismatic footbridges add to the town's beauty. Annecy has peaceful and charming surroundings, making it mesmerizing.

1. Venice, Italy

A view of the church and canal in Venice, Italy
Romantic Venice will lure you back (Photo: Peggychoucair/pixabay.com)

Yes, everyone has heard about romantic Venice, Italy, the best-known water city in the world. This place is all about beautiful old buildings intercepted with channels as main transportation roads. The beautiful canals and bridges are unique, and St Mark's square is a place to be. The town's history is connected with love and romance, so today, you can see the couples riding the gondolas and kissing while passing under the bridge to ensure eternal love.

Consequently, this Italian canal city's romantic reputation has made it one of the most visited locations. Yet, if you prefer to avoid the crowds, you can always go off course and find authentic Venice just around the corner of the busiest tourist spots. Across St Mark's square is an island with an impressive church, Santa Maria Della Salute. There you can usually find some solitude to absorb the city's beauty, but don't feed the pigeons!  

These best canal cities will carve into your memory and attach to your heart at first sight. However, all of them are in danger of flooding as the sea level rises due to global warming. That's why we need to make some effort and do our part to preserve the Earth. If we all contribute, this will be a nice place to live long after we're gone.

What is your favorite city on our list? Have you ever visited some of them? Please write your comments, as we would like to hear your impressions. 

Cover photo: TopTens.fun/Midjourney


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Renata Wilkinson Says:

I would love to visit Bruges, it looks gorgeous

July 08 at 04:56:15 PM

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