If you're a travel aficionado who is always looking for unique destinations, look no further. The idea of using a boat instead of a car to explore a new city sounds truly unique. Did you know that Venice is not the only canal city in the world? Dozens of charming canal cities offer stunning spectacles—from delightful markets, and riverfront palaces to classic pagodas. Here’s a list of beautiful towns/ cities built around canals, whether located amid the tropics, within a city’s historic heart or in a tranquil outlying neighbourhood.
1. Giethoorn, Holland
This Dutch town has no roads, only canals. This small town of about 2,600 people, is only accessible by boat. Giethoorn is called the "Dutch Venice" – it has more than 55 miles of canoe trails which connect the canal-side homes, eateries, hotels, and museums in the town centre.
2. Suzhou, China
This city is most commonly known as China’s canal capital or Venice of the East. Completed by waterside gardens, sacred landmarks and historic dwellings, Suzhou’s narrow water passages are among the oldest in the world. Here, locals and tourists still get around by boats.
3. Venice, California
Here you can find a slice of Europe in Los Angeles, Southern California. The canals are located right off 25th street in Venice Beach, almost every house on the canals has a charming dock, visitors can walk along the water or bring their own boat to take in the extravagant houses and gorgeous views.
4. Ganvie, Africa
With a population of around 20,000 people, Ganvie is a lake village in Benin, Africa. The city stands on stilts in the middle of Lake Nokoué, all structures such as bars, restaurants, and bungalows are built on water and are located several miles away from the nearest shoreline, so travelling in boats is essential here.
Located in south India, this coastal city captivates with its green rice fields and network of backwaters. Five large lakes are connected by canals making it a popular channel for tourists to take explore the region and even stay in houseboats.
6. El Gouna, Egypt
El Gouna is a small tourist city situated along the Red Sea. It is also considered the most environment-friendly town and the greenest city in Egypt. This resort town was first developed in the 1990s and includes 20 islands surrounded by canals and lagoons.
7. Bangkok, Thailand
The waterways that intersect the Thai capital serve as living cultural and historical relics. Bangkok has been protected by canals since the 18th Century. Three of the most historically significant places to explore the canals are Khlong Saen Saeb, a canal in the centre of the city, Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem, one of the original canals around the Grand Palace, and Thonburi, a neighbourhood on the west side of the Chao Praya.
8. Kurashiki, Japan
Kurashiki is a Japanese city located in Okayama. Its historical heart is crossed by the Takahashi River and canals. Here one can rake in the breath-taking beauty of the willow-lined canals combined with the whitewashed traditional warehouse buildings and museums.
9. Annecy, France
Because of its extensive waterways and mountain-side location, many call this town the the "Pearl of French Alps. The three canals and the Thiou River slice through the small city and are certainly one of France's best-kept secrets. The canals were purposefully built around the former castle of Lord Annecy, which is why all the canals circle the tower.
10. Empuriabrava, Spain
With over 15 miles of canals, Empuriabrava is the largest residential marina in Europe, it is an interesting city with sailable canals similar to that of Venice. Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park and an array of adventure sports offerings make this city perfect for all.