Discover the cities and town around the world where canals, rivers and lakes create enthralling scenic backdrop. From Venice’s iconic canals to France’s serene waterways of Annecy.

Ghent, Belgium

A port city in northern Belgium. Ghent's network of canals has been 'the city's lifeblood for centuries', The tourism board recommends taking to the water by boat for 'absolutely charming' views of the historic city.  

Birmingham, UK

It has 35 miles of canals, which Birmingham City Council says 'is said to be more than Venice', adding that the system is a 'reminder of a unique industrial history'. Nowadays, the waterways make the 'ideal escape' in the 'middle of a busy city', says the Canal & River Trust, with 'vibrant waterfront bars and restaurants and historic architecture to admire'.  

Delft, Netherlands

It is located between Rotterdam and The Hague and known for its charming canals and historical facades. 

Suzhou, China

It is considered as  an ancient water city that has been described as the 'Venice of the East. Moreover, it is said:  "anywhere truly holds a candle to Venice, it may well be Suzhou."

Annecy, France

The canals animate the old quarter, bringing it a freshness and life. It is not uncommon to see artists setting up their easels there'.  

Bruges, Belgium

The city has 'magnificent' canal views around every bend. The tourism team explains that the canals have for centuries been the veins of the city and recommended tourists to take a stroll or a boat trip and discover secret gardens, romantic bridges, and medieval facades reflected in the water.

Venice, Italy

Perhaps the world's most famous canal city, Venice (pictured) is made up of 118 islands floating on a 'fairytale lagoon, linked by 400 bridges', says Lonely Planet. The travel guide recommends visitors of the Italian destination take to the water on a gondola tour or save money with a water taxi.  

Kurashiki, Japan

As per  the Japan National Tourism Organization, the Canal-lined, white-washed and stone-tiled, the streets of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter are quintessentially Japanese.

Hamburg, Germany

The warehouse district is a UNESCO heritage site bisected by a network of canals. It is considered as   the best way to experience the maritime charm of the city is to take a cruise along its canals', describing the waterways as integral to the German city's identity.  

Copenhagen, Denmark

According to  Visit Copenhagen, it doesn't take much more than a few rays of sunshine before Copenhagen's waterfront is filled with renewed energy and joyful faces.

Aveiro, Portugal

"It  sits on the 'edge of an extensive lagoon system", explains Lonely Planet. The travel guide adds: 'Where [Venice] has gondolas, Aveiro has moliceiros – colourful boats traditionally used for seaweed-harvesting but now used for canal cruises'. A moliceiro can be seen in the image above.  

Empuriabrava, Spain

It is located  in Spain's Costa Brava with a 22km/13.6-mile-long network of canals and was built on swampland in the 1960s and 70s. 

Bangkok, Thailand

 It has more than 300km/186 miles of waterways, with Lonely Planet describing the city as 'a jade-tinted mosaic of flooded paddy fields, filigreed with the silvery veins of canals'.  

Amsterdam, Netherlands

It been said that visit to Amsterdam is incomplete 'without having seen its beautiful, iconic canals'. Described as the 'symbol of the city', Amsterdam's canal system is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the tourism board explains that each of the Dutch capital's canals is 'unique and has its own charm'.