Canals come in many shapes and sizes, from wide man-made waterways connecting seas to charming narrow routes flowing through city centers. While Venice is often the gold standard when it comes to canal cities, it’s far from the only one worth admiring.
In fact, cities around the globe with unique and scenic waterways often get nicknamed “The Venice of” their region. But make no mistake—each of these places has its own special charm, rich history, and beauty that stands apart from Italy’s canal capital. Here are 9 fascinating cities with stunning canals you’ll definitely want to explore.
9. Stockholm
“The Venice of the North”
Stockholm, Sweden’s vibrant capital, is spread across 14 islands, making it one of the most beautiful canal cities in the world. With water weaving through nearly every part of the city, canals and boats are a constant part of daily life.
One of the best ways to experience Stockholm’s watery charm is to rent a canoe or kayak and paddle through its scenic passages. Gliding between islands, you’ll see the city from a peaceful, unforgettable perspective.
8. Alappuzha (Alleppey)
“The Venice of the East”
Located in the Indian state of Kerala, Alappuzha is a historic town bursting with canals and charm. Often referred to as the “Venice of the East,” Alappuzha is famous for being a gateway to the serene Kerala backwaters.
Visitors can rent a traditional houseboat for a day—or even several—to peacefully cruise along these waterways. If you’re lucky, your trip may align with the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race, a thrilling event where long, narrow boats powered by dozens of rowers compete in front of cheering crowds.
7. Bangkok
The Venice of Thailand
In Thailand, the word klong means canal, and historically, Bangkok was a city built around these water routes. So prominent were its channels that it earned the nickname “The Venice of the East.”
While many klongs have been filled in to make room for roads, some still exist. One of the most popular ways to explore them today is by visiting the floating market on Klong Damnoen Saduak or cruising through Khlong Saen Saeb to dodge city traffic and experience Bangkok’s past.
6. Nan Madol
“The Venice of the Pacific”
Situated off the eastern shore of Pohnpei in Micronesia, Nan Madol is one of the world’s most mysterious canal cities. Built atop a series of man-made islets, the city dates back as early as the 8th century, with its most distinct stone architecture constructed between the 12th and 13th centuries.
Once the ceremonial and political hub for the Saudeleur dynasty, Nan Madol is a fascinating archaeological site with a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. It remains largely unexplored and continues to inspire wonder among travelers.
5. Suzhou
“The Venice of China”
Suzhou, in eastern China, sits on the lower Yangtze River and is renowned for its poetic canals, historic stone bridges, and intricate classical gardens. Founded in the 5th century BC, Suzhou has long been a center for culture, art, and silk production.
The city’s water channels once connected it to the Grand Canal, one of the world’s most vital trade routes. Today, a stroll or boat ride through Suzhou offers visitors a look into ancient Chinese beauty and elegance.
4. Hoi An
“The Venice of Vietnam”
Once a bustling port, Hoi An still carries the spirit of a trading hub through its narrow canals and charming streets. Located along Vietnam’s South China Sea coast, this historic city blends Vietnamese, Chinese, and European influences in its architecture and lifestyle.
While modern commerce has shifted to nearby Da Nang, Hoi An’s Old Town remains alive with activity. Visitors love wandering its lantern-lit alleyways and gliding through canals that continue to earn it the nickname “The Venice of Vietnam.”
3. Bruges
“The Venice of the North”
Bruges, Belgium’s best-preserved medieval city, is laced with canals that wind through cobbled streets and past fairy-tale buildings. In medieval times, the “Reie” river was transformed into a vast canal network to support trade.
Today, the waterways still provide a picturesque way to explore the city. Boat tours glide past charming bridges, Gothic architecture, and colorful flower boxes, offering views of Bruges’ hidden corners that you can’t see on foot.
2. Amsterdam
Also “The Venice of the North”
Amsterdam’s iconic canals were first built in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age. The main canals—Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht—create a beautiful belt around the city center, known as the grachtengordel .
With over 100 kilometers of canals and 1,500 bridges, Amsterdam offers endless photo opportunities and a deep sense of history. Flanked by historic townhouses, the waterways are a key part of the city’s charm and cultural identity.
1. Venice
The Ultimate Canal City
Of course, we can’t talk about canal cities without including Venice—the original and iconic “City of Water.” Venice is stitched together by more than 150 canals and connected by picturesque bridges and cobblestone paths.
From romantic gondola rides on the Grand Canal to water taxis and scenic vaporettos, Venice remains a place where life flows at the pace of the water. Despite its age and growing crowds, Venice still casts a magical spell over every traveler who visits.
Whether you’re paddling through Stockholm, drifting along a backwater in India, or walking beside a peaceful canal in Bruges, these cities prove that Venice isn’t the only place where water defines a destination. Each has a story, a rhythm, and a beauty all its own—making them unforgettable stops for travelers who love exploring by water.