A collection of possibilities

Canals

The best canal cities reward slow travel — a water-level view of Amsterdam, Venice, or Bruges changes how you read a place entirely.

Idyllic Giethoorn Village, Netherlands with lush gardens, thatched-roof houses, and serene canals
Giethoorn’s picturesque canal houses (Kyle Kroeger / ViaTravelers)

Canals offer a unique perspective on cities and landscapes, blending human engineering with natural waterways. Travelers can explore charming neighborhoods, historic districts, and scenic vistas from the water, often uncovering hidden corners that are invisible from land.