10 Beautiful Canal Cities in Europe That Aren't Venice

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, loved by many people for its romantic atmosphere and iconic canals. The gondolas, bridges, and historic buildings make it a dream destination for travelers.

However, Venice is not the only place in Europe where you can enjoy peaceful canals and lovely views. Many other cities across the continent offer beautiful waterways, charming streets, and unique cultures worth exploring.

If you are looking for an alternative to Venice, you are in the right place. Here are ten beautiful canal cities in Europe that aren't Venice:

Amsterdam is one of the most famous canal cities in the world and a great place to start your European trip. The canals pass through every part of the city, lined with narrow houses and stone bridges. You can explore the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and the scenic Jordaan district. At night, the lights reflect on the water, giving Amsterdam a warm and peaceful feeling that makes it unforgettable.

St. Petersburg is a grand and elegant city filled with wide canals and beautiful buildings. The Neva River and its smaller waterways make the city shine in the summer months. You can visit the Winter Palace, Hermitage Museum, and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. The bridges and golden reflections on the water make St. Petersburg one of Europe’s most graceful canal cities.

Bruges is often called the “Venice of the North” and is loved for its calm canals and medieval charm. The waterways pass by stone houses, old churches, and flower-filled bridges. You can enjoy the view of the Belfry Tower, Market Square, and the Rozenhoedkaai area. The mix of water and historic buildings gives Bruges a peaceful and romantic mood, especially at sunset.

Strasbourg is a mix of French and German culture with lovely canals that make it truly special. The La Petite France district is filled with half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and cozy cafés along the water. You can visit the Strasbourg Cathedral, the European Parliament, and enjoy boat rides on the canals. It’s a charming place where history and calmness come together beautifully.

Aveiro is known as the “Portuguese Venice,” with its colorful boats and beautiful canals. The city has bright Art Nouveau buildings and a friendly, laid-back feel. You can explore the Aveiro Museum, Costa Nova beach, and try the local sweet, ovos moles. The colorful moliceiro boats glide gently along the water, giving the whole city a joyful and lively charm.

Copenhagen combines modern design with historical beauty, and its canals show that mix perfectly. The Nyhavn area is the most famous, with colorful buildings and boats lined along the water. You can also see the Little Mermaid statue, Christiansborg Palace, and Tivoli Gardens. The canals offer a calm place to relax and enjoy the Danish lifestyle surrounded by clean, beautiful scenery.

Gdańsk is a Baltic port city filled with history, color, and canals that connect to the sea. The old town has charming streets, tall buildings, and a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles. You can see the Long Market, Neptune Fountain, and the famous medieval crane by the river. The canals and sea breeze together give Gdańsk a calm and refreshing atmosphere.

Hamburg is a busy yet beautiful city with many canals and more bridges than Venice. The old brick buildings and modern glass towers stand side by side along the water. You can explore the Speicherstadt warehouse district, Elbphilharmonie concert hall, and Alster Lake. The mix of old and new makes Hamburg both an exciting and relaxing canal city to explore.

Colmar looks like a scene from a fairytale, with colorful houses and small, peaceful canals. The “Little Venice” area is the most beautiful part, filled with flowers, cafés, and wooden bridges. You can enjoy the old streets, local markets, and Alsace wine. The canals reflect the bright buildings, creating a soft, storybook feeling perfect for a quiet afternoon.

Not exactly a city, this charming Dutch village is full of small canals and thatched-roof houses surrounded by gardens. There are no main roads, and people travel by small boats or on foot. Wooden bridges connect the homes, giving the place a calm and simple beauty. Giethoorn is perfect for slow boat rides and peaceful moments close to nature.