Not just Venice! The most beautiful cities on the water in Europe

There are places where water is not just a backdrop, but actually plays first fiddle in daily life. Cities on water are a great option for those who prefer other attractions than crowded beaches and seaside promenades in the summer. Both in Europe and Poland, there is no shortage of charming corners where rivers, canals and lakes not only shape the space, but also affect the rhythm of life of residents and tourists.

Cities on the water as an ideal summer destination

Venice

Venice is one of those places that everyone has probably heard of, but only by being there can you understand why it is considered the most famous city on the water. Its history began back in the days when the inhabitants of northern Italy fled from barbarians and took refuge on the marshy islands of the lagoon. They built houses on wooden stilts driven into the bottom. Over time, they developed into a city, which today consists of 118 islands connected by a network of canals with more than 400 bridges.

There are no cars in Venice. People get around on foot or by boat – exactly as they did a few hundred years ago. A gondola cruise on the Canal Grande, a walk among the pigeons in St. Mark’s Square or the views from the Bridge of Sighs are experiences that are hard to compare with anything else. Even the delivery of goods to stores or garbage collection here is done by boat. In Venice, it is the water that has set the rhythm of life for centuries.

Giethoorn

In the heart of the Dutch province of Overijssel lies Giethoorn – an almost unreal place. This small village, founded in the 13th century by settlers from Flanders, is known for its… It has no streets and can only be reached by boat. The village is crisscrossed by about 7 kilometers of canals, which form a natural transportation network – it is along this network that boats travel, as well as electric tour boats.

More than 170 wooden bridges have been counted in Giethoorn, connecting houses with gardens and footpaths. Charming cottages with distinctive reed roofs often stand on private islands surrounded by water and greenery. It’s the perfect place for slow travel – without the rush, noise and exhaust fumes, instead with the sound of water and the silence of nature.

Annecy

Annecy, known as the Venice of the Alps, is located in southeastern France, right on the border with Switzerland. The city is bisected by the Thiou River, one of the shortest in Europe (about 3.5 km), creating a network of charming canals that flow through the old town. In addition, Annecy lies on the lake of the same name, considered one of the cleanest on the Old Continent.

The city’s history dates back to Roman times, and its medieval center is full of pastel-colored townhouses, arcaded alleys and stone bridges. Overlooking the water is Annecy Castle – once the seat of the counts of Geneva. It’s the perfect place for a romantic weekend – walks and swimming in the lake with the mountains in the background guarantee an unforgettable experience.

Amsterdam

The capital of the Netherlands was built in the 13th century on the marshy land of the Amstel estuary. Today its landmark is more than 100 kilometers of canals, in addition to 1,500 bridges and nearly 90 islands on which the city was built. This UNESCO-listed water structure contributed to the creation of the so-called Grachtengordel – a ring of canals surrounding the historic center.

Amsterdam’s canals are not only a tourist attraction, they are also a place of Dutch life. Hundreds of residential barges, floating markets, restaurants and houses overlooking the water create an atmosphere that cannot be duplicated. It is magical especially in the evening, when the lights reflect in the calm water and the city takes on a unique character.

Najbardziej zielone miasta świata – miejsca, gdzie natura jest priorytetem

Bruges

Time seems to have stopped in Bruges. This city looks as if someone took it out of an engraving from a few hundred years ago. Stone houses with pointed roofs, towers like from a fairy tale and canals that wind between them like ribbons.

Bruges is located in Belgium and is considered one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. In the center you’ll find a dense network of canals – they give the city its rhythm. You can walk across the Bridge of Love (Minnewaterbrug) or take a boat and cruise between the brick walls, discovering small courtyards, former breweries or quiet streets.

Aveiro

Few people have heard of it, which is a shame. Aveiro is a small Portuguese town that lies just off the Ria de Aveiro lagoon. It is not as well-known as Venice or Amsterdam, but it has its own atmosphere – a little seaside, a little provincial. One doesn’t drive around the town by car, but…. floating. The main streets have been replaced by canals – four waterways, along which stand low houses in pastel colors.

The most recognizable symbol of Aveiro, however, are the moliceiros boats – once used to collect seaweed, today they act as water streetcars for tourists. The colorful paintings and distinctive shape of the boats are eye-catching and fit in perfectly with the holiday atmosphere. This small town combines local tradition with a slightly seaside atmosphere, and that’s what makes you want to stay longer.

Gdansk, Bydgoszcz and Wroclaw – Polish water cities

Gdansk has been living in the rhythm of water for centuries. Located on the Motlawa River and the Baltic Sea, it was one of the most important ports of the Hanseatic League and a center of maritime trade. The river flowing through the heart of the city sets the natural axis around which the main attractions are centered – the Crane, the Green Gate or the Long Embankment. In summer, it is worth using the water streetcar, which connects the center with Westerplatte or the beaches in Stogi.

Bydgoszcz surprises with its extensive water network. The Brda River flows through it, as well as the historic 18th-century Bydgoszcz Canal. – a fragment of the European waterway. The city center is surrounded by rivers and canals, but the real heart of this space is the Mill Island – a popular place for walks, concerts and relaxation. The local water streetcar allows you to see the area from a completely different perspective.

Wroclaw is sometimes called the Venice of Eastern Europe – and it’s hardly surprising. The city lies on 12 islands, separated by branches of the Oder River and over a dozen canals. They are connected by more than 130 bridges and footbridges, placing it among the top European cities with the largest number of them. Water sets the rhythm of life here – especially in Ostrow Tumski, where the monuments are reflected in the river and the lights of the lighthouses create a unique atmosphere. A cruise on the Oder is a must-visit, especially if you’re looking for a vacation vibe without having to go abroad.