The most famous canals around the world

Canals come in all types and sizes, from waterways that connect oceans to small waterways within cities.

People often tend to compare these cities to the city of Venice Famous.

But these cities have their own charm and history and are definitely worth a visit.

Here is an overview of the most famous canals in the world.

The most famous canals in the world

Stockholm is located in Sweden , called the “Venice of the North”, is made up of 14 islands.

Because it is built on many islands, there are canals and boats everywhere.

But a great way to explore the canals is to rent a canoe or kayak and spend an hour paddling between the city's islands.

Stockholm Canals, Sweden

Water Canals – Alappuzha Canals, India

The other “Venice of the East”, Alappuzha (also known as Alleppey) is an ancient and beautiful place in India dotted with canals.

Alappuzha is connected to the famous backwaters of Kerala and visitors can hire a houseboat to explore the backwaters for a day or several days.

You can also attend the famous Snake Boat Race, where rowing teams compete for the Nehru Cup.

Alappuzha Channels, India

Water channels - channels Bangkok, Thailand

Historically, people have used these channels all over the world. Thailand For transportation and trade, Bangkok was nicknamed the “Venice of the East.”

Today, most of the canals have been filled in for use as streets.

But you can still visit a tourist version of a traditional floating market on the Damon Saduak Canal in Ratchaburi Province.

Or take a boat ride through central Bangkok on the Sin Sep Canal to avoid the city's congested traffic.

Bangkok Channels, Thailand

Channels Nan Madol, Pacific Islands

Nan Madol, the “Venice of the Pacific,” is a group of small man-made islands located off the eastern coast of Pohnpei, Micronesia.

Construction of the islands may have begun by the 8th century, but the distinctive rock architecture of Nan Madol may have been built between the 12th and 13th centuries.

It served as the ceremonial and political seat of the Saudliur dynasty for 400 years until the city fell into instability and decline.

Nan Madol Channels, Pacific Islands

Suzhou Canals, China

Often called the “Venice of China,” Suzhou is located in eastern China on the lower Yangtze River.

Founded in the 5th century BC, Suzhou is famous for its charming waterways, intricate gardens, historic stone bridges and canals.

It is also famous for its silk trade and proximity to the Grand Canal, one of the world's largest waterway trade routes.

Suzhou Canals, China

Panama Canal

One of the most famous waterways in the world, the 77-kilometre-long Panama Canal changed the course of shipping and travel by connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans across a narrow strip of land in Panama.

Completed in 1914, the canal enables ships to pass through a series of obstacles to get from one side to the other and eliminates the need for ships to take the longer and more dangerous route around the edges of the south america.

Today, more than 14,000 ships pass through the Panama Canal each year.

Panama Canal crossing

Hoi An Canals, Vietnam

This fishing village-turned-tourist spot is located on the coast of the South China Sea in Vietnam.

Hoi An has been an international port since the 16th century although serious shipping has long since moved to Da Nang.

However, the heart of the city is still full of winding lanes and Chinese-style shops.

It is sometimes called the “Venice of Vietnam” because of the narrow canals that run through part of the city.

Hoi An Canals, Vietnam

Canals of Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe and the most popular destination in Belgium.

Because of its canals, Bruges is also called the “Venice of the North”.

In the Middle Ages, the River Re was transformed into a network of canals that enabled merchants to bring their products to the large water halls of the market.

Nowadays, a boat trip on these famous canals provides a great way to see some of the most beautiful sites in Bruges.

Canals of Bruges, Belgium

Canals of Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam began building its famous canals in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age.

The three main waterways, Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht, form concentric belts throughout the city, known as the Canal Belt.

Today it has more than 100 kilometres (60 miles) of canals and 1,500 bridges.

Alongside the main canals are 1,550 massive buildings.

Canals of Amsterdam, Netherlands

Venice Canals, Italy

Venice is referred to as the “City of Water,” and is the crown jewel of water cities.

The romantic gondolas and Italianate architecture along the Grand Canal helped it achieve this status.

Venice was built with more than 150 canals that became central to its character.

The number of tourists visiting it is more than its population.

Venice Canals, Italy