Canal cities around the world
2010-11-05
Venice is perhaps the most well-known canal city, but many countries have their own canal city which may be worth a visit.
Delft in the Netherlands, another canal city, was the hometown of 17th century Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, according to MSNBC. A relaxing stroll through Delft can show visitors sights like the Oostpoort, the last remaining gate from the original city walls.
Suzhou is China has more in common with Venice than just its canals. The city's evening boat tours and classic gardens, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can provide tourists with a romantic experience rivalling that of the Italian city.
A little-known fact about Birmingham, England, is that it has more miles of canals than Venice, according to the news source. The canals were originally used for the practical purpose of transporting supplies efficiently during the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, but are currently primarily a tourist attraction.
While Venice is likely to remain the iconic canal city in the minds of even the most worldly tourists, there are many other like it that may merit a visit.
See also ...