Destinations

The canal towns of Europe that outshine Venice

Venice is unforgettable — and unbearable in August. These smaller canal towns give you the water, the light and room to breathe.

By Ada Renner · 2026-07-23

Venice earns every superlative, but sharing a bridge with a cruise ship's worth of day-trippers dulls the magic. Europe keeps quieter canal towns where the water still feels like a secret.

Where the canals are calm

• Annecy, France — alpine water so clear it looks filtered, backed by mountains.
• Ghent, Belgium — Bruges' moodier, livelier sibling, with students instead of tour groups.
• Colmar, France — half-timbered houses leaning over the water like a storybook.