1 / 9Travel is about embracing new adventures and exploring breathtaking locations. It exposes you to a variety of cultures, each with distinct traditions, languages, and lifestyles. The world offers a plethora of unique destinations, each renowned for its distinct and enchanting allure. Are you prepared to embark on a journey to explore some of the most magical cities built on water? Discover this list of eight stunning places that promise to astound you.
2 / 9Cape Coral, US: Often referred to as the Waterfront Wonderland, Cape Coral boasts over 400 miles of canals, making it a boater’s dream. In this Florida city, residents primarily use boats as their means of transportation, and homes frequently feature private docks. The extensive canal network offers direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, making it ideal for both boating and fishing lovers.
3 / 9Ganvie, Africa: This unique village in Benin is constructed on stilts above Lake Nokoué, with all buildings, markets, and homes elevated above the water. The residents primarily engage in fishing and tourism for their livelihood. It takes about 4 hours by boat to reach from Cotonou. With roots tracing back to the 16th and 17th centuries, it now houses nearly 30,000 inhabitants.
4 / 9Dal Lake, Srinagar, India: Famous for its floating houseboats, Srinagar presents stunning views of snow-capped mountains and features a unique floating vegetable market. Nestled in the Kashmir Valley along the Jhelum River, this scenic destination attracts countless tourists every year.
5 / 9Uros Island, Peru: The Uros community resides on artificial islands crafted from totora reeds in Lake Titicaca, needing constant replenishment to avoid sinking. This unique floating civilization includes schools and churches all built from reeds. This resilient plant is utilized for constructing boats, homes, roofs, mattresses, and more. It’s an ideal location for those eager to explore distinctive cultures and customs.
6 / 9Venice, Italy: Known as “The Floating City,” Venice boasts a mesmerizing network of canals and bridges built upon wooden platforms driven deep into the marshy lagoon. Unlike any other city, it spans over 100 small islands linked by more than 400 bridges and surrounded by the Venetian Lagoon. The city relies on a system of boats, vaporettos (water buses), and gondolas for transportation of both people and goods.
7 / 9Zhejiang, China: As one of China’s oldest water towns, Zhejiang is famous for its well-preserved ancient edifices and charming stone bridges. The city’s canals meander through historic buildings, offering gondola-style rides beneath arched structures. This picturesque destination is a popular day trip from Shanghai, captivating visitors with its tranquility and charm.
8 / 9Kampong Ayer, Brunei: Known as Water Village, Kampong Ayer is an ancient settlement along the Brunei River, home to almost 30,000 people who live, work, and learn in houses, schools, and mosques elevated above the water’s surface. This town boasts a history of over a thousand years and serves as a vibrant example of water-based urban living in Southeast Asia.
9 / 9Giethoorn, Netherlands: Referred to as the ‘Venice of the North,’ Giethoorn is a picturesque village situated in Overijssel, Netherlands. With its enchanting canals, historic homes, and serene landscapes, this hidden gem provides visitors with a peaceful retreat from urban life. Residents navigate using boats and bicycles, adding to its tranquil atmosphere.
