Bruges, the ‘Venice of the North’ is one of the best canal cities in Europe

Such is the vice-like grip that Venice holds over the public’s imagination, when considering canal cities you could be forgiven for thinking that any others even exist.

An iconic corner of Italy, Venice is built on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by over 400 bridges. With the vast Grand Canal snaking its way through the city, Venice’s famous water scenes have been painted throughout history by the likes of Tintoretto, Guardi and Canaletto.

While that extraordinary medieval waterworld of the Adriatic does indeed set the bar high, Europe is full of cities pierced by charming canal networks which often add a delightful flourish to their landscape.

With their industrial significance long confined to a distant sepia-toned past, the canals of these cities are perfect for summer strolls and waterside drinks.

Bruges

One of the heavyweight contenders for the PR-pleasing title of ‘Venice of the North’, Bruges’s series of gorgeous picture-postcard waterways are an undeniably worthy rival. Flanked by ancient almshouses and lugubrious drooping beeches, Bruges’s canals wind along the outskirts of its historic city centre and appear photogenic in almost any direction.

Though it must be said, Bruges is also a serious rival to Venice when it comes to tourist numbers too so expect to be jostling for prime selfie positions, especially at the romantic hotspot of Rozenhoedkaai. Boat tours are also available and provide a fine way to see Europe’s most scenic cities.