Everybody swoons over Venice's celebrated canals and bridges, yet did you realise that there are many other canal cities all over the globe that are known as the Venice of their respective areas? There's one and only real Venice, yet these other watery urban areas offer a lot of charms of their own.
Delft, Netherlands
Delft is ideal for walking. Wander along the canals and cobblestone boulevards to see sights like the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church, going back to 1510) and the Oostpoort, the only remaining gate from the city's ancient walls.
Evening boat tours are one of the most romantic ways to experience Suzhou's canals and bridges. By day, meander through the city's numerous established gardens that are collectively known as one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Birmingham, England
It is once important to the city's business during the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century and now fundamentally a tourist destination. You can stroll along the towpaths, have lunch at a waterfront restaurant, browse the shops along the canals or take a sightseeing cruise.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
You don't have to go to Italy to take a traditional gondola ride but you can likewise do it right here in Fort Lauderdale. You can also zip around this sunny city by water taxi or take a touring boat tour.
Alappuzha, India
Alappuzha (generally known as Alleppey) is the passage to the backwater area of Kerala, on India's southwestern coast. Snake boat races are held here each mid-year, highlighting long, narrow boats moved by up to 100 local rowers.
Take a boat tour or stay in a conventional houseboat and investigate the region's river, lagoons and canals. These tranquil waters are lined with palms and offer a glimpse into local industries like shrimp farming and coir making (coir strands are harvested from coconuts and used to create rope, floor mats and different items).
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