Places surrounded by pristine nature, vibrant cities, serene lakes and canal and exploring with boating is one of the best experiences, I used to make pictures in my notebooks and wish that someday I will visit these paradisiacal places.
According to me one of the serene experiences to explore new places is by boat where time slows down and boat ride gives us a chance to get lost in the most beautiful cities of European countries as the boat slowly travels exploring the picturesque views, slow breeze, colorful city lights in the midst of a lively city. Gliding in the river between dreamy towns is an amazing way to explore the city which takes place between alps, calm lakes and gives a calm and serene vibe.
European cities are the most loved cities of the world as every corner is similar to canvas painting with scenic beauty, historic canals, cultural landmarks and magnificent views.
Away from the robotic life, never ending targets and commitments of city life, we all crave for serene travel that is full of peace and tranquility and gives a chance to enjoy life peacefully for a few moments away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Places are best for Couples especially as they can experience the sunset in a calm boat ride when the whole atmosphere is immersed in immense beauty and these magnificent views create a great opportunity to admire historical and cultural landmarks. It gives you the opportunity to explore the city in a blissful and peaceful way while walking the streets, which will be completely different and unique and the places are no less than a heaven on earth 🌎 you must visit once in your lifetime.
Bruges
Bruges is famous for its canal and captivating landmarks most loved for its historic charm. This dreamy European Flemish town has a lively vibe with restaurants, pubs and street side vendors where you can chill and enjoy crunchy snacks and aromatic coffee admiring the surreal beauty around.
The unique style of ancient stone building with enchanting canals looks magnificent also known as Venice of North.
Its well preserved medieval architecture is recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site, where lots of tourists are attracted by the Belfry of Bruges, the medieval building of the Basilica of Holy Blood, among which the church of our lady is the second highest brick towering building in the world.
Elegant stone house, canals , delicious chocolate, cookies waffles cobbled street on top of it mesmerizing sunsets by boat is worth exploring.
This place is famous for its unique lace textile technique which will be very interesting to explore in town.
This magnificent town is the best option for slow and serene travel and best for photographers.
Timing
10:00am to 6:00 pm and 5:30 pm last boarding time in winter the boating is dependent on weather conditions.
Prices
Approx €15 for adults and €9 for children.
Time taken around half an hour
Best or ideal months to visit here
March – November boating is operational till mid November.
June – September is the best time when boat experience become more picturesque and weeping willow makes the canal more magnificent.
How can we reach Bruges
Can reach Bruges by trains easily available from Brussels.
Main attractions from the boats
Beguinage, Church of our Lady, Groeninge Museum, Almshouses, Burgher’s lodges.
Highlights
Stones houses, canals, picturesque town, medieval architecture buildings
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city of Netherlands and is a perfect blend of medieval architecture and infused modern culture and one of the most loved place of the world for its large number of canals which is recognized by UNESCO world heritage site. It has 165 canals which are 100 km wide comfortably are navigable by boat.
The three main canals of the city are Princengrach, Herengrach and Keizersgracht. There are about 90 islands which are linked with around 1200 bridges connected to each other makes this place unique and outstanding. Exploring Amsterdam by boat is the best way to explore it’s beauty.
Canal is a city’s main form of transportation and it is famous for hosting many festivals and events like Amsterdam light festival and some amazing event which attracts travellers from the world.
Approx 1500 monuments landmarks and institutions within the canals which is worth exploring some important building are Westerkerk, Anne Frank House, RijksMuseum, Royal Palace Amsterdam.
While boating you can see the magnificent view of seven arched bridge offers stunning view and during night time the beauty enhances as the bridges light complement with the lively city light, serene lake and clear sky creates magical experience where you can see the H’art Museum which is a beautiful 17 century architecture building.
Herengracht which is famous for 17-18 century architecture is known for its golden bend part where there are stunning canal houses which are famous for their unique interiors and intricate designs.
9 street area is famous for its vintage shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants which is a lively neighbourhood of nine narrow street of Amsterdam.
Timing
Time 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Prices
Approx €14 to €24 per person check according to the season and festivals.
Best time to visit
March – May and Sep – November and peaks season is between April – October.
Tip
Book your ticket in advance.
Can consider amazing Tour operators for booking
Flagship Amsterdam offers both public and private amsterdam canal tours.
How to reach
Trams, buses and metro area easily available to reach.
Main attractions from boat
Golden bend amsterdam, 9 street, hermitage museum, narrow and charming houses, seven bridges, vibrant cafes.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is famous for its serene harbourside location and canals. One of my most loved destinations is Nyhavn, a 17th century canal which is famous for its historical colourful buildings, cafes and restaurants. Many old warehouses architecture are inspired by modern architecture Vibrant cafes, restaurants also historical charm you can experience here,the surreal view of the canal with stunning sunset and coffee is must have experiences in Copenhagen.
One of the most happening activities here is the canal tour from Nyhavn where you will get to see the majestic view of the city from the water Which includes landmarks the Little Mermaid, Amalienborg Palace, The Opera House along with magnificent view of colourful building.
Old wooden ship which is almost 100 years old, Open cafes, Cute shops Offering souvenirs and ice creams offers an amazing vibe and during the canal tour, you will get to know many stories about monuments, building, harbor development which will give you the opportunity to love this amazing city even more.
Danish cuisines along with flavourful delicacies which you can enjoy with stunning sunset views.
Nyhavn canal tour Timing
In summer is 10:00am – 7:00 pm
Best best to visit
May – September is the best time to explore the canal tour. It is advisable to visit in the mornings or late night for perfect lighting for photography and pleasant weather.
How much time it will take
1 hour time
Main attractions
The little mermaid, Amalienborg palace.
Starting price
Approx DKK 169
Stockholm
Stockholm is the largest city of Sweden and is known for its picturesque waterways and for its medieval to modern style architecture. It is a magnificent city spanning 14 islands from where Lake Malaren flows in the Baltic Sea.
The city is a chain of islands in the Stockholm archipelago. Gamla Stan old town is the oldest section of Stockholm which is situated on a small island. The medieval street is perfectly displayed on the boat ride to the royal canal. The cruise from Stockholm to Helsinki is the perfect way to explore Stockholm which offers breathtaking views of Stockholm and the Finnish archipelago perfect combination of majestic beauty any traveller can wish for, where you can enjoy music, vibrant nightlife in nightclubs, shopping and dining experiences with stunning views.
Time Required for cruise experience
16 hours 45 minutes
Prices
Starting from Approx $215.42 price varies according to vehicle type, route and sailing time.
Landmarks can be covered
Helsinki senate and market square , for local culture and shopping stockmann and design district along with magnificent views of Stockholm and Åland Archipelagos.
Highlights
Comfortable journeys, entertainment music, shopping, amazing dining experience, unparalleled sunsets.
Final Thoughts
These top ranked European cities are most loved among the traveler for its serene views, canals, ancient architecture building and landmarks which is best to explore by boat, offering picturesque views whichever city you choose doesn’t matter each one is unique and outstanding is its own way.
Exploring whether in day time under the clear sky or during night with illuminating light view of bridges, lively city from the boat in both cases you are choosing the best.
If you are travelling to India check out latest Hidden Goa for amazing experience.
Serene travel journeys will keep bringing most Romantic cities of the world for your bucket list and if you have been to these amazing places then do not forget to share your views with us, until, then travel more,breathe more, live more.
