3Birmingham, England
There are 1.9 million residents in this place which makes it the second highest populated city in the country. The metropolis features 100 miles of navigable, scenic canals that when compared in terms of length beat out even the famous city of Venice. Birmingham’s first canal was dug in 1769 in order to connect Wednesbury town with Birmingham.
During the 18th century, the city actually had a total of 174 miles of canals. Today only 100 miles of them are still navigable. Nevertheless, the remaining operable canals pass through several significant sections of the city. Veteran visitors note that traveling through these canals provide one with a truly “magical view” of Birmingham.
Aveiro, Portugal, is quite more beautiful than many on the list
I all 10, no mention of Germany and it’s many rivers that traverse close to castles. I’ve heard the views are fantastic. Had hoped it would have been included herein, but also, I suppose it did not rate high enough on your scale of the ‘best’. Too bad.
Yea, I liked it, but it doesn’t have a very big canal network. But I certainly beats Birmingham in terms of beauty.
Yanagawa Japan is reknowm for its canals. Yanagawa is popular with Japanese tourists because of its 470 km of wide canals. Yanagawa riverboats, called “donkobune”, are used to take tourists around the city. In 1987 a video documentary was created by Studio Ghibli about these canals and their restoration. Yanagawa is the birthplace of Kitahara Hakushu, a Meiji era poet and writer of children’s songs. An annual three-day festival is held every November in Yanagawa complete with poetry readings, fireworks, music, and a great number of evening boat rides.
Yes, it is a popular place with Japanese tourists. It’s a noteworthy locale and undoubtedly would have made the list had the list been longer. Thanks for your support and your comment!