In some places, roads take a backseat to water. These towns weren’t built for traffic lights or freeways—they were shaped by rivers, lakes, and canals, where boats aren’t just an option—they’re the only way around.
Here’s a list of 15 towns where boats are the everyday ride.
Giethoorn, Netherlands
Nicknamed the ‘Dutch Venice,’ Giethoorn has no roads in its historic center. People get around by punting through narrow canals or walking across small wooden bridges. Even the mail is delivered by boat. It’s quiet, calm, and built for gliding, not driving.
Venice, Italy
No surprise here—Venice is the classic example of a water-bound city. Gondolas, vaporettos, and private water taxis serve as the main transport through its maze of canals. Streets exist, but they’re mostly footpaths. The Grand Canal acts more like a main avenue than a river.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Ko Panyi, Thailand
Built on stilts over the water, this Muslim fishing village floats off the coast of southern Thailand. Every part of life—from school to soccer games—happens over water. Longtail boats are the only way to get in or out. It’s a town that truly moves with the tide.
Ganvie, Benin
Ganvie sits entirely on Lake Nokoué and has been boat-based for centuries. The locals live in stilt houses and travel exclusively by canoe. Kids paddle to school, and markets float from place to place. There are no streets—just water lanes.
Alappuzha, India
Often called the ‘Venice of the East,’ this town is famous for its backwaters and houseboats. Small ferries and dugout canoes crisscross the waterways daily. Even deliveries and ambulances happen by boat. It’s an everyday water commute in a tropical setting.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Wuzhen, China
This thousand-year-old water town is crisscrossed with stone bridges and canals. Small wooden boats float tourists and locals through the narrow lanes. Motorized transport is kept to a minimum. Life here feels slow and deliberate, like the boats that shape it.
Zhouzhuang, China
Another ancient Chinese water town, Zhouzhuang, is full of arched bridges and winding canals. Boats are part of the city’s rhythm. People use them for everything—from grocery runs to weddings. The whole town floats through time.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
This U.S. city has over 165 miles of waterways, earning it the nickname ‘Venice of America.’ Water taxis are just as common as buses. Many homes have docks instead of driveways. It’s suburban life—on the water.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Inle Lake, Myanmar
Entire villages on this lake are built on floating platforms or stilts. Long, narrowboats are used for fishing, farming, commuting—you name it. Even the gardens float. Boat traffic is just part of the daily routine.
Tigre, Argentina
Located in a river delta near Buenos Aires, Tigre’s neighborhoods are split by waterways. School buses here are boats. Residents live surrounded by channels and navigate by motorboats or canoes. It’s a quiet, green world shaped entirely by water.
Kampong Ayer, Brunei
This stilt village sprawls across the Brunei River, linked by wooden walkways and boat lanes. Nearly 30,000 people live here, relying on water taxis for daily life. The village has schools, mosques, and shops—all built above the river. The only way in? By boat.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Suzhou, China
While Suzhou has modern infrastructure, its old town remains boat-centric. Narrow canals run through quiet districts lined with whitewashed homes. Wooden boats move with slow paddles, creating gentle ripples. It’s city life but softened by water.
Lins, Brazil
During the rainy season, the Parana River rises and turns parts of this Brazilian town into a boat-only zone. People use flatboats to get groceries or visit neighbors. It’s not touristy—it’s just practical. Locals adapt with ease.
Aveiro, Portugal
Known for its colorful canal boats called moliceiros, Aveiro mixes tradition and modern life. Boats were once used for harvesting seaweed, but now they ferry passengers through town. Streets exist—but the canals run the show.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Sibenik, Croatia
This Adriatic town blends narrow pedestrian streets with wide waterways. Boats connect the mainland to a string of small islands that are part of the wider region. Ferries, fishing boats, and water taxis all work together. It’s a fluid, flexible system that just works.
Where the Roads Are Rivers
These towns prove that wheels aren’t always the answer. With water as the foundation, life flows at a different pace—one shaped by currents instead of traffic lights. And for many, it’s not just scenic—it’s normal.
More from Travel Pug
- 20 Best Beach Towns in the Carolinas
- 13 Destinations Where Tourists Regularly Regret Their Trip
- 20 Things You Actually Get in First Class
- 20 Small Airports With Aviation Museums
- 20 Places in the U.S. That Are Perfect for a Reset Trip
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.