Historic Towns Better Than Venice (at 70% Less Cost) – 2025 Guide
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Venice is beautiful—but in 2025, it’s also crowded, overpriced, and charging tourists just to enter. Basic hotel rooms go for €200 a night, gondola rides are €80, and crowds flood every piazza.
Thankfully, there are cities and towns across Europe—and even beyond—that offer the same romantic architecture, winding canals, and historic charm for a fraction of the cost.
Here are 5 historic canal towns that beat Venice in price, vibe, and beauty. If you want charm without chaos, start here.
Our video gives you a quick run down of these alternative canal towns
5. Annecy, France – The “Venice of the Alps”
Nestled in the French Alps, Annecy is famous for its pastel houses, winding canals, and crystal-clear lake—plus a snowcapped mountain backdrop.
Canal rides cost just €20, and a stroll through the flower-lined Old Town is free. It’s romantic, affordable, and crowd-free compared to Venice.
- Hotels: From €90/night
- Meals: French cuisine from €15
- Best time: April–September (May is ideal for bloom and lower prices)
4. Bruges, Belgium – Medieval Canals and Gothic Charm
Bruges is a living postcard—UNESCO-protected, full of Gothic towers, cobbled streets, and scenic canals. It’s also quieter and much cheaper than Venice.
Take a canal tour for €12, explore cozy alleys, and sip €3 beer next to the water—without €10 tourist taxes.
- Hotels: From €80/night
- Meals + beer: Around €15
- Best time: April–May or September–October
3. Colmar, France – A Real-Life Fairytale
Colmar is often called France’s most charming town. Think timber-framed houses, cobblestone streets, and colorful canal routes that beat Venice on beauty and budget.
It's part of France’s Alsace region—mixing French and German culture and cuisine in every corner.
- Hotels: From €75/night
- Meals: €18 for Alsatian food
- Best time: May for flowers, December for Christmas markets
2. Giethoorn, Netherlands – The Quiet Canal Village
Giethoorn has no cars—just wooden bridges, canals, and thatched-roof houses. Locals travel by boat, and you can too for just €15/hour.
Forget Venice gondolas—this is slow travel at its best. No traffic, no crowds, no stress. Just water, green, and peace.
- Hotels/B&Bs: From €85/night
- Meals: Dutch pancakes for €12
- Best time: April for tulips, September for calm and color
1. Suzhou, China – The Original “Venice of the East”
Okay—so Suzhou isn’t in Europe. But this Chinese canal city predates Venice by centuries and rivals it in beauty, history, and romance. Often called the “Venice of the East,” Suzhou features ancient stone bridges, narrow water alleys, and stunning classical gardens—without the sky-high costs or entry fees.
Explore historic districts like Pingjiang Road, where you can wander alongside canals lined with lanterns and tea houses. Boat rides here are about €15, and you can still find full meals for under €10. The vibe is peaceful and deeply cultural—less selfie-stick chaos, more slow strolls and quiet elegance.
- Hotels: From €50/night for boutique stays near the canals
- Meals: Local dishes (like soup dumplings) from €5–10
- Boat rides: Around €15 for a traditional wooden sampan
Best time to visit:
- April–May for blooming classical gardens and spring temperatures
- September–October for crisp weather and low-season prices
If you’re willing to go off the beaten path (and off the continent), Suzhou gives you the canal-town fantasy—with deep heritage, low prices, and almost no crowds.
Final Thoughts
Venice may be iconic, but it’s not the only place with canals, history, and magic. These five towns offer better prices, more breathing room, and just as much beauty—without the tourist traps.
Whether you're sipping wine in Colmar, paddling through Giethoorn, or wandering Annecy’s flower-lined streets, you’ll find the same wonder—for 70% less cost.
In 2025, skip the taxes, lines, and overpriced pasta. Travel smarter. These hidden gems are waiting.