Think boat tours are only for beach getaways? Think again. More and more travelers are discovering the charm of exploring Europe’s iconic cities from the water. From the romantic Seine in Paris to Amsterdam’s storybook canals, boat tours are becoming a must-do urban experience — not just a scenic bonus.

According to a new study by TUI Musement, over 85% of travelers planning a city break say they’re interested — or very interested — in taking a boat tour. And it’s easy to see why: these tours offer a relaxing pace, unique vantage points, and a fresh way to connect with famous landmarks.

To find out where the trend is strongest, TUI Musement analyzed Google search volumes for boat tours across more than 1,000 European cities between May 2024 and April 2025. The result? A top 10 list of cities where interest in sightseeing by boat is making serious waves.

This data-driven list highlights ten cities whose rivers and canals offer unique perspectives on world-famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben or Budapest’s Chain Bridge.

• Amsterdam: Leading the ranking, the Dutch capital is famous for its UNESCO-listed canals, declared a World Heritage Site in 2010. A boat tour reveals sights such as the dancing houses on Rokin Canal, the Magere Brug, Dam Square, and the iconic Red Light District.
  Recommended experience: Amsterdam city highlights & hidden gems cruise
• Bruges: Often called the “Venice of the North,” Bruges enchants visitors with its medieval charm and canal network. A boat ride unveils hidden courtyards and centuries-old façades, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s history.
  Recommended experience: Bruges and Ghent day tour with optional boat ride
• Paris: Gliding down the Seine is one of the most atmospheric ways to discover the French capital. Sights include the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Sunset cruises and dinner on board are popular with couples seeking a romantic touch.
  Recommended experience: Paris guided city tour with Seine river cruise
• London: The River Thames cuts through the heart of the British capital, passing landmarks like Big Ben, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge. Visitors can choose from leisurely sightseeing trips to high-speed boat rides for a more thrilling experience.
  Recommended experience: Thames speedboat adventure
• Copenhagen: Dating back to the 17th century, the Danish capital’s canal system winds through picturesque areas like Nyhavn and offers views of Amalienborg Palace and the Little Mermaid statue.
  Recommended experience: Copenhagen canal tour
• Budapest: Dubbed the “Pearl of the Danube,” the Hungarian capital is spectacular from the water. River cruises showcase views of both Buda and Pest, including the grand Parliament building and Chain Bridge. Evening cruises with live music and dinner are a top pick.
  Recommended experience: Candlelit dinner cruise
• Berlin: The River Spree flows through a city steeped in history, art, and innovation. From the water, you can spot the Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, the Reichstag, and the iconic TV Tower.
  Recommended experience: Berlin Spree river cruise
• Stockholm: Spread across 14 islands and connected by 57 bridges, the Swedish capital is ideal for exploring by boat. Cruises highlight green areas like Djurgården and reveal the city’s historic heart.
  Recommended experience: Royal Canal tour of Stockholm
• Venice: Built on over 100 islands, Venice is a city intrinsically linked to the water. While water taxis and vaporettos are part of daily life, it’s the traditional gondola ride that remains an essential experience for visitors.
  Recommended experience: Private gondola ride through Venice’s hidden canals
• Prague: Boat rides along the Vltava River reveal stunning views of Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. One of the most charming routes takes passengers along the narrow Devil’s Canal, separating Kampa Island from Malá Strana.
  Recommended experience: Cruise through Prague’s Devil’s Canal

*Independent study conducted by Appinio for TUI Musement

**Methodology: Ranking based on Google search volumes for the term “ boat tour” between May 2024 and April 2025. More than 1,000 European cities with navigable rivers or canals were analyzed. Data collected in May 2025.

Ranking:

1. Amsterdam boat tour: 257.200 searches
2. Bruges boat tour: 175.400 searches
3. Paris boat tour: 112.300 searches
4. London boat tour: 98.000 searches
5. Copenhagen boat tour: 81.200 searches
6. Budapest boat tour: 77.700 searches
7. Berlin boat tour: 75.800 searches
8. Stockholm boat tour: 69.100 searches

Final thoughts

The surge in interest for boat tours across Europe’s top cities reflects a broader shift in travel preferences — one that prioritizes slower, more immersive experiences even in fast-paced urban environments. As travelers increasingly seek unique ways to connect with culture and history, water-based sightseeing delivers on both aesthetics and storytelling. For destinations and tour operators, this is an opportunity to invest in quality, sustainable experiences that differentiate their offerings.

City tourism boards should take note: rivers and canals are no longer just scenic backdrops — they are becoming strategic assets in attracting high-value, experience-driven travelers.