- Study based on Google search volumes
- Urban boat tours are gaining traction beyond coastal areas
- Amsterdam, Bruges, and Paris top the list
Boat tours are no longer exclusive to seaside destinations. Increasingly, they’re becoming a popular way to experience some of Europe’s most iconic cities from a new perspective.
A recent study by TUI Musement, a leading provider of tours and activities, reveals that over 85% of travelers planning a city break are interested, or very interested, in boat tours. Top reasons include the relaxing nature of the activity and the chance to discover places from the water.*
Given the growing interest, especially during the summer season, TUI Musement has compiled a ranking of the most popular European cities for boat tours, based on Google search volumes between May 2024 and April 2025.**
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 “[city] 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:
- Amsterdam boat tour: 257.200 searches
- Bruges boat tour: 175.400 searches
- Paris boat tour: 112.300 searches
- London boat tour: 98.000 searches
- Copenhagen boat tour: 81.200 searches
- Budapest boat tour: 77.700 searches
- Berlin boat tour: 75.800 searches
- Stockholm boat tour: 69.100 searches
- Venice boat tour: 67.200 searches
- Prague boat tour: 60.100 searches