Boat tours top destinations now extend to Portuguese cities
In a recent ranking by TUI Musement, the top European cities for boat tours have been revealed, based on Google search volumes between May 2024 and April 2025. The list includes 12 destinations where rivers and canals provide a unique and captivating view of iconic monuments.
Amsterdam, with its UNESCO-listed canals, offers views of the dancing houses on Rokin Canal, the Magere Brug, Dam Square, and the iconic Red Light District. Bruges, known for its picturesque canals and medieval architecture, also makes the list. Paris showcases the Eiffel Tower and other landmarks from a distinctive angle, while London features Big Ben visible from the River Thames.
Venice, though not ranked in the top three, is popular for its canals and historic architecture. Budapest offers views of the Chain Bridge and other landmarks along the Danube River. Vienna, Stockholm, Prague, Copenhagen, and Berlin are also part of this list, each offering a unique perspective of their respective cities.
Lisbon and Porto, while not specifically mentioned in the top rankings, provide equally enchanting experiences on their waterways. Lisbon offers scenic views of the Tagus River and historic neighbourhoods like Alfama and Belém. Boat tours can include visits to the Cristo Rei statue or simply enjoying the city's scenic coastline.
Porto, on the other hand, is known for its Douro River cruises, especially popular for wine tastings and tours of the Port wine cellars. The river offers stunning views of Porto's historic Ribeira district and the iconic Luis I Bridge. A cruise along the six bridges of the Douro River is a recommended experience in Porto, where boat tours are often aboard traditional rabelos, once used for transporting Port wine.
The demand for boat tours, especially during the summer, is growing, with more than 85% of travellers planning a getaway in Europe expressing interest in experiencing a boat tour in their chosen destinations. The list highlights destinations where boat tours offer a unique way to experience European cities, providing both relaxation and exploration of new places.
Whether it's the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Big Ben in London, or the Chain Bridge in Budapest, these boat tours offer a chance to view iconic monuments from a fresh perspective. So, why not consider a boat tour as part of your next European adventure?
[1] Source: TUI Musement's Recent Ranking [2] Source: Various City Guides and Tourism Websites [3] Source: Google Search Volumes (May 2024 - April 2025)
News about Europe's top cities for boat tours has emerged, with Lisbon and Porto in Portugal also offering captivating waterway experiences. Lisbon's boat tours provide scenic views of the Tagus River, historic neighborhoods like Alfama and Belém, or a visit to the Cristo Rei statue. By contrast, Porto offers Douro River cruises, particularly popular for wine tastings and tours of Port wine cellars, offering views of the Ribeira district and the iconic Luis I Bridge. [1], [2], [3]
