Worldwide there are many cities which have a water exposure since commerce via ship was always important. Thus, we have cities, such as Paris, St Louis, London, Bangkok, and Vienna,  which can be found on rivers; we have a large number of cities, such as New York, Hong Kong, San Francisco, and Rio de Janeiro which lie on coastlines. However there a few cities which carry the concept of water exposure to the extreme. Water is an integral part of the city’s transportation system; it often replaces streets. These cities and town are always interesting to tourists since they are exceptions to the mainstream (pun?).

            Bruges is Belgium’s wateriest city. Its canals are not as extensive as in Venice, but a boat cruise takes visitors past many of the city’s main sights.                  

Church of Our Lady, Bruges

         A typical feature of old Belgian and Dutch villages are the Beguinages, almshouses that are now historical treasures.                      

Beguinages