If you’re anything like me, then you love bold, vibrant colors. And, chances are, you’ve been bitten by the travel bug. If your suitcase is already packed, but you’re still trying to figure out what your next itinerary includes, why not consider visiting one of the most colorful cities in the world?
Some of these I’ve been to and others I’ve only dreamt of, but one thing is for sure, today’s article will serve as your digital passport to some of the most beautiful, most instagrammable, and most colorful cities in the world.
And if you’d like to discover other amazingly instagrammable places in the world, check out the following guides:
- The Most Colorful Streets in Camden London
- The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Paris
- The Most Colorful Places in London
22 Most Colorful Cities in the World from Burano to Zalipie
In this guide, you will find some of the most colorful cities in the world, from entirely blue houses in Chefchaouen to rainbow towns like Kusadasi.
A lot of these are really famous for their ultra instagrammable backgrounds, and since many are located on the seaside, you’ll find they are perfect for a slice of peace.
Without further ado, discover the most colorful cities in the world!
Most Colorful Cities in the World: Palmitas, Mexico
Starting this list of the most colorful cities in the world is a virtual visit to the gorgeous town of Palmitas, Mexico.
When standing at the bottom of the hillside, the houses in this quaint little village create a picturesque mural. Each house seems to be bursting with more color than the one before it.
This beautiful work is thanks to a local artist’s collective known in the city as the German Crew. Over 14 months, the collective and residents worked together to bring this giant rainbow city to life.
In a city that people were once fearful to visit after dark, the German Crew breathed new life into it, making it a new destination that many travelers eagerly add to their travel itinerary.
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Most Colorful Houses in the World: Charleston, South Carolina
Only a short hour and a half flight from where I live is the beautiful city of Charleston, South Carolina. And, believe me when I say that the city is not only brimming with history but some of the most colorful houses in the world.
These colorful houses have an iconic name: Rainbow Row! Nestled between Elliot St. and Tradd St., Rainbow Row is a series of historic houses that were personally renovated and painted by Dorothy Porcher in the early 1900s.
Dorothy was a pioneer of historic preservation in Charleston, and she was inspired by the pastel colors found on many island homes. If you visit Rainbow Row, be sure to take some pictures. These houses just scream photo op!
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Most Colorful Cities in the World: Havana, Cuba
The city of Havana is one of the most colorful in the world, but do you know why? A lot of it has to do with how much art has influenced it over the years.
While Havana was known to early French and Spanish visitors as a city painted blue and green, the art deco and modernist movement of the early 1900s heavily influenced the city’s architecture.
So not only is the city colorfully painted but its unique buildings and accessories add an extra layer to this already colorful town.
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Most Colorful Cities in the World: Burano Island, Italy
Tucked away in the Northern Venetian Lagoon is a little slice of paradise called Burano Island, which is easily one of the most colorful cities in the world.
Here, the bold colors of the houses reflect on the canal waters, fully absorbing every color of the rainbow.
Besides admiring all the colorful buildings, you’ll be able to enjoy museums, walking tours, and exploring the famed Leaning Bell Tower. One visit here and you’ll feel like you’re immersed in a watercolor painting come to life.
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Most Colorful Cities in Europe: Cobh, Ireland
Bright blues. Canary yellows. And, hot, spicy reds the color of autumn leaves. These are just a few of the gorgeous colors you’ll see on the houses around Cobh, Ireland.
Because of how small the town is, many visitors only spend a few short hours in Cohb before hopping on a bus to explore the famous Blarney Castle. However, if you can afford to spend a full day here, do it.
Not only can you take photos in front of the colorful Cobh houses, but you can explore a Titanic exhibit, including the ability to walk the Titanic Trail, enjoy picturesque views from the nearby harbor, and grab a hot cup of coffee and sit outside taking in the wonders of this historic city.
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Most Colorful Places in the World: Guatape, Colombia
If you have an upcoming trip to Colombia planned, be sure to make your way to the country’s most colorful city of Guatape. The streets here are bursting with color.
The vibrant hues of orange and emerald green combined with the clear, blue skies make walking along the streets of Guatape something out of a storybook.
Everything in the city is pained, from the exterior of houses and office buildings to doors and steps. You’ll see color everywhere you turn.
Though it’s about a two-hour bus trip away from Medellin, it’s worth the visit next time you’re enjoying the sights and sounds of the Gateway to South America and one of the most colorful cities in the world.
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Most Colorful Cities in the World: Manarola, Italy
If you could think up any image to be on the front of a postcard, Manarola, Italy would be it.
This colorful town is bursting with personality and depending on where you’re viewing it, is a town cascading on the side of a hillside. It’s easily the most colorful city in Italy!
Surrounded by teal waters, Manarola is one of the smallest towns in all of Italy but it sure does pack a lot into it.
Whatever you could dream up, it’s possible here. The quaint fishing town of Manarola offers boat tours, wine tasting, and hikes on the Blue trail, which links you to the five surrounding villages.
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Most Colorful Cities in the World: Chefchaouen, Morocco
If you like the color blue, then you have to add visiting the quaint city of Chefchaouen, Morocco to your bucket list. It’s one of the most colorful cities in the world!
The two primary colors you’ll see in Chefchaouen are blue and white. And as a result, walking down Callejon El Asri will feel like something straight out of a fairy tale. Or, at the very least, a very beautiful postcard.
Despite how beautiful the city of Chefchaouen is, the reason behind its bold, blue exteriors is somewhat hopeful.
After the emergence of World War II, many people of the Jewish faith migrated to Morroco. When they did, many of them painted the outside of their houses blue as a symbol of heaven, since blue represents the sky.
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Most Colorful Cities in the World: Matlacha, Florida
I’m always visiting Florida and one of the best-hidden gems I’ve come across is the colorful city of Matlacha. This quaint city is an artist’s dream come true.
The houses boast a cornucopia of colors. From bright lime green to hot pinks and blues the same hue as the nearby Atlantic Ocean, Matlacha is a little slice of paradise for every creative soul who wants to feel like they’ve been transplanted to an alternate reality.
It’s one of the most colorful cities in the world, and easily one of the most unique places you’ll visit in the United States.
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Most Popular Colorful Cities in the World: Girona, Spain
At the onset, Girona, Spain might not be what you immediately think of when it comes to the most colorful cities in Europe. This is because many of the structures in Girona, Spain, are neutral, Earthy tones,
But, then suddenly out of nowhere you’ll stumble across a bright red bridge, or orange and yellow facade and it suddenly feels like that scene from the Wizard of Oz when everything goes from black and white to technicolor.
That’s why Girona ranks on this list because when the sun begins to set, it turns a subtly-colored town into a colorful marvel.
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Most Colorful Cities in the World: Zalipie, Poland
There’s a reason why Zalipie, Poland is nicknamed “The Painted Village.” The houses look like something out of Alice in Wonderland.
Each one is painted with vibrant flowers trailing alongside the doorframe and beside windows, and they’re absolutely charming. It’s, by far, one of the most colorful cities in Europe.
But it’s just the houses that are painted this way. Schools, churches, bridges, and even the streets are lined with these vibrant flowers.
The tradition started back in the 1800s when residents tried to cover up soot stains on the exterior of their homes.
If you can time it right, try visiting during the Feast of Corpus Christi, which usually takes place in June. This is when the entire town truly comes alive.
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Most Colorful Cities in the World: Rainbow Village, Taiwan
Rainbow Village in Taiwan certainly lives up to its name. More so, it’s practically a cultural hub located in the Nantun district. To reach this rainbow town, all you need to do is take public transportation.
Whereas many of the cities on this list are colorful due to the vibrant colors used on the exterior of their homes, the properties in Rainbow Village are not only colorful, they’re full of art, too. And, believe it or not, much of the art was created by one man.
Back in 2010, after hearing that the local government was planning to demolish the abandoned buildings in this area, including his home, Huang Yong-Fu decided to paint them.
He hoped that the newly renovated and painted buildings would prevent them from being demolished. And it worked!
Soon after, students from nearby universities petitioned the mayor to preserve the remaining buildings. And, it now serves as one of the most popular tourist destinations.
Even though it’ll only take you about 15 minutes to travel through the whole village, it’s an experience that’ll stick with you long past your return home.
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Most Colorful Cities in the World: Bo Kaap, Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa is a traveler’s dream destination because it truly offers every kind of experience visitors could want.
Adrenaline junkies can go cage diving with Great White sharks. Foodies can tickle their tastebuds by dining in some of the most award-winning restaurants in the world. And, nature lovers can explore Table Mountain, one of the world’s greatest wonders.
While you’re visiting Cape Town, you’ll also want to give the quaint city of Bo Kaap a visit. The town’s roots date back all the way to the 1760s.
Back then, the houses were built and rented out to slaves, as Bo Kaap was known as a racially segregated part of South Africa.
Legend has it that while these houses were rented, they had to be white. However, once slaves were emancipated, they bought these properties and painted them in the most vibrant colors to celebrate their freedom.
Not only are these properties painted beautiful shades of lime green, salmon, and turquoise, but they offer a profound message of hope. And, that in itself, is really beautiful.
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Most Colorful Cities in the World: St. John’s, Newfoundland
The city of St. John’s is not only a traveler’s delight, but it’s also what you’d think of when visiting a beach town.
The streets are lined with green, red, purple, yellow, and bright blue houses, and you could easily spend hours wandering the blocks, soaking it all in.
A fun fact about why the houses in St. John’s are so colorful is that they help local fishermen see the town, even if weather conditions are less than ideal.
If you time it right, you may even be able to see the Northern Lights on your visit.
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Most Colorful Cities in the World: Zurich, Switzerland
Switzerland is famed for many things, but one of the best reasons to visit is because it’s home to some of the most colorful properties in the world.
These colorful homes can be found in Niederdorf, the old part of Zurich, which is a popular shopping district.
This colorful area is filled with medieval architecture that brings you back to when the city was ultimately founded back in 15 B.C.
It offers scenic boat and walking tours and is considered one of the safest tourist spots if you’re visiting Switzerland.
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Most Colorful Cities in the World: Copenhagen, Denmark
Add Nyhavn Harbour in Copenhagen, Denmark to your travel itinerary ASAP.
This canal is highlighted by brightly colored buildings on either side of it, making it truly one of the most colorful cities in the world (not to mention one of the most Instagrammable).
Here, you’ll find cafes, restaurants, office buildings, and houses of every color, with each one being seemingly more colorful and brilliant than the last. They truly capture every color of the rainbow.
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Most Colorful Cities in the World: La Boca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
It’s like someone splashed buckets of paint on the quaint town of La Boca.
Located near the Riachuelo river, La Boca has been transformed from an old shipyard into the eclectic, colorful town it is today.
What makes the city of La Boca unique though isn’t just the fact that it’s completely colorful, but it’s because many of the buildings consist of colorful patchwork.
This is because, during its transformative era, there wasn’t enough paint to cover one house completely, so they began adding different splashes of color to create a final look.
As such, it’s not uncommon to see houses feature multiple colors, such as red, orange, green, yellow, and baby blue.
With these unique designs and color palettes, it’s no wonder why La Boca in Buenos Aires is one of the most colorful cities in the world.
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Most Colorful Cities in the World: Nassau, Bahamas
Sure, you can visit Nassau, Bahamas on a cruise excursion, but why only leave yourself a couple of hours to stroll around this beautiful island city?
The homes here are brightly painted, so your walkways will be paved in a sea of tangerine, pink, blue, lime, and yellow. Couple this with the towering palm trees and Nassau, Bahamas is a tropical retreat for any visitor.
The reason why these houses are so colorful actually has a fun history!
Legend has it that back in the 1800s, the governor of the island suffered from such severe, chronic headaches that he eventually attributed his pain to the blinding sun that reflected off the white buildings.
As such, he ordered that all of the buildings be painted any color other than white. The rest, as they’d say, is history.
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Most Colorful Cities in the World: Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan, South Korea
If you’re already visiting Busan, hop over to the colorful and cultural Gamcheon Culture Village. The streets curl with bright blue and green roofs that compliment the clear skis, and houses that come alive with personality.
Though the village has a painful history, it was renovated in 2009 when a group of students and artists decided to decorate and paint it to become a leading tourist attraction more than 10 years later.
Here it’s not uncommon to see beautiful murals and sculptures lining the sides of and tops of buildings, all of which are things I guarantee you won’t be able to see anywhere else.
Plus, their many available workshops allow you to build your very own souvenir by hand.
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Most Colorful Cities in the World: Júzcar, Malaga, Spain
Nicknamed La Aldea Azul, the village of Júzcar in Malaga, Spain was once known as the Smurf Village because everything inside the town is practically painted blue.
The Smurf Village was not just some playful nickname given to the town either. In fact, everything in the village was purposely painted blue to help promote the release of the Smurf movie in 2011. Sony Espana was even involved in this initiative!
Because of how quickly Júzcar became a beloved tourist attraction, residents didn’t want to go back to their boring, white houses. As such, the village has been bright blue ever since.
Though the colors are all shades of blue, you’d be hard-pressed to find a place that has the most colorful houses in the world more than the quaint village of Júzcar.
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Most Colorful Cities in the World: San Francisco, California
If you ever wander around San Francisco, you cannot miss the Painted Ladies, which make the Californian city one of the most colorful cities in the world.
You’ll find quite a few bright and beautiful paint jobs all around town, but the really colorful houses, built in a Victorian style, are not only a reminder of some of the most colorful streets in Notting Hill in London but a Great Rush staple in town.
At a time when residents wanted to show off their wealth, San Francisco became a colorful symbol of the Great Rush.
If the really brightly colored houses were initially known as the Painted Ladies, there are plenty of other blue, green, yellow, and pink houses in San Francisco you can snap shots of.
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Most Colorful Cities in the World: Kusadasi, Turkey
Last, in our guide to the most colorful cities in the world, you have the rainbow town of Kusadasi, in Turkey.
We’ve already covered some of the most instagrammable places in Istanbul some time ago, with Balat offering some really colorful houses, but Kusadasi is on a whole other level.
The resort town is an instagrammer’s dream, and no less than 400 houses were painted to match the colors of the rainbow.
From blue to pink houses, and the Aegean Sea just minutes away, you have in Kusadasi one of the most beautiful cities in the world, coupled with some of the most unforgettable sunsets you’ll ever see in your life.
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22 Most Colorful Cities in the World from Burano to Zalipie
Have you visited any of these colorful cities? If not, be sure to add these most colorful cities in the world to your travel itinerary moving forward!