Quick question: are you tired of scrolling Instagram and seeing the same beige cafés and minimalist hotel rooms? Same. That’s why I have a soft spot for the world’s most colorful cities—the ones that look like someone spilled a giant box of crayons over them.
Whether it’s pastel houses stacked on cliffs, rainbow-painted streets, or walls covered in bold murals, these cities don’t just brighten your feed—they brighten your soul. And honestly, who doesn’t want their next trip to look like a real-life postcard?
So grab your sunglasses (you’ll need them), and let’s wander through the most colorful cities you absolutely must see at least once in your life.
1. Burano, Italy
Why It’s Colorful
Picture this: tiny canals, fishing boats, and houses painted in every shade of the rainbow. Legend says locals painted their homes bright colors so fishermen could find their way back in the fog. Smart and aesthetic.
Travel Tip
- Go early in the morning to avoid tour groups.
- Pair your visit with a Venice trip—it’s just a quick boat ride away.
Booking Tip: Stay in Venice and take a day trip. I usually book charming boutique stays on Booking.com to keep things flexible and affordable.
2. Chefchaouen, Morocco
Why It’s Colorful
Nicknamed the “Blue Pearl”, this Moroccan town is painted in every shade of blue imaginable. Walking through Chefchaouen feels like strolling through a watercolor painting.
Travel Tip
- Wear white or neutral clothing—it pops beautifully in photos.
- Don’t miss the view from the Spanish Mosque at sunset.
3. Jodhpur, India
Why It’s Colorful
Also called the “Blue City”, Jodhpur’s old town is covered in indigo houses. Locals say it keeps homes cool and wards off mosquitoes. Honestly, science or superstition—I’ll take it.
Travel Tip
- Climb up to Mehrangarh Fort for panoramic views of the city’s endless blue.
- Visit in winter for pleasant weather.
4. Guanajuato, Mexico
Why It’s Colorful
Imagine a city where houses are painted in pink, yellow, and lime green, all stacked on steep hills. That’s Guanajuato. It feels like you’re walking inside a bag of Skittles (taste the rainbow, literally).
Travel Tip
- Wander the narrow alleyways (called callejones).
- Visit during the Cervantino Festival for music, art, and endless energy.
5. Bo-Kaap, Cape Town, South Africa
Why It’s Colorful
The Bo-Kaap neighborhood is bursting with bold, candy-colored houses. Historically, residents painted them bright shades to express freedom and identity.
Travel Tip
- Go with a local guide to learn the cultural stories behind the colors.
- Stop by a Cape Malay restaurant—spices + colors = perfect combo.
6. Jaipur, India
Why It’s Colorful
Known as the “Pink City”, Jaipur is drenched in rose-colored hues. Fun fact: the city was painted pink in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales (and locals just… kept it).
Travel Tip
- Don’t miss Hawa Mahal, the famous pink palace.
- Combine your trip with nearby Amer Fort.
7. Cartagena, Colombia
Why It’s Colorful
Cartagena’s old town is a splash of bold facades, bougainvillea, and colonial charm. The colors reflect Caribbean warmth and vibrancy.
Travel Tip
- Explore early morning before the cruise crowds arrive.
- Stay in the walled city for the full experience.
8. Willemstad, Curaçao
Why It’s Colorful
The pastel Dutch-Caribbean architecture looks like Amsterdam went on vacation and never came back. Legend has it, a governor once complained that white buildings gave him headaches, so locals painted everything else instead. (Honestly, thank you, sir.)
Travel Tip
- Stroll along Handelskade harbor for iconic photos.
- Try the local Blue Curaçao liqueur—it’s as colorful as the town.
9. Havana, Cuba
Why It’s Colorful
Havana’s mix of faded pastel buildings and vintage cars makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a movie. It’s chaotic, colorful, and ridiculously photogenic.
Travel Tip
- Wake up early for photos before crowds + heat.
- Take a ride in a classic convertible car—yes, cliché, but worth it.
10. Santorini, Greece
Why It’s Colorful
Okay, Santorini isn’t “rainbow colorful,” but those blue domes and whitewashed houses against the Aegean Sea deserve a spot on this list. It’s iconic for a reason.
Travel Tip
- Stay in Oia if you want the famous sunset views.
- But IMO, Pyrgos is more peaceful (and cheaper).
11. St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
Why It’s Colorful
This coastal Canadian city is famous for its “Jellybean Row”—rows of houses painted in every bold shade you can imagine. It’s cozy, quirky, and super photogenic.
Travel Tip
- Visit during summer for colorful festivals and great weather.
- Try the local seafood—you won’t regret it.
Final Tips for Visiting the World’s Most Colorful Cities
- Pack light, neutral clothes. They’ll pop against bright backgrounds.
- Bring a wide-angle lens if you’re into photography.
- Stay flexible. Weather and light can change how these cities look dramatically.
- Book central stays. You’ll save time (and steps!) when you’re in walking distance of the best spots. Booking.com usually has great deals for city-center hotels and apartments.
Conclusion
Life’s too short for boring cities. Whether it’s the pastel perfection of Burano, the electric murals of Valparaíso, or the blue dream of Chefchaouen, these destinations remind us that travel should be as colorful as possible—literally.
So next time you’re picking a destination, skip the beige and go for bold. After all, don’t you want your passport stamps to come with a splash of paint?