15 Most Colorful Cities in the World You Have to See to Believe

Some cities don’t just stand out—they shine. Painted walls, bright rooftops, and lively markets bring these places to life. They’re bold, photogenic, and full of personality. If you love travel with a splash of color (or a whole bucket of it), these cities are the perfect stop.

Here are 15 of the most colorful cities around the world that look like they came straight from a paintbox.

1. Chefchaouen, Morocco

Tucked away in the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco, Chefchaouen is known around the world as the ‘Blue Pearl.’ Almost every wall, staircase, and sidewalk is painted in shades of blue—from soft sky tones to deep ocean hues. Wandering its quiet alleyways feels like stepping into a fairytale. The story goes that the blue color keeps mosquitoes away, but most visitors are drawn in by the calming atmosphere and photogenic charm. Local markets, rooftop cafés, and traditional Moroccan doors make every turn a visual treat.

2. Burano, Italy

Burano is a small island near Venice that explodes with color. Each house is painted a different bright color—pink, yellow, green, orange—and the reflections in the canals make it even more beautiful. Legend says fishermen painted their homes to see them from the water on foggy days. Now, Burano is known for its cheerful buildings and its handmade lace. Walk its narrow streets, grab a gelato, and soak up the vibrant charm that makes this place one of Italy’s most joyful spots.

3. Jodhpur, India

Jodhpur, called the ‘Blue City,’ spreads out in waves of indigo at the foot of a massive fort. Thousands of homes are painted in various shades of blue, originally used to show Brahmin caste and believed to keep homes cool and mosquito-free. Climb to the top of Mehrangarh Fort for an incredible view of this sea of color. It’s not just the buildings that are vibrant—the markets, spices, and people all add to Jodhpur’s lively, colorful energy.

4. Willemstad, Curaçao

Willemstad is a Caribbean capital like no other. The historic Dutch-style buildings along the waterfront are painted in soft pastels and bold tones—yellows, purples, aquas, and pinks. The story goes that a former governor, sensitive to white paint in the tropical sun, ordered the city to brighten up, and it stuck. Now it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most Instagrammable spots in the Caribbean. Sip a cold drink by the harbor and watch the colors dance in the sunlight.

5. Guanajuato, Mexico

Nestled in a mountain valley, Guanajuato is a city of winding alleys and brightly colored homes climbing the hillsides. Once a rich mining town, it now bursts with life and culture. You’ll find narrow streets painted in bold reds, yellows, blues, and greens. The whole city feels like a party. Visit the markets, catch street musicians, and ride the funicular to see the colors from above. It’s art, history, and celebration all rolled into one.

6. Bo-Kaap, South Africa

Bo-Kaap is one of Cape Town’s most eye-catching neighborhoods. Rows of houses are painted in neon-bright colors—lime green, bubblegum pink, sunflower yellow. It’s not just about the paint though; this area has deep cultural roots, home to the Cape Malay community. The colors reflect a history of freedom and pride. While you’re there, try a local curry, visit the museum, and take time to appreciate the stories behind the hues.

7. Valparaíso, Chile

Valparaíso is known as Chile’s most creative city. Built on steep hills, it’s a jumble of colorful homes, street art, murals, and staircases painted in patterns. Artists from around the world have left their mark here, turning the city into an open-air museum. From bright blues and reds to wild graffiti, the colors make this port city feel like a canvas. Grab a coffee in a quirky café, hop on one of the funiculars, and explore the rainbow maze.

8. Jaipur, India

Jaipur is called the ‘Pink City’ because most of its buildings in the old town are painted in a warm pinkish-orange hue. This color was chosen to welcome a British royal in the 1800s—and it never changed. Today, it gives Jaipur its soft, romantic look. Walk through the city gates, visit the pink Hawa Mahal palace, and shop in the pink bazaars. The sunset adds even more glow to this already glowing city.

9. St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada

In Canada’s eastern edge, St. John’s stands out with its row houses painted in every color of the rainbow. The tradition began to brighten up the foggy, gray days and became a beloved local style. Known as ‘Jellybean Row,’ these homes climb the hills with joy and charm. Even when the weather is chilly, the colors bring warmth and energy to this friendly seaside town.

10. Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre is a group of five seaside villages on the Italian Riviera, each stacked with colorful buildings that look like they’re dripping down the cliffs. The houses are painted in warm tones—yellows, oranges, reds—and they shine bright against the blue sea. Walk the scenic paths between villages, stop for fresh seafood, and enjoy the view. It’s one of the most beautiful and colorful coastlines in the world.

11. Havana, Cuba

Havana is old, bold, and full of color. The streets are lined with pastel buildings, some faded by time, others freshly painted. Classic 1950s cars cruise past, adding even more color to the scene. It’s a city where history meets style. Walk through Old Havana and you’ll see turquoise walls, red shutters, and yellow domes—all worn in the best way. It’s vintage charm turned vibrant.

12. La Boca, Buenos Aires, Argentina

La Boca is a neighborhood in Buenos Aires that’s full of life and color. The houses are made from corrugated metal and painted in every shade imaginable. It started with leftover ship paint, and now it’s one of the city’s most visited areas. Street dancers perform tango, artists sell their work, and musicians bring the color to life with sound.

13. Reykjavik, Iceland

You might expect Iceland to be all black and white—but Reykjavik is full of color. The city’s rooftops and houses are painted in bright reds, blues, greens, and yellows. It adds cheer to the long winters and gray skies. Walk through town and you’ll find murals, quirky art, and cozy coffee shops surrounded by joyful hues.

14. Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena’s walled city is bursting with color. Colonial buildings are painted in deep yellows, sky blues, and rose pinks. Bougainvillea vines spill over balconies, and every street corner feels like a photo op. The colors match the Caribbean heat—bold, lively, and full of flavor. Take a walk at golden hour, and the city glows like a painting.

15. Nyhavn, Copenhagen, Denmark

Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s most iconic street, with rows of colorful 17th-century houses lining the harbor. Painted in cheerful tones, they reflect in the water where old ships are docked. It’s the kind of place that feels both calm and full of life. Grab a coffee, sit by the canal, and watch the world go by as the colors shine in the sunlight.