10 of the Most Colorful Cities in the World

10 of the Most Colorful Cities in the World #travelIf city means tall glass edifices and gray towering skyscrapers for you, think again. On this very planet earth amidst drab concrete jungle we do have rainbow cities: painted in every possible hue and full of life. Bright, vibrant and pleasing to eyes, these cities not just break the monotony of life but also add some sparkle into otherwise tiring and nerve wrecking urban living. Take a look at 10 of the Most Colorful Cities in the World.

1. Valparaiso, Chile:

As alluring as a noir movie featuring sailors, dockyards, seductresses and neon-lit streets, this (in)famous port city on Chile’s coast is defined by its colorful cityscape full of brightly painted clifftop homes. Inspiration to many poets and writers, Valparaiso is also known for some of the Latin America’s best street art, winding alleys and grand dilapidated mansions. If you are bored with the regular cityscape adorned with flashlights and billboards, head to Valparaiso. A must-visit destination if you wish to experience life in brightest of colors.

A centre of culture and street art, Valparaiso – sometimes called ‘The Jewel of the Pacific’ – is known for its brightly coloured buildings | 10 of the Most Colorful Cities in the World
A centre of culture and street art, Valparaiso – sometimes called ‘The Jewel of the Pacific’ – is known for its brightly coloured buildings Photograph: Urbaguilera Photography/Getty Images/Flickr RF

2. Guanajuato, Mexico:

Amber, cerulean, tangerine… name the most unusual of hues and it can be spotted in this gorgeous colorful city of Mexico. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Guanajuato owes its popularity to the grand colonial structures, annual international art festival and brightly colored abodes creating a stunning picture against the backdrop of the green mountains. Located in central Mexico into a narrow valley, this multi-hued urban sprawl is also known for its tapered twisting alleys some of which are so narrow that they can only be explored by foot.

Colorful Houses of Guanajuato, Mexico | 10 of the Most Colorful Cities in the World
Copyright Chao Kusollerschariy

3. Burano Island, Italy:

Barely 4 miles (40 minutes on a Venetian boat) away, Burano is not just a city but a painter’s canvas: full of exotic colors. The origin of this picturesque Italian town still needs a validation however historians believe it was probably settled by the Romans in the 6th century. Unlike some of the other most colorful cities in the world, Burano’s multi-colored houses are well-planned and follow a specific pattern. You just can’t go ahead and paint the house in any color of your choice, but you have to have it painted in specific color. If someone wishes to change the hue, one needs to seek government’s permission for doing so.

Burano canal full of boats and colorful houses. | 10 of the Most Colorful Cities in the World
Copyright eldeiv

4. Wroclaw, Poland:

Poland’s commercial hub and the 4th largest city Wroclaw arguably has more character and cultural influence than any other Polish city. Acknowledged as a global city and recognized in 2015 as the “Best City to Live” Wroclaw’s beauty lies in its beautiful buildings painted in various perky colors. Head to the Market square in Old Town of Wroclaw and get ready to be bowled over by the gorgeous colorful picture this city offers you.

Architectue of the Market square in Wroclaw Poland | 10 of the Most Colorful Cities in the World
Copyright Anton_Ivanov

5. Porto, Portugal:

Also known as Oporto in English, Porto is the historic centre of Portugal with enchanting medieval relics, narrow alleys, a maze of winding staircases, magnificent baroque churches with rising bell towers and homes painted in cheery colors. Also a UNESCO world heritage site Porto is a no lesser than a romantic dream. Besides Lisbon, Porto is the only Portuguese town to be recognized as a global city. One of the most colorful cities and a must-visit destination in the world Porto also has the honor of receiving European Best Destination awards in 2012 and 2014.

Beautiful view of Porto with Douro River and traditional Rabelo boats | 10 of the Most Colorful Cities in the World
Copyright Sean Pavone

6. Cartagena, Colombia:

Walk the colonial streets of this fairy-tale city along the Caribbean coast and you will know why Cartagena is so popular amongst tourists. Maze of cobbled alleys, churches, colonial edifices, and homes painted in lovely sunny hues with balconies laden with bougainvillea Cartagena has everything to be a poet’s inspiration.

Church and yellow colonial building visible from San Pedro Claver plaza in historic Cartagena | 10 of the Most Colorful Cities in the World
Copyright Jess Kraft

7. Havana, Cuba:

The charming capital city of Cuba is the postcard destination in the Caribbean region, all thanks to the unparalleled beauty of this vibrant gorgeous town. Look around and you can spot buildings in every possible shade making it one of the most colorful cities in the world. Laid-back and charismatic, dancing to the tunes of guitar, flaunting heaps of history at every nook and corner of the old town, the energy of the locals that refuses to die down and the romantic view of the amber sun going down into the ocean, Havana has everything to allure millions of tourists to its mainland every year.

Colorful old buildings in Havana, Cuba | 10 of the Most Colorful Cities in the World
Copyright Kamira

8. Amorgos Island, Greece:

The easternmost of the Greek Cyclades, Amorgos Island is as picturesque as a tiny town can get. Shaped like a seahorse, Amorgos is blessed by nature with an exquisite coastline. However, the real beauty of this little settlement comes from the white adobes with brightly painted windows, doors, and balconies. Blue, green, red you name it and you can spot the color in those twisting lanes of Amorgos Island.

Beautiful stone made road with old traditional houses in Chora the capital of Amorgos island in Greece | 10 of the Most Colorful Cities in the World
Copyright: imagIN.gr photography

9. Barranco, Lima, Peru:

The bohemian side of Peru, Barranco is a district in the capital city, Lima. The most romantic destination in Peru, Barranco’s appeal lies in its “Casonas”-brightly painted colonial dwellings, streets lined and laden with flowers and some of the most interesting street arts.

The bohemian side of Peru, Barranco | 10 of the Most Colorful Cities in the World

10. Jodhpur, India:

Known as the blue city, Jodhpur in India is a sight that will remain with you forever once you see it from the royal balconies of the towering Mehrangarh Fort. The blue color which was originally meant for the demarcation of the priest class later became popular with all classes due to its sun resistant ability. Today, the old town is painted mostly in indigo hence the Blue City.

Known as the blue city, Jodhpur in India is a sight that will remain with you forever once you see it from the royal balconies of the towering Mehrangarh Fort. | 10 of the Most Colorful Cities in the World
Copyright Nataiki

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10 of the Most Colorful Cities in the World #travel

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