The World’s Most Colorful Cities

Charleston, South Carolina

A pastel paradise on the Carolina coast, Charleston continues to draw visitors in for the visual delight of colonial architecture. Baby blue hues and coral pink colonial homes line Rainbow Row, but even passed the destination street, cobblestone roads stretch out with grand detailed townhomes and businesses with whimsical charm, forever hued in a soft watercolor palette of paints. The city’s lively arts scene, southern cuisine, and warm hospitality infuse every corner with an irresistible burst of color. –Deven Wilson

Victoria, British Columbia

The fisherman’s wharf in Victoria is colorful in spirit and architecture. Find fresh-off-the-boat seafood stalls, browse local artwork, and see the brightly colored floating residences. Enjoy the storybook feeling during a walk along the wharf, boasting charming pastel facades and lively street art that adds splashes of creativity from residents who are accustomed to the looky-loos walking by. Lush gardens bloom with floral hues year-round in this coastal gem’s welcoming community. –Tanya White

Jaipur: The Pink City

See the world through rose-colored glasses with a trip to this radiant city in the Rajasthan region of northern India. This historic city, otherwise known as Pink City for its distinctive pastel hues, was painted pink about 150 years ago to commemorate and welcome the arrival of King Edward VII. In fact, the palatial city has retained its glow to this day. Beyond the blooming concrete, Jaipur plays host to vibrant celebrations like the annual Bikaner Camel Festival and, of course, Holi, both making sure to add every color of the rainbow to this otherwise monochromatic cityscape. 

A visit to the Ram Niwas Garden at Albert Hall will add plenty of natural hues to this man-made color scheme. Whatever time of year visitors make it out, the Rajasthani-style architecture coated in terracotta, a welcoming and hospitable color, is sure to make the trip worthwhile. While there, make sure to visit the other two corners of the so-called ‘golden triangle,’ Delhi and Agra, to experience the full range of beauty the entire region has to offer.
–Abby L. Johnson

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Imagine a place where Old World elegance collides with New World Caribbean, creating a kaleidoscopic backdrop for experiences unequaled in other parts of the world. Old San Juan remains the most vital and vibrant seaport on an island now teeming with charm, adventure, and nature. 

Forts erected over five hundred years ago still stand in what is the oldest settlement under United States sovereignty, but don’t let that lead you into thinking San Juan is passé. Trek through these forts where you can place your hands on some of the same cannons that have defended the island through the centuries. From this vantage point, visitors can capture snapshots and view vistas of the rocky coastline, blue skies, and fields of flora beneath the sunset—no filter needed.  

When hunger strikes, visit the historic La Bombonera for a cafe con leche and mallorcas, a sweet, puffy bun dusted in powdered sugar, a favorite among locals. Rumor has it La Bombonera’s coffee maker has been brewing for over 100 years!

Keep your walking shoes on, and take your time strolling down the colonial blue cobblestone streets of Old San Juan. Linger in and out of the shops down Calle Fortaleza, where bright candy-colored apartments line the streets amongst the shops. You might even find yourself under a canopy of vivid umbrellas or pink butterflies. When the legs ask for a break, hop on the free trolley to get a broad tour across the charming town. Take your time to enjoy Old San Juan, its colorful history and culture, Old World charm, and exceptional Caribbean cuisine.
–Jerod Morales

Barcelona, Spain

While Barcelona itself is a kaleidoscope of colorful architecture, people, food, and culture, few places can hold a candle to Parque Güell. Twisted spires swirl on Carmel Hill above the undulating skyline of the city, and split ceramics adorn the winding banks behind Roman-inspired architecture. Despite that clear influence, this park is not Roman at all. Parque Güell was built under the watchful eye of Antoni Gaudí — who also happens to have architected La Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló — in the early aughts of the 20th century. An exceptional synthesis of color, texture, shape, and design, this 12-acre park encapsulates the artistic currents of his era and reaches across time to embody the spirit of modern Barcelona.

However, the rest of this Catalonian city is far from dim. Late night cafes and bustling nightclubs light the winding corridors of the Gothic Quarter built upon a history stretching back to the Roman world. And in the daytime, a look around any corner will delight the senses with a vivid picture of a complex culture whose warm welcome turns many visitors into a lifelong evangelist for this Spanish city.
–Jessi Devenyns

Cinque Terre, Italy

When royal blue waters begin dancing with vibrant colors of city walls, all harmoniously crashing into the cliffs, you have arrived in Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre consists of five towns that are woven together by footpaths overlooking the vast Mediterranean Sea. Each village (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore) brings its own style, personality, and unique history. While I loved them all, my favorites were Vernazza, Corniglia, and Manarola. Come with me as we dip our “brush” into each one. Continue reading here…
–Joanna Fuller

San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico

Located in the heart of central Mexico, the warm tones of this cultural and artistic hub will immediately instill a sense of wonder. The historic city of San Miguel is home to Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, an architecturally significant church, known for its pink spires that reach hopefully towards the heavens. This almost melodramatic structure is neo-Gothic in style with ornate finishings that seem to almost glow under the sun. Its towers overlook El Jardin, the main square, where visitors can soak in the sights, sounds, and tastes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dance to the sound of mariachis, enjoy people-watching, peruse locally-made wares offered up by artisans, and most of all, be sure to get an eyeful of the iconic cathedral. It serves as an incredibly useful landmark to reorient visitors and natives alike as they explore life in this charming town. 

The city plays host to a multitude of festivals such as Desfile de los Locos, Festival de Música de Cámara, La Calaca Festiva, and the Festival Internacional de Jazz y Blues, so be sure to research the festivities and plan accordingly to get the most out of your visit to this colorful city. 
–Abby L. Johnson

Willemstad, Curaçao

Nestled in the south of the Caribbean, Curaçao stands as a living canvas of colors. Its capital city, Willemstad, is alluring with its colonial architecture boasting a canvas of bright buildings lining sapphire coastal shores. Narrow streets wind through neighborhoods filled with lively markets that burst with a kaleidoscope of hues, mirroring the island’s vibrant spirit. Stalls overflow with tropical fruits, handcrafted art, and an aroma of spices. The floating market, where boats from Venezuela converge, adds an exotic swirl of colors to the landscape. The tropical flora painted with lush blooms abut the emerald waters of the Caribbean Sea. This island’s harmonious blend of nature’s palette and historic Saint Anna Bay brilliance orchestrates a symphony of visual delight. –Ashley Bowling