In Living Color: The World’s Most Colorful Cities

Although nature is responsible for iconic colors from the Cerro de los Siete Colores in Argentina to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, some of the most recognizable travel destinations are found along cities and streets where the artists were everyday citizens.

A step into a local neighborhood may not only show you captivating hues and palettes, but also provide an intimate story into the area’s culture and history. Many designs across the façade of homes and businesses came from local resources, religious beliefs, or a proud regional identity. As much as color brings a physical vibrance to a destination, the real vibrance arises from the traditions and communities that call the area home.

As if taking a step into the summer sky, the homes and alleyways throughout Chefchaouen are painted in a vibrant blue. The city was originally founded as a fortress in 1471 to defend against Portuguese invaders. Nowadays, it’s a popular destination for proximity to one of Africa’s deepest caves, as well as for its brightly colored walls. There has been speculation about why the walls are blue, and locals cannot provide a consistent answer. Some argue that the blue paint helps repel mosquitos and keeps the streets cool during the summer. Others believe it was painted by early residents in efforts to resemble the sky and the heavens. Whatever the history, the “Blue City” is a fantastical sight, emblematic of a storybook town against the rocky region of northern Morocco.

Discover this azure gem on an optional pre-trip extension to our Morocco Sahara Odyssey.

La Boca, Buenos Aires, Argentina

A small neighborhood near one of Buenos Aires’ most vibrant ports became a blend of cultures as many European and Asian immigrants made their way to Argentina. The area evolved as a hotspot for porteño culture (the term for Buenos Aires locales), especially the iconic tango. Today, its blend of culture and history is visually reflected in the bright yellow, blue, and pink colors that decorate the local architecture on a set of streets known as the Caminito. “Blend” is actually quite the appropriate word, since much of the color comes shipyard scraps that were used when paint was running low. This walkway is also a hub for artists and dancers to perform as pedestrians walk by. And visitors should be prepared to witness the city’s energetic team spirit towards their Boca Juniors soccer club, a professional men’s team that has competed at the highest level since 1913.

Visit this lively corner of Argentina when you journey on Chile & Argentina: The Andes to Patagonia.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen has a legitimate claim for some of the most photographed streets in northern Europe, thanks to the colorful townhouses sitting side by side along its pier. Nyhavn port is one of the most recognizable, with its bright blue, red, and yellow buildings right next to each other along the canal where a bustling, commercial port used to sit. Nowadays, the area is home to street food, cafes, and the chance to admire historic wooden ships and architecture that’s hundreds of years old. Other famous streets include Christianshavn, Olufsvej, and Magstraede, each with its own unique history and design.

Don’t miss out on this photo opportunity when you travel to Copenhagen on Cruising Coastal Scandinavia: From Denmark & Sweden to the Norwegian Fjords.

Dublin, Ireland

Magical doorways to fantastical lands have been the theme of stories in the British Isles, and worthy candidates can be found throughout the city of Dublin. Doorways to different residences are found in virtually every color in this Irish capital. Although Merrion Square and Fitzwilliam Square are great spots to look, a step in any direction is bound to lead you to one of their iconic doors. Like Chefchaouen in Morocco, there isn’t an exact local story that explains the obsession with notable entranceways, but there are a few urban legends. It is said that one writer painted his door green, so another writer would stop mistaking the apartment for his own. The other writer painted his door red to further the distinction. Another legend claims that England ordered Ireland to paint its doors black in mourning for Queen Victoria, and fighting Irish retaliated with bright colors.

Turn the key and step into a world of wonder when you visit Dublin on Irish Adventure: Dublin, Belfast & the Northwest Counties.

Cinque Terre, Italy

Against the vibrant blue of the Ligurian Sea, the pink, orange, and yellow of Cinque Terre is one of the most picturesque scenes of the Mediterranean region. Its five villages—Riomaggiore, Manarola, Cornigila, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare all have their own unique color palettes along the coast and are collectively recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Vernazza being named as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. We owe the magic view to creative fisherman who painted their homes in an effort to be able to see them from their boats.

Take in the seaside for yourself when you visit Cinque Terre on an optional pre-trip extension to Northern Italy: The Alps, Dolomites & Lombardy.

Marvel at the famed Blue City of Morocco during the optional pre-trip extension to Morocco Sahara Odyssey.