10 of the world’s most colourful cities

1. Burano Island, Italy

Burano is an archipelago of four islands linked by bridges just to the north of Venice. The village is famous for its lace and brightly painted buildings. These colourful houses are popular with local artists and each is painted according to a system that was devised during the island’s lace making heydey. If someone wishes to paint their home they must send a request to the government, who then tell them which colours are permitted for their lot.

2. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Back in 2010, the Brazilian government hired Dutch artists Haas & Hahn to redecorate and regenerate the slums of Rio de Janeiro. The result is a colourful mix of street art, murals and rainbow coloured buildings that attract tourists from around the globe. One of the most spectacular districts is the Favela Santa Maria.

3. Jodhpur, India

Jodhpur in the Indian state of Rajasthan, is known as the Blue City because of its brightly painted royal blue buildings. Legend has it that the trend was started by local Maharajah’s who chose the regal hue to embellish their walls. However, others say that the colour actually comes from a copper sulphate and lime exterior wash that is used to prevent termites.

4. Valparaiso, Chile

Valparaiso is known for its many museums, churches, cathedrals and colonial buildings. Head to the coastal district of the city to fully appreciate the many multi-coloured buildings that rise on the hilly terrain. Homes are adorned with murals and logos and visitors can take the Ascensores funicular railways for a bird’s eye view.

5. St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

St.John’s, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, is one of the oldest cities in Canada. It’s also one of the world’s most colourful places and known for its incredible architecture and character. One area is known as Jellybean Row and it was home to ship’s captains who painted their homes in bright candy colours so that they could easily spot them from the sea.

6. Pattaya, Thailand

Sun-drenched beaches and some of the best nightlife in the southern hemisphere – Pattaya attracts visitors from all over the world. But, it’s not just the beaches that are a sight to behold in this vibrant city. Pastel coloured hotels, apartments and houses are truly magical and their peaceful ambience offers a charming contrast to the bustle of the beaches and malls.

7. Nyhavn, Copenhagen

Nyhavn is one of the Danish capital’s most exciting areas. The canal dates from the 17th century and stretches from the harbour just south of the Royal Playhouse to Kongens Nytorv. It’s one of the city’s most vibrant entertainment districts but it’s also known for its brightly painted canalside buildings that date from the 17th and 18th century.

8. Chefchaouen, Morrocco

This small but utterly charming city in the heart of the Rif Mountains is home to about 40,000 inhabitants. Chefchaouen is in the north-east of Morocco close to the Mediterranean sea and its striking buildings were painted blue by the Jewish refugees who settled there in the 1930s. The beauty of the whitewashed buildings with their powder blue accents continues to attract visitors today.

9. Wroclaw, Poland

Magnificent Wroclaw is the capital of Lower Silesia. Discover unique attraction like its hundreds of bridges or explore historic buildings in its Old Town. The colourful houses are one of its most exciting features. The ancient architecture is enhanced by vivid shades of red, green and yellow and these beautiful buildings give the city a playful and vivacious feel.

10. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Famous for polo, football and tango, Buenos Aires is filled with colonial architecture and historic sights, the colourful La Boca district is one of its most outstanding attractions. This working class district was constructed from scrap materials like corrugated iron, cardboard and leftover paint, and the result is quite something. Take a stroll down Caminito, a pedestrianised street to fully appreciate their beauty.

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