Results: Some of the Most Colorful Cities in the World, part four

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scouthoward

03/28/2026

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From Caribbean islands to old European towns, you’ll stumble across houses where bold blues, sunny yellows, and vibrant reds take over the streets. Sometimes the colors started out as a practical thing, sometimes as a way to celebrate culture or lure in curious travelers. In this survey series, you’ll see coastal towns where colorful houses shimmer in the water, mountain villages that stand out against snowy backdrops, and historic neighborhoods that have been brightening up their corners for centuries. Touropia.com is the source for this survey series.
1.
1.
Burano, Italy floats in the Venetian lagoon, just a 40-minute boat ride from Venice. For such a tiny island, it packs a punch—color everywhere you look. By law, every house gets a different color. The result? A rainbow of buildings along sleepy canals and narrow lanes. Legend has it fishermen painted their homes bright so they could spot them in the thick lagoon fog. True or not, those vibrant walls now make Burano one of Italy's most photographed spots. The island's also famous for lace making. Burano lace was once the world's finest, though machines do most of the work now. Colorful houses huddle together along the water. Blues, pinks, yellows, greens—it's a cheerful, almost surreal scene that draws visitors from all over. Are you familiar with Burano lace?
Yes
10%
169 votes
No
78%
1320 votes
Undecided
12%
211 votes
2.
2.
While Denmark's capital of cool is a wonderful place to visit, it is the historic harborside town of Nyhavn that attracts the most attention. Lying at the heart of Copenhagen, 'New Harbour' is lined by multi-hued townhouses that were built in the 17th and 18th centuries. Bobbing on the harbor in front of them are many wooden ships, and the lively cafes, bars, and restaurants along the waterfront only add to the ambiance. Be sure to visit number 9, the oldest standing building in Copenhagen, constructed in 1681. Danish author Hans Christian Andersen lived at number 18 for some years. Would you like to visit Denmark?
Yes
55%
942 votes
No
25%
432 votes
Undecided
19%
326 votes
3.
3.
Chefchaouen nestles in Morocco's Rif Mountains. Folks call it the "Blue Pearl"—and honestly, it's easy to see why. Every street and building glows in blue. You can walk through turquoise, powder blue, and indigo alleys, each one a little different from the last. The city started as a fortress in 1471. Later, Jewish refugees may have brought the blue paint tradition in the 15th century. No one really knows why everything's blue. Some say it keeps mosquitoes at bay, others think there's a spiritual reason. Who's to say? Wandering the narrow streets feels like stepping into a dream. Blue walls around every corner—perfect for photos, if you're into that kind of thing. Chefchaouen often lands on lists of the world's most colorful cities. The mountains make the blue pop even more. It's no wonder travelers call this place magical. Would you want to live in an area where all the houses are painted a shade of blue?
Yes
25%
419 votes
No
40%
678 votes
Undecided
35%
603 votes
4.
4.
On Chile's Pacific coast, you'll find Valparaíso—one of the world's most colorful cities. It sprawls up steep hills, covered in bright houses and wild street art. Locals call it "Valpo." This port city sits just 90 minutes from Santiago. You can hop on old funiculars and ride up the hills for a better view. Artists from all over have covered walls and buildings in murals. The city feels like an open-air museum. Rainbow staircases, painted patterns—there's something new on every street. UNESCO named Valparaíso a World Heritage Site for its unique design. The colorful neighborhoods mix art and history in a way that's hard to describe. Walking through bohemian streets full of galleries and cafes, you'll feel the creative energy. Poets and painters have loved this place for centuries. Against the blue ocean, those bright houses look almost unreal. If you had the opportunity, would you visit "Valpo"?
Yes
38%
646 votes
No
34%
580 votes
Undecided
28%
474 votes

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