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

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scouthoward

04/01/2026

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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.
Bo-Kaap is a picturesque part of Cape Town, South Africa, situated on the slopes of Signal Hill above the city center. Bo-Kaap is locally referred to as the Malay Quarter since the majority of its inhabitants are descendants of India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. They were brought here as slaves by the Dutch East Indian Trading Company in the 17th and 18th centuries. Tourists can walk the narrow and winding streets and take in all the bright and vibrant colors adorning the buildings. Have you ever been to Cape Town, South Africa?
Yes
10%
110 votes
No
78%
833 votes
Undecided
12%
124 votes
2.
2.
High in the mountains of central Mexico sits one of its most stunning cities. Zacatecas gets called "the pink city" because of the gorgeous pink limestone in its buildings. Founded in 1548 for silver miners, the city climbs steep hillsides, with narrow cobblestone streets winding every which way. The pink stone cathedral grabs your attention right away. Most buildings show off that same rosy color, making everything seem to glow. Strolling the streets, you'll see colonial buildings from the 1700s and 1800s painted in bold colors. At night, streetlights hit the pink limestone and the city turns magical. The steep valley setting just adds to the drama. This UNESCO World Heritage Site keeps its old-world charm but still manages to surprise with dazzling architecture. Before today's survey, were you aware of "the pink city"?
Yes
10%
107 votes
No
78%
832 votes
Undecided
12%
128 votes
3.
3.
Greenland seems to have plenty of colorful houses that brighten up the otherwise bleak landscape. A good example is the settlement of Kulusuk located on a small rocky island . This tiny village is the gateway to east Greenland. Adventurous tourist can find stunning views of the enormous icebergs in the Denmark Strait and East Greenland's magnificent mountains. Kulusk has one hotel built in 1999 and a youth hostel. People here focus on hunting and fishing. Only about 250 folks live in Kulusuk year-round. Mountains and crystal-clear fjords surround the village. Icebergs drift past the painted houses all year, which is honestly pretty wild to see. The bright colors help residents find their homes in harsh winter weather. Have you ever considered visiting Greenland?
Yes
21%
225 votes
No
65%
693 votes
Undecided
14%
149 votes
4.
4.
La Boca is a working-class district of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The artistic panache of its inhabitants put La Boca firmly on this list of most colorful cities. Caminito street makes this place unforgettable. Houses line both sides, painted in blues, yellows, reds, and greens—artists used leftover ship paint from the docks, giving the area its signature look. The colorful houses are stunning examples of the independent nature of La Boca's residents. Most of the brightly colorful houses are clustered by the port. Other attractions include many tango clubs and Italian taverns, as well as La Bombonera, home of the famous football club Boca Juniors. You can walk here from San Telmo. The area stretches about two miles and bursts with street art. Local artists keep adding new murals, so the neighborhood always feels fresh. Is Argentina on your bucket list of places to travel to?
Yes
16%
176 votes
No
66%
703 votes
Undecided
18%
188 votes

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