The Most Colorful Cities In The World

Published March 28, 2012
Updated August 15, 2025

Tired of the monotonous shades of grey in your town? Take an escape to some of the most colorful cities in the world.

The Most Colorful Cities: Riomaggiore, Italy

Most Colorful Cities In The World Riomaggiore Italy

Riomaggiore is a scenic seaside town in Italy whose origins date back to the 8th century. It is believed that the early inhabitants of the Vara Valley settled in the ridges in search of a milder climate so that they could raise grapevines and olive-trees without the fear of pirate raids.

Riomaggiore Italy

Riomaggiore Photograph

Nyhavn, Denmark

Most Colorful Cities Nyhavn

Nyhavn is a gorgeous waterfront entertainment district in Copenhagen. The radiant area dates back to the 17th century and is lined with townhouses and bars, cafes and restaurants while the canal is host to historical wooden ships.

Colorful Cities

Nyhavn Denmark

Colorful Cities In The World Nyhavn Photograph

Most Colorful Cities In The World: Guanajuato, Mexico

Most Colorful Cities In The World Guanajuato

Founded in 1554, Guanajuato is a small city distinguished by a wealth of Spanish colonial architecture. It is located in a narrow and winding valley, which means that most streets are alleys on which most automobiles cannot drive. The beautiful buildings get their color from the pink and green sandstone that was used in their construction.

Guanajuato Mexico

Guanajuato

Jodhpur, India

Jodhpur India

Jodhpur – or the ‘Blue City’ – lies in the Indian state of Rajasthan and is distinguished by its blue houses that are noticeable even from great distances. Though it cannot be said with certainty, it is believed that the houses were painted blue as a result of the caste system, the hierarchical system of Indian citizenry.

Many speculate that the priestly Brahmins painted their homes blue to differentiate themselves from the general population.

Colorful Cities Jodhpur

Jodhpur Picture

World's Most Colorful Cities Jodhpur

Valparaiso, Chile

Valparaiso

This picturesque town has the nickname of “Ocean’s Sweetheart,” “The Jewel of the Pacific” and the city that “goes to paradise.” The beautiful town is replete with vibrant buildings, crumbling mansions and cobbled pathways.

Valparaiso Colorful Cities

Valparaiso Chile

Most Colorful Cities In The World


If you enjoyed reading about the most colorful cities in the world, be sure to read about the most colorful animals and the seven lost cities.

author
All That's Interesting
author
Established in 2010, All That's Interesting brings together a dedicated staff of digital publishing veterans and subject-level experts in history, true crime, and science. From the lesser-known byways of human history to the uncharted corners of the world, we seek out stories that bring our past, present, and future to life. Privately-owned since its founding, All That's Interesting maintains a commitment to unbiased reporting while taking great care in fact-checking and research to ensure that we meet the highest standards of accuracy.
editor
Savannah Cox
editor
Savannah Cox holds a Master's in International Affairs from The New School as well as a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, and now serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Sheffield. Her work as a writer has also appeared on DNAinfo.