The Wanderlist: Most Colourful Cities Around the World

Chefchaouen, Morocco is world famous for its blue-washed architecture. Hidden in the Rif Mountains, the entire city’s downtown is painted blue, including the homes, streets, posts and even the mosques. Originally founded in 1471, Chefchaouen was a safe haven for people who had been exiled from Spain. There’s plenty to do in this magical mountain village, with its picturesque peaks and countryside offering scenic hikes and natural swimming areas. From delicious cuisine to luxurious shopping, Chefchaouen has a little something everyone.

San Francisco is the main hub and heartbeat of northern California. Best known for the Golden Gate Bridge, the city is full of architectural treasures. The city’s beautiful row houses are iconic to the San Fran atmosphere. Also unique to the city are its trolley-style cable cars, which transport visitors to attractions like the world-famous Fisherman’s Wharf. Tourists flock to the wharf for shopping, food and, of course, the view. 

Santorini is known around the world for being the most popular of the Greek islands. It has a certain romantic allure that makes the island a bucket list item. Devastated by a volcanic eruption in 16 century B.C., Santorini’s once circular shape became the rugged landscape that we know today. The multi-coloured cliffs and beaches made of lava rock, attract millions of tourists each year. Book Santorini for your next Mediterranean getaway by the sea. 

The brightly-coloured houses of Burano, in Northern Italy, transport visitors to a more tranquil and serene world. Much like Venice, tourists can get around Burano through a series of streams and lagoons. The townspeople have been painting their own homes for hundreds of years. It’s said that they paint their homes vividly, so the village fishermen will never forget where their home is. Burano is best-known for its seafood cuisine and you’ll see fresh fish being hauled daily from local fishing vessels. 

One of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa, Cape Town is famous for its beaches, mountains and harbours. From the busy harbour, tourists can take a ferry to Robben Island, now a museum, which is best known as the prison where Nelson Mandela was held captive. The best view of the city is at the peak of Table Mountain. Visitors can hike or take the cable car to the top of the mountain to enjoy local wines, cuisines and striking views. 

The pastel-coloured 16th-century townhouses in Copenhagen, one of Europe’s most popular cities, are picture perfect. Visitors can explore the city’s narrow streets and canals while appreciating the stunning architecture of both the centuries-old homes as well as buildings with more modern influences. Take a stroll along Strøget, the longest and oldest pedestrians-only shopping street in Europe, and save time to explore the city’s beautiful parks, exceptional museums and wonderful restaurants. 

Havana has a certain brightness about it -- possibly from the constant sunshine (or maybe it’s because of the endless supply of rum and cigars). Cuba’s location has always been highly coveted and because of this, Havana has been a constant territorial target over the centuries, making it feel like real life Pirates of the Caribbean. The capital’s pastel-coloured Spanish colonial architecture is a must see. The brightly-coloured streets look like something straight out of a story book. 

Kampung Pelangi, Indonesia has been nicknamed the Rainbow Village. At a distance, the 223 homes look as if they are completely painted with various colours and stripes, but a closer look reveals that the vivid colours are actually paintings and murals. The once poverty stricken village was gifted money from the government to beautify the city and attract tourists. The beautification project has led to a flood of visitors from across the globe.

Dance in the cobblestone streets of La Boca, Buenos Aires, where the tango first evolved into the dance we know it as today. This working class neighbourhood will win you over with its intriguing culture. The brightly painted zinc homes pay homage to the town’s early immigrants. Don’t miss the cobblestone strip of El Caminito, an open-air “museum” and focal point of the neighbourhood. The streets are lined with tango dancers, art vendors and buskers sharing their talents.