8 Colorful Towns to Add to Your Bucket List

Life is just a little more fun in color! We are highlighting some of the most aesthetically pleasing places we visit through the lens of the color spectrum. From the bold shades of Burano to the appealing terra-cotta pinks of Jaipur, color influences our emotions, conveys different meanings both symbolic and practical, and creates the perfect frame for a postcard worthy snapshot.

1. LISBON
Welcome to Lisbon, where pastel-colored homes dot sloping streets, yellow trams climb steep hills, walls around town double as canvases for street art, and fantastic azulejos tile work bridge centuries of artistic tradition with energetic displays of meticulous craftsmanship. Even the pavement of Lisbon is a work of art, from a popular pedestrian street painted pink to the Calçada pavement designs where small cubes of limestone and basalt are arranged in mosaic patterns like the wave pattern adorning Rossio Square.
Suggested itinerary: Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley

2. AMSTERDAM
You may be surprised by Amsterdam’s addition on this list—after all, despite its decidedly vibrant atmosphere, Amsterdam’s most prominent shades are grey and brown. Like the master painters of the Dutch Golden Age, however, Amsterdam knows a good pop of color can make all the difference. Visit during spring to see flower markets overflow with tulips and hanging baskets of blooming flowers decorate windowsills across the town. The most colorful day in the city? King’s Day, celebrating the reigning sovereign’s birthday in the Netherlands, where businesses, streets, canals, citizens, and visitors alike are decked out in the national color orange.
Suggested itinerary: Castles along the Rhine & Amsterdam

3. JAIPUR
Jaipur is a historic city that makes up one point of the popular Golden Triangle route in India. While there are many famous structures in Jaipur, it isn’t just the architecture that stands out, it’s the color of these structures that gives the city distinction. Popular legend holds that, in 1876, the buildings in the city of Jaipur were painted pink in preparation for the arrival of Prince Albert, the Prince of Wales, and “The Pink City” was dubbed. The maharaja’s wife was a fan of the rosy hue leading the ruler to pass a law that all future buildings must also be painted pink. Fun fact: kabaddi is a popular contact sport, and the local team is the Jaipur Pink Panthers.
Suggested itinerary: India’s Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges

4. BURANO
There may be no town on this list more vividly colorful than Burano. There are a few theories as to why, but one common story says the brightly colored buildings helped the fisherman who resided on island find their way home in the foggy Venetian lagoon—another similar story says the different colors helped the fishermen find home more easily after time at the bar. Residents today must keep up the tradition by city ordinance, which ensures that the color plan of Burano lives on to delight visitors from around the world. One of the best parts of docking in Burano during an S.S. La Venezia sailing—being able to stroll around the town in the morning and evening without the crowds.
Suggested itinerary: Venice & the Jewels of Veneto

5. ISTANBUL
Step into a world of color in Istanbul’s famous Grand Bazaar, walking amongst rows of products in varying shades and patterns. If the buzzing environment of the bazaar overwhelms you, head to the Sultan Ahmed Mosque instead. Better known as the Blue Mosque, this landmark is famous for its astonishingly blue Iznik tilework that awes visitors from around the world. Next, make your way to Balat and Fener, two UNESCO protected historic districts with distinctive charm. Fener is a historic Greek neighborhood, home to the prestigious Phanar Greek Orthodox College also known as the Red Castle. Balat, which has roots as a historic Jewish community, provides some of the most picturesque spots in Istanbul, with brightly colored homes and a vibrant atmosphere to match.
Suggested itinerary: Cruise & Rail: Paris to Istanbul

6. COCHEM
A shining jewel along the Moselle River, Cochem is a fairytale brought to life. Multicolored buildings cast their reflections upon the water, all under the watchful eye of the hilltop Cochem Castle. If you’re a wine lover, however, you may find that green grapes and golden Reisling wines are your favorite pops of color in the town.
Suggested itinerary: Paris, Prague & Germany’s Hidden Gems

7. PRAGUE
Picture a perfect day strolling through the capital of the Czech Republic: you’ll take in a thousand years of architecture, passing pastel-colored buildings in shades of green, yellow, and pink as you go. Our favorite display of color in this storied city? Golden Lane, a narrow alleyway in the Prague Castle complex. Here, you’ll find a row of brightly painted little homes that once belonged to goldsmiths (hence the name).
Suggested itinerary: Delightful Danube & Prague

8. ROTHENBURG
Of all the German villages that can be compared to a storybook—and there are many—this one takes the cake. Half timbers in every shade line the cobblestone streets of this little town. Rothenburg is also famous for its fantastic Christmas stores. They’re open year-round, but we find it’s most fun to visit during the holiday season, when you can stroll around the local Christmas market—and you might just be lucky enough to see the colorful town blanketed in snow.
Suggested itinerary: Classic Christmas Markets

Note: The contents of this article are accurate as of the publication date. Uniworld itineraries and inclusions are subject to change at any time.