10 most colourful cities in the world; best time to visit and essential traveller tips

Who doesn’t love colours? Especially while travelling, if we come across colourful markets, painted houses or neon skylines, we automatically hit the brakes to explore the beauty of the place and get some pictures clicked. There are so many cities around the world which are visually so colourful that they almost look surreal. The fact is now acknowledged by a new global study which has ranked the most colourful cities in the world. A study by Irish travel insurance company JustCover has ranked the world’s most colourful cities after analysing millions of colours found in travel photographs from 78 destinations across the globe.

Lisbon in Portugal was crowned with the prestigious title of the most colourful city in the world. The researchers found over 2.6 million colours in analysed images of the city. Kuala Lumpur and Porto took the second and third spots, respectively. India’s Jodhpur in Rajasthan also found a place in the broader ranking.

On this note, let’s have a look at the 10 most colourful cities in the world and what travellers should know before planning a trip.

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Lisbon has topped the chart and has created a colourful identity which comes from its gorgeous pastel-coloured houses, traditional azulejo tiles and bright yellow trams. The terracotta rooftops just add to the overall colour quotient. You’ll feel like walking inside a colourbook when in Alfama and Bairro Alto as every turn here is packed with colour.

Best time to visit March to May and September to October
Traveller tip Lisbon has an amazing tram network. Use it to explore the city’s beautiful yet steep streets.

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On the second spot is Kuala Lumpur which beautifully blends futuristic skyscrapers with colourful old temples and lantern-lit streets. The markets here are so colourful that they look like 10 painter’s canvas! Don’t miss out on getting clicked at the rainbow staircase at Batu Caves, one of the viral visual attractions in Southeast Asia.

Best time to visit May to July
Traveller tip It is suggested to stay close to Bukit Bintang. The place is best for shopping, nightlife, and also has easy metro access.

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Porto’s Ribeira district is filled with brightly painted riverside homes. The blue-tiled churches are unmissable and every single café here looks so inviting with all those shades and colours. The old-world charm and warm lighting make it one of the most photogenic cities in the world.

Best time to visit: April to June
Traveller tip: Plan a sunset cruise trip on the Douro River. It is known for offering the best views of Porto’s colourful skyline.

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The fourth spot is taken by Cartagena in Colombia. The city is known for its colonial old town which is famous for colourful buildings, flower-covered balconies, and vibrant Caribbean streets. It is also a UNESCO-recognised world heritage site.

Best time to visit December to April
Traveller tip If you want to explore the best of Cartagena, choose early mornings. No crowd, no heat.

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Then we have Rio de Janeiro on the fifth spot. It is among the world’s most colourful and full of energy cities. The city is known for its Carnival celebrations, beach culture and vibrant street art. Escadaria Selarón staircase is a globally renowned attraction.

Best time to visit December to March
Traveller tip Book hotels months in advance if travelling during Carnival season.

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Sitting on the sixth spot, Guanajuato looks like a rainbow spread across the hills! The city is all about its narrow alleyways, colourful colonial houses and underground tunnels. The festivals too are vibrant.

Best time to visit October during Cervantino Festival
Traveller tip Carry comfortable shoes because the city’s steep streets involve lots of walking.

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Havana in Cuba is known for its faded pastel buildings. The cars here are classic and painted in the most vibrant shades you can’t even think of. The plazas are lively and old-world architecture adds to its visual appeal.

Best time to visit November to April
Traveller tip Carry enough cash as international card access can be limited hee sometimes.

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Next on the list is Hanoi. It’s a city with global charm which lies in its colourful Old Quarter, lantern-filled cafés and local markets. The street-food culture is also on point.

Best time to visit October to December
Traveller tip When here, do choose a guided street-food tour for authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

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New Orleans is probably one of the most unique and colourful cities in the USA. The city is known for its colourful French Quarters, jazz culture and murals. The Mardi Gras celebrations here are globally famous.

Best time to visit February to May
Traveller tip Festival season gets crowded, so early hotel bookings are essential.

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And ruling the 10th spot on the list is Medellín in Colombia. The South American city is among the most colourful cities all thanks to its bold street art, creative spaces and flower festivals. Comuna 13 is a must visit to understand the colour blast!

Best time to visit December to March
Traveller tip Guided graffiti tours in Comuna 13 offer insight into the city’s transformation and culture.
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