There is a specific kind of joy found in a destination that refuses to be grey. From the sun-drenched cliffs of Italy to the bohemian quarters of Brazil, some cities just glow. For the traveller who seeks inspiration in every hue, we’ve curated a guide to the world’s most colourful corners.
Pack your camera and your most vibrant resort wear; we’re going on a technicolour journey.
Burano, Italy
While the crowds clamour for the glassblowers of Murano, those in the know take the 40-minute vaporetti ride further into the Venetian Lagoon to Burano. This island is a living gallery. Legend says the fisherman painted their homes in neon shades so they could find their way home through the thick lagoon fog.
- The Aesthetic: Every house is a distinct, saturated shade: hot pinks, deep violets, and citrus oranges, all clashing in the most charming way possible.
- The Craft: Beyond the facades, Burano is the heart of exquisite handmade lace. Visit a local atelier to see the intricate work that has enchanted royalty for centuries.
- Where to Stay: For a truly serene escape, retreat to the St. Regis Venice San Clemente Palace. Located on its own private island, it offers the perfect balance of exclusive luxury and proximity to the lagoon’s colourful gems.
Le Plateau-Mont-Royal: Montreal, Canada
Montreal is where European soul meets North American energy. While the Olympic Stadium is an architectural marvel, the true heartbeat of the city is found in the Le Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood.
- The Aesthetic: This bohemian enclave is famous for its bright, candy-coloured terrace houses featuring iconic exterior winding staircases. Look for the vibrant eaves in royal blue and crimson that offset the historic stone.
- The Vibe: Best explored on foot, the Plateau is an artist’s sanctuary. Wander the leafy streets to find hidden murals and independent boutiques.
- Where to Stay: Immerse yourself in history at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth. Since 1958, it has been the city’s grand dame of hospitality (and the site of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s famous “Bed-In”).
Silver Star Mountain Resort, BC Canada
Deep in the heart of British Columbia, 500km from the coast, lies a ski resort that feels plucked from a storybook. Silver Star is governed by a delightful “colour law”: every building, inspired by a 1900s mining village, must feature at least five different shades in its design.
- The Aesthetic: Imagine Victorian-era candy stores, saloons, and boutiques painted in kaleidoscopic patterns, all capped with a pristine layer of white snow.
- The Vibe: It is a car-free winter wonderland. With over 1,200 hectares of skiable terrain, it’s the ultimate playground for the active woman who loves a side of whimsy with her adrenaline.
The Amalfi Coast, Italy
The vertical villages of the Amalfi Coast – Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello – are a masterclass in Mediterranean elegance. Positano, in particular, is a cascade of sun-bleached peach, terracotta, and cream houses that seem to defy gravity as they tumble toward the sea.
- The Palette: It’s the architecture fused with the local lifestyle. Think the lemon-yellow of giant sfusato lemons, the emerald green of fresh basil, and the vibrant purple of wisteria draped over every balcony.
- Pro Tip: Capture your best photos from the water; a private boat sunset tour reveals the coastline’s full spectrum of gold and rose.
Sintra, Portugal
A short trip from Lisbon brings you to the misty peaks of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site that feels like a fever dream of Romanticist architecture. The star of the show is the Pena National Palace.
- The Aesthetic: This is maximalism at its finest. The palace features a shocking lemon-yellow wing paired with a vivid red tower, all adorned with intricate Manueline tilework.
- The Vibe: It’s a fairytale for grown-ups. The interiors are just as extravagant as the exterior, filled with royal treasures and sweeping parapet views.
- Where to Stay: Channel your inner aristocrat at the Tivoli Palácio de Seteais, an 18th-century palace hotel that offers some of the most romantic views in Portugal.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio is a city that breathes in Technicolor. From the feathers of Carnival to the street art of the Santa Teresa district, creativity is the local currency.
- The Aesthetic: Santa Teresa is the city’s hilltop “Montmartre.” It’s a labyrinth of winding streets, historic trams, and mansions turned into galleries, all splashed with vibrant murals and mosaic tiles.
- The Vibe: After exploring the artist studios, head down to the coast. Rio’s energy is best capped off with a caipirinha as the sun sets over the Two Brothers mountains.
- Where to Stay: The Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema (formerly Copacabana) offers a front-row seat to the world’s most famous beach, wrapped in high-end Parisian flair.
Jaipur, India: The Pink City
In 1876, the Maharaja painted the entire city pink, the colour of hospitality, to welcome the Prince of Wales. To this day, the law maintains this rosy hue.
- The Aesthetic: The terracotta-pink facades of the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and the City Palace are breathtaking, especially when framed by the vibrant sarees of local women.
- The Experience: Visit the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing to learn about Jaipur’s world-famous textile arts.
- Where to Stay: The Raj Palace. It’s one of the world’s best-restored heritage hotels, offering a truly royal stay in a former aristocratic mansion.
Memphis, Tennessee: The Neon Soul of the South
If there were a sound associated with colour, it would be found in Memphis. Known as the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” this city has seen a massive resurgence in global interest following the dazzling, kaleidoscopic lens of Baz Luhrmann’s recent film epic Elvis, which captures the city’s high-octane neon aesthetic and soulful grit with his signature cinematic flair.
- The Aesthetic: Start at Beale Street, where the night sky is permanently electrified by vintage neon signs in hot pinks, electric blues, and cherry reds. For a different palette, head to the South Main Arts District, where massive, world-class murals turn brick industrial buildings into towering canvases of contemporary art.
- The Landmark: From the famous “Jungle Room” with its green shag carpets to the glittering gold jumpsuits on display, Elvis’s home Graceland is a masterclass in mid-century maximalism.
- Where to Stay: The Peabody Memphis. While the architecture is grand and classic, the “colour” here comes from the legendary Peabody Ducks. Every day at 11 AM and 5 PM, they march across a red carpet to the sound of John Philip Sousa. It’s a quirky, vibrant tradition that defines the city’s charm.