27 Technicolor Cities That Actually Exist

1. San Francisco, California: For those of you who are headed to our lovely city by the bay for Re:Make 2014 in September, you’re in luck. San Francisco is home to some of the most vibrant Victorian homes, and we’re proud to call it home. Postcard Row is possibly the most photographed spot in the city, and the iconic “Painted Ladies” with the San Francisco skyline in the backdrop have graced many postcards and movie scenes. Capture the view from the edge of Alamo Square at Steiner and Hayes Streets. (image via Gert Hochmuth)

2. Rainbow Row in Charleston, South Carolina: Restored in 1930-1940, these 13 historic houses line East Bay Street with their pastel charm. Y’all, these buildings are just as sweet as the tea (or lemonade) we’ll be sippin’ as we stroll down Rainbow Row and admire each one. (image via David Shankbone)

3. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico: Arguably the prettiest town in Mexico, San Miguel de Allende features religious and civil architecture reflective of the evolution of different styles and trends, from baroque to neo-gothic. It’s famous for its rich cultural and artistic life, and its striking architecture is set in a picturesque landscape of mountains, canyons, valleys and trails. (image via JT Dreier)

4. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Did you know that Liz Taylor and Richard Burton’s torrid love affair put PV on the map? While it’s primarily known for the striking natural beauty of its golden sand beaches and lush tropical mountains, Puerto Vallarta also boasts some poppin’ pueblos. (image via Karamysh)

5. Paradise Island, Bahamas: Home to the iconic all-inclusive resort Atlantis, Paradise Island’s buildings and homes are just as joyful and diverse as its residents. You can find flocks of flamingos roaming around the isle, and its pristine turquoise waters are simply irresistible. (image via Ramunas Bruzas)

6. Pelourinho in Salvador, Brazil: Salvador is also known as Brazil’s capital of happiness, and it’s easy to see why. Home to the largest outdoor carnival in the World, the people of Pelourinho definitely know how to throw down and have a good time. (image via Leandro Neumann Ciuffo)

7. Favela Painting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Dutch artist duo Haas + Hahn started the Favela Painting Project in 2005 to not only beautify the slums of Rio de Janeiro but also help people to transform their own communities into social art works of monumental size. Their Kickstarter campaign raised over $100,000, allowing them to continue creating works of art that combat prejudice and attract positive attention, while offering opportunity and economic stimulus. (image via Favela Painting)

8. Valparaíso, Chile: Known by European immigrants as “Little San Francisco,” Valparaíso was named Chile’s Cultural Capital in 2003 for its numerous annual major festivals and street artists and musicians on every corner. (image via JT Dreier)

9. La Boca in Buenos Aires, Argentina: With an all-year mild climate — a pleasant 65º fahrenheit on average — this city is perfect for the ambling tourist. Nothing like a long walk exploring the city’s sites after a post-lunch siesta. (image via Skyscanner)

10. Bo-Kaap of Signal Hill in Cape Town, South Africa: This brilliantly painted area is one of the oldest communities in South Africa, rich with influences from the nations of its original inhabitants — India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Madagascar and Holland, among others. (image via Plenty of Colour)

11. Marrakech, Morocco: This metropolis is a treat for all five senses. Steeped in history, mystery and glamour, Marrakech is a temperate oasis of golden beaches, sprawling deserts, sacred ruins and charming local souks, filled with local artisans’ hand-crafted creations. (image via Hillary Fox)

12. Colmar, France: The timber-framed architecture and cobblestone streets of this quaint, old-town French village is straight out of a scene from Shrek. Take a boat trip through the canals in the “Little Venice” district on The Lauch, a small stream that runs through the town. (image via Bildagentur Zoonar Gmbh)

13. Provence Village of Menton, Provence-Alpes Cote d’Azur, France: Along the French Riviera, Menton is nicknamed “The Little Pearl of France” because its beauty is hidden behind its better-known neighbor, Monaco. This splendid seaside marvel is known for its impeccably manicured gardens and outdoor festivals. (image via Martin M303)

14. Bristol, United Kingdom: We promise this isn’t a screen still from Up. It’s an aerial shot from Bristol’s 35th Annual Balloon Festival. Known for boats, bridges and balloons, Bristol boasts some impressive artsy attractions, from Brunel to Banksy. It is also the UK’s first official Cycling City and is known for its sustainability and green tourism practices, earning its status as the “Green Capital.” (image via The Guardian)

15. Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England: Welcome to the Queen of the Yorkshire Coast, where Britain’s first seaside resort opened over 300 years ago. Visit Robin Hood’s Bay, a charming and picturesque fishing village, or wander down a wooded path in Forge Valley. (image via Steve Silver Smith)

16. Copenhagen, Denmark: Translated as “Merchant’s Harbor,” Denmark’s capital city is known for its green practices as most famous landmark, The Little Mermaid statue. And it’s a short train ride away from Billund, home of Brit + Co’s favorite — LEGO HQ. (No wonder Danes are officially the happiest people in the world.) (image via CNN)

17. Longyearbyen, Norway: Founded by American coalminer John Longyear, Longyearbyen is the world’s northernmost city and is home to over 3,000 polar bears. Snowmobiles are the preferred mode of transpo, so make sure you pack a proper coat. (image via Skyscanner)

18. Stortorget Square in Gamla Stan, Stockholm, Sweden: Known as The Big Square, Stortorget is Stockholm’s oldest town square. Gamla Stan is also popular with aficionados of handmade crafts and souvenirs and is known for its annual festival, The Old Town Christmas Market. The narrow winding cobblestone streets, with their buildings in so many different shades of gold, give Gamla Stan its unique character. (image via Skyscanner)

19. Wroclaw, Poland: Because of the many rivers, islands, more than 200 bridges and the sheer beauty of the city, Wroclaw has a growing reputation as the Venice of the North. Keep an eye out for garden gnome statues scattered all around the city. Each little guy has his own name and his own website. (image via Limitless Travel 24)

20. Isola di Burano, Italy: Pretty shops with pastel-colored exteriors along the shores are what give character to Isola di Burano. The art of handcrafted lace is what this town is most known for. (image via SPR Buildtech)

21. Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italy: The charm of the five villages of Corniglia, Manarola, Monterosso al Mare, Riomaggiore and Vernazza come together in this Southern Italy spectacle. Manarola, perched on a rock overlooking the sea, is a sight to behold with its kaleidoscopic homes built right into the cliff. (image via Martin M303)

22. Naples, Italy: Pizza was invented here, and honestly that’s enough reason for us to visit and stay awhile. And we can’t help but swoon at these prismatic watercolor buildings. Bellissimo! (Image via Urban Retails)

23. Amorgos Island, Greece: Easternmost of the Cyclades, this Greek gem is known for being untouched and authentic. The island’s trademark is the 11th century Hozoviotissa monastery, a mammoth alabaster structure wedged into a precipice of the isle. (image via Imagin Gr)

24. Santorini, Greece: When people think about Greece, they picture Santorini: the red cliffs, black beaches, white windmills and blue domes that adorn so many postcards. Due to its volcanic past, the island offers black, red and white sand beaches for visitors to enjoy. (image via Edward Dalmulder)

25. Jodhpur, India: Composed of a jumble of blue cubes, Jodhpur’s inner city is a tangle of winding, glittering, medieval streets scented by incense, roses and sewers, with shops and bazaars selling everything from trumpets and temple decorations to snuff and saris. Traditionally, blue signified the home of a Brahmin, but non-Brahmins got in on the act, too. As well as glowing with a mysterious light, locals claim that the blue tint repels insects. (image via Skyscanner)

26. Brighton Beach, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia: Brighton Beach’s signature bathing boxes have been around since 1862 and continue to stand strong on the Melbourne coast. The 82 structures remain as they did over 100 years ago; no service amenities such as electricity or water are connected. (image via Go for Fun)

27. Jelly Bean Row in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada: It’s been said that the brightly painted Victorian townhomes of St. John’s are a way of thumbing their noses at the gray, foggy weather. (We totally get it!) But the origins of Jelly Bean Row began in the 1970s by David Webber, founder of St. John’s Heritage Foundation. Webber wanted to elevate drab, dull buildings with fancy trim and bright paint, and the result is a standout shoreline bold enough to brighten any dreary day. (Image via JT Dreier)

Do these cities give you a sense of wanderlust? Did we miss any vividly-colored vacay spots to note? Let us know in the comments!