12 Colorful Cities That You Need To Visit (3 of 3)

9. Jodhpur, India

What inspired the inhabitants of Jodhpur to color their houses blue? You can thank India’s caste system for that! Hindu priests — known as the Brahmins — would paint their houses in such a way to distinguish themselves from the rest of the castes. Today, all houses are painted blue, regardless of the individual’s caste. The locals say the color also keeps the homes cool.

10. Havana, Cuba

Havana is truly one of the most unique cities in the world, an eclectic mix of modern and antiquated. The 5 downtown plazas are lined with pastel-colored buildings, and you’ll discover locals enjoying a modern lifestyle within the backdrop of classic colonial architecture that defined the city’s past.

11. Longyearbyen, Norway

Located in the Svalbard archipelago, this Norwegian town is the world’s northernmost settlement. It got its name from American businessman and developer John Munro Longyer, who founded a coal mining company there in the early 20th century. Today all but one mine remains operational, but the traditions are still strong. The rows of houses were built on high piles of wood in order to withstand the brutal effects of the arctic climate. However, nobody seems to know who decided to paint the houses in bright colors. It’s been suggested that it was done to counter the gloominess that often plagues mining towns.

12. Burano, Italy

Although most travelers make nearby Venice their priority, Burano is beginning to develop a reputation in its own right. The appearance of the houses is strictly regulated, with the community itself being responsible for deciding on colors when it’s time to decorate the house with a fresh coat of paint.