In recent years, instead of enjoying the journey, many people only think about taking photos just to get as many likes as possible on social media.
Even though I believe that enjoying the trip is always the most important thing, there are still some places in the world that are simply impossible not to photograph.
For example, I have recently been to two beautiful places that are perfect for a photo. Some people call them the most colorful streets in the world, so let’s take a look at what I’m talking about!
1. Burano (Venice, Italy)
The first street is in Burano, a town in my beloved home country, Italy.
Many people don’t know it, but Burano is actually a small island in the Venetian Lagoon. It’s just a few kilometers away from the center of Venice, and you can easily reach it with the typical naval water buses.
Every house on this fishing island looks like it was dipped in a painter’s palette, with very bright colors that make them unique.
Local legend says fishermen painted their homes in vibrant hues so they could spot them through thick fog after long days at sea.
I visited a couple of years ago during a cruise stop, and I really liked it. It wasn’t too crowded, but it wasn’t peak season either.
From what locals have told me, it can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist hours (late morning to early afternoon). Most visitors arrive as part of a day trip from Venice, so you’ll see the highest influx between 10:30 AM and 4:00 PM.
However, if you visit early in the morning or stay until the evening, you’ll experience a much quieter and more authentic side of the island.
An interesting thing is that today, residents need government approval before painting their houses, ensuring the island’s iconic color palette stays perfectly curated.
2. Rue Crémieux (Paris, France)
The second extremely colorful street I saw is in Paris, more specifically in the 12th arrondissement.
It’s considered one of the most photogenic streets in the city, and, unlike Burano, the houses are painted in fairy-tale pastel colors.
As you can see from the photo, the central part is cobbled and pedestrian-only, so it’s perfect for taking photos without the risk of standing in the middle of the road with cars passing behind you.
I took this picture just before 9 o’clock, and as you can see, there was hardly anyone there. Just two or three tourists.
However, it can get pretty crowded in the middle of the day or on weekends. A couple of years ago, residents also signed a petition asking for closure on weekends, as noisy tourists can create quite a disturbance, but for now, it continues to be accessible to all.
If you visit these places, remember that people actually live there. Avoid making excessive noise, and don’t be like the worst tourists in the world.
Other Colorful Streets in the World You Might Visit
Besides these two that I have seen in person, there are other very colorful streets in the world that you might see that are perhaps closer to you.
For example, there’s Caminito in Buenos Aires, which is actually a street museum full of street artists, murals, tango dancers, restaurants, and nice bars where you can stop for a break.
Another famous one is the Balat district in the European side of Istanbul. Many of the famous colorful houses today are beautiful cafes; I recommend you visit them if you are passing through Istanbul.
If you want to stay in the United States, the best choice could be Rainbow Row in South Carolina. It’s not a full street but a series of 13 houses that are painted in beautiful bright colors.
It’s not an attraction worth a trip on its own, but if you’re in Charleston, you should definitely stop by for a great photo.
