Two Irish cities are up there with the most vibrant and colourful ones in the worldThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Dublin was ranked one of the most colourful cities in the world
A new study has revealed the world’s most colourful cities, with two Irish locations ranking in the top 30.
The research, conducted by Irish travel insurance specialists at JustCover, analysed pixel colour data across images of 78 destinations to reveal which cities have the most varied and vivid views.
To examine the vibrancy of a destination, representative images for each location were selected to reflect the typical scenery, taken in clear daylight and without heavy filters. A colour analysis tool was then used to identify the number of unique colours in each image, revealing the most vivid destinations overall.
Across the top 15, the Americas come out on top, including Guanajuato, Havana, New Orleans, Antigua, and New York City.
These cities stand out for their vibrant architecture, bustling streets with dazzling signage, and neon lighting. However, Europe is also well-represented, with two Portuguese cities in the top three, as well as Dubrovnik and Barcelona ranking highly.
Lisbon ranks as the world’s most colourful city, with more than 2.6 million unique colours identified in the analysis. The Portuguese capital is known for its pastel-hued buildings, patterned tiles lining its historic neighbourhoods, and the iconic yellow trams rattling through the narrow streets. The terracotta rooftops are a central part of the local aesthetic, attracting millions of visitors to the vibrant city each year.
Cais do Sodre, Lisbon, Portugal
Two Irish cities made the top 30. Cork ranks 17th with a vibrancy score of 54.3, while Dublin places 30th, scoring 42.6. Together, the two cities account for more than 2.5 million unique colours, showing that you don’t necessarily need to go far to find vibrant landscapes.
Aaron Brennan, Director at JustCover Travel Insurance, said: “When planning a trip today, a city’s visual appeal can be just as influential as its culture and cuisine. Places like Santorini are often associated with colourful scenery, but when it comes to colour variety, the research highlights which destinations truly stand out as a feast for the eyes.
“It’s not just architecture; even busy urban centres like Kuala Lumpur or New York City impress due to dense signage, billboards, and neon lighting, which increases the visual variation captured across the cities.
“It’s also encouraging to see some Irish cities rank highly too, which may not always be the first destination to come to mind, but highlights the beautiful aesthetics that can be found closer to home too.”
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