The Portuguese capital Lisbon was recognized as the most colorful city in the world in 2026 – a trip there is sure to delight the eyes and guarantee many bright photos as a keepsake.
How the Winner of the Ranking Was Determined
The ranking was compiled by the travel insurance company JustCover. For this, its experts analyzed hundreds of landscapes from nearly 80 of the most famous and colorful places around the world. In particular, the team selected several representative photographs of each, including aerial shots or skyline views, as well as street photos showcasing recognizable landmarks, architecture, or neighborhoods.
It is noted that each image was chosen to reflect the typical landscape of the location and was taken in clear daylight without strong filters. The experts then used a color analysis tool to measure the number of unique colors in each image. The results were combined to calculate an overall brightness score using pixel-level data.
How Lisbon Topped the Ranking
The capital of Portugal earned a brightness score of 100 out of 100 points. The analysis by JustCover revealed that the city has over 2.6 million unique colors. Lisbon is known for its pastel-colored buildings and patterned azulejos tiles that adorn the historic neighborhoods of the city. However, one of the most iconic sights is the yellow trams that rumble through the narrow streets of the Portuguese capital. "To enjoy an impressive panoramic view of the terracotta roofs of the city, head to the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte viewpoint," the authors of the ranking summarize.
The 10 Brightest Cities in the World 2026
A total of 30 cities from around the world made it to the final ranking, with two Portuguese cities in the top three.
Here is the top ten:
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Lisbon, Portugal.
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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Porto, Portugal.
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Cartagena, Colombia.
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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Guanajuato, Mexico.
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Havana, Cuba.
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Hanoi, Vietnam.
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New Orleans, USA.
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Medellín, Colombia.
The ranking was closed by the Irish capital, Dublin.
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