If you’re a fan of vibrant colors, there are many stunning corners of the globe where you can experience all shades of the rainbow. While some destinations feature façades in a dazzling array of colors, other cities stick to a specific hue, with their impressive uniformity making them all the more stunning. You certainly won’t get the blues in these five famous blue towns around the world.

Jodhpur, India

Once the capital of the kingdom of Marwar, Jodhpur is the second-largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is also known worldwide as the “Blue City of India.” Jodhpur was founded in 1459 and was an important trading hub due to its geographic location on key routes between the East and West. Home to over a million people, the city is distinguished by its rows and rows of azure-colored buildings that now stretch far beyond the original walled city.

The color blue has religious connotations in India. In the Hindu religion, blue is linked to the god Lord Shiva, who drank poison to save Earth. In doing so, his blood turned blue and his followers adopted the shade. Another religious theory is that blue was the color of the Brahmin (priest) caste of India and that the priests would paint their houses to reflect their social status.

There are other non-religious theories to explain the love of blue. Many say it helps to keep the houses cool by reflecting the sun’s rays. Since Jodhpur endures some of the highest temperatures in all of India, any attempts to keep cool would be welcome. Others believe it keeps termites away. On a more practical note, the color might simply be due to the availability of building materials at the time — specifically limestone and copper sulfate, which create a rich blue when combined.

Chefchaouen, Morocco

The city of Chefchaouen is located in northwestern Morocco, not far from the major city of Tangiers. It was founded in 1471 as a fort town to protect against Portuguese invaders. Later, it fell into Spanish hands and remained part of Spanish Morocco for several centuries. Today, the city of almost 43,000 is a popular tourist destination among Europeans, who flock to the city each summer to shop and admire the blue architecture. The beautiful azure buildings have helped the city earn the nickname  the “Blue Pearl.” For those counting, there are at least 50 distinct shades of blue on Chefchaouen’s walls.

But why blue? There are several theories as to why the color is so prominent in the area. Some claim that the color acts as a natural mosquito repellant. Although the insects like living near water, they dislike going in the water and so the theory is that painting a house blue will keep them from going inside. Other locals say it helps to beat the oppressive summer heat, but some simply suggest that the color serves as an aesthetic reminder of the nearby Mediterranean and adds personality to the village, drawing valuable tourism dollars.

The reality is most likely a combination of all of these reasons, and one more that links them all. In 1492, Sephardic Jews fled the Spanish inquisition and settled in Chefchaouen. With them, they brought their tradition of painting houses blue. The color acts as a reminder of the sky, and of the presence of God. It is likely that for a long time, only the Jewish parts of the city were painted blue, and some residents say that it has only been in the last few decades that the color trend has spread.

Oia, Greece

The Greek island of Santorini is a popular tourist destination with beautiful beaches, views of the azure Mediterranean, and laid-back tavernas. The village of Oia is particularly attractive and is one of the most photographed destinations in the region. Its gleaming whitewashed buildings are offset by colorful roofs and blue accents. Blue isn’t the only color on display here, as some roofs are painted shades of pink and red, but the village’s famous three blue-domed churches dominate the landscape.

One obvious explanation for the color choice might be patriotism. After all, blue and white are the colors of the Greek flag. They are also aesthetically pleasing in this Mediterranean locale, and the white does reflect the sun’s rays, keeping the heat at bay. Then there is the more practical explanation of the available building materials used. When mixed with local limestone, a common cleaning agent, loulaki, forms a vibrant cerulean blue paint. Since it is easy and cheap to find, as well as pretty, loulaki is a popular choice.

Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia

In the seaside suburb of Sidi Bou Said in the city of Tunis, bright blue adorns doors, window shutters, chairs, and more to provide the perfect accent to the town’s whitewashed homes. With a population of about 6,000, the town sits atop a hill overlooking the coast and provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle below.

Sidi Bou Said’s origins predate the 13th century, when Sufi prophet Abu Said Ibn Khalef Ibn Yahia El-Beji settled here. After his death, it became a popular pilgrimage site and the town, formerly known as Jebel El-Manar (Fire Mountain), eventually adopted his name.

Over the years, Sidi Bou Said has gained a reputation as a mecca for artists. French painter Rodolphe d’Erlanger was largely responsible for helping to spread the color palette during the 1920s, and his home is now a museum devoted to North African musical instruments. Later, the town attracted such luminaries as painter Paul Klee, philosopher Michel Foucault, and author André Gide.

Júzcar, Spain

This Spanish village’s love of the color blue doesn’t have to do with the weather, religious symbolism, or architecture. Instead, the Spanish city of Júzcar was inspired by the beloved cartoon characters, the Smurfs. Situated in the hills of Andalusia, Júzcar was, like other villages in the region, traditionally painted white. In 2011, the village of 225 people entered into a deal with Sony. They would paint the town blue to help promote the The Smurfs movie franchise. Why this village in particular? Apparently, Júzcar is known for its mushrooms, the Smurfs’ preferred home.

Originally the deal was that Sony would repaint the town its original white color at the end of the promotional period. However, the townspeople voted to keep the blue. One very likely reason for the preference was that the village has flourished since the color change. Thousands of tourists now flock here annually — a financial boon for the rural area.

A legal dispute over copyright means that, since 2017, Júzcar has referred to itself as the “blue village” rather than the “Smurf village.” As such, the Smurf statues and murals that dotted the village are mostly gone. But there is no ignoring the brilliant color that lives on.

The seaside commune of Équihen-Plage lies on a section of France’s northern coast called Côte d’Opale (Opal Coast), near the port city of Boulogne-sur-Mer. While the relaxed town draws in holidaymakers with its serene beaches, Équihen-Plage has a far more unusual claim to fame: its houses made out of upside-down boat hulls, known locally as quilles en l’air (which translates to “keels in the air” in English). If you’re wondering how these decommissioned fishing boats became unconventional abodes — and later unique accommodations for travelers — dive into the unique history of Équihen-Plage’s upside-down boats.

The Origins of the Boats

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Équihen-Plage was a thriving fishing community. However, the sea here has a significant tidal range, and Équihen-Plage is an example of a port d’échouage, a port that has no water at low tide. Rather than drop anchor offshore, traditionally village fishermen would beach their boats and haul them up the sand by hand (though these days, you might see a tractor being used instead). 

Their vessels, called flobarts, are traditional to northern France and have a number of characteristics that make them especially suited to places like Équihen-Plage. They were designed to be capable of floating in just a foot or so of water. Their wide bow was well equipped to deal with strong waves, while the flat stern could be slid into the water on logs whenever it needed to be launched. 

How the Boat Houses Were Constructed

More than a century ago, money was tight for many in Équihen-Plage, and nothing was wasted. Boats that were no longer seaworthy were salvaged so they could be repurposed as homes, providing shelter for entire families at minimal cost. First, a low wall was constructed so that the finished dwelling would have sufficient headroom. A doorway-sized opening was then cut from the side of the boat, along with a small window or two. Builders then flipped the vessel over and lifted it on top of the wall. Many were tucked against the hillside, providing some protection against the elements on this wild and often windy coast. But in their original state, the boats would have been drafty and leaky. 

The interiors of the quilles en l’air were also fairly basic, lacking adequate ventilation, natural light, and running water. Often simply and sparsely furnished, the boats had an open floor plan to maximize the space. Still, they rarely reached 26 feet long, often resulting in a tight squeeze, given the average family size of the time. But for many of these impoverished families, having an affordable roof over their heads would have been a blessing. 

A New Era for the Quilles en L’Air

By the time World War II broke out, the days of the quilles en l’air were sadly numbered. In Équihen-Plage, the Quartier des Quilles en l’Air — the district that contained around 20 upturned boats — was a casualty of the bombing raids that flattened many of the buildings in this part of France. The last boat to be occupied was used as a studio by a painter named Paul Christol. It was the only boat to survive this era, albeit with significant damage. 

Though the quilles en l’air were gone, they weren’t forgotten. By the 1990s, a desire to resurrect this old tradition arose. Local authorities decided to build new boat houses and rent them out to visitors vacationing in Équihen-Plage. Several decades later, they’re as popular as ever — and often fully booked well in advance.

How to Visit the Upside-Down Boats of Équihen-Plage 

Today, the quilles en l’air are located within Camping La Falaise at the south end of Équihen-Plage. If you’re driving, follow Rue Charles Cazin to the main beach parking lot and walk back up to the campsite. 

Aside from admiring the boats and their role in the region’s unique cultural history, visitors can also book them for a unique overnight stay. The replica boats are finished to a higher standard than the originals would have been and provide a comfortable, yet simple place to spend the night. In high season (July and August), rentals are only offered on a weekly basis, from Saturday to Saturday. Outside of peak season, visitors can reserve for shorter periods. Prices vary according to both season and size: Two of the eight boathouses sleep only two people, while the others can accommodate parties of up to five people. One is also accessible for people with limited mobility. And all of them have sea views..  

If you’re planning to visit in early fall, it’s worth checking out Boulogne-sur-Mer’s Fête de la Beurière. This festival, which takes place during the second weekend in September, celebrates the fishing quarter’s history and traditions. There are typically local historians who will happily share old photos of the quilles en l’air and tell you their story. 

To reach Équihen-Plage from Paris, catch a TER train from Gare du Nord to Boulogne-sur-Mer and take a 25-minute bus ride. From the other side of the English Channel, you can board a DFDS ferry to Calais, which makes the 90-minute sea crossing multiple times a day. A local bus connects the port and main train station, from where you can travel along the coast.  

Other Upturned Boat Houses Around the World

Though Équihen-Plage’s quilles en l’air are certainly fascinating, they aren’t entirely unique — several other places in France, including Normandy and Brittany, are home to similar dwellings. Further afield, on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne in Northumberland, England, redundant herring boats have been turned upside down and given a new lease of life as boat sheds. Similarly, in places such as Greenland and Alaska, upturned umiaks (skin-covered boats) once created temporary shelters for local fishermen.

Tourists flock to London to visit iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower Bridge — and for good reason. These fascinating, history-filled sites are an essential part of any first-time visit to the English capital. But if you’ve already checked these attractions off your list, London offers a wealth of hidden treasures that are every bit as interesting. From quirky museums to serene gardens, here are 15 under-the-radar London landmarks to check out. 

Wilton’s Music Hall

Wilton’s Music Hall in London’s East End is the world’s oldest surviving grand Victorian music hall. Opened in the late 1850s, the storied venue brought the glitz and glamour of the West End to a working-class audience in the East End. Performances typically included sing-alongs, variety routines, and musical comedy shows. During the Victorian era, Wilton’s was London’s premiere venue for live performances, but after a fire in 1877, the building was repurposed to become a Methodist mission and then a warehouse.

Troubled by the hall’s planned demolition in the 1960s, some of the era’s top showbiz personalities, including Spike Milligan and Peter Sellers, fought to save the iconic structure. Today, the building again serves as a venue for theater performances and concerts and retains much of its original charm and character.

Old Operating Theatre

The Old Operating Theatre lay hidden for many years until it was uncovered during construction on St. Thomas’ Church in the London borough of Southwark. The area was actually the original site of the old St. Thomas’ Hospital, and the operating theater took surgery out of the ward and into a dedicated space in the attic. Before the days of antiseptics and anesthesia, operations were bloody and painful, so conducting the procedures far from other sick patients was crucial to maintaining an orderly facility.

The theater also served another purpose, however. It was a teaching space, so the tiered seating would have been occupied by medical students keen to observe techniques. Today, the building operates as a museum, which visitors can reach via a spiral staircase, and serves as a reminder of the advances of modern medicine.

Brixton Windmill

Before London became the sprawling city it is today, it was a series of villages. One of those villages, Brixton, retains its historic windmill. While such structures are common in the English countryside, they’re rare in urban locations. The one in Brixton used to be known as Ashby’s Mill and was built in 1816. Its sails harnessed the power of the wind to mill flour until the 1860s, when the business moved to a watermill in the Surrey village of Mitcham. But when the lease expired, Ashby’s moved back to its original site, using steam and then gas to modernize and increase productivity.

The mill did considerable trade supplying London’s bakeries and restaurants with flour until it finally closed in 1934. These days, it’s the centerpiece of a city park, restored by a committed team of volunteers. Guided tours of the structure take place on open weekends from April to October, when you can learn about the business and watch flour being milled.

Postal Museum

London’s congested streets created a bit of a headache when it came to ensuring that postal deliveries made it on time, so engineers came up with an unusual solution — an underground railway. From 1927 to 2003, the “Mail Rail” carried millions of letters across the capital, from Paddington in the west to Whitechapel in the east. Though it’s no longer in use commercially, the train reopened in 2017 as a visitor attraction run by the Postal Museum.

Take a ride on a tiny train to experience the tunnels for yourself. Interactive exhibits give visitors the opportunity to sort the mail on a moving train — courtesy of a realistic simulator. Above ground, you can learn more about the Royal Mail’s history and how stamps are designed.

Eltham Palace

While a steady stream of tourists makes it to Buckingham Palace, Eltham Palace receives considerably fewer visitors. Located south of the Thames in the borough of Greenwich, this historic gem in suburbia began as a 13th-century manor house and was later gifted to the royal family. King Edward IV was the monarch responsible for adding the Great Hall, which is all that remains of the medieval estate.

King Henry VIII expanded Eltham so it could accommodate his large entourage, but the greatest transformation came in the 1930s. Wealthy couple Stephen and Virginia Courtauld are to thank for the extravagant Art Deco-style interior; they took a maximalist approach to design, even creating a rainforest-themed room for their pet lemur Jongy.

“God’s Own Junkyard”

London’s answer to the Neon Museum in Las Vegas can be found in Walthamstow, one of the city’s easterly neighborhoods. “God’s Own Junkyard” is a treasure trove of salvage; the collection includes neon signs, movie props, and fairground lighting. Many of the pieces are the work of the late Chris Bracey, an exceptionally talented lighting designer whose art was featured in movies such as Batman (1989) and Bladerunner (1982).

Bracey learned his extraordinary craft from his father, who was London’s first neon sign maker in the 1950s, and later opened his premises to curious members of the public in 1978. Tucked away on the Ravenswood Industrial Estate between a car mechanic and a microbrewery, the collection was soon credited as being one of London’s quirkiest, most remarkable, and colorful attractions.

Postman’s Park

Postman’s Park was built at the end of the 19th century on top of what was once the former St. Botolph’s Without Aldersgate Church. The peaceful greenspace is best known for George Frederic Watts’ Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice, which was unveiled in 1900. A series of memorial stones have been added over the years to commemorate acts of bravery and courage by ordinary folks. Each stone is dedicated to someone who lost their own life while trying to save another.

Another unique garden in the park is the grounds of the former church of St. Dunstan-in-the-East. Sir Christopher Wren, the architect responsible for St. Paul’s Cathedral, designed some of it. During World War II, the church suffered extensive damage. Wren’s steeple and tower survived, but the Church of England decided not to repair and reopen the building. Instead, the bombed ruins were redeveloped as a beautiful garden.

Russell Square Cabmen’s Shelter

There are few London sights as iconic as the capital’s black cabs. But while you’ll see them on every street, you’ll have to put in a little more legwork to track down the 13 remaining cabmen’s shelters. These little green huts were a response to a tricky problem: In bad weather, cabbies often took shelter in pubs. As driving while intoxicated was prohibited, the idea was born to create somewhere for cab drivers to get an affordable meal and a cup of tea during their shift.

The first shelter opened in St. John’s Wood in North London in 1875. More followed, though since then, many of the structures have fallen victim to road widening and traffic management schemes. Today, some of the shelters remain; Cabmen’s Shelter in Russell Square is one of them. Other shelters still serve cabbies at Grosvenor Gardens, Embankment Place, and on Warwick Avenue. Most of the shelters enforce a cabbies-only rule inside, but if you can manage, it’s worth a peek.

Highgate Cemetery

Highgate Cemetery is a bit of a trek from central London but well worth the effort, particularly if you take one of the excellent guided tours along the tree-lined paths. The cemetery is home to the graves and tombs of many notable Londoners; Karl Marx was buried here, as were scientist Michael Faraday, authors Douglas Adams and Beryl Bainbridge, artist Lucian Freud, pop impresario Malcolm McLaren, and comedian Max Wall.

Another notable cemetery can be found in Kensal Green. This atmospheric place was styled after Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. It is the final resting place of authors Anthony Trollope, Wilkie Collins, and William Makepeace Thackeray; Niagara Falls tightrope-walker Charles Blondin; Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel; and the inventor of the computer, Charles Babbage.

Museum of the Home

Formerly the Geffrye Museum, the Museum of the Home reopened in 2021 following a refurbishment and rebrand. Located in Hackney, East London, the building houses a fascinating collection of exhibits that chart the changes in Britain’s domestic interiors over the past four centuries. Faithfully recreated room sets bring history to life, from a garish 1970s living room to a genteel parlor that looks just as it would have in 1695.

The museum also has a series of gardens that exemplify fashions such as Elizabethan knot gardens and the informal cottage gardens embraced by the Arts and Crafts movement. You might even be inspired to create a heritage space for your own home after your visit.

Kyoto Garden

One of London’s most unusual gardens lies in Holland Park in West London. As its name suggests, the Kyoto Garden takes its inspiration from Japan, but what you might not realize is that it was a gift from the city of Kyoto to mark the friendship between the two countries. This serene oasis features tiered waterfalls, a koi-stocked pond, and, of course, the stone lanterns and colorful maples commonly found in Japanese gardens.

The garden is a joy to wander through, though you’ll need to share the tranquil space with a muster of peacocks. Holland Park is also home to the Fukushima Memorial Garden. It’s a place for quiet contemplation and reflection, designed to demonstrate Japan’s gratitude to the British for their support following the devastating earthquake in 2011.

Dennis Severs House

London has a wealth of Georgian architecture. Among the best preserved streets to see this iconic style are Roupell Street near Waterloo, Little Green Street in North London, and East End addresses, such as Fournier Street and Elder Street. But if you’re keen to peek beyond the façades, you’ll need to head to Dennis Severs House on Folgate Street near Spitalfields Market. This house, open to the public as a museum, dates to 1724.

After Californian-born Dennis Severs bought the property in 1979, he set about transforming it into an accurate representation of what it would have looked like as the home of an imaginary family of Huguenot silk weavers. Weekly candlelit tours are a multi-sensory experience which evoke the past. Make your way to nearby Brick Lane afterward for further insight on how immigrants have shaped this multifaceted neighborhood.

Word on the Water

This century-old Dutch barge was repurposed as a North London bookstore. Tethered on the Regents Canal close to Kings Cross Station, every inch of this historic vessel is now crammed with new and used books. This is a place to come without a plan. Browse Paddy’s collection and you might stumble on something unexpected: cult, classic, children’s, and contemporary books are all here waiting for you to peruse. Special events, from poetry readings to live music performances, are a reminder of why this place is so much at the heart of its community.

Afterward, wander over to Coal Drops Yard, where you’ll find plenty of places to sit and read. Consider buying your coffee from Redemption Roasters, a café chain with a social conscience. They roast their coffee inside Her Majesty’s Prison The Mount and help offenders reintegrate after serving their sentence by training them as baristas.

Barbican Conservatory

The Barbican was flattened during World War II, and if you want to get acquainted with its brutal yet bold postwar architecture, consider taking one of the fascinating tours of the complex. After you’re done taking in the history of the place, pop in to the Barbican Conservatory, a green oasis amidst all that concrete. This rainforest under glass is as verdant as its more-famous Kew counterpart, the only one larger in London.

Lush plants include palm and banana trees and plenty of floral displays to evoke a sense of being far from England. Check out the terrapins in the water, though you’d be wise to keep your distance; these bad boys were evicted from Hampstead Heath after some antisocial behavior, leading local wits to dub them the “terror-pins.”

The Monument

The Great Fire of London ripped through the city in 1666, leaving a trail of destruction and shattered dreams in its wake. The Monument was constructed the following decade to honor those who were lost but also to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in the city’s history. It is located at the corner of Monument Street and Fish Street Hill.

The height of the column is exactly the same as its distance from the site of Thomas Faryner’s bakery, where the fire started. It’s possible to climb the 311 steps to the top of this landmark. Video images are displayed for those who don’t want to head to the top, but it’s worth the effort for the view of the London cityscape, including skyscrapers such as the Shard, the Walkie Talkie, and the Gherkin.