8 Pretty in Pink Places Around the World You Won’t Want to Miss

Built from red and pink sandstone, the stunning Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, is a prime example of colorful architecture. Its name means “Palace of the Wind,” a fitting title considering it once kept royals (and now tourists) cool. A fresh breeze blows through its five levels thanks to its honeycomb-like structure. Combine the palace with other colorful buildings—such as the Amber Fort (Amer Fort) and the surreal 18th-century Jal Mahal (Water Palace)—on a sightseeing tour of the Pink City.

Related: Trying my Hand at the Traditional Art of Block Printing in Jaipur

The contrast of powder-pink sand and turquoise waters at Pink Beach on Komodo Island is nothing short of spectacular. It’s one of several beaches in Komodo National Park, home to thousands of free-roaming Komodo dragons, and the sand gets its color from microscopic animals that produce a red pigment. Immerse yourself in the unique natural landscapes of the island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on a hiking, snorkeling, and wildlife-watching tour.

Insider tip: Be careful while enjoying the pink sand and sea on this island. Komodo dragons roam everywhere and can be dangerous, so keep your distance.

Dating back to the 17th century, Aberdeen’s Craigievar Castle is straight from the pages of a fairy tale. It’s even said to have inspired the Walt Disney® castle. But it's not just the colorful building’s rosy exterior that’s impressive. Inside, you’ll find ornate plaster ceilings depicting stories of warriors, ghosts, and royalty; outside, in the woods surrounding the castle, you can spot rare wildlife such as long-eared bats and Scottish wildcats.

The bright color of Hutt Lagoon has earned legendary status in Western Australia. While scientists were once baffled as to why the lake was pink, they’ve discovered it's thanks to the presence of algae (Dunaliella salina) and microbes, including halobacteria. In short—don’t take a dip in the salty lake; instead, explore it on a buggy tour.

During the spring months of March and April, Japan bursts into bloom when the cherry blossoms coat the country in a cotton candy–pink sheen. The best place to witness the natural spectacle is Yoshino, the mountains of which are home to more than 30,000 trees. However, you can see plenty of blooms in larger cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto—discover Tokyo's best spots on a bike tour or go farther afield to see the powder-pink trees with Mt. Fuji as a backdrop.

Related: 11 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan

The vibrant pink-hued Lake Retba (Lac Rose) is located around 18 miles (30 kilometers) from Senegal’s capital city, Dakar. The lake’s shade of pink varies depending on the season and the light of day. The salinity of the water is 40 percent, so you can float naturally in the pink waters, or you can tour the area via a boat on the water and stroll around the lake.

With three locations across the US (in Chicago, New York City, and Austin), the Museum of Ice Cream is one of the country’s most Instagram-worthy locations. Nearly all the interactive installations—including a giant sprinkle pool, cookie carousel, and 3-story slide—are pink in this good enough-to-eat museum. The colorful architecture of these museums has also proven a real hit with travelers from around the world, so be sure to book your admission ticket in advance to beat the lines on the day you want to go.

Dhaka’s sprawling Ahsan Manzil Palace is hailed as one of Bangladesh's most important pieces of architecture. The pink building overlooks the Buriganga River and is separated into two sides, with an octagonal dome in the middle. (Locals say the dome was designed to look like a lotus flower.) When exploring its 23 rooms, you’re sure to notice even more dazzling details of this former royal residence, although you can also delve deeper into the building’s rich history and see more important Dhaka monuments on a city tour that offers the perfect intro for first-time visitors.