You’re walking through a new city, taking in the sights and sounds and hopefully eating some delicious baked goods you picked up from a quaint little bakery. Then suddenly, you round a corner and boom! The sky is filled with color. Light filters down through row after row of perfectly positioned rainbow umbrellas.
You found an umbrella street, and it’s magical.
All around the world, umbrella streets protect us from the hot sun in the most beautiful way possible. From the famous umbrella street in Agueda, Portugal to the small-scale umbrella streets appearing in local markets, these little pops of color will make anyone reach for their camera.
So where can you find these delightful little urban shade sanctuaries? I asked some of the most well-traveled people on the planet – travel bloggers – where to find the best umbrella streets around the world. Some of the answers might surprise you!
Old Quarter, Quebec City, Canada
Karen Worrall is a travel blogger and freelance writer. Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, she has lived in six countries and sailed the seven seas entertaining on cruise ships for 13 years. You can find her on Instagram and her website, Cruise Ship Karen.
My favorite umbrella street is in hidden in the romantic historic quarter of Vieux Quebec (old Quebec).
Tucked between the picturesque square Place Royal and delightful Rue de Petit Champlain with its plethora of artisan stores, I found this magical street.
The Rue du Cul de Sac charms with the same French style as when Samuel de Champlain had it built in 1608, with most of the same buildings possessing gabled slanting roofs and heavy oak doors, lining the cobbled streets.
As you stumble upon the small winding street, you cannot help but get your camera out with the other visitors smiling up at it, the myriad of bright colors always Instagram-ready. It is beautiful in any season or weather.
Sunny days see sunlight beaming through the gaps in the umbrellas creating pools of light, and in rain or snow, they function as umbrellas always do – protecting you from the weather, even while upside down.
Vieux Quebec charmed me so much I got married there last August, and one of mine and my husband’s favorite spots is to sip a glass of wine al fresco at ancient tavern Le Bistrot Pape Georges, gazing at the umbrellas.
Related Post: Perfect Weekend Itinerary for Montreal in Winter
Chihuahua, Mexico
Tim Tunnicliff is a former-firefighter in his 40’s and is currently attempting to see the 500 Best Places on the Planet as part of the Ultimate Travelist Challenge. You can follow his progress on his blog, Tunnocks World Tour and on Instagram.
I was fresh off the plane from the USA when I strolled into Chihuahua’s downtown district. I was busy breathing in the food-stenched air and listening to the idle chatter of strangers – this was a part of Mexico where no-one spoke any English – when I turned the corner to Paseo Victoria.
The explosion of vibrant colors above my head stopped me in my tracks. I’ve learned since that there are plenty of these decorated alleys around the world – many of which are featured in this article – but at the time I’d never seen anything like it.
I played with the light in my camera lens as it peeked between the gaps. Midday is a great time for photos as the high sun creates incredible contrast. If you have time, stop at Las Brazas for lunch, the tacos were delicious!
Brno, Czech Republic
Josie Kelsh is the blogger behind Josie Wanders. You can follow her adventures on her blog and on Instagram.
While we were in the center of Brno, Czech Republic we came across this lovely umbrella street. Located on Česká Street, the colors of the umbrellas change each year and they have a theme. When we were there they were red, green and white, celebrating the city’s relationship with Italy.
At the end of each summer, the umbrellas are taken down then auctioned off to support a different charity each year. What a great way to bring color to the city during the summer and raise money for charity too!
Yodfat Monkey Forest, Israel
Carly is a teacher who has traveled to over 50 countries on a teacher’s salary! Follow her adventures on her blog, Flight of the Educator and on Instagram.
I was in the middle of a forest in Israel when I stumbled upon what is definitely the most random umbrella walkway I’ve ever found.
I had just finished hanging out with some tiny monkeys and watching them scamper around with the prized food they’d coaxed from us when I turned a corner and found an avenue line with beautiful, albeit slightly faded, umbrellas.
Israel can definitely get hot in the summer, so the colorful images added quite a respite from the sun. What’s even more fun were the patterns on the umbrellas instead of the usual bold, singular colored counterparts in other areas of the world.
I was in the Yodfat Monkey Forest interacting with the birds, mammals, and reptiles that live there when I stumbled across this walkway. I’m not sure if the reserve is worth it just for the umbrellas, but you should go anyway!
Dubai Miracle Gardens, Dubai, UAE
Di and her husband Dan travel full time and share tips, destination inspiration, and step-by-step guides to making money abroad on their travel blog Slight North. Follow their adventures on their blog and on Instagram.
There’s a nice umbrella street in the world-famous Dubai Mall, but many visitors don’t know there’s an even more magical umbrella street tucked away nearby.
The Dubai Miracle Gardens are truly that… miraculous. The UAE is home to the world’s largest contiguous sand desert, but somehow, this garden thrives despite it.
Here you can walk down winding roads lined with houses made completely out of flowers and explore castles, tunnels, and sculptures all brought to life in the floral showcase.
If you’ve ever wanted to step inside the fairytales from your childhood, this is definitely the place. Then, relax with a snack in the cool shade under the umbrella courtyard before you go!
After living and teaching in neighboring Abu Dhabi for two years, I can say with certainty that the Dubai Miracle Gardens are one of the most memorable places in the country. The display is a truly unique sight in an even more unique city, and they’re a must-visit on any trip to the UAE!
Amman, Jordan
Aaron Teoh is a blogger based in Singapore. He spends most of his days in the office working with numbers to (hopefully) help others to travel better, and most of his evenings dreaming of his next big escape, if not already there. Follow Aaron on his blog and on Instagram.
The little alleys and streets around the hills of downtown Amman hold many surprises. Amman has been inhabited since the Middle Bronze Age, and every period has left its mark on the city. The Al Shamasi Stairs might be the Instagram Age’s mark on the ancient city of Amman. This flight of stairs, located in the Al Balad area next to Jafra Cafe, is just one of the many photogenic spots in the city.
Colorful umbrellas form a canopy overhead and painted flowerpots decorate the walls on either side. I came across this umbrella street by chance after an afternoon walk down Rainbow Street.
The Al Shamasi Stairs have somehow remained off the tourist radar and it was not too crowded when I visited. However, it seemed that everyone that passed could not resist taking a photo with the eye-catching flight of stairs.
It was nice being able to take my time to enjoy the pretty stairs without being crowded out or rushed about, and if you’re looking for something colorful in Amman beyond its history this may be what you’re looking for.
Pasajul Victoria, Bucharest Romania
Teresa is a female solo traveler based in London that loves all things food, the outdoors and adventure. Her blog Brogan Abroad focuses on less frequented destinations and lesser-known aspects of more popular places. You can follow her adventures on her blog and on Instagram.
I’ve seen quite a few umbrella streets across the world, but one of the most instagrammable spots in Bucharest, Pasajul Victoria has to be my absolute favorite.
Hidden away behind a building façade, you will only be able to find it if you know what you are looking for. Right opposite the Palatul Telefoanelor, Telekom, an imposing art deco building, look for an arch that will take you through to what looks like a courtyard.
This is, in fact, Pasajul Victoria, and you will soon see the light change as you approach the rainbow-colored umbrellas. There’s a pizzeria in the alleyway too, so if you are feeling hungry you can sit outside right under the umbrellas and enjoy a pizza!
Related Post: Why Bucharest is a Great City for Digital Nomads
Coppergate Centre, York, England
Haley is a frequent and conscientious traveler who is committed to adventure in a responsible way. She has a passion for exploring the world’s wildlife, nature, history, and indigenous cultures. You can follow her adventures on her blog, BorderLass.com and Instagram.
This ‘Umbrella Street’ is located on Coppergate in York city centre. Today, it’s a shopping centre and covered by umbrellas, but it’s actually one of the most historic streets in York.
The remains of 10th century Viking buildings were discovered here and now make up part of the Jorvik Viking Centre located underneath the street – a visit to Jorvik is recommended and is a stark contrast to what is above ground today.
York is popular with tourists all year round, so for the best photographs of the brollies, it’s best to go early in the morning when there aren’t as many people around.
Iglesias, Sardinia Italy
Sophie is a Dutch travel blogger and freelance writer. As a digital nomad, she works remotely while traveling the world. She shares all her travel tips and recommendations on things to do, see and eat in the places she goes in her blog Just Heading Out and Instagram.
I was on vacation on the Italian island of Sardinia with my mother, aunt, and uncle. Although most of our days were spend at Sardinia´s various stunning beaches, we decided a little day trip to one of the villages was also in order.
We picked Iglesias from the description in my aunt’s guidebook and drove there. One of the first things we saw as we walked into the historic center of Iglesias was this beautiful, colorful umbrella street. We decided that it was the perfect place to sit down for a coffee and spent a little while taking pictures and enjoying the music from the buskers.
The umbrellas provided the perfect amount of shade while elevating the already substantial charm of this little town to a new level. Sardinia is the perfect place for not just a relaxing beach vacation, but also history, culture, food, and nature. And Iglesias should definitely be on the top of your list!
Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok Thailand
Nicola Rae is the blogger behind See Nic Wander – That’s me!! You’re on my site! Hi! If you want to read more about me click right on over here.
If you’ve been to the Chatuchak weekend market in Bangkok, you know that place is a maze. A massive, chaotic, and delicious maze.
You can buy anything there. On one afternoon outing with friends, we collectively bought 4 freeze-dried tom yum soup kits, 6 chang beer teeshirts, 2 fanny packs, and an entire custom kitchen cutlery set that would later have to be shipped home, all while eating delicious fresh spring rolls and mango sticky rice. You could say I had Chatuchak down to a science.
While I was house sitting in Bangkok, I went to Chatuchak three times before I found the most amazing little treasure – a pink, purple, and blue umbrella street, right in the heart of the market. It was such a pleasant surprise to stumble upon! And just when I thought I was the queen of Chatuchak…
This umbrella street is the perfect place to cool off from the hot Thai heat with tasty coconut ice cream or freshly squeezed juice. Wander up and down it, enjoying the shade and the pretty colors the light makes as it passes through the umbrellas. To get to Chatuchak, take the BTS to the Mo Chit station and follow the swarms of people. You won’t regret it!
Related Post: City Guide to Bangkok, Thailand
Ever found an awesome umbrella street? Let us know where in the comments!
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I love all the umbrellas! And I had no idea there were so many umbrella streets out there in the world—your travels and blog teach me so much! Now how can I make an umbrella street…😘
I think this is a great idea for the backyard!
Found one in Dominican Republic, Puerto Plato
And of course ,Tuscany
howdy Nic Nic….keep loving life…love always aunt doe
I had no idea there were so many umbrella streets – there’s even one 3 hours away from my house and I didn’t know! Super interesting that it has become such a thing.
I know!! It’s always so lovely to find one. I want to put them up everywhere now haha
Wow! How beautiful! I have never heard of this before. I loved it!
wowww…great post …make me want to go there 🙂
There are so many to discover!
These look so great in pictures, imagine what it would be like to witness them physically!
Saving a few for my desktop background.
Fun!! I know I love finding hidden treasures like these 🙂
I love these kind of streets, so fun and colourful. There is also a beautiful one in Belfast and in Iglesias if you want to add to this post 😉
Awesome!! If you have a picture and want to write a short blurb about it, feel free to send it over 🙂 [email protected]. Thanks!!
I’d love to, sending it to you now! 🙂
oh my god – YOU MISSED PARIS!! I was just there and they have the most GORGEOUS umbrella street ever. I have photos too if you would like to update your blog? Let me know, I can also write about it as well if you like.
Hi!! Sure thing! You can send it over to [email protected]! Sounds amazing 🙂
A great article Nicola! We unexpectedly chanced upon a fabulous Umbrella Street display in August 2016 in Via Giuseppe Mazzini in Ferrara. Not knowing the Portuguese genesis of the concept we related it to the 1964 Jacques Demy film The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg (which inspired Dominic Chazelle in making La La Land). Either way, the idea deserves to be continued – and will also be a shot in the arm of an ailing manufacturing industry …
Kai Rabenstein, Hastings, East Sussex, UK
Thank you for sharing Kai! It’s always a lovely surprise to stumble upon one of these colorful streets!
There is an amazing umbrella street in Plovdiv, Bulgaria!
San Francisco has the most amazing umbrella alley. If you’d like pictures let me know.