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, India is an architectural marvel. Its name means palace of the wind because it once kept royals cool, but now it keeps tourists cool. Thanks to its honeycomb-like structure, a fresh breeze blows through its five levels. Combine the palace with other colorful Jaipur attractions—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. One of several beaches in Komodo National Park, which is home to thousands of free-roaming komodo dragons, the sand gets its color from microscopic animals that produce a red pigment. Immerse yourself in the unique natural landscapes of the UNESCO-listed island 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 been the inspiration behind the Walt Disney® castle. But it's not just the castle’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 vibrant pink 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 sakuracherry 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 the best city 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 Dakar. The lake’s pinkish tone 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 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. These multi-colored museums have proven a real hit with travelers from across the globe, so be sure to book your admission ticket in advance to beat the lines on the day.

The sprawling Ahsan Manzil Palace is hailed as one of the most important pieces of architecture in Bangladesh. 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.