Beautiful doors from around the world

The door to your home can be a statement. Your door can be a reflection of your personality, design taste and unique style.

When I thought about compiling posts of the most beautiful doors in the world, who better to ask than a group of expert travel bloggers. Each traveller shares an image of a door they captured during their travels and offers a little insight behind the door they’ve chosen to share.

From Europe to Africa, and from Asia to the Americas, you’ll love these doors steeped in history or simply brightening up a home (or castle).

Beautiful doors in Europe

London, England

Mia from Jetlag on the Rocks is a photographer. That’s why she takes the prettiest of pretty pictures. Here’s what she had to say about these picture-perfect doors she spotted in London.

If you have this thing with doors, London is an excellent address to chase some facades. London villages are the perfect places to catch some beautiful door pictures. Since there are less parked cars in the streets than in the city itself, it’s easier to find some pretty doors to shoot without the distraction of the modern world.

I love Wimbledon Village, especially Denmark Road, with all the cute cottages around the area. These two doors are just on the top of the road, on the corner to Ridgeway.

I like the character of this doors; you can really feel the history. Both belong to two-bedroom terraces with lots of period character.

They are gorgeous. 

Venice, Italy

Ah Venice, the City of Love, right? Can you imagine a goodnight kiss after a successful first date outside this door, right on the canal? I am swooning. Lori from TravlinMad shares this story about this gorgeously lit Venetian door.

Venice, Italy is a place you can wander forever and see something new around every corner. The street lamps and interior lights illuminate the city’s gorgeous architecture inside and out. I came upon this door one evening, at a home that sits directly on one of the many canals. The evening is my favourite time to stroll the narrow streets when most people are having dinner or have retired for the night. I loved the heavy iron door, inspired by the city’s Byzantine and Moorish past, that allowed just enough privacy for an exterior door while keeping so much Venetian style.

Still swooning.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Marian from Travel Shop Girl shares her photo of these beautiful blue double doors she came across in Dubrovnik. I love the look of the distressed timber. The doors look old and worn and like they have a few stories of their own to tell. The metal lion head ornaments give the door an extra sense of majesty.

On a hot day in August when there was zero wind and an abundance of sunshine, I walked back from hiking up to the Walls of Dubrovnik and back and spotted these beautiful blue doors. They’re like nothing else I’ve ever seen, including the shade of blue, size, and adornments on the door. These behemoth sized doors still felt inviting, probably because of the blue colour. In a city with history that goes back hundreds of years, it wouldn’t surprise me to learn that these doors were original to the home. Definitely makes me want to go back to Dubrovnik again.

I just added Dubrovnik to my bucket list – you too?

Visby, Gotland Island, Sweden

Jody from She Escapes found this ancient home in Visby on Gotland Island with distressed timber doors and window trims. I love how the washed blue doors stand out from the orange walls. The plants in the windows and the paved street add to its charm.

At times a pagan Viking village, a pirates’ nest, a hub for Hanseatic trade, a centre for Christianity and home to a king, it’s no surprise that well-preserved Visby draws sightseers from all over the world. Hidden away on the small Baltic island of Gotland off of Sweden, Visby mixes door and window styles from many different eras and influences. Perhaps the most well-preserved medieval city in Scandinavia, today it’s a lovely haven of miniature ancient homes, graceful church ruins, rosebushes and charm. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers plenty for history buffs to explore, especially those interested in the Hanseatic League and Scandinavian heritage. Winding alleyways will lead you through still-occupied houses dating back to medieval times. Take a 3-hour ferry or plane to Visby from mainland Sweden, or stop in with one of the many cruise ships that dock at Gotland.

That’s one city with quite a mix of uses over the centuries. I would love to see more of the city’s architecture and how influences of the past remain today.

Gniezno Poland

Dorota from Born Globals photographed this ancient bronze door in Poland. The detailed carvings tell quite a tale.

Gniezno Doors come from XIIth century and are an important piece of Romanesque art in Poland. They are located in Gniezno, the first capital of Poland at the entrance to the cathedral, a coronation place for some of the Polish monarchs. The door shows 18 scenes from the life of St. Aldabert, a patron of Poland who served as a bishop of Gniezno back in XIth century and died as a martyr trying to convert Prussians to Christianity.

Personally, I love how much of Polish history connects to these doors and it’s also an amazing piece of art worth seeing.

This is definitely artistry steeped in history. While I have no plans to become a martyr, it’d be nice if someone carved a door for me with the story of my life.

Spandau Castle, Berlin, Germany

Suzy from Wunderlander shares this delightful photo of a timber door that leads to Spandau Castle in Berlin.

This charming door leads directly to the oldest building in Berlin: the Palas and the adjacent Julius Tower (12th century). The palace, a representative building and former residence of the local margraves, housed the impressive Gothic hall. This huge hall is nowadays famous for its good acoustics and is the site of many classical concerts. The foyer and hall have a total area of 550 m². This little door is located underneath the much larger main entrance with its pompous staircase. It was the only entrance for servants, cooks and other rank lowers of that time. For me, however, this small door is much more beautiful than the attention-grabbing main entrance – and a remembrance of the many servants, without whom the operation of a royal court was not possible at that time.

I agree with Suzy. I love how quaint this authentic door is. I can imagine the servants coming and going, bustling through the door.

Ballygally Castle, Northern Ireland

Joanna from The World in my Pocket knows a thing or two about Game of Thrones adventures.

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan then you will recognise the Dark Hedges from Northern Ireland as the King’s Road used by Arya Stark to Escape King’s Landing disguised as a boy, in season two. In 2016 unfortunately, during storm Gertrude, the Dark Hedges have suffered quite a bit, losing a few of the iconic trees under the powerful gusts of wind.

The Irish Tourism board saved some of the knocked down trees and created 10 beautiful Game of Thrones-themed doors, each of them carved to represent an episode of the 6th season. These doors have been installed in pubs and restaurants all over Northern Ireland, close to iconic filming locations. There is even a passport in which you can get a stamp when you visit one of the 10 pubs

This door is located at the Ballygally Castle in County Antrim, and depicts the “Battle of the Bastards” (episode 9 of season 6).

I think I’m still recovering from The Battle of the Bastards. Anyone else?

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Alex from The Wayward Walrus shares this delightful and unusual door from her travels in Slovenia. The greenery, the stone walls and paved road are charming enough but then whew! Throw in that gorgeously-painted door and this one might just be my favourite.

Walking through Slovenia’s capital of Ljubljana you feel a sense of authenticity that only a city relatively untapped by tourism could offer. Slovenia’s central geographical location where the Balkans meets Central Europe is highly visible through its architecture and culture. The almost Venetian feel to the canals and colourful architecture throughout the city offer an abundance of charm. Just like this precariously painted door, the city is full of hidden gems.

Slovenia has been on my bucket list for years. The hiking looks amazing. And the streetscapes are so appealing, too.

Krakow, Poland

Jub from Tiki Touring Kiwi found this stand out door in Krakow. It certainly does stand out from the red brick walls. It looks like there might be a biohazard behind the door but it’s somehow still inviting.

This door was located at the entrance to Kosciuszki Mound in Krakow. The brick wall is a familiar sight in Eastern Europe, the yellow door? Not so much. There were three of these doors at various entrances and the contrast against the wall and surrounding greenery are what will make this memorable. The yellow is bright also, different to the more dulled yellow you might see elsewhere in Eastern Europe. Once you get through the door and head up to the top of the mound, you’ve got incredible panoramic views over Krakow.

There are a few yellow doors in this post – it’s such a happy colour.

Cordoba Spain

Kemkem from Next Bite of Life and the Awe-inspiring Mezquita Cordoba Podcast offers us this multi-religion-influenced church in Spain.

This is one of the doors to the entrance of La Mezquita, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Cordoba, Spain. Originally a Mosque, it was converted to a church when the Christians came into power. The interior is a stunning combination of Moorish and Gothic architecture. I love the door because of its intricate Mudejar design and choice of colours, which match the interior. The different angle of the shot also makes it unique and attempts to capture the monstrous height of over 20 feet. The handles are on the inside and it is truly impressive when open.

A door that can only be opened from inside. Interesting! There’s so much to love about the various influences this building encompasses.

Valletta, Malta

Shannon from In Search of Mexican shares this story behind a door in Valletta, Malta.

The doors of Valletta tell a story. They’re worn and showing their age. The paint is peeling away and they could use a bit of a wash. But there’s a rugged beauty to them, a reminder that you don’t have to be covered in jewels or intricate patterns to be eye-catching. Sometimes beauty comes from standing the test of time. Wear and tear through the years is what has given the doors of Valletta their beauty. In many ways far more interesting than the balconies that hang above them. Each door has its own story to tell.

These doors don’t need to be painted bright red or yellow to show their charm. They are perfect as they are.

Clonakilty Ireland

Emma from Little House, Lovely Home has this gorgeous yellow door to share with us.

I love the door because it’s yellow framed with blue, which doesn’t often work. When I was a teen I painted my bedroom blue and yellow, contrary to all design advice. The door is bold and loud but still beautiful, with the trailing flowers potted on either side of the entrance.

This door opens oonto Emmet Square, one of the prettiest squares in Clonakilty, Ireland. Emmet Square was once home to the great Irish Republican leader, Michael Collins, who fought for a free Ireland and died for the cause. Tributes and memorials to Michael Collins are common in Clon (as the locals call it).

Coupled with the beautiful purple and yellow flowers and the clean white trim this door is a knockout.

Beautiful doors in Asia

Nozawa Onsen, Japan

Gordy from Short Holiday Getaways shares this photo from Nozawa Onsen in Japan that has separate entrances for men and women.

These are onsen doors from one of the onsens (soto yu), in the Japanese village of Nozawa Onsen. The village is built on hot springs, and there are many onsens throughout the town. Each one varies from the other, in design and also in water temperature. The higher up the mountain you are, the closer you are to the source of the water and the hotter the onsen is. Nozawa Onsen is a preeminent ski location, and part of the ritual is to get buck naked and have an onsen with the local people, ensuring that not only are you clean but that you soothe your body after a hard day on the slopes. Outside each onsen is a pole with a square metal plate with the picture of that onsen on it. Hanging from the pole is a wooden stick, and you can make a rubbing into an onsen book, and collect all images.

How cold does it look with the mid-drip icicles? How cool would it be collect the images from all the different onsens in the area?

Bali, Indonesia

Michele from the travel blog Legging It took this photo of an intricately carved wooden door, guarded by two statues, in a lush Balinese garden.

Throughout Bali, there are wonderful decorative carved doors. With many telling stories of the daily lives of the Balinese showing scenes of rice paddies, fields being ploughed and ceremonial practices. It makes wandering the back streets of the towns and villages such a pleasure and gives the chance for many beautiful photos. This door was in our homestay, used as a clever way of separating the public and private sphere of the accommodation. It caught my eye not only for the amazing carving and colours used but also the two warriors on either side…. I wonder if the family see it as a way to protect them from unwanted visitors.

Imagine having a beautiful door like that for everyday use. It’s stunning.

Old Delhi India

Sudipto De from Salt and Sandals gives a peek at this majestic timber door in Old Delhi.

Located deep within the bowels of Old Delhi, Goel Sahab ki Haveli (better known as Haveli Dharampura) is a heritage residence that has been refurbished to offer the culture of Old Delhi to visiting tourists. There is some tasty Delhi food along with traditional dance performances to make your visit an enjoyable one. The door is your gateway to discovering the magic that the older part of Delhi holds. Best time to visit here is from October to February.

I can’t imagine banging down that door in a hurry. It looks quite solid.

Dhaka, Bangladesh

Alice from Teacake Travels shares this symmetrical, graphic door in bold colours, capturing a moment in time on the streets of Dhaka.

Exploring the nooks and crannies of the marketplaces in Dhaka, Bangladesh, I came across this strikingly beautiful emerald green and fiery red door. Through all the chaos of this sprawling, fast-paced city, there are wonderful moments of calm. A basket of fruit, a seller taking time out from his day…and this bold and strong door right behind him, leading to a peaceful backstreet haven. I love how bright and outspoken the colours are. In the franticness of this place, it’s reassuring to see solid, reassuring shapes standing tall and protecting locals from the hubbub of it all. For all of you unsure about coming to Bangladesh; it is 100% worth it. Come and see the spectacular architecture of this country and you will not be disappointed.

The vivid colours of the fruit matches the red in the door. Bangladesh looks like an intriguing country to explore.

Mongolia

Bron from Smiths Holiday Road travels with her family of five and stayed in this Mongolian ger.

High up on the plains of Mongolia we spent three days living in a ger. Our ger had a beautiful orange wooden door to invite you inside. The door was hand-painted with colourful flowers and swirls that matched the wooden frame of the ger. The sunlight streamed through the cracks in the morning and we would hook the door back during the day to let in a fresh breeze.

Wow! I’d love a peek inside. Mongolia is another bucket list country for us. I’d love to see the high plains and more of these nomadic gers.

Jaipur, India

Chandrika from Trippy Passports shares this stunning photo of a palace door in Jaipur, India.

This gorgeous door is from the famous City Palace of Jaipur in India. This palace is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the royal state of Rajasthan. Inside the palace, there were four of these beautifully ornate doors surrounding a courtyard and each one represented a different season of the year. This gate in the picture was called the Lotus Gate, as evident from the patterns drawn around the door, and represent the summer season. We not only thought these intricate designs were a piece of art in themselves, but they also had an aura of mystery surrounding them since entry was completely forbidden.

Forbidden entry? I’d love a sneak peak of what’s inside.

Khiva, Uzbekistan

Leyla from Women on the Road writes about solo travel in Uzbekistan (amongst many other destinations) and came across this amazing old door in Khiva.

This is one of hundreds of carved wooden doors in Khiva, Uzbekistan, where beautiful woodwork and architecture is as common as pastry in Paris. Walking through the streets of Khiva is like stepping into an oriental fairy tale, with mud walls and cobbled streets that haven’t changed much in centuries. The city is now protected as an ‘outdoor museum’ and I loved it best at night when the tourists were gone and I had the darkened alleys to myself, wondering whether a camel caravan was about to round the corner.

Wow! This door looks positively ancient and so mysterious. Leyla is right – it really does have an oriental fairy tale air about it.

Beautiful doors in the Americas

Cusco, Peru

Sandra from Heading for the Hills shares this photo from a church in the Andean city of Cusco, a city close to the famous Incan ruins of Macchu Pichu.

Churches often have impressive doors, and this one at La Compania, a church in the Peruvian city of Cusco, didn’t disappoint. It looks like it has been well weathered over the centuries and features a door within a door. Jesuits built the church in 1571 and rebuilt it in 1650 after an earthquake. Cusco was one of my favourite cities during our South American adventure. We flew from sea level to 3300m and I suffered from the altitude, but it was sooo worth it. As was the final ascent to Macchu Pichu.

What an impressive door! I love that this one has a door within a door. It’s a bit like having the grandeur of the stately doors without the hassle of having to haul the heavy things open every time you want to go in or out. Beautiful and practical.

Savannah, Georgia

Nicole from Family with Latitude (isn’t that the best travel blog name ever?) shares this gem from America’s south.

Savannah is all about the architecture. The sweeping southern style is everywhere and so is wrought iron. It surrounds the trim of the homes, the windows, and frames the front doors. Every door has different wrought iron pattern and style. While they all feel the same each one has their own personality. I especially love the details in the wrought iron, as some are fanciful and delicate and others are simpler and classic.

I love the black plantation shutters in this picture, too.

Cuenca, Ecuador

Michelle from Intentional Travels spent some time in Cuenca Ecuador shares this photo of a door that looks like the love child of a spider and a time warp.

I was captivated by the doors in Cuenca, Ecuador. This ‘city of eternal spring’ in the Andes mountains is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. The city was founded by the Spanish in the 1500s, with much of the historic buildings erected in the 18th century and ‘modernised’ as Cuenca prospered in the 19th century. Bright latin colours combine with old world colonial architecture to create a charming and beautiful centro that draws Ecuadorians and expats alike.

Oh yeah, bucket list, baby!

Granada, Nicaragua

Martha from Nicaragua Immersion shares her love of Granada and this stately solid timber door

I love to door watch in the attractive, colonial city of Granada, Nicaragua. They are colorful, and not, heavy, of wood, sometimes accompanies by a metal gate to allow the airflow when needed.

I love that the doors are thick and handcrafted. The woodworking is done by skilled crafters, there are special towns that are known for their well made and beautiful, traditional wood products. Mass produced has not surpassed these well-made, very personal doors.

Few doors are exactly alike here, though they tend to all be solid at their base and have a design that allows some light to enter the home while the large doors block out the sun from the heat of the day and protect the dwellers from unwelcome guests at night.

This is a door brought here by Spanish conquerors. It is not the door that the average Nicaraguan has ever used or seen from the inside.

I’m a little in love with the aqua rendered walls. Swoon.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Ivana from Postcards from IvI shares this photo of a beautiful door from La Boca in Argentina. I’ve been there and can agree that it is a very colourful neighbourhood.

This photo was taken in Buenos Aires, Argentina in La Boca which is the most colourful neighbourhood in the city. I love this door because of the history behind it. La Boca is the area where European immigrants first established when they arrived in Buenos Aires around 1830. Immigrants didn’t have much money so they lived together in shared houses called ‘conventillos’ that were made of scrap metal and painted them with bright leftover marine paint to liven up the one-time wasteland. La Boca is an amazing neighbourhood to walk around and take pictures of every colourful door and street.

I love the bold use of the bright blue paint against the more sombre mustard yellow walls. The timber doors are just lovely.

Beautiful doors in Africa

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Miguel from Travel Sauro shares this beautiful blue door from Morocco.

Entering a medina through its narrow streets is like entering a world of doors. By looking at the alleys in a Moroccan city, you can learn about its history and tradition. The little town of Chefchaouen, located in the north of the country, certainly has a unique history.

The whole town was painted blue due to the influence of the Jewish refugees who arrived there in 1930 and who sought to make their houses look like the sky by painting them blue. The streets and doors are among the most beautiful you can imagine.

The light and shadows and striking blue and greenery in the pots make this a place I want to visit RIGHT NOW.

Tunis Medina, Tunisia

Steph from The Mediterranean Explorer shares this stunning photo of a blue door studded with ornate decorations from Tunisia in northern Africa.

This photo was taken in Tunis Medina, which is just heaven if you have a thing for doors (which I definitely do). Most of the doors in Tunis and nearby Sidi Bou Said are bright blue and studded with traditional motifs – crescent moons, stars, and geometric patterns, and sometimes topped with black and white arches. They lead into intricate courtyards, workshops, shops, cafes, and mosques. This one is more turquoise than most in Tunis, I love the simplicity of the heavy black stud work on colour.

This is just beautiful. I really want to peek inside.

Johannesburg, South Africa

Verushka from the Spice Goddess blog shares this ornate door from a mosque in South Africa.

This photo was taken at the Turkish Mosque in Johanessburg, South Africa. At first glance, this mosque could be mistaken for the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Built by the Turkish Government, it houses several shops and eateries on the property. I love the beautiful colours of the mosaic contrasting with the wooden doors and the gold script.The use of the Arabic font combined with all the other elements makes it rather eye-catching a very Instagram worthy.

Instagram-worthy is like the highest compliment you can pay these days. Agreed!

If you’re into doors, don’t forget to check out our post on Creative ways to decorate your front door.

Do you have a favourite door from the list above?