The World In The PM
Whether you prefer the moon as your light source or you only wake up after the sun sets, the Earth offers a splendor of locations to visit at nighttime. From the liveliest night markets to star-gazing havens, these are some of the world's most spectacular places to visit after dark.
ulziibayar badamdorj on Unsplash
1. Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, USA
If you’re looking for a star-gazing destination amidst the coolest rock formations, you want to visit Lake Powell. Since it was the first to be certified as an International Dark Sky Park, it clearly has epic night sky potential. The International Dark Sky Association is a leading organization combating light pollution across the world and they certify places that earn the dark title. The natural rock bridge creates a frame with the Milky Way as the painting.
Natural Bridges National Monument on Wikimedia
2. Yeongyang Firefly Eco Park, South Korea
A nighttime stroll through this park is a magical sight of thousands of fireflies dancing across a vast black backdrop. Yeongyang Eco Park is situated in a very eastern part of South Korea in a protected zone, where there are barely any human inhabitants. If the fireflies aren’t enchanting enough, the location is in a river valley surrounded by mountains and the starry sky attracts amateur astronomers every night.
3. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai is arguably one of the most picturesque cities in the world at nighttime. Watch as the modern skyscrapers turn the city aglow with an aerial view from Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Dubai Garden Glow is a sight to see after dark with illuminated sculptures in a kaleidoscope of colors. Become mesmerized by the many dancing water fountains that light up the night with their misty glow.
Amzexplorersfamily on Wikimedia
4. Marrakech Night Market, Morocco
Set up in the historic Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the Marrakech Night Market transforms the space into a culture and community hub. Every night market vendors sell traditional trinkets and food stalls offer mouth-watering snacks and dishes. The square blows up in a lively atmosphere with musicians, storytellers, and artists, attracting tourists and locals alike.
YoTuT from United States on Wikimedia
5. Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, Japan
Iriomote-Ishigaki is a remote destination located on the beautiful Yaeyama Islands. It was credited by the International Dark Sky Association and is known to display 84 of the 88 recognized constellations. Despite its star-gazing credentials, viewing conditions depend on the season and weather with the temperamental island climate.
6. Goodleaf Treetop Camping, Isle Of Wight
If you thrive off of forest bathing, try forest sleeping. Snooze high up in the treetops of a fairytale forest in the Isle of Wight. After a tree-climbing lesson, dinner at a local pub, and a drink by the campfire, you’ll be ready to climb to your hammock as the night owls sing you to sleep.
7. Karostas Cietums Prison, Latvia
An overnight stay at this prison hotel is not suitable if you’re afraid of the dark but, if being locked up in an iron-clad jail cell wins over a king-size bed at the Ritz, reserve your shackles now. Built as an infirmary in the 1900s, it became a Nazi and Soviet jail during the World Wars. Insert yourself inside a real-life horror story as you try and sleep inside its haunted walls.
8. Mauna Kea, Hawaii, USA
The summit of the Mauna Kea is a famous star-gazing spot in Hawaii. On the mountain peak, the only light comes from the ceiling of twinkling stars that appear so close you feel you could reach out and touch them. Close to the summit is the world’s largest research observatory which houses 13 of the most powerful telescopes ever made.
9. Saariselka, Finland
Although Saariselka is breathtaking by day, an overnight stay will transport you to a land of fantasy. What more could you ask for than a world-famous display of the Northern Lights dancing before your eyes? Actually, you could watch Aurora from the comfort of your own heated glass igloo pod at Hotel Kakslaughttanen. These little chalets are cozy and romantic with views of the snowy landscape and starry night sky.
Ninara from Helsinki, Finland on Wikimedia
10. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is a vibrant city 24/7 but it’s particularly electrifying at night. Tokyo is a sensory spectacle of flashing lights and neon signs that take over the buildings. Get lost winding through the brightly lit streets with a photo op around every corner. Stay well past sunset to take in the scenic views of the cityscape from Tokyo’s Skytree observation decks and watch the massive city ignite in twinkling lights.
11. La Fortuna, Costa Rica
There are many delightfully dark secrets in this tropical jungle destination. La Fortuna is close to the equator and in a special position to view both the northern and southern constellations. It’s also one of the rare spots above the equator where you can see the Magellanic Clouds, two irregular dwarf galaxies that orbit the Milky Way. You have the best chance of spotting them during the dry season from December to April.
12. Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada
Due to its extremely northern location, Iqaluit has short daylight hours, making it a haven for night owls who thrive when it’s dark. With a small population, this chilly location has very low light pollution, letting the bright snow peaks contrast against the black sky. Bundle up and watch the Northern Lights put on their mesmerizing color show.
13. Pic Du Midi, France
NASA scientists took photos of the moon’s surface during the Apollo missions from this location so you know you’ll get a good view from up here. Hop on La Mongie’s cable car to the summit where you’ll find a mountaintop observatory resting high above the clouds. You’ll think you’ve been transported to another planet with peaks popping through clouds below and a galaxy shining bright above you.
14. Temple Street Night Market, Hong Kong
This urbanized open-air night market combines the day’s hustle and bustle with the night’s leisurely vibe. You’re in for a thrilling evening amongst a cultural splendor of treasures and treats. Amidst the crowd, you’ll be drawn to the voices of Cantonese opera singers and traditional fortune tellers.
15. Waitomo, New Zealnd
New Zealand has much to offer eager wilderness explorers but its Waitomo Caves are extra special. A journey through the caves is a trip out of this world where tiny bioluminescent worms light up the dark rock holes. The glow worm phenomenon here is like no other with thousands of ethereal blue lights twinkling on your path as you cave hop.
16. Congress Avenue Bridge, Austin, Texas
This bridge is worth checking out at dusk when the bats wake up. These nocturnal creatures call this bridge home as they hang there to sleep all day long. When dusk falls, over a million Mexican free-tailed bats take flight from under the bridge, appearing like a smoke cloud if seen from a distance.
17. Uluru, Northern Territory, Australia
Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is a gigantic sandstone rock that stands out from the flat red desert it occupies. Since it’s quite literally in the middle of nowhere, the sacred Indigenous monolith sits in one of the darkest locations in Australia. The Australian outback offers you a vast sky with nothing to block your view, you’ll lose count of the wishes you make on the shooting stars.
18. Night Bazaar, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Stretching across several city blocks, Thailand’s Night Bazaar transforms the streets into lively corridors of culture and commerce. Every evening, artists, traders, and food vendors line the streets, offering local cuisine and crafts. Take in all the sights and smells as you immerse yourself in this cultural market after dark.
19. New Mexico Dark Skies Trail, USA
A nighttime hike along the New Mexico Dark Skies Trail is a magical journey you’ll never forget. With high altitude and clear skies, expect to vividly see Venus and Mercury as well as many constellations. Extend your stay and sleep under the stars at the Cosmic Campground.
Bureau of Land Management on Wikimedia
20. Tongkat Mountain National Park, Newfoundland, Canada
This remote park is for experienced nature enthusiasts. You can only access this natural wonderland by boat or charter plane and its nightlife consists of wild critters rather than party animals. The Northern Lights frequently visit this national park and astronomers flock here to study the sky.
