Night-time is a magical time when most of the world is asleep, and you finally get to do things on your terms. Those who don’t live in urban areas might think this means darkness and solitude, but it doesn’t. Cities are particularly special at night, illuminating streetlights and bright signage lighting up the sky.
In this post, we’ll be exploring some of the most noteworthy cities to visit when it’s nighttime – not just because they’re beautiful, but because they have something unique or unusual to offer.
1. San Francisco, USA
San Francisco is a city that never sleeps, as the saying goes. This is especially true at night. Whether you’re looking to go clubbing, eat at one of the many world-class restaurants or enjoy a good night’s sleep in one of its luxury hotels, San Francisco has it all and then some for the night owl.
San Francisco is also a great place to be if you’re into photography! It’s famous for its world-renowned Golden Gate Bridge, which stretches across the bay between San Francisco and Oakland. At nighttime, it turns into an art piece made up of different colors and looks rather beautiful against the backdrop of glittering city lights behind it.
2. Sydney, Australia
Some people might be surprised to learn that Sydney is the second-most populous city in Australia. It’s also one of the most well-lit cities in the world. It has more than five times as many streetlights as New York City and Chicago – they’re so plentiful that they’re included on a map titled “streetlight density.”
You’ll find that attention to detail extends to its nightlife. Sydney is known for its strip clubs, open-air nightclubs, and other places you can party at the eleventh hour of the night. This is no surprise when you consider that it’s one of Australia’s favorite cities for locals and tourists alike.
3. Toronto, Canada
Toronto has a lot of things going for it – highly rated restaurants, an economy that’s booming, and some of the best city parks in the world. But what truly sets it apart from other cities is its nightlife. It’s truly one of the most beautiful cities at night, and people from all over come to explore this beautiful cosmopolitan city at night.
The best place to start getting into its nightlife is The Entertainment District. This area houses loads of bars, clubs, dance clubs, and restaurants. The best time to go is between 11 p.m to 2 a.m., when everyone else has gone home, but you can still fit in a dance or two.
4. Paris, France
Paris is widely considered to be the most romantic city in the world. Its iconic Eiffel Tower is also a central part of its nighttime appeal, as it shines brightly against the night sky and creates a picturesque scene that extends for kilometers around it.
If you want to see Paris at its best, then head over to the Champs Elysees and lose yourself in one of its open-air cafes and restaurants. It’s an experience that will stand you in good stead if words aren’t your thing and you’re looking to impress.
5. Montreal, Canada
If you’ve ever visited Montreal, you probably have a good idea of what makes it special. It sits on an island in the St. Lawrence River, which adds to the beauty of its skyline and makes it feel like a city that’s set apart from the rest. You can reach it by driving on several bridges or taking a ferry across, and you’ll immediately notice that the nightlife here is vibrant enough to put most other cities to shame.
The main areas for nightlife are Old Montreal and Crescent Street, which are only about a kilometer apart. Some things to do in Montreal at night include; skating on the ice-covered streets, visiting the bars and nightclubs in Old Montreal, or walking around its breathtaking street lamps.
6. Madrid, Spain
Madrid is one of the sunniest cities in Europe. Thanks to its temperate weather and fascinating cultural calendar, it’s also a great place to visit in the fall. But it’s also spectacular at night, thanks to the street art that covers just about every nook and cranny of the city center.
The best place to be at night is Plaza Mayor, a central hub for Madrid’s nightlife lovers. There are plenty of restaurants here and popular bars and clubs for those looking to dance or enjoy a few drinks with friends. Those interested in cultural activities can participate in open-air concerts or choirs every night at Plaza Mayor.
The world has many great cities to offer, so you’ll never run out of options for a good trip. However, if you’re looking for a truly memorable experience, you should consider one of these six cities. They’re all unique and have something interesting to offer travelers that go there at night.