Step into the Night: 10 Noctourism Destinations to Visit

Noctourism has risen in popularity recently. According to a Booking.com survey, nearly two-thirds of travelers say they’re seeking vacations with experiences at night. It certainly appears that noctourism is a travel trend that will stick.

But what is noctourism exactly?

Noctourism is exploring the world at night. Noctourism involves travel activities you can only do after dark, such as viewing the Southern Lights, going on nighttime safaris, touring haunted houses, and walking around night markets. Noctourism can also involve visiting sights people typically go to during the daytime, which offers a new perspective on how that place is transformed by darkness.

There is no limit to what noctourism activities you can do, as long as a place is open for visiting. And even if you’re not a night owl, you can find noctourism destinations and activities that you will enjoy. Think of how much more peaceful a river walk at night is compared to the day!

In this article, we’ll cover 10 noctourism destinations you can visit. These destinations offer the best nighttime travel activities to enjoy. See which noctourism destination interests you, and start planning your trip!

The Top 10 Noctourism Destinations to Visit

The night belongs to the adventurer. A lot goes on after dark, and for the traveler hoping for a unique nighttime experience, there are plenty of options.

The places listed here are famous for nighttime sightseeing and activities. Whether you’re a stargazer or a city explorer, you’ll find a noctourism destination to suit you.

1. Kenya – Go on a Night Safari

Daytime safaris in Kenya are extremely popular, but roughly 69% of all mammals are nocturnal. At night, nature reserves in Kenya, such as the Maasai Mara National Reserve, come even more alive, with a better opportunity to view animals such as hippos, striped hyenas, aardvarks, leopards, and more. Night is the perfect time to see elusive predators roam. It’s an eye-opening experience.

Book your noctourism vacation: Book a Night Game Drive in Maasai Mara (note you can only do this on selected private conservancies)

2. Iceland – View the Aurora Borealis

Iceland is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, with the best viewing times from September to April. From remote coastlines to volcanic plains, Iceland offers the perfect setting to watch the skies light up. Many tour operators help travelers hunt down the best viewing points, so you can stand in awe of this mesmerizing, otherworldly natural spectacle. Another plus for choosing Iceland to view the Northern Lights is the country has ample other noctourism activities to enjoy, such as the hot springs!

Book your noctourism vacation: View the Aurora Borealis in Iceland

3. Taipei, Taiwan – Stroll the Night Markets

If you’re a late night foodie, there’s perhaps no better noctourism destination than Taipei. The city has numerous food stalls featured in the Michelin Guide. Whether you crave scallion pancakes, pork belly buns, cold noodles, street barbecue, or rice cakes, you’ll find it. Go have the time of your life and fuel your body at Taiwan’s famous night markets. There are seemingly countless markets, so explore more than one! Ximending Night Market and Ruifeng Night Market are good spots to start.

Book your noctourism vacation: Go on a Taipei Night Market Tour

4. Paris, France – Late-Night Walks

Paris is the second city to make our list of best noctourism destinations, and it’s easy to see why: Paris is the City of Light, the City of Love, and the Capital of Fashion. There are numerous famous nighttime walks you can take. Walk along the Seine River and see Notre-Dame de Paris illuminated against the night sky. Le Marais is a charming neighborhood with medieval buildings, boutiques, street food, and more. Montmartre, a historic artists’ neighborhood on a hill, is another great neighborhood for a late-night stroll.

Book your noctourism vacation: Book an Evening Outing in Paris

5. The Maldives – Sea of Stars

The Sea of Stars phenomenon in the Maldives is caused by bioluminescent phytoplankton, which light up the water like the night sky and produce an incredible reflection. The Sea of Stars is an actually a chemical reaction, so it’s not really a ‘Sea of Stars’. Regardless, the Maldives is the go-to location to see this beautiful natural event. The best time to see it is between April and October, when the Southwest Monsoon sweeps plankton closer to the shores of the islands.

Book your noctourism vacation: See the Sea of Stars in the Maldives

6. New Orleans, Louisiana – Nighttime Fun

The Big Easy brings the things that make life fun and meaningful: food, drink, music, community, and culture. New Orleans has consistently been rated as one of the best foodie travel destinations and one of the best overall travel destinations. One trip there and you’ll quickly understand why. At every turn, a new treat awaits, especially when the sun sets. At night, you can walk through the French Quarter, dine on Creole and Cajun cuisine, take in the historic architecture, have a drink at a jazz club, and much more. If you’re feeling courageous, sign up for a voodoo tour and explore America’s most haunted city like never before. The Big Easy is built for night owls, and that’s what makes it one of the best noctourism destinations in the world.

Book your noctourism vacation: Plan Your Trip to New Orleans

7. Atacama Desert, Chile — Skygazing

Chile is among the best destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, and if you’re looking for nighttime splendor, you won’t find a more unique spot than the Atacama Desert. With little to no pollution, high altitude, and extreme dryness, the Atacama Desert offers some of the best stargazing in the world, with the Milky Way, Southern Hemisphere constellations, and planets visible to the naked eye. The premier observatories here offer crystal-clear views of the cosmos, along with the chance to see high-tech telescopes in action. Making the whole scene even more spectacular, volcanoes and salt flats across the desert ground cause the ground to glow beneath the sky. You’ll feel like you’re on the moon or another planet. Note that the best time to visit is between March and October, as the skies are darkest and celestial events are more common during this period of the year.

Book your noctourism vacation: Book an Astronomy Tour in the Atacama Desert

8. Kona, Hawaii – Night Dives with Manta Rays

Renowned for coffee, volcanic landscapes, and pristine beaches, Kona is a prime vacation destination. Located on the west coast of the Big Island, Hawaii, Kona is also home to one of the best noctourism activities: Night diving with manta rays. During this dive in the clear waters off the Kona Coast, you’ll witness large manta rays perform acrobatic moves as they feed on plankton. When you dive, you’ll have a light source that will attract the plankton and then the manta rays will arrive for feeding. It’s a thrilling, close-up wildlife encounter that will immerse you in the present. Note that this once-in-a-lifetime experience is open to scuba divers of all levels, as long as you have an Open Water Certification.

Book your noctourism vacation: Book Your Night Dive in Kona

9. Tokyo, Japan – View Illuminated Cityscapes

Tokyo, a megacity with a metro area home to more than 37 million people, has long attracted travelers with its fascinating blend of modernity and tradition. If you love viewing illuminated cityscapes at night, no place is better. There are multiple locations in Tokyo where you can stand in awe of its vastness and vibrancy. Throw yourself into all the energy of Shibuya Crossing, one of the world’s busiest pedestrian intersections. Ascend to the top of the Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower for panoramic views of skyscrapers. Take a boat cruise in Tokyo Bay for a peaceful view of the city. You can also check out some of the nightlife districts, such as Shinjuku or Ginza, if you wish to have food and drink as you experience the neon lights and abundant energy.

Book your noctourism vacation: Plan Your Trip to Tokyo

10. Rome, Italy – Attend Open-Air Cinemas & Markets

Rome is The Eternal City. From the ancient ruins and world-class art to the vibrant piazzas and delicious Italian food, Rome holds a special spot in many travelers’ hearts. When night falls, the fun kicks into another gear here. Specifically, watching a moonlit movie, preferably with a gelato, is one of the most enjoyable noctourism activities you’ll find anywhere. During the summer, Rome hosts “Il Cinema in Piazza” with everything from classics to family-friendly films showing for free in public squares (check here for showtimes!). Before or after a film, you can tour the night markets, where you’ll find great food, crafts, live music, bars and restaurants, and much more. Check out Lungo il Tevere, Campo de’ Fiori, and Parioli Market.

Book your noctourism vacation: Plan Your Trip to Rome

Journey to One of the Best Noctourism Destinations

That concludes our list of the best noctourism destinations. Whether you love natural phenomena, wildlife, or big city fun, you can find a noctourism activity you’ll love in this big, beautiful world. What’s also convenient is that all the destinations listed here offer plenty to do and see during the day. They’re great vacation spots overall.

So, are you ready to explore the world after dark? It’s time to step into the night.

For help planning a vacation to one of these noctourism destinations, read through our travel preparation guides:

• How to Make a Travel Budget
• Travel Insurance Guide
• Travel Tips Resources
• Adventure Travel
• Foodie Travel

Do you have any more noctourism places to travel? Leave a comment on Facebook and start the conversation.

About the Author

Nick Callos has always had a passion for reading, writing, and discovering the new and unknown. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Nick holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Boston College. He currently splits his time between his hometown, Chengdu, China, and the open road. A full-time travel writer, Nick hopes his work can inspire others to explore the world more deeply and enjoy the digital nomad lifestyle.

Featured image by Micah Tindell on Unsplash