A look at some of the world’s best city lights

Posted on 2 February 2025 By Nomvelo Masango

After the sun has set, many of the world’s most iconic destinations come alive. For this reason, exploring cities by night is worthwhile.

From the ‘City of Lights’ to the ‘City that Never Sleeps’, there is much beauty to be enjoyed by nocturnal adventurers at different destinations. City lights offer stunning allure and nocturnal charm which features on the bucket lists of many eager travellers.

Photo by Kati Auld.

Across the globe, there are many destinations which can be found dazzling after dark. Here’s a look at a few of the world’s best city lights:

Dubai

Picture: Sourced / Getty Images

Dubai is known for its glitz and golden glamour. After dark, the destination is a cityscape of unparalleled beauty which boasts an enchanting tapestry of light.

Dubai’s skyscrapers and architectural gems offer an irresistible allure which nocturnal adventurers can enjoy. Popular attractions such as the Burj Khalifa offer awe-inspiring views of the city’s lit-up skyline. You can also go camping in the desert to experience some more unbelievable nocturnal beauty.

Paris

Paris Eiffel Tower, France (Picture: iStock / Jotlly)

Paris is a destination that is rich in beauty, culture, art and design. Commonly known as ‘City of Light’, the nickname is said to be as a result of Paris being one of the first European cities to install street lights around the 17thcentury.

Today, the destination stands tall with plenty of attractions that glitter and dazzle in the most beautiful and unbelievable ways. A walk by the Seine offers views of the Eiffel Tower as it glitters gorgeously in the distance, and taking an elevator up to the top of the tower offers worthwhile views of the pretty Parisian skyline.

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Rio de Janeiro

Aerial view of Rio de Janeiro Brazil with Guanabara Bay and Sugar Loaf at night (Picture: iStock / Grafissimo)

Rio de Janeiro is known for its beaches and the magnificent Christ the Redeemer statue. The destination also boasts views which can easily have many travel enthusiasts longing to pack their suitcase. At night, Rio de Janeiro comes alive with light.

Stunning displays of light are ideally viewed from on high, and the glitter-showered Rio Carnival is also highly worth witnessing.

New York City

Picture: Sourced / Getty Images

Also known as the ‘City that Never Sleeps’, New York City is home to plenty of enchanting lights that can be enjoyed in the nighttime.

Although the city is known for its buzz and beauty during the day, it transforms into a spectacle to behold after the sun has set.

The bright and dazzling neon jungle of lights at the popular Times Square is worth witnessing at least once. For party animals, New York City also boasts glitzy clubs to keep you wonderfully entertained.

(When exploring destinations at night, it is always important to prioritize your safety and that of your belongings). 

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