Night sites: The best cities to explore after dark

Barcelona, Spain - In a city where it's normal to eat dinner at around 10 pm, Barcelona has perfected the nighttime atmosphere, with Art Nouveau and modern architecture that takes on new life after sunset, and endlessly entertaining strolls amid buzzing tapas bars and music clubs in the Gothic Quarter.

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New Orleans, USA - The bars on Bourbon Street and the jazz in the French Quarter blooms in the darkness as the neon lights wake from their slumber and lead you to endless adventures—much of which is open well after the standard closing time of 2 am in the US.

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Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei - Brunei's capital is known for Islamic architecture (don't miss the night's golden glow cast over the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque), and the Gadong Night Market (lively tented stalls where vendors cook up local dishes in a cloud of delectable aromas).

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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - The Petronas Twin Towers, Menara Tower, and Petaling Street Night Market are all swathed in bright colors throughout the night. When you're out late in Kuala Lumpur, do yourself a favor and visit one of the many, many places for some quality karaoke!

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Montreal, Canada - This French-speaking city in Quebec is transformed from June to October with summer festivals including jazz, comedy, beer, fireworks, and more. The European charm in Old Montreal only gets more magical at night, as does the walk by the pier.

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Hong Kong - Hong Kong has some of the most breathtaking night views, particularly from the top of one of the almost 300 skyscrapers dotted along the skyline. Alternatively, take a highly relaxing night cruise through Victoria Harbor.

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Brussels, Belgium - Belgian beer and traditional pubs aren't the only attractions in Brussels after dark. There is also a pulsating jazz scene, stunning illuminated architecture, the charming Kunstberg museum quarter, and of course the Grand Place.

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Seville, Spain - When most people start winding down for the day, Sevillanos are starting to go out for tapas! Every night the glowing street lights illuminate winding cobblestone paths, the air fills with the scent of orange blossoms, and city puts its passion on display. Head to the top of Las Setas, the wooden “mushrooms” sculpture (pictured), then stroll along the Guadalquivir River.

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Paris, France - After sunset, the City of Light sparkles with the passion of a thousand fires, and whether you're at the Eiffel Tower or cruising along the Seine, the night-cloaked romanticism will put you under its spell. Additionally, the Louvre organizes night tours, which are ideal for avoiding the chaos of the daytime crowds.

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Sydney, Australia - The Sydney Harbor scene is truly majestic at night, and it also offers the opportunity to spend some family time at Luna Park. There's endless entertainment in the city, from theater and outdoor film screenings to eccentric bars and the Chinatown night market.

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Rome, Italy - Rome never fails to enchant, and when the sun disappears it is replaced by another golden light gilding everything from its quaint alleys and squares to its greatest fountains and monuments.

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Tokyo, Japan - The dense, bright city has a bit of everything on offer, from live music and bars to traditional Kabuki shows. It hosts some of Japan's greatest “yakei,” which can be translated to “night views,” where famously tall buildings allow you to see how light transforms the city into a stunning visual experience.

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Bruges, Belgium - The iconic Rozenhoedkaai canal and Belfry tower are some of the best places to capture Bruges by night. There's also the Market Square, Lake of Love, as well as an added tranquility along the canals and bridges as most other tourists wore themselves out during the day.

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New York City, USA - Of course, you must include the city that never sleeps. New York's spectacular energy reaches its peak at night, in an environment brimming with art, culture, and architecture all swathed in a bright, multicolored veil of light. When you're done with Times Square, walk across Brooklyn Bridge and take in one of the world's most impressive skylines.

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Edinburgh, Scotland - Nights in Edinburgh boast the chance to visit the myriad comedy or cultural venues, explore historical landmarks away from the crowds, and dive into famed whisky bars. Go ahead and sleep through your alarm tomorrow!

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Seoul, South Korea - Downtown Seoul at night is nearly as bright as it is during the day, with endless shopping, 24-hour cafes, and the beautifully lit man-made Cheonggyecheon stream perfect for a midnight stroll.

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Ljubljana, Slovenia - Slovenia's capital is very safe, and many popular streets in old town have become pedestrian only, meaning it's extremely friendly for night strollers. You can also take the funicular to the castle, and leisurely explore the river.

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Dhaka, Bangladesh - Dhaka bursts with light, scent, and flavor at night, with locals heading to restaurants, tea stalls, and markets to enjoy mouth-watering Bengali cuisine, and biryani unlike anything you've tasted. Ride a rickshaw through the city streets and enjoy the city in a whole new light.

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Ankara, Turkey - Wander the streets of the Old Quarter, admire the elegance of Kocatepe Mosque, take in panoramic views from Atakule Tower, indulge in some delicious street meat, and visit Botanik Parki, one of Ankara's lesser-known parks, which is romantically lit by the Atakule in the evening.

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Moscow, Russia - Marveling at the colorfully illuminated landmarks, strolling through the Red Square, or exploring the tranquil and dazzling Gorky Park are the makings of a perfect night.

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London, England - The elegant grandeur of the Houses of Parliament and the twinkling Thames only blossoms at night. Take advantage of late openings at the Tate Modern, and visit bustling Soho, which is steeped in history, culture, and pints. Stop by Covent Garden and Leicester Square if you're in the mood for some street performances.

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Lisbon, Portugal - While Lisbon's hilly terrain might be a challenge, it's also a huge part of the city's beauty. Spend the nights walking through cobblestone streets from one lookout to another, or enjoy a stroll by the water, topped off with a drink on a warmly lit patio.

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Budapest, Hungary - When the sun dips below the horizon and the strategically placed lighting clicks on, the city takes on a magical element. Go on a river cruise or stroll along the Danube, and admire the splendor of Budapest Parliament and Buda Castle.

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Frankfurt, Germany - A walk along the river is particularly rejuvenating on summer evenings, stroll through the Römerberg, or visit an apple-wine pub in the charming, laid-back area of Sachsenhausen.

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Cairo, Egypt - The beauty of Cairo is best exposed at night, where the big city lights shine brighter than stars on the Nile River, and where Muizz street is filled with delicious scents and bubbling chatter.

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Berlin, Germany - Berlin is famed for shedding its workday efficiencies and hosting a late-night energy preferable to its young, artist crowds. Some photo-ops include the late '60s Berlin TV Tower illuminated behind the circa-1905 Berlin Cathedral, or an enchanted walk along the tree-lined Unter den Linden.

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Prague, Czech Republic -

Cruise or walk along the calm River Vltava, try out the popular Czech beer, get haunted on ghost and vampire tours in the old underground tunnels, or just spend the nights soaking in the romantic views from one of the many bridges.

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