The world’s prettiest cities at night

Dubai at night is a cityscape of unparalleled beauty, which is why we’ve crowned it the prettiest city to experience after dark. With an impressive count of 25,905 Instagram posts under the hashtag 'dubaiatnight', it's clear the city holds an irresistible allure for nocturnal adventurers.

Dubai's light pollution score of 52.8 out of 100 may seem high, but it doesn’t take away from the breathtaking views. While you might not be able to do much stargazing here, the city’s many skyscrapers offer an enchanting tapestry of lights to marvel at. The night-time view from the towering Burj Khalifa’s observation deck is truly unmatched!

And if you do want to get a closer look at the night sky, just head out to the Al Qudra desert, where the Dubai Astronomy Group offers regular stargazing events to make your Dubai holiday extra special. 

Dubai is also one of the safest cities to walk alone at night, so even solo travellers can take in the sights without a worry. 

Tokyo comes in second place, with 15,869 Instagram posts sharing captivating images of the city at night. Japan’s capital boasts slightly lower levels of light pollution than Dubai, offering more of a balance between the shimmering city lights and the ethereal night sky. 

As you wander the streets, revel in the glow of Shibuya Crossing or the neon-lit charm of Shinjuku. Tokyo is another safe destination for walking alone at night, ensuring that solo sightseers can soak up the night-time beauty without any concerns. 

Whether you indulge in late-night culinary delights at bustling food markets or unwind in the timeless beauty of Japanese tea houses, Tokyo at night is an enchanting journey through both modern marvels and timeless traditions. 

Another sparkling gem amid Asia’s nightlife is Singapore, which takes third place with 15,013 Instagram posts showing off its night-time allure. As dusk descends, Singapore's skyline transforms into a mesmerising tapestry of shimmering lights and architectural wonders.

One of the city-state's standout features is the iconic Marina Bay Sands, a majestic integrated resort that boasts an awe-inspiring rooftop SkyPark. Visitors are treated to a clear panorama of Singapore's breathtaking skyline and can even stop to admire the spectacular light show at Gardens by the Bay.

Discover the allure of Singapore holidays and let the city's night-time charm captivate you. With its iconic landmarks, bustling night markets and vibrant atmosphere, the night truly comes alive in Singapore.

Nestled along the picturesque coastline of Oman, Muscat earns its place as the fourth-prettiest city at night. This enchanting destination boasts a unique blend of Arabian charm and modern allure, creating a charming ambience that flourishes under the glow of the moon.

As well as stunning architectural landmarks, Muscat offers wonderfully clear views of the night sky thanks to a low light pollution level of just 29.3 out of 100. Take a sunset dhow cruise along the coast to fully appreciate the radiant views, witnessing the city's skyline transform into a stunning silhouette against the fading light.

For a truly unforgettable experience, venture into the heart of Muscat's old town to find the iconic Mutrah Souq, a vibrant Arabian marketplace that really comes alive at night. From colourful fabrics to fragrant spices, there’s no shortage of wonders to discover. 

It’s no surprise that NYC makes the list – it’s the city that never sleeps, after all. 

Nearly 39,000 snaps of New York’s night-time glamour have been uploaded to Instagram, which is more than any other city we looked at. It’s easy to understand why people are so enchanted by the Big Apple after dark when its iconic skyline lights up in all its glory. A visit to the top of the legendary Empire State Building is a must to fully take in all the sights and sounds of New York at night, offering unrivalled views over the city. 

A trip to Times Square should also be on your list, where you can get lost among the colossal billboards and neon signs. Or, if that’s not your thing, take a calming cruise along the Hudson River to admire the illuminated Statue of Liberty and the breathtaking sight of Manhattan's skyline from the water.

Whatever you choose to do, there’s no shortage of ways to appreciate the vibrant night-time energy on a holiday in New York.

If you’re eager to enjoy beautiful night-time scenery without leaving Europe, Reykjavik is the place for you. The stunning capital of Iceland Has the lowest light and noise pollution level of all cities we looked at (19.3 out of 100), as well as a high safety score of 72.4 for walking alone at night.

If you plan a trip to Reykjavik at the right time – between September and April – you also have a very high chance of being treated to nature’s most spectacular light show, the northern lights.

Dubrovnik in Croatia comes in second, followed by Helsinki in Finland. Other cities among the top 10 prettiest in Europe at night are Vienna, Austria; Zagreb, Croatia; San Sebastian, Spain; and Munich, Germany.