It’s called noctourism. From night safaris to organized hikes under the Northern Lights, tourism is taking on a new form, with many famous destinations creating exploration packages that start after dusk. In fact, according to the results of a Booking.com survey conducted last year, almost 62% of respondents in 33 countries said they were considering a vacation with night activities, while luxury travel agent Wayfairer Travel reports that night trips increased by 25% in 2024. “They’ve taken off in the last year,” CEO Jason Stevens says in an article for National Geographic. But what exactly is night tourism and why has it suddenly gained such a wide audience?
The alternative that goes mainstream
Several factors have contributed to the rise of night tourism in recent years. One of the most important is the ongoing global climate crisis. As temperatures rise in many parts of the world, especially during the summer months, daytime tours can become unpleasant or even dangerous. Night tourism therefore offers a cooler and more enjoyable alternative. Travelers to destinations such as Dubai, Athens or Bangkok are increasingly seeking out nighttime excursions to escape the sweltering heat of the day.
Another factor is the pressure for more sustainable and responsible tourism. Popular attractions and urban landmarks often suffer from overtourism during the daytime hours. The spread of night-time tourism is helping to decongest and reduce pressure on infrastructure, with cities such as Rome and Paris starting to offer access to major attractions at night, offering a more intimate and peaceful experience for visitors. In addition, cultural changes are playing a major role. Tourists today are looking for unique experiences that go beyond the boundaries of travel guides.
For many, the night offers a different perspective to see a place, more mysterious, magical and, sometimes, more authentic. This demand is pushing destinations and travel agents to change their offerings. Lee Thompson, for example, co-founder of travel agent Flash Pack, reports that demand for night-time experiences among millennial travelers has increased by 40%. “In recent years, we have seen a growing demand for alcohol-free experiences. People are now looking for unique experiences, beyond nights in a bar, which seems to have increased nightlife tourism.”
Night tourism encompasses a wide range of activities, and its appeal lies in its diversity. Here are some of the most popular activities:
- Nighttime cultural experiences: Museums, art galleries, and historic sites have begun to extend their opening hours into the evening. Events such as “Night at the Museum” in London or “Nuit Blanche” in Paris invite tourists to enjoy art and culture in a more relaxed, often festive atmosphere.
- Astronomy tours and stargazing: With the growing interest in space and the night sky, many travelers are heading to dark-sky areas to observe the stars with the help of guides, see the stars through telescopes, and take photographs at night. Places like the Atacama Desert in Chile or the deserts of Arizona, or even off-roading in the Greek countryside, offer stunning night views.
- Night markets and street food: In many parts of Asia, the heart of the city really comes alive at night. Night markets in Taipei, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur offer not only food, but also cultural performances, shopping and local life in full swing.
- Night nature tours: Some wildlife, such as bioluminescent plankton, owls, bats or nocturnal mammals, are better visible at night. Night safaris and forest tours in places like Costa Rica or Sri Lanka offer ecological, educational experiences that highlight the hidden rhythms of nature.
- Light festivals and installations: Many cities now host nighttime events or light festivals that transform urban spaces into illuminated works of art. These include the Vivid Sydney festival in Australia or the Amsterdam Light Festival.
Global trend
Several cities have recognized the potential of nightlife tourism and are actively investing in their “nighttime economy.” London, for example, has appointed a “Night Czar” to oversee its vision of a 24-hour city, encouraging cultural, economic, and social activities that flourish after dark. Tokyo and Seoul offer a rich mosaic of nightlife activities as well. In the Middle East, cities such as Doha and Riyadh are turning their attention to nightlife tourism as part of broader development goals, building air-conditioned outdoor spaces and hosting late-night cultural events to attract international visitors. Meanwhile, in rural and natural areas, dark-sky reserves and night parks are being created to offer tourists unique access to celestial phenomena without harming the environment.
As global travel patterns continue to change, night tourism is set to play a bigger role in how we explore the world. By inviting travelers to discover what lies beyond the light of day, night tourism not only extends the boundaries of time, but also deepens our connection to place. So the next time you’re planning a trip, consider asking not only what to see, but also what time to see it.
