12 Mesmerizing Images of Cities After Dark

March 3, 2017

All right, it’s time to ’fess up. We’ve got a pretty serious crush—on our cities.  

Like most urbanities, we can’t get enough of the thrills of metropolitan living, and we think it’s worth taking a moment to celebrate a side of cities that come alive after dark. We’ve compiled 12 of our favorite snapshots of cities at night, culled from locales all across the globe. 

(A word of warning: you may feel a need to plan your next vacation immediately after scrolling through.)

1. SHANGHAI, CHINA: Just because the sun is setting doesn't mean the action stops, as any city-dweller knows. Even late at night, Shanghai's streets are dynamic, which probably isn't that surprising, given that—as a bona fide megacity—it's home to 25 million people.
2. STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN: Here's a reminder for all of us to look a little closer at the urban scenery we so often pass without thinking. After dark, even regular old office blocks, like this building in Stockholm, transform into something Instagrammable.

3. CHICAGO, USA: Sure, highways aren't always the most beautiful of urban features...until the sun sets, at least. This aerial shot of Chicago's (aptly named) Gold Coast, taken just after sundown, shows how lovely our freeways can really be.

4. MEXICO CITY, MEXICO: Don't let nightfall slow down your urban explorations. As this photo of the Palacio de Bella Artes in Mexico City proves, twilight is an entirely underrated time to go on a sightseeing tour around town.
5. DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Hyper-modern megalopolises really transform after dark. Dubai's soaring spires might be impressive by day (the Burj Khalifa, which measures in at 2,722 feet, is still the world's tallest skyscraper). But at night, watch as the city turns into something straight out of a blockbuster sci-fi flick.
6. VENICE, ITALY: That being said, it's not just high-tech urban centers that benefit from an evening glow. Old-world architecture and the golden warmth of street lamps in cities like Venice make after-dark outings that much more romantic. Anyone know where we can catch the nearest gondola ride?
7. HAVANA, CUBA: Speaking of after-dark charm, there's the inimitable Havana—already famous for its color and verve—which somehow becomes even more accentuated at night. No, we didn't know it was possible either.
8. HONG KONG: Of course, "night" can be something of a misnomer too, considering just how bright today's neon-lit urban centers can be. Exhibit A: this stunning shot of a busy shopping street in Hong Kong. That's one way to ensure your city never sleeps.

9. NEW YORK CITY, USA: Going for a nighttime wander around town can also reveal some surprises. For instance: if you time your explorations for a quiet, snowy evening, you might find that you can have the Brooklyn Bridge walkway all to yourself. (For a few moments, at least.)

10. LONDON, ENGLAND: Cities at night aren't just pretty from street level. Next time you find yourself airborne, keep your eyes locked on the window as you descend into your destination. You may just see a world-famous landmark (oh hey, Tower Bridge!) appear through the glass.
11. BERGEN, NORWAY: Here's an after-dark cityscape not to be missed: Bergen, Norway isn't just illuminated by neon lights, it also has the Northern Lights pulling double duty.
12. BEIJING, CHINA: Tempted to hit the town for your own after-dark photo shoot? First, brush up with these urban photography hacks to nab creative, non-touristy shots. Then grab your camera (smartphones work, too!) and get ready to capture your city's nocturnal side. In this image, a rooftop view of Beijing is more than a little photogenic.
1. SHANGHAI, CHINA: Just because the sun is setting doesn't mean the action stops, as any city-dweller knows. Even late at night, Shanghai's streets are dynamic, which probably isn't that surprising, given that—as a bona fide megacity—it's home to 25 million people.
2. STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN: Here's a reminder for all of us to look a little closer at the urban scenery we so often pass without thinking. After dark, even regular old office blocks, like this building in Stockholm, transform into something Instagrammable.

3. CHICAGO, USA: Sure, highways aren't always the most beautiful of urban features...until the sun sets, at least. This aerial shot of Chicago's (aptly named) Gold Coast, taken just after sundown, shows how lovely our freeways can really be.

4. MEXICO CITY, MEXICO: Don't let nightfall slow down your urban explorations. As this photo of the Palacio de Bella Artes in Mexico City proves, twilight is an entirely underrated time to go on a sightseeing tour around town.
5. DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Hyper-modern megalopolises really transform after dark. Dubai's soaring spires might be impressive by day (the Burj Khalifa, which measures in at 2,722 feet, is still the world's tallest skyscraper). But at night, watch as the city turns into something straight out of a blockbuster sci-fi flick.
6. VENICE, ITALY: That being said, it's not just high-tech urban centers that benefit from an evening glow. Old-world architecture and the golden warmth of street lamps in cities like Venice make after-dark outings that much more romantic. Anyone know where we can catch the nearest gondola ride?
7. HAVANA, CUBA: Speaking of after-dark charm, there's the inimitable Havana—already famous for its color and verve—which somehow becomes even more accentuated at night. No, we didn't know it was possible either.
8. HONG KONG: Of course, "night" can be something of a misnomer too, considering just how bright today's neon-lit urban centers can be. Exhibit A: this stunning shot of a busy shopping street in Hong Kong. That's one way to ensure your city never sleeps.

9. NEW YORK CITY, USA: Going for a nighttime wander around town can also reveal some surprises. For instance: if you time your explorations for a quiet, snowy evening, you might find that you can have the Brooklyn Bridge walkway all to yourself. (For a few moments, at least.)

10. LONDON, ENGLAND: Cities at night aren't just pretty from street level. Next time you find yourself airborne, keep your eyes locked on the window as you descend into your destination. You may just see a world-famous landmark (oh hey, Tower Bridge!) appear through the glass.
11. BERGEN, NORWAY: Here's an after-dark cityscape not to be missed: Bergen, Norway isn't just illuminated by neon lights, it also has the Northern Lights pulling double duty.
12. BEIJING, CHINA: Tempted to hit the town for your own after-dark photo shoot? First, brush up with these urban photography hacks to nab creative, non-touristy shots. Then grab your camera (smartphones work, too!) and get ready to capture your city's nocturnal side. In this image, a rooftop view of Beijing is more than a little photogenic.