Nocturnal Experiences & Holidays: Where the Real Adventure Begins After Dark
Nocturnal Experiences & Holidays: Where the Real Adventure Begins After Dark
As the sun sets and moonlight bathes the earth, the night opens a door to nocturnal experiences you can only find after dark.
From sizzling night markets to forests alive with nocturnal wildlife, nighttime adventures reveal a side of nature that daylight rarely shows. Whether you’re chasing the aurora across frozen fjords, wandering candlelit ruins, hiking under starry skies, or exploring cobbled streets buzzing with neon lights, these nocturnal experiences reveal hidden landscapes, secret stories, and extraordinary moments that only appear after the sun has set.
Here are some of the most magical night activities around the world that you can watch, walk, and play through after daylight has faded.
1. Jordan
Candles, carvings, and Bedouin tales
When to go: August and September – best time to see the Milky Way.
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Treasury of Petra lit up by thousands of candles
Follow a flickering path of thousands of candles through the narrow Siq to the iconic Treasury of Petra.
Along the way, local musicians and storytellers add atmosphere, while the glow of candlelight transforms Petra, Jordan into a magical landscape of shadows and stone. The nighttime visit offers a rare perspective on the ancient city, letting you experience its carvings and history under the quiet brilliance of starlight.
Petra Weekender
For those who want to experience Petra after dark, the Petra Weekender is the perfect choice. This carefully crafted five-day tour lets you follow the Siq illuminated by 1,500 candles to the Treasury, where Bedouin stories and music bring the ancient city to life.
During the trip, you can also explore Petra’s rock-cut architecture by day, take part in a Jordanian cookery class, and float in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea. Combining cultural immersion, history, and unique nighttime experiences, this itinerary offers a truly memorable way to discover Jordan.
Discover Susanne's journey to Jordan in Seven Days: Expert-Guided Itinerary for a Perfect Week.
2. Tallinn
Ghosts, legends, and torchlit streets
When to go: October to March - best for wintry city breaks with darker nights
Tallinn Old Town after dark
Looking for something a little spookier after dark? Wander the torchlit cobblestone streets of Tallinn’s medieval Old Town on a ghost tour where eerie legends, haunted houses, and ghostly monks come to life.
From the Danish King’s Garden to ancient towers, this nocturnal walk blends history with myth, revealing the city’s most mysterious side. Not for the faint-hearted, it’s a captivating way to experience Estonia’s capital after sunset.
Essential Estonia
The Essential Estonia tour with Regent already showcases the country’s highlights – from Tallinn’s medieval spires to Narva’s twin fortresses and Tartu’s vibrant university life. But to truly experience Tallinn in a different light, add on a nighttime ghost tour. It’s the perfect way to contrast the city’s daytime charm with its darker side, combining history, folklore, and a little spine-tingling suspense.
See some more of the best places to see in Tallinn.
Top tip: Be sure to travel between 21st November to 27th December 2025 to see the Christmas markets!
3. Sweden
Moose safaris, national parks and best views of the northern lights
When to go: August to April - best time to see the northern lights
Dalarna forest lit up by northern lights
Venture into the forests of Dalarna after dusk, when moose, deer, and owls begin to stir.
Guided by experts, you’ll spot Sweden's native wildlife in their natural habitat while soaking up the Nordic night. Visit in autumn or winter, the prime season for nocturnal wildlife activity, and you may also catch a glimpse of the elusive aurora dancing above the trees, adding a magical backdrop to this truly unique nocturnal adventure.
Sweden at a Glance Fly-Drive
If you want to experience Sweden’s forests, lakes, and cities at your own pace, the Sweden at a Glance Fly-Drive with Regent is the perfect choice. This carefully planned eight-day itinerary takes you from Stockholm’s historic streets to the tranquil landscapes of Dalarna and Lake Siljan, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, enjoy local culture, and take in the Nordic scenery.
With Regent’s expert planning and attention to detail, you can relax and focus on the experiences that matter most - including the chance to venture into the forests after dusk for your own night-time moose safari.
4. Japan
Street food and neon streets
When to go: March to May and September to November - mild evenings, seasonal festivals and great for evening food tours and neon-lit nightlife
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Tokyo at night
Step into Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife and explore the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku and Shibuya.
Follow a guided evening Japanese food tour through smoky yakitori stalls, stand-up sushi bars, and sizzling tempura counters, tasting the city’s most authentic flavours while soaking up its electric energy. This nighttime adventure offers a uniquely immersive way to discover Tokyo after dark, where every alley reveals a new culinary delight and the city comes alive.
A Week in Tokyo: Beyond the Stopover
For a nocturnal journey that immerses you in Tokyo’s layers - past, present, and future - the A Week in Tokyo: Beyond the Stopover tour is in a league of its own.
Over eight thoughtfully designed days, you’ll begin in lantern-lit Asakusa and drift through tranquil palace gardens before evening adventures bring the city to life: neon-lit izakayas tucked behind Ginza façades, immersive teamLab installations glowing in the dark, and hidden Golden Gai bars where locals sip under paper lanterns. With all logistics handled, this nocturnal-rich itinerary lets you explore Tokyo’s hidden rhythms with ease and flair.
See Noemi's first-hand experience of Japan with her guide to the best cultural experiences in Japan: traditions, activities and tours.
5. Norway
Dog sledding and aurora spotting under a dark sky
When to go: September to March - best time to see the northern lights
Activities in Norway's wilderness after dark
In another dark sky destination, you can glide through Norway's frozen fjords and snow-covered forests, led by an eager team of huskies, their paws softly crunching over the pristine Arctic snow.
With low light pollution and no engines to break the quiet, you’ll experience the northern lights in all their brilliance as they shimmer across the starry night sky. Guided by experts, this husky-led adventure combines exhilaration and intimacy, letting you connect with both the landscape and the magical aurora above.
It’s a nighttime experience like no other, where the Arctic wilderness and dancing lights create memories that stay with you long after the journey ends.
Snowhotel Kirkenes Escape
If you're seeking an immersive Arctic adventure beyond the typical tourist trail, the Snowhotel Kirkenes Escape by Regent offers an unparalleled experience. This five-day journey transports you to the remote village of Kirkenes, nestled in the northern hemisphere.
Your stay includes a night in a -4°C ice room at the renowned Snowhotel, followed by two nights in a cosy Gamme Cabin. Engage in exhilarating activities such as dog sledding or a king crab safari, and embark on a quest to witness the mesmerising northern lights in a region renowned for its low light pollution.
Norway is one of the best Nordic countries to visit in the summer because of its dramatic scenery, all visible under the midnight sun.
6. Cambodia
Lively performances and cultural charm
When to go: November to February: cooler, dry nights make night markets, riverside dining and Phare Circus shows far more comfortable
Phare Circus
Spend an evening under the big top with Phare Circus, where acrobatics, theatre, dance, and live music collide.
Every performance is brought to life by graduates of a social arts school, who use daring stunts and powerful storytelling to share tales of resilience and creativity. More than just entertainment, this nighttime experience gives you a vibrant window into modern Cambodian culture while supporting an inspiring community project.
Culture and Cuisine of Cambodia
On the Culture and Cuisine of Cambodia tour with Regent, the nights come alive - from vibrant street food to the electrifying Phare Circus, you experience the country in a whole new way.
As night falls, the adventure continues with a visit to Phare Circus. This dynamic performance not only entertains but also tells stories of resilience and creativity, providing a vibrant window into modern Cambodian culture. The evening culminates with a traditional Khmer dinner, allowing you to savour authentic flavours while reflecting on the day's experiences. With thoughtfully paced itineraries and immersive activities, this tour offers a unique blend of cultural exploration and culinary delight under the Cambodian night sky.
Along with Cambodia, you can discover more hidden gems of South East Asia with our in-depth guide to Off-the-Beaten-Track South East Asia.
7. Svalbard
Snowmobiling and Arctic wonders
When to go: October to April - best months for snow, where temperature averages between -13 to -20°C
Snowobiling under the northern lights in Svalbard
Take to the Arctic wilderness on a silent electric snowmobile, gliding beneath a sky sprinkled with stars.
Navigate frozen valleys where reindeer and arctic fox roam freely, and pause to sip hot drinks as the northern lights shimmer overhead. With only your headlamps cutting through the darkness, this nighttime adventure lets you feel the raw beauty and solitude of Svalbard like few ever do - a rare, exhilarating way to explore the polar night.
Svalbard Polar Nights
For a truly immersive nocturnal adventure, the Svalbard Polar Nights tour with Regent is unbeatable.
Spend five days exploring the Arctic under 24-hour darkness, where every activity - from husky sledding to electric snowmobiling - is framed by starlight and the possibility of the northern lights. Glide silently through snow-covered valleys, spot reindeer and arctic foxes, and pause beneath the shimmering aurora for moments that feel completely otherworldly.
With expert guides, comfortable Arctic accommodations, and carefully curated experiences, this tour lets you discover Svalbard’s remote beauty after dark, offering a rare chance to experience the polar night in all its quiet, exhilarating intensity.
8. Havila Cruise
Endless sun and untouched scenery
When to go: May to July - best time to see Norway's landscapes under the endless Midnight Sun
Havila cruise ship under the midnight sun
Sail through Norway’s fjords from Kirkenes to Bergen under the ethereal glow of the midnight sun.
In summer, the Arctic Circle offers 24 hours of daylight, transforming “night” into a golden dreamscape where the sun never fully sets. Stand on deck at midnight as the horizon glows with soft light, fjords shimmer in warm hues, and time itself feels suspended. It’s a rare nocturnal experience without darkness - one that captures the Arctic at its most surreal.
Havila Midnight Sun Voyage
Discover Norway’s fjords on a Havila Voyages Sailing Under the Midnight sun with Regent, sailing from Kirkenes to Bergen under endless daylight. The sun hovers above the horizon, casting golden light over dramatic fjords and coastal towns. With every hour offering spectacular views and photo opportunities, this unique Arctic summer journey is a rare nocturnal experience where night never truly arrives.
For winter voyages, discover the best northern lights cruises to see the magic of the aurora.
9. Taiwan
Street feasts, hidden flavours and neon-lit culinary adventures
When to go: March to May and October to November - Pleasant evenings and festival season
Taiwan night market
When night falls in Taiwan, the streets burst into life. Lanterns glow above sizzling stalls as vendors serve up dumplings, braised pork rice, and sweet pineapple cakes. In Taipei, Taichung, and Tainan, the night markets are more than food - they’re theatre, with clattering woks, calling chefs, and a kaleidoscope of aromas. Exploring them after dark is the tastiest way to experience Taiwan’s culture.
Culture and Cuisine of Taiwan
Regent’s Culture and Cuisine of Taiwan tour already showcases the island’s highlights, from serene Sun Moon Lake to mountain tea trails in Alishan. But to capture Taiwan’s essence after dark, nothing compares to the night markets. Add these evening experiences to taste the island’s true character - vibrant, noisy, and endlessly delicious.
Read Noemi's Taipei Food Guide: Exploring Taiwan's Culinary Wonders.
Plan Your Nocturnal Adventure Around the World
Discover the world after dark with a bespoke itinerary tailored to your interests, pace, and schedule. Whether you want to chase the aurora in Scandinavia, wander candlelit ruins in Jordan, or explore neon-lit streets in Tokyo, Regent can create a personalised nocturnal journey that brings the best night-time adventures to you.
Contact us today to start planning your after-dark exploration.