As the sun sets, certain places around the world transform into magical realms
perfect for capturing unique photographs.
From star-filled desert skies to neon-lit cityscapes, these locations offer
photographers extraordinary opportunities to capture stunning nighttime images that
tell compelling visual stories.
Namib Desert, Namibia
Photograph ancient dead trees silhouetted against the Milky Way at Deadvlei’s clay
pan. The dark sky reserve status means virtually zero light pollution, while the dead
camel thorn trees create otherworldly foreground elements against the star-filled sky.
Tokyo, Japan
Capture the cyberpunk aesthetic of Shibuya Crossing, where neon signs reflect off
rain-slicked streets. The famous Scramble Crossing comes alive after dark with
streams of people moving beneath massive LED billboards, while nearby alleyways
offer moody film noir vibes.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Santorini, Greece
Frame the blue-domed churches against starlit skies from Oia’s winding pathways.
The whitewashed buildings create perfect leading lines, while the village’s cascading
architecture offers numerous vantage points for capturing the illuminated caldera.
Aurora Sky Station, Sweden
Chase the Northern Lights from this purpose-built observation center in Abisko
National Park. The location’s unique microclimate creates frequent clear skies, while
the elevated position provides unobstructed views of the aurora borealis.
Hong Kong
Shoot the world’s most dramatic skyline from Victoria Peak, where skyscrapers
pierce the night sky. The daily Symphony of Lights provides dynamic shooting
opportunities, while the traditional junks in Victoria Harbor add cultural elements to
urban scenes.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Photograph star reflections in the world’s largest salt flat during the rainy season. The mirror-like surface creates perfect reflections of the night sky, while the hexagonal salt patterns add fascinating foreground texture.
Dubai, UAE
Capture futuristic cityscapes where modern architecture meets desert darkness. The
Burj Khalifa’s light shows provide dynamic subjects, while desert locations just outside the city offer clear shots of the Milky Way above the dunes.
Mauna Kea, Hawaii
Shoot above the clouds at one of Earth’s premier stargazing locations. The visitor
center at 9,200 feet offers stable shooting conditions, while the summit provides
views of observatories silhouetted against star-filled skies.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Jiufen, Taiwan
Document the atmospheric old street that inspired Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. Red
lanterns illuminate narrow alleyways, while traditional tea houses provide perfectly lit
subjects against the night sky.
Vatnajökull, Iceland
Photograph ice caves illuminated by the Northern Lights during winter months. The
crystal-clear ice creates ethereal light effects, while the remote location ensures dark
skies perfect for aurora photography.
Singapore
Capture the futuristic Gardens by the Bay, where artificial trees glow against the
night sky. The Supertree Grove light show provides dynamic shooting opportunities,
while the Marina Bay area offers countless architectural subjects.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Atacama Desert, Chile
Work in the world’s driest desert, where clear skies reveal the center of our galaxy.
The ALMA Observatory provides unique foreground elements, while ancient petroglyphs can be light-painted for distinctive compositions.
Zhangjiajie, China
Shoot the illuminated Avatar mountains, where karst peaks pierce low-lying clouds.
The night lighting creates dramatic shadows, while cable cars offer unique elevated
shooting positions.
Cappadocia, Turkey
Document the otherworldly landscape of illuminated cave houses and fairy chimneys. Evening balloon preparations provide dynamic light sources, while ancient cave churches offer atmospheric interior shooting opportunities.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Manhattan, USA
Capture the city that never sleeps from the Top of the Rock observation deck. The
grid pattern of streets creates leading lines of light, while iconic buildings provide
endless compositional possibilities.
Petra, Jordan
Photograph the Treasury by candlelight during special night openings. Thousands of
candles illuminate the ancient facade, while the narrow Siq creates natural framing
opportunities.
Lake Louise, Canada
Shoot star trails over the iconic Fairmont Chateau and frozen lake. The surrounding
mountains block light pollution, while the hotel’s illumination provides perfect
foreground interest.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Capture the medieval walls illuminated against the Adriatic night sky. The polished
limestone streets reflect city lights, while elevated positions offer views of the entire
old town glowing at night.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Meteora, Greece
Document monasteries perched atop dramatic rock formations under starlit skies.
The buildings’ lighting creates perfect separation from the dark background, while
long exposures reveal star movements above the ancient structures.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Photograph thousands of paper lanterns during the Yi Peng festival. The mass release creates rivers of light in the night sky, while temple grounds offer atmospheric locations for cultural shots.
Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Capture light beams in the narrow slot canyons during special night photography
tours. The sandstone walls create abstract patterns when light-painted, while the
dark sky above offers stellar astrophotography opportunities.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Venice, Italy
Shoot the reflection of historic buildings in still canal waters after dark. The empty
streets and squares provide ghost-like scenes, while gondolas create perfect
foreground elements for night compositions.
Shanghai, China
Document the futuristic Pudong skyline from the historic Bund waterfront. The
constant river traffic creates light trails on the water, while the varied architecture
offers countless compositional possibilities.
Mount Bromo, Indonesia
Photograph an active volcano under the Milky Way from nearby viewpoints. Steam
vents create ethereal elements in long exposures, while pre-dawn light offers unique
shooting conditions.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Macau, China
Capture the world’s densest concentration of neon signs and casino lights. The mix
of Portuguese colonial and ultra-modern architecture provides unique juxtapositions,
while elevated positions offer views of the entire illuminated city.
Get Unexpected Shots in the Night
Night photography requires patience, technical skill, and careful planning, but these
destinations make the extra effort worthwhile.
Remember to research local conditions, bring appropriate gear, including sturdy
tripods, and respect local customs and photography restrictions.
More from Travel Pug
- 20 Cities Around the World Where You Can Walk the Streets Without Looking Over Your Shoulder
- 15 Caribbean Islands Where Tourists Keep Getting Scammed
- The 25 Best Scenic Outlooks Along U.S. Highways (The Most Beautiful Drives in America)
- The 25 Most Dangerous Cities in the World (Exercise Caution if Travelling There)
- 20 Mind-Blowing Things You Probably Didn’t Know You Could Do in the U.S.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.