It’s not just the holidays that make cities come alive...
Check out these Top 10 Night Tours that are filled with sparkle and lights.
Paris- Known as the “City of Light” referring to the Age of Enlightenment, or many believe dating back from when King Louis XlV pushed to light the city for safety. However, the best light show takes place every evening from sundown until 1AM when the Eiffel Tower twinkles on the hour, every hour, with hundreds of thousands of lights for a full five minutes.
NYC-Time Square, an iconic image when people think of the Big Apple and the city that never sleeps, so what better time to take in the attractions then at night. A helicopter tour will give you a bird's-eye view of this electric city and famous skyline lit up in all its glory.
Tokyo- An unforgettable adventure through metropolitan Shinjuku. Explore the hidden Omoide Yokocho, or walk through the legendary lantern lit alleys of Golden Gai, for an authentic cocktail and food tour. Visit the famous LOVE sculpture and then take a romantic stroll through the Hanazono Shrine illuminated with lanterns. End the evening walking through the iconic Scramble Crossing at Shibuya, and feel the energy of Tokyo surround you!
Rome- Hire a private driver to tour the city's best spots for those quintessential pictures at night. The Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and the Vittoriano are a must, but the Aventine Hill keyhole with the secret view is such a surprise. Peeking through and seeing St. Peter’s Dome and Rome lit up at night is magical. Click here to read more about this historic Italian city in my blog- Rome for Beginners.
Washington D.C.- A moonlit walking tour with a photographer around the Mall is the perfect time to explore the the city, especially since the crowds are significantly less. Starting from the Capitol to the White House, then head over to the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial to capture the beautiful white architecture lit up at night. To continue strolling through my hometown click here.
Bordeaux- The Eighteenth Century Neoclassical Architecture along the river shines like a jewel box and it is know wonder that it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stand out of the the night tour is Place de la Bourse. In front of the monument is le Miroir d’eau, 2 cm of water cover a huge blue granite slab creating the largest reflection pool in the world. At night the twinkling lights sparkle like diamonds. It is not shocking that this is the most recognizable sight in all of Bordeaux and definitely an Instagramable hot spot. To learn more about Bordeaux and my cruise along the Garonne River click here.
Las Vegas- While the neon-soaked Strip is definitely all a glow, it is the Bellagio Fountains that one should visit at night. The magical choreographed show is timed every 15 minutes from 8:00 PM to midnight. The display includes more than a thousand fountains swaying in front of the hotel with water soaring as high as 460 feet into the air, which are all enhanced by music and lights.
Mother Nature does it best!
Norway- Northern Lights
Seeing the Aurora Borealis is definitely a bucket list item for many people and if you are lucky you will capture those pale-green wisps twirling over head in the night sky. The best time of year to see the dancing ribbons is when it’s darkest from October to March, but you still have a chance on a clear Arctic night between late August and April, that the northern lights will be visible. There are several ways in which to set out on your pursuit of the elusive aurora- from private tours for my outdoor enthusiast to glass-roofed cabins for those needing the warmer comforts. Hop aboard and escape the light pollution and watch far from land on an expedition cruise, like Viking Venus' 13 day itinerary In Search of the Northern Lights. Insider tip- make sure your tour includes a professional photographer who has the right equipment to capture those coveted photos.
New Zealand- Redwood Forest
Looking for something to do in Rotorua at night? This award winning tree walk features 34 illuminating lanterns designed by David Trubridge, a world-renowned designer and sustainability champion. Floating between 35-65 feet above the forest floor, this 40-minute eco-tourism walk is a bit under a half a mile long and spans across 28 suspension bridges and 27 platforms.
Puerto Rico- Mosquito Bay
Do you want to recreate the scene from Life of PI, minus the whale of course? Take a guided kayak tour of Puerto Rico's Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay in Vieques, which is considered the brightest in the world. This popular sight is only visible when it's dark, so avoid a full moon! The small aquatic organisms emit an electric blue, green neon glow at night, and I promise they didn’t crack open any glow sticks, it is all Mother Nature!
Want to find some sparkle on your next trip? Let me help plan an amazing moon lit stroll!
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