03-07-2025
Dubai Named World's Third Most Scenic City After Dark
Dubai has been ranked the third most scenic city globally to explore at night, according to fresh research by travel experts at Travelbag. The study sheds light on how noctourism, one of 2025's hottest travel trends, is changing the way people discover cities. Interest in nighttime adventures is soaring, with Google searches for after-dark tourism activities spiking by a massive 164% this year.
Dubai Shines Among the Best
Travelbag's team analysed over 100 major cities worldwide, looking at Instagram hashtag activity, levels of light and noise pollution, nighttime safety scores, and the number of late-night venues.
The top 10 most scenic cities at night are:
New York, USA
Tokyo, Japan
Dubai, UAE
Singapore, Singapore
Muscat, Oman
Kyoto, Japan
Sydney, Australia
Seoul, South Korea
Toronto, Canada
Melbourne, Australia
Dubai stood out thanks to its perfect mix of safety and style. The city's dazzling skyline and nightlife scene have inspired 29,600 Instagram hashtags, capturing its charm after dark. With a solid nighttime safety score of 83 and a moderate light and noise pollution rating of 53, Dubai offers visitors a secure yet glamorous setting to explore once the sun goes down.
While Dubai boasts 190 late-night venues, fewer than some of its competitors, the city focuses on luxury and elegance, offering unforgettable after-dark experiences. From chic rooftop lounges to stunning waterfront strolls, Dubai proves that quality beats quantity.
New York and Tokyo Lead the Way
New York claimed the top spot, thanks to over 40,800 Instagram hashtags, its iconic skyline, and a whopping 2,300+ late-night venues. Tokyo came in second, praised for its impressive balance of low light pollution (score: 46), high safety (score: 75), and nearly 1,000 venues that cater to night owls.
With noctourism gaining popularity, Dubai's ranking highlights its unique appeal for travellers looking to experience the city in a different light, literally. Whether it's soaking in the views of the Burj Khalifa against a starry sky or enjoying dinner at one of its elegant nightspots, Dubai at night is truly unforgettable.
