Hollywood actor Richard E. Grant has revealed a clever travel secret for avoiding the overwhelming crowds that now plague Europe's most popular cities. The star, known for roles in Dracula and Doctor Who, prefers to do his sightseeing after the sun goes down, typically between 8 and 10 pm when most tourists are sitting down for dinner.
After a summer travelling through Morocco, Kenya, Italy, France, Greece, Turkey, Germany, and Austria, Grant found destinations like Rome and Venice to be 'crammed with visitors and tourists' during daylight hours. His solution? Embrace the night.
Why Nighttime Exploration is Catching On
This trend of nocturnal tourism is gaining traction beyond the famous, according to travel expert Will Sarson from cruise and tour operator Riviera Travel. He explains that seeing famous landmarks after dark offers a completely different, and often superior, experience.
'Seeing famous sights at night can feel like discovering them all over again,' Sarson says. 'With daytime crowds thinned out and traffic noise reduced, it's easier to slow down and really appreciate the details.'
He highlights that beautifully lit landmarks take on a softer, more romantic character, while cooler evening temperatures make exploring far more comfortable. Additionally, visitors often get a more authentic glimpse of local life, with families strolling, markets bustling, and public squares buzzing with energy.
A World of Destinations Transformed by Darkness
Here are ten countries where the experience is dramatically enhanced by a visit after dark, according to the expert's insights.
France: The City of Light Lives Up to Its Name
Paris is the quintessential example of a destination transformed by night. The Eiffel Tower, spectacular by day, becomes a beacon over the entire city once illuminated. Sarson recommends admiring it from the calm of a five-star river cruise on the Seine, enjoying the reflections in the water without elbowing through crowds onshore.
Morocco: When the Souks Truly Come Alive
As the heat of the day dissipates, Morocco's souks and main squares awaken in a new way. The evening brings out locals to shop, socialise, and eat, creating a vibrant swirl of colour, music, and conversation. The experience shifts from simple sightseeing to observing authentic daily life, amplified by the glow of lanterns and the scent of spices.
Kenya: The Magic of the Golden Hours
In Kenya, the spectacle isn't city lights but the changing sky. Game safaris at dawn and dusk are often more rewarding, as many animals are more active in the cooler hours. The soft, golden light not only makes for magical photography but also adds a sense of drama and intimacy to the vast landscapes.
Italy and Rome: From Frantic to Romantic
Italy's famous sights, often overwhelming by day, become gentler and more romantic by night. In cities like Florence and Naples, piazzas remain lively but less frantic. Rome undergoes a particular transformation, with the Colosseum taking on a solemn and dramatic atmosphere when lit against the dark sky. Fountains like the Trevi are less chaotic, allowing visitors to appreciate them properly.
Venice: A Dreamlike Escape After Dark
Once the day-trippers depart, Venice sheds its frenetic energy for a calmer, dreamlike quality. The reflections of palazzi in the canals and the soft glow from street lamps become more pronounced. A vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal at night offers a serene view of the illuminated buildings, free from the midday glare and noise.
Greece: Ancient Beauty Under the Stars
Especially during the hotter months, evening exploration in Greece is essential. In Athens, the Acropolis illuminated above the city is a stunning sight, best enjoyed from a rooftop terrace. On the islands, harbours come alive at sunset with families strolling and tavernas filling up, all under a beautiful, softer light.
Turkey: An Unforgettable Silhouetted Skyline
Istanbul shines after dusk, with the silhouettes of mosques and palaces creating an unforgettable skyline against the evening sky. A night-time cruise on the Bosphorus provides breathtaking views of the illuminated European and Asian shores. While historic sites may be closed, seeing them dramatically lit, with fewer crowds, is a special experience in itself.
Germany: From Theatrical Landmarks to Cosy Markets
Germany's major cities, like Berlin and Munich, feature beautifully lit central landmarks. The Brandenburg Gate, for instance, takes on a dignified, theatrical quality in the evening. In winter, the night brings unparalleled charm as Christmas markets glow with fairy lights and the air fills with the scent of mulled wine and roasted nuts.
Austria: Elegant Evening Strolls
Austrian cities like Vienna and Salzburg are perfect for evening walks. Grand opera houses and palaces are softly lit, highlighting their elegant architecture. The historic centres become quieter and more relaxed, allowing for a leisurely appreciation of the surroundings, often accompanied by the city's vibrant cafe and concert hall culture.
The Verdict on Nighttime Tourism
The consensus from both a seasoned traveller like Richard E. Grant and an industry expert like Will Sarson is clear: many of the world's top destinations offer a more intimate, atmospheric, and comfortable experience after dark. For those looking to escape the crowds and see a different side of a famous city, the answer might be as simple as adjusting their watch.
