30 Unusual Things You Can Do At Night During Your Travels

1. Experience the authentic Finnish sauna, Kuopio, Finland

There’s no better place to experience a sauna than in Finland, the country that invented it. For the locals sauna is a necessarily part of their day, with mental and physical benefits and plays an important role of their culture. As the Finns admit, sauna is best enjoyed in your own lake house. Experience your first sauna as part of a full Finnish evening or book in a lake house, where you can dip in and out of the lake whenever you want at night.

2. Learn tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Dancing tango is associated with the term milonga, used to describe an event where people come together to dance tango. This passionate dance remains one of Argentina’s defining traditions, and with Buenos Aires being the tango capital of the world, there’s no better place to attend a milonga, either as a watcher or a participant.

La Milonga del Indio is one of the top five milongas in Argentina and it’s a free outdoor event taking place in a plaza after 7 p.m. on Sundays. To avoid the unnecessary crowds go late, around 10 p.m. and watch the event become more interesting as only the real lovers of tango will be staying until late. Don’t be shy to learn a few basic steps with the dancers or give a show if you have already mastered tango.

3. Watch a movie at an outdoor cinema, Athens, Greece

Outdoor cinemas are the most romantic way to watch a movie, especially in summer nights. There is a bunch of them in Europe and around the world, but if you have to choose one, let in be in Greece. Next time you are in Greece in summer time, don’t miss a movie in the open air, with a hard to beat view. Both Cine Thisio in Athens and Cine Kamari in Santorini will make for an unforgettable night. Choose Athens in August to avoid the big tourist crowds.

4. Tree camping, Elk, California

If you are already familiar with camping, take it to the next level by experiencing a night tree camping in California. The different level tents provide for a lively and fun experience, not necessarily private though, so prepare for that. An experience best enjoyed with a small group of friends or your partner. Enjoy a wonderful sunset and/or sunrise from the highest branches of a tree, amidst nature and all its sounds. Be sure to be fit enough to climb a tree and a rope in order to set your own tent.

5. Star gazing, New Zealand

While most of the star gazing spots are located in Northern America, South America and the United Kingdom, choose to experience star gazing in far away New Zealand. The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is the southern hemisphere’s first dark sky reserve, and the world’s biggest. You’ll have a memorable experience, which you can compare to different ones you can have around the world.

6. Attend a festival by a castle on the sea, Vlorë, Albania

Art Kontakt Festival is a two nights event held in August at the Porto Palermo Castle, right on the sea, in Southern Albania. This contemporary art festival brings together visual performances and live music, by featuring artists from the Balkans and Europe, becoming a Biennial of it’s genre.

Attend if you want to be part of an interesting community, share your own visual project or just for the experience full of art and good music till dawn. Projects are shared inside the castle and performances are held outside, as well as the parties.

7. Visit Central Park, New York

This is the first park not to miss while in New York. While it is crowded during the typical busy day times, it could be easier to explore until 1 a.m. in the evenings. Go for a long walk, run or have a picnic by the water. With its wide range of activities and landscape option, there is something to please everyone at Central Park.

8. Attend a “panigiri”, islands Greece

A “panigiri” is a religious feist, traditional for the majority of Greece’s villages and islands. Each place celebrates on a specific Saint’s day, after whom their church was named. They usually take place in summer. In big villages the “panigiri” may last a few days. Ask the locals where the best one is held near you, the next time you travel to Greece.

You will get to know the Greek tradition and folk culture better, their religious devotion and the respect they pay to certain concepts. However the best part for everyone is the big festivities held until morning, with food, drinks and some epic Greek dances. It will be a fun night.

9. Go on a sleigh ride, British Columbia, Canada

This might seem more like a romantic activity for couples, but it could me much more fun with friends or with a random group of people. There are options of drinking hot beverages or a fondue meal while riding, but skip those and focus on the experience itself. Even if it is not snowing that night, chances are you can still see the stars and enjoy yourself. Dress appropriately and more heavily than you would think. There are usually blankets available, but better be prepared.

10. Open air pool in the baths of Budapest, Hungary

The Szechenyi Spa Baths in the capital of Hungary, Budapest are a typical daytime activity. But during the summer they throw parties on Saturday nights, mostly attended by young locals or tourists. Bikinis and good music in a one hundred years old open air bath pool is an experience you don’t want to miss. If you don’t fancy the loudness of the party, go on usual nights, during the whole year.

11. Ice skating, New York

This traditional activity can be enjoyed best in New York if you want everything fancy that comes with it, especially at the iconic Rockefeller Center. Open for the whole winter season, it is less crowded at the start and the end of season (until April). Avoid the period from Thanksgiving to Christmas if you don’t want to wait in line and skate along a big bunch, but totally go there if you want to feel the magic of the season just like in movies.

It stays open until midnight. A cheaper alternative that is open until after midnight is The Standard Ice Rink, located on the High Line. It has a more adult vibe and evenings look more like parties.

12. Dine by the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

This one needs a little preparation beforehand but it is a no fail way to make a birthday or special occasion unforgettable. Be sure to get all permissions necessary to throw a dinner and follow all rules for a no fuss experience. Take inspiration from Jordan Ferney, who has hosted two dinner parties with little effort and a handful of good friends by the beach looking at the Golden Gate bridge.

13. Enjoy a show at the fountain of lights and music, Prague, Czech Republic

From Spring to Autumn the musical Křižík’s Fountain in Prague performs a unique computer-controlled light-and-water show. There are performances selected from the world’s most famous compositions to please every taste, from classical music to more contemporary great artists.

You can enjoy the show after sunset and in summer nights go even later to enjoy the spectacle of music, water, ballet and colors. Some of the performances include projection of films on water. No booking in advance is required, but you can look at the programme on the website.

14. Visit the Temple Street Market, Hong Kong

The Temple Street Night Market is a popular street bazaar, that has served as the backdrop to many movies. Along with the traders, fortune tellers and opera singers appear. The Temple Street Market is an example of the festivity of a Chinese market. Every night there is a show. One can shop for electronics, clothes, antiques and taste different traditional foods.

15. Rate the Christmas lights and decorations, Richmond, Virginia

There are many places around the globe where you can have a magnificent experience of rating Christmas light and decorations and Richmond makes it to the top list. You can go as small as walking around a neighborhood or as big as taking a guided tour. Even limo tours can be arranged. Experience the best of the “tacky lights” and watch how people compete with each other, with 40.000 lights as a minimum to enter the map of lights.

16. Play night paintball in Scottsdale, Arizona

Playing paintball at night makes for a pretty intense activity. The adrenaline reaches a high level and with a group of good friends it will end up being a fun night. Try Westworld Paintball, one of the safest and oldest fields for paintball. They offer outdoor ones that stay open until 11 p.m. on Fridays, which happens to be Ladies Night. If you meet the minimum number for a team, you can book your own private game.

17. Go clubbing on top of a hill overlooking the Adriatic sea in Budva, Montenegro

Club Top Hills is one of the most attractive clubs of the Balkans and further. It is located on the top of Toplis Hill above Budva, one of the Mediterranean towns bursting with tourists during Summer. The club can welcome around 5000 people, who can enjoy the best music, different theme bars and many attractive activities.

18. Visit the world’s oldest open air museum Stockholm, Sweden

Skansen is the world’s first open-air museum, created in 1891. It is a great way to understand five centuries of the history Sweden, by visiting historical buildings with period dressed people, having traditional food, visiting the zoo and shopping for souvenirs. It stays open until 10 p.m. in summer nights, but check for special festivals and later times. A great way to spend time outdoors and learning about the history and traditions of the country.

19. Artistic performances, Brooklyn, New York

Join the Beer Garden of Photoville in Brooklyn to grab some food or drinks with like minded artists. Enjoy the multimedia presentations shown at night with the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop. Installations, exhibitions and various artistic performances were shared for free during last year. Check their website for more information, programs and coming events.

20. Explore the city by segway, Rome, Italy

Take advantage of segways to explore one of the biggest capitals in Europe. Packed with tourists during the day, Rome will be charming at night, when the temperature drops in summer and the crowds get fewer. Rent a segway for a solo adventure or book a tour of eight people and be guided through the city. Visit the most important monuments and ancient parts of the city accompanied by experienced tour guides for around two and a half hours in the evenings of Spring and Summer until September.

21. Go on a canal cruise during light festival, Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Water Colors Cruise departs during the Amsterdam Light Festival from November 27 until January 18. Hop on the boats to enjoy the best views of the city at night and watch the light works of international artists and the lighted ships and buildings of Amsterdam. Beat the cold with mulled wine or a warm bite offered in the cruise. The last one departs at 9.30 p.m. on all nights of the festival.

22. Go to a luna park, Sydney, Australia

The park is open until 11 p.m. on the weekends, so take advantage of them, even if it seems more packed than weekdays. This one seems to be visited by all ages and is not one particularly created for kids. You can catch a concert, grab a meal or go full on fun and ride the Tango Train or Ferris Wheel. Originally created in the ’30s, the park was restored in 2004. If you are lucky, there might be a wedding ceremony or a private celebration or even a gala event you can watch or join.

23. Go fishing in Bendigo State Park, Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania

The East Branch of the Clarion River that flows through the Bendigo State Park is stocked with trout and many cold-water pieces, being an excellent fishery. A fishing platform behind the pool allows for easy access. Normal opening hours are before midnight, but you can choose to camp on site in order to have access to the water all night. Make sure to read the fishing rules and regulations from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

24. Watch a cliff divers show, Acapulco, Mexico

Watching the Acapulco’s cliff divers plunge the 136 feet to the crashing Pacific at night, holding torches is a remarkable experience. La Quebrada Cliff Divers are a group of professional high drivers that perform daily for the public, including four evening shows. The best viewing spot is from La Perla restaurant terrace, right at the Cliffside El Mirador.

25. Samba in a favela, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Taking a tour of the famous Rocinha favela during the day is a mind shifting experience you shouldn’t miss. Opt for a tour offered by the locals themselves for the most authentic insights. But if you want to complete your experience attend a night party at the favela. It involves samba and funk dancing with the locals until 4 a.m. or later.

26. Visit the illuminated Niagara Falls by boat, Canada

Sit on the glassed outdoor deck of the boat, while you enjoy a 40 minute Niagara Falls nighttime cruise. Admire the colorfully lit American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls. On Fridays, Sundays and Canadian and American holidays, as well as certain dates there are fireworks lighting up the sky and reflecting on the water, making the experience more exciting.

27. See a volcano in Tenerife, Spain

Visit a volcano on Southern Tenerife’s Mount Teide. The Spain’s tallest volcano is located in the UNESCO-listed Teide National Park. It is the best place to watch the sun set and then learn about the constellations in the sky from a local guide.

28. Sail on a yacht, Croatia

Croatia’s has hundreds of islands along it’s 220 mile Adriatic coastline, crystal-clear water, beautiful medieval towns, lots of beaches and ports amongst its breathtaking landscapes. These facts combined withthe growing international yacht culture, with the yacht week festival being held in the last couple of years make Croatia ideal for a night out sailing on yacht or anchored in the port of a small village to enjoy the romantic views from the deck.

29. Hike in the Yosemite Park, California

Visit Yosemite for the first time during a night hike or rediscover it through the changing sounds and smells of nature under starlight. A small group of 24 people is guided through a short, flat one mile hike in the Yosemite Valley. During the hike, you will learn about the animals behavior at night.

30. Go on a sangria tasting tour, Lisbon, Portugal

While many people would bet that sangria is a Spain signature drink, the best one can actually be found in Portugal. Next time you are in Lisbon or any other city in Portigal for a matter of fact, take a long leisurely walk around the town and stop every time you spot a bar promising “the greatest sangria you have ever had”. As bars and restaurants start to fill with people very late in the evening, this is a sure way to get you past midnight, or as long as your feet can carry you through the cobblestone paths of the city.

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