Hey, night owls: these are officially the best cities in Asia to explore after dark in 2025

If waking up early to cram in a full daytime itinerary has always been a drag for you, here's some good news: there are cities out there where after-dark exploration absolutely slaps. 

Travellers around the world are waking up (ha!) to the idea of night tourism, with Google searches showing a whopping 164% rise in interest in night festivals and a 33% increase in searches for stargazing spots. And Travelbag, a long-haul travel specialist, has the scoop on the best cities in Asia to get your nighttime fix. 

Here's what it's done: Travelbag analysed more than 100 major cities, looking at Instagram hashtag volume, levels of light and noise pollution, after-dark safety scores, and the number of venues and attractions that stay open well after the sun goes down. The result is a list of the 10 best cities for nighttime tourism, with four from Asia making the list. 

The top spot in Asia for an after-dark adventure? It's Tokyo, baby – and we can't say we're surprised. The city has nearly 1,000 venues open till late, which means you'll have plenty to occupy yourself with until the first dawn train departs. In our round-up of the best things to do in Tokyo at night, we've suggested all-night bowling alleys, round-the-clock onsens, clubs that are open throughout the week, and of course, noodle bars and izakayas where you can fill your bellies. It helps that Tokyo has an impressive nighttime safety score of 75 out of 100, too – so you can play all night with peace of mind. 

Singapore is the second-best city in Asia for nighttime tourism. It has an even better nighttime safety score than Tokyo (77 out of 100), and almost 450 venues open late at night. Hotspots for a nighttime jaunt include Clarke Quay – where you can find plenty of bars and clubs, including the iconic Zouk – and Geylang, a neighbourhood in the east with fantastic supper options. Singapore also boasts one of the best city skylines in the world – we recommend taking a ride on the Singapore Flyer or heading to HighHouse for a jaw-dropping view. 

Next on the list is Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital. Known for its numerous temples and shrines, Kyoto is just as tranquil at night with an incredibly low light and noise pollution score (39 out of 100). During the spring and fall seasons, it's a great idea to visit attractions like Toji Temple and Yasaka Jinja to enjoy the stunning nighttime illuminations. For something more exciting (and appetising), explore side alleys in the famous Gion district – you never know what low-key bar or restaurant you'll stumble upon. 

Seoul rounds out the list with an estimated 225 late-night venues and a safety score of 74 out of 100. From cosy bars to thumping clubs, this is a city that never sleeps. Up for a romantic night stroll? Make a tour of these light installations and observatories in the city. 

Best cities for night tourism in 2025, according to Travelbag:

1. New York, USA
2. Tokyo, Japan
3. Dubai, UAE
4. Singapore
5. Muscat, Oman
6. Kyoto, Japan
7. Sydney, Australia
8. Seoul, South Korea
9. Toronto, Canada
10. Melbourne, Australia

Have you heard? This Shanghai design school with a cathedral-like hall is one of the most beautiful campuses in the world

Plus: Asia's best airlines for 2025, named by Skytrax