TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Nocturnal tourism, or "noctourism," has emerged as a new way for travelers to explore destinations under the cover of darkness. The trend extends far beyond simple stargazing or chasing astronomical events; it encompasses a diverse range of after-hours experiences, including hunting for the aurora borealis, exploring moonlit night markets, and observing nocturnal wildlife in their natural habitats.
As the trend gains momentum, travelers are seeking the best locations for nighttime exploration. According to a recent study conducted by the baggage storage platform Radical Storage, as reported by Time Out, the Italian capital of Rome has been crowned the world's premier noctourism destination. The study evaluated 50 global cities based on four key metrics: the variety of nighttime experiences and tours, natural environmental factors, safety, and the availability of 24-hour public transportation.
Rome secured the top spot in the rankings with an overall index score of 6.07 out of 10. The Eternal City particularly excelled in the experience category, boasting 305 distinct nighttime tours. Many of these activities, such as sunset tours of the Colosseum, open-air cinema screenings, and vibrant night markets, have consistently received exceptional reviews from international tourists seeking to avoid the daytime heat and crowds.
In addition to Rome, several other cities have established themselves as leaders in the global noctourism market for 2026. The Radical Storage study identified a diverse top ten, featuring cities known for their atmospheric charm or natural wonders, including Amsterdam in the Netherlands, the Arctic gateways of Tromsø in Norway and Rovaniemi in Finland, and the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, Japan.
The following are the top 10 global destinations for noctourism in 2026, according to the Radical Storage study:
1. Rome, Italy
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands
3. Tromso, Norway
4. Rovaniemi, Finland
5. Tokyo, Japan
6. Dubai, UAE
7. London, UK
8. Paris, France
9. Marrakech, Morocco
10. Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand
This ranking highlights that the noctourism trend is no longer confined to Europe but is a burgeoning global phenomenon, reflecting a shift in how travelers perceive and enjoy their holiday experiences after the sun sets. The list showcases a blend of urban nightlife, cultural exploration, and natural celestial wonders across multiple continents.
The surge in interest is further supported by data from HuffPost and a Booking.com survey on 2025 travel trends. Lauren Gumport, a travel expert from Faye Travel, noted that 59 percent of Americans are now considering "star-themed" travel. This growing demographic is specifically seeking out opportunities for stargazing, constellation tracking, and witnessing rare, once-in-a-lifetime cosmic events in areas with minimal light pollution.
The commercial demand for noctourism has grown exponentially in recent years, often outpacing supply. Valerie Dulin of the travel firm Tauck revealed that the demand for such specialized experiences is remarkably high; for instance, tickets for Tauck’s "Arctic Days and Northern Lights" small-ship cruises for 2026 sold out entirely before the official pricing had even been publicly announced.
Putri Az Zahra Suherman contributed to the report
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