When the sun goes down, New York City lights up in a way that few places on Earth can match. And now, it’s not just a well-known fact among night owls—data officially backs it. According to a fresh report from Travelbag, New York has clinched the title of the most stunning city in the world after dark.

This glowing recognition didn’t come out of nowhere. Travelbag analyzed over 100 global destinations, diving into stats like Instagram hashtag activity, levels of light and noise pollution, nighttime safety scores, and the abundance of late-night spots. New York shone brighter than the rest, thanks to its electrifying blend of 24/7 energy, breathtaking cityscape, and endless after-hours entertainment.

Photo: unsplash.com/@diane_soko

Let’s talk numbers: over 2,300 places in the city stay open into the wee hours, and the hashtag #NewYorkAtNight has been posted more than 40,000 times on Instagram. Sure, the city’s light and noise pollution came in at a high 69 out of 100—but in a metropolis where the glow is part of the magic, that’s hardly a negative.

Travelbag’s report highlights what makes New York’s nightlife so magnetic. Think about it: taking a midnight stroll through the ever-buzzing Times Square, sipping craft cocktails with skyline views in a Brooklyn rooftop bar, or catching some soulful live jazz in Harlem long after most cities have gone to sleep. As Geoff Dobson, Travelbag’s regional manager for the Americas, puts it, “There’s nowhere like New York when the lights come on—it’s vibrant, vivid, and pulsing with life.”

The concept of “noctourism” might still sound new to some, but it’s gaining momentum fast. Searches for “night safari” have climbed 22% year over year, showing that more travelers are looking to experience the magic that happens after dusk. In that realm, New York’s non-stop rhythm and sheer density of attractions make it an unbeatable nighttime playground.

Photo: unsplash.com/@trapnation

Notably, the ranking wasn’t just about visual dazzle. The report also considered real-world concerns—how safe it feels to walk the streets after dark, whether pollution dims the stars, and how easily you can find a bite, a drink, or an adventure after hours.

Other glittering cities made the top 10—Tokyo, Dubai, Singapore, and Sydney all had their moments—but none scored across every category like New York did. Whether you’re gazing at the twilight skyline from the Empire State Building or grabbing a cheesy slice at 3 a.m. from a corner pizza shop, it’s clear: in New York, the night doesn’t just fall—it rises.