Some of the most beautiful pictures one cherishes upon their arrival home, are often photos of the cities they visited, whether illuminated, or deserted, in the dead of night.
This is a time when you are most able to enjoy the spirit of a city as it comes alive, then the calmness as everyone disappears after the party ends. Shrouded in the darkness, an anonymous spectator lost in the crowds, you feel as though you belong in these strange places, far away from home.
Here are a series of pictures we have taken on our journey to discover the essence of each city we have visited.
Our home town and one that is best enjoyed after the sun goes down. Clifton Hill, the main street leading to the falls, comes alive with lights and sounds from every building. All of the tourist attractions, such as arcades, mazes, haunted houses, and restaurants attempting to be brighter and louder than the next to entice you through their doors.
The falls themselves appear to be dyed by the lights shining across the water, illuminating the rushing water as it cascades down.
Tokyo is known for it's bright lights and massive amount of people. Here, at the Shibuya crossing, arguably the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, you have a moment to bask in the vibrant glow of the buildings that await you on the other side as you await the signal.
However, when the sign to cross lights up, hundreds of people are sent scurrying in every direction. Almost orchestrated, as no one gets in each others way, you are ushered through by a dense crowd, all going their own way.
It is one experience that makes you realize how much the Japanese respect the law, as once that red hand lights up, not a soul can be seen on the street, the crowds waiting to cross filling up as fast as they emptied.
An ideal place to watch the famous Santorini sunset while having a delicious dinner, Fira wastes no time showing you it's glamour as soon as that sun disappears.
Hundreds of pools at the many hotels nestled on it's hillside glow a brilliant blue, while soft light shows you the many paths to luxury.
Meanwhile, in Munich, the city itself seems quiet while wandering the dark streets. However, you will soon realize, as you pass one of the many beer gardens here, that everyone hightailed it there for a night of relaxation, delicious beer and mouthwatering food.
The sound of laughter and aromas fill the air as you walk by, making it impossible not to stop for a drink. Once you're in, it will be even harder to leave.
Taking a gondola ride after dark is one of the most enchanting ways to see Venice at night. Seen from the shore, you are immersed in the light, but from the water, you are instead surrounded by it. The reflection of this beautiful city rippling on the very water they use as their streets.
They say New York never sleeps and you can see why once you experience it for yourself. Even as night falls on the city, you can still hear the constant honking of traffic that never lacks passion and feel the buzz of the city just as much as you did during the day.
Make your way to Times Square to see where that famous New Year's Eve Celebration occurs year after year and see how the lights colour the city to create a beautiful rainbow glow, invisible while the sun is up.
Although the party is raging in Reykjavik, you have to drive just outside the city in order to see the hypnotic Northern Lights. Constantly moving like a ribbon through the sky, these lights are a show, ever changing in colour and radiance.
Enjoy this spectacle as long as your freezing toes will allow, it's one memory you will carry with you in wonderment for a lifetime.
Known for it's impressive street food culture, Osaka is one place I wouldn't mind putting on a few pounds for. Walk around with a $2 beer bought from a convenience store and enjoy the inexpensive yet 5-star quality of the snacks offered at the numerous shops within the Dotonbori Area.
Trust us, you will find a ton of food that will pull you back here just to fulfill your cravings.
Zurich, being here only during the week, was unsurprisingly quiet. The busiest places being ice cream shops and public gathering areas where locals would sit and visit with friends.
The ice cream here is the best we have ever tasted, only to be described as impeccably flavoured, frozen, whipped cream. It is so rich and satisfying we are planning a trip here just for a cone.
Disney's Epcot, in Orlando, Florida is the perfect place for a parent's night out, children in tow. Not only are you able to explore multiple countries in the same evening, the child friendly atmosphere keeps them entertained while you snag a few international brews.
Go during a festival and you will also be enjoying tapas style dishes from around the world along with unique entertainment and scavenger hunts for the kids.
Transport back to the Edo Period and take a stroll through the deserted streets filled with Ryokans and traditional tea houses. Not much happens in these districts after dinner time, so it is the perfect opportunity to reflect on your day in an ancient setting.
If you're lucky, you may spot a Geisha on her way to an evening engagement but if you do, show some respect for her privacy and observe from a distance.
Away from the tourist and bar districts, you will find a different kind of Florence. Peaceful and quaint, it is the perfect way to end a busy day of sightseeing.
Opposite of what you may expect of the famed Amsterdam, Rotterdam has more of a laid back feel. With locals meeting at bistro like restaurants, conversing with their comrades as a way to wind down after a day of work.
The crowd here is very young which makes for some pretty stylish bars and restaurants.
Following a beautiful sunset, the twinkling lights of numerous villages throughout Santorini can be seen far and wide. Decorating the hillsides as the only indication of land within the sea during the black of night.
Many settle in to a late meal with friends, often enjoying the pleasant breeze of the evening after a day of blazing sun.
When night falls on Rome, the famous attractions of the day light up to continue their legacy at night. Seeing these landmarks in such grandeur shows a different side of what you see by daylight.
The intricate detail that exists on many of these Roman architectural wonders are more evident in the shadows of the light beams that illuminate them.
By the dark of night, the cities you have been exploring during the day display a beautiful transformation into a wonderland of sights and sounds. During this time, you will see the culture of the locals living here, based on their behaviour when they are no longer on the clock. If you pay attention, you have the chance, now, more than any time of day, to make new friends and learn their stories. Cheers!