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As Richard E Grant reveals he prefers to sightsee at night to avoid the crowds, travel expert Will Sarson shares the best tourist attractions to visit in these countries after dark
When you’re as famous as Richard E. Grant, going out after dark to avoid being recognised may be appealing, but that’s not the only reason the Hollywood actor prefers to sightsee when the sun has gone down.
The Dracula and Doctor Who actor has revealed some of Europe’s most famous cities have become so overcrowded with tourists that he can’t stand to jostle with the crowds during the day.
The actor, who visited Morocco, Kenya, Italy, France, Greece, Turkey, Germany and Austria this summer – said cities like Rome and Venice were so ‘crammed with visitors and tourists’ that he prefers to go out when holidaymakers are having dinner – usually between 8 and 10pm.
And it could be a trend that’s about to catch on with the wider population, as Will Sarson, Travel Expert at cruise and tour operator Riviera Travel, says nighttime is great for slowing down and really appreciating the details of a new place.
“Seeing famous sights at night can feel like discovering them all over again,” he says. “With daytime crowds thinned out and traffic noise reduced, it’s easier to slow down and really appreciate the details. Many landmarks are beautifully lit after dark, giving them a softer, more romantic character, and cooler evening temperatures make exploring far more comfortable. You’ll often see more of local life too, like families strolling, markets in full swing and squares buzzing, so night-time visits can be every bit as rewarding as seeing attractions in the middle of the day.”