33 Illuminating Photos of Our World at Night

Every place looks different at night. As soon as the sun sets, wonders that were hidden in the day come to life. Whether it’s the lights of a bustling city or the stars above a remote landscape, there are always new sights to explore. Photographers head out at night to see the same locations from different perspectives.

Even though the deadline to submit entries for the 2017 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest has passed, these photos illuminated our screens. Many submissions feature stunning evening snaps, from shimmering city skylines in Hong Kong to Northern Lights displays in Alaska. Take a look at some of our editors’ favorites so far, then be sure to check out the winners in early August.