Memorable evenings
In far-flung locations can make your holiday extra special. We asked our well travelled team to share their favourite evening haunts and attractions from around the world to inspire your next trip.
Popular excursions included:
A night out on the town in Dublin
An Arabian evening in the desert in Dubai
A late supper and a Broadway show in New York
Soaring above the Lancashire countryside
An evening at the opera in Verona
Al fresco dining under the stars in Carcassonne
A theatrical evening in London's West End
Evening fireworks at Walt Disney World Resort Florida
A night out down under
Barcelona's magical fountains
A night out in Temple Bar Dublin
The city of Dublin has an abundance of charm and passion running throughout its cobbled streets and historical buildings. By day there is much to see and do in Dublin’s city centre and beautiful surrounding countryside; however, it is when the sun goes down that this city truly comes to life.
As you head out of your hotel and across the illuminated beauty of the O’Connell Bridge you can sense the excitement in the air as you near the centre of Dublin’s nightlife – Temple Bar. Throngs of people walk the area to the sound of traditional Irish music and live bands blaring from windows of the countless pubs and bars found in the vicinity. In fact, the music is contagious and you will soon find yourself tapping your foot, clapping your hands or joining in an Irish jig.
Once you get yourself inside the bars “The Black Stuff” or Irish whisky begins to flow and you inevitably strike up conversation with the ever-welcoming and ever-jovial locals as one of the greatest nights out you are likely to enjoy rolls on until the early hours.
But it is important to remember that the Temple Bar has so much more to offer than just live bands and pubs. The area has an innumerable number of excellent eateries offering fantastic home cooking and a true taste of Ireland. Temple Bar is also a good spot to go by night to enjoy the arts. The Temple Bar Music Centre (which plays host to internationally famous acts), the Irish Film Institute and the Project’s Art Centre all stage live performances, likewise the famous Olympia Theatre found within short walking distance.
Arabian magic
Dubai is a lavish destination full of luxurious boutiques and extravagant restaurants. But if you want to experience a night like no other then reserve your place on an evening desert safari.
This unforgettable experience will begin around 4pm as temperatures begin to cool. You will be driven through the desert, amongst the immense dunes which cast their shadows across the sand. Make sure you stop for pictures at the top of the dunes and remove your shoes to feel the red sand between your toes.
Enjoy a BBQ under the stars and then sit back for an evening of traditional entertainment, belly dancing and henna painting around the camp fire. To complete your desert experience, there is also often the opportunity to experience a camel ride or watch the traditional art of falconry.
All in all, an unforgettable evening!
Enjoy the skyline of New York City
New York is truly “the city that never sleeps.” The Manhattan skyline is unrivalled when it comes to magnificence and when it is illuminated by night; there is no man-made sight on Earth quite as breathtaking. There are many ways in which to experience the spectacle of Manhattan’s height-defying architecture once the sun goes down. One of the most rewarding ways to take in all of it from ground level is by boarding a ‘Circle Line Tour’ boat from West 42nd Street Pier. The two-hour ‘Harbour Lights Tour’ takes in the whole of Manhattan – including the Statue of Liberty – for what is an unforgettable journey around some of the most famous landmarks that look even more impressive when lit-up.
Head to Times Square for another memorable way to take in New York’s neon metropolis. By day, the advertising billboards and shops are an impressive site, but when they are all illuminated at once the experience is simply surreal as throngs of people create a unique and buzzing atmosphere at the heart of the one of the world’s greatest city’s – especially on New Year’s Eve when the city comes together to party on the streets.
Around the city, there are restaurants and bars to suit all tastes – from ChinaTown to Little Italy, from traditional Irish bars to fashionable modern nightspots. And, although your feet may be aching after a busy day’s sightseeing, it is most definitely worth pulling on your glad-rags and making for the bright lights of Broadway.
Although your concierge may be able to help you find tickets on arrival, forward planning is generally the key here and there are a variety of websites and agencies offering tickets to a wide variety of shows.
To technically be a “Broadway” show, the production must be staged in a theatre with over 500 seats located within the theatre district of New York - a thin strip of Manhattan, from 53rd to 42nd streets, between 6th and 8th Aves. There are also a number of shows presented “Off-Broadway” – that is to say in smaller venues (100-500 seats).
Current favourites include Billy Elliott, Wicked, The Lion King, Mama Mia, Jersey Boys and Mary Poppins. Tickets can vary in price depending on the theatre and the location of seats but generally tend to be cheaper Tuesday to Thursday and more expensive over the weekend and/or public holidays. But when you are planning your trip, remember that many theatres close on Mondays.
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