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If you’ve ever tried to stargaze in a city, you’ll know how it usually goes: a tiny flicker of a star peeking through the orange glow of streetlights.
It’s nothing like those stunning images you see in travel brochures, where the night sky looks so perfect you start wondering if someone’s been using Photoshop.
The good news? You don’t need to live under the city lights to experience a sky full of wonder.
Thanks to the noctourism trend, more and more people are flocking to the best places for stargazing, where the night sky isn’t just a sky—it’s a whole different world.
Let’s get started with the 10 best places to witness that magic.
1. Atacama Desert, Chile
The Atacama Desert isn’t just the driest place on Earth—it’s also one of the best places to see the stars. The air here is so clear, it’s like the atmosphere forgot to do its usual job of blocking out distant galaxies. This isn’t just stargazing, it’s more like star immersion.
You’ll be in awe as you look up and see the Milky Way so close, you might just reach out and touch it (but you probably shouldn’t—gravity, and all that). And I’d recommend you do it on a night when the sky is particularly clear. Trust me, the only thing you’ll need is a good jacket, because it’s freezing, but the sight of the stars? Worth every chill.
2. Mauna Kea, Hawaii
Forget surfing and sunbathing on Hawaii’s beaches. For a real experience, head to Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano that has one of the clearest views of the night sky in the world. There’s no light pollution to get in the way, just a sea of stars stretching out before you like a cosmic blanket.
As you look up, you’ll be treated to planets, constellations, and the occasional shooting star. It’s not just a starry night; it’s a night that makes you feel like the universe is showing off just for you. Best bit? You can hike to the summit during the day and, just as the sun sets, have a seat to watch the stars make their entrance.
3. Aoraki Mackenzie, New Zealand
Now, New Zealand is a bit of an all-rounder when it comes to stunning landscapes, but when it comes to stargazing, Aoraki Mackenzie is the place to be. It’s a designated dark sky reserve, which means no pesky streetlights to get in the way.
Imagine this: you’re standing under the Southern Hemisphere’s starry sky, surrounded by mountains and the sound of absolutely nothing. If you’re lucky enough to spot the Southern Cross, that’s a feather in your cap. I’d say it’s a bit like going into space, but with better food and no risk of suffocation.
4. Namib Desert, Namibia
The Namib Desert in Namibia is one of those places that’s so remote, even Google Maps probably has trouble finding it. But once you get here, you’ll understand why it’s such a stargazing hotspot. The night sky here is as clear as a bell and as vast as you can imagine.
You’ll see stars from horizon to horizon—literally, it feels like a cosmic infinity. And if you’re wondering why this place is so good, it’s because there’s absolutely no light pollution. In fact, the desert’s serenity is almost so perfect, you might suspect it’s a government conspiracy to keep it this peaceful.
5. Joshua Tree National Park, California
If you like your stargazing with a side of quirky desert landscapes, Joshua Tree National Park is calling your name. By day, it’s all about bizarre rock formations and the famous Joshua trees (which, let’s face it, don’t look like trees at all).
But once the sun sets, the park transforms into a magical star-viewing oasis. The Milky Way comes into full view, and shooting stars are practically on a schedule. It’s a place where you can lay on your back and just take in the infinite sky above you, without a care in the world. If you’ve never seen the desert under a sky full of stars, you’re missing out—big time.
6. Jodhpur, India
Jodhpur, the blue city of India, is known for its bright and bold architecture—but at night? That’s when the real magic happens. You can get a front-row seat to the stars from a rooftop restaurant, where you’ll sip chai and gaze at the endless stars above.
What’s particularly cool about this spot is the quietness—there’s a sense of peace that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. You’ll get a look at the stars, sure, but you’ll also get a sense of what the night looked like for the people who lived here centuries ago. It’s a unique way to combine cultural history with cosmic wonder. And don’t forget the local food while you’re at it—because stargazing works up an appetite.
7. Canary Islands, Spain
Now, this isn’t your usual beach holiday. The Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife, offer an amazing combination of volcanic landscapes and some of the clearest skies you’ll ever see. If you’re up for it, take the cable car to the top of Mount Teide, where you’ll find yourself looking out over the islands below, while the stars do their thing above.
You’ll have the privilege of seeing everything from Jupiter to constellations that are far more exotic than anything you’ll find in a ‘top 10’ list of stars. The fact that you can do all this in warm weather while sipping a cocktail on your way up? Well, that’s just a bonus.
8. Death Valley, California
If you’re someone who enjoys feeling small in the grand scheme of things, Death Valley might be your perfect stargazing destination. This national park is one of the darkest places in the United States, meaning the stars are more dazzling than you’d expect in most places.
And the lack of light pollution means the Milky Way looks like someone spilled glitter across the sky. Seriously, if you want to feel like you’re on another planet, this is the place to be. The only thing missing is a spaceship. But don’t get too comfortable—Death Valley is hot during the day. Stick to night for your starry adventure.
9. The Scottish Highlands, Scotland
Who says stargazing is just for deserts and beaches? The Scottish Highlands offer an entirely different vibe. Rugged hills, misty lochs, and a sky so clear you might think the stars have come out for a private viewing.
It’s quiet, remote, and you get to do it all with a fantastic view of rolling hills and the occasional whiskey distillery in the background (just in case you fancy a tipple). It’s one of those places that makes you feel like you’re truly alone with the universe—until you remember there’s Wi-Fi, of course.
10. Sossusvlei, Namibia
Back to Namibia, because honestly, you can’t talk stargazing without mentioning the Sossusvlei dunes. These massive, red dunes are stunning enough during the day, but once night falls, the stars above take center stage.
The desert’s emptiness means there’s nothing to interrupt your view of the night sky—just a wide open expanse where you can see constellations, planets, and if you’re really lucky, the occasional meteor shower. It’s remote, it’s quiet, and it might just be the most peaceful place you’ll ever experience.
Final Words
Look, if you’ve never experienced proper stargazing, you’re doing it wrong. You can’t expect to see the stars like this while your eyes are stuck to your phone screen in a city. You need wide-open spaces, the right conditions, and, let’s face it, a little bit of adventure.
Stargazing is about connecting with something bigger than yourself, and these places offer that in spades. You might not be able to touch the stars, but the experience will make you feel like you’ve had a conversation with the universe. And that’s something you can’t put a price on.