“SLEEPLESS IN ANYWHERE”; THE GLOBAL INSOMNIAC’S TRAVEL GUIDE

Whether you’re wide awake in Tokyo, glaring at your ceiling in New York, or counting imaginary sheep in Paris, the struggle is real—and it’s gone global. But instead of wallowing in your bed of despair, why not embrace the sleeplessness and turn it into an adventure? Welcome to the wonderful world of the jet-lagged, the sleep-deprived, and the eternally wide-eyed. This is your survival guide to making the most of those sleepless nights, no matter where you are.

New York, USA: The City That Sleeps Even Less Than You Do

Once upon a time, New York was the city that never slept. Now, it’s more like the city that dozes off occasionally but is always ready for a midnight snack. If you’re wide awake here, you’re in excellent company—so ditch the duvet and dive into the city’s nocturnal playground.

Start with Times Square’s Midnight Moment, where, for three glorious minutes, the world’s most famous billboards stop screaming at you and turn into a digital art display. It’s the kind of thing that makes you wonder if you’re actually awake or just dreaming with your eyes open. But don’t rush off, Times Square at 1am remains busier than many cities at rush hour and though the blinding lights and bustling energy might not help you sleep, they’ll definitely make you feel like you’re part of the action.

Feeling nautical? Hop on the Staten Island Ferry. It’s free, runs 24/7, and it offers Instagram-worthy views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline. Sleep is for the weak; you’ve got a camera to fill and memories to make. And if all else fails, there’s always pancakes at 3 a.m. Because if there’s one thing New York excels at, it’s keeping you entertained—and well-fed—around the clock.

Tokyo, Japan: The Night of a Thousand Ramen

In Tokyo, where sleep is optional and neon lights are mandatory, insomnia has never tasted so good. Forget tossing and turning in your hotel room; it’s time to toss some noodles instead. Tokyo is a city that never truly sleeps—unlike you, who just never sleeps at all. Why not slurp your way through the night at one of the city’s countless 24-hour ramen joints? Sure, your doctor might have a heart attack at the mere thought, but you’ve already lost the battle for sleep, so why not win the war on hunger?

Engage in a bout of Midnight Ramen, try hitting up Ichiran or Ippudo and make peace with the fact that your midnight cravings are about to become a thing of legend. Alternatively should you want to connect with the locals slip into one of those mysterious, unmarked bars where the décor is minimal but the food is anything but. You might end up getting a little carried away but hey, that’s just the price of being a global insomniac superstar.

Too late, or is that too early, for food then take a nighttime stroll to the Tokyo Tower. The view at night is mesmerising, and the city lights might just hypnotise you into a state of calm - or at least, that’s what we will tell ourselves.

Paris, France: Sleepless in the City of Lights

Paris, the city of light, love, and apparently, the wide awake. If you find yourself staring at the ceiling in your Parisian hotel room, don’t fret - embrace it. Paris after dark is like a lover with a secret: alluring, mysterious, and just a little bit naughty. And the best part? You’ll have the streets (almost) all to yourself, aside from a few fellow insomniacs.

Though not famous for being a 24 hour city Paris still holds a few gems to help even the most weary traveller find some sanctuary while awaiting the dawn of a new day. The mythical Au Pied de Cochon on the Rue Coquillère offers a warm welcome 24 hours a day along with exquisite cuisine and legendary specials, enough to make you forget all about the sandman. Or, hit up Le Grand Café Capucines—because nothing says “I’ve accepted my fate” like dining where insomniacs have gathered since 1875.

Sydney, Australia: Insomnia Down Under

If you find yourself wrestling with your pillow in Sydney, fear not, there’s lots to do in when the rest of the city is tucked in. The 24 hour economic strategy is the culmination of local government’s ‘thought leadership’ to rebuild a vibrant and diverse city following the pandemic. Yes, yes, the mere thought of ‘thought leadership’ might just be sufficient to cure your insomnia but the 24 hour strategy was practically designed with insomniacs in mind and since you’re still awake, let’s explore what Sydney has to offer the permanently wired.

Oxford Street and Kings Cross are your go-to areas, where 24-hour trading means you’ll never be alone in your sleeplessness. Drop by Big Poppa’s on Oxford Street, where the booths are cozy, the food is top-notch and the wine is surprisingly decent—just what you need when you’re running on 48 hours of zero sleep. Who needs prescription sleep aids when you’ve got a nice glass of red?

If it’s more food for the soul you are craving then Sydney’s harbour area and beaches are particularly beautiful at night, and with fewer people around, you can enjoy a more peaceful experience. With most beaches open all day why not try a late-night walk on the legendary Bondi Beach or the recently crowned Queenscliffe Beach just a short walk from Manly Wharf. The sound of the waves and the cool sand between your toes might just be the soothing remedy you need. Or, at the very least, it’s a great way to pass the time.

Need a side order of culture with your insomnia, taking a nighttime tour of the Sydney Opera House might be the way to go. You might not get to see a show after midnight but the architecture is truly stunning under the stars. And if all else fails you can grab a coffee, look over the harbour and contemplate what exactly does a didgeridoo do.

Buenos Aires, Argentina: Tango the Night Away

In Buenos Aires, your insomnia might actually be a blessing in disguise. This city doesn’t just come alive at night—it thrives on it. Tango clubs, late-night diners, and streets that never seem to quiet down—if you’re wide awake here, you’re just doing what the locals do best.

Known for its many vibrant, thronging Tango Clubs head to a milonga, where you can watch as couples dance the tango until the early hours. And if your particular brand of insomnia has you riding a wave of misguided self confidence you could always join in. After all, you’ve spent many a sleepless night learning the difference between the forward ocho and the enrosque for just this moment. Who needs sleep when you can tango?

When the dancing is done and hunger strikes, Buenos Aires is awash with high quality steak houses or parrillas. Enjoy some of the best steak you’ll ever eat—no, seriously, it’s good enough to make you forget all about your insomnia. So go ahead, eat your way into a food coma or at least a state of deep, blissful contentment.

Insomnia is a global phenomenon, but it doesn’t have to be your global problem, after all sleeplessness is your superpower and with a little creativity and a lot of caffeine, your sleepless nights can become the most memorable part of your travels. Adventure waits for no one, not even the well-rested. So the next time you find yourself wide awake in a strange city, don’t despair. You’re not alone — there’s a whole world out there, just waiting to be explored by the light of the moon. Safe travels, fellow insomniac, and may your next sleepless night be your best one yet.