You should take night shots just BEFORE it gets dark while there still is some colors (typically a blueish color) in the sky. Night images taken with a pitch black sky is boring.

The best time for night shots is at dusk and dawn, not at night.

I took this night photograph of the Hong Kong skyline just before it got dark but there are still a hint of color in the sky. I was lucky this time to get the image sharp without a tripod or a Image Stabilization lens but I recommend a tripod with a remote release for best result.

Night Photograph of the Hong kong Skyline

The light is changing fast just before it gets dark so you have to be prepared and ready when it’s time to shoot. I probably waited a few minutes too long when I took the above photo of the Hong Kong skyline