New Year’s Eve in Europe

We all know that the way you welcome the new year is the way you’re going to live it. And that’s why choosing the perfect destination is crucial. Therefore, we hope our guide will help you make this important decision.

Europe is the world’s gold mine when it comes to amazing, yet not too expensive New Year’s Eve parties. Among so many destinations all over the continent, we have chosen the top 10 best places to celebrate New Year’s. Let’s check them out!

London, England

The capital of England is a special place to welcome the new year and say goodbye to the old one. All across the city, you can find places to do so: from Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace, London has a well-established program of celebration all night long. Furthermore, great parties are guaranteed in many London pubs and restaurants. In addition, New Year’s Eve is celebrated at the National Museum History ice rink and many comedy clubs. Also, you cannot miss the New Year’s Day Parade on January 1st. The parade is a tradition that started in 1987 and it gets better every year!

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is one of the best destinations for New Year’s Eve, whether you wish to embrace the new year in a peaceful atmosphere or at some crazy party. This city has it all. The Prague fireworks launched from Letna Parks are a really special experience. In addition, there are multiple beautiful locations from where you can enjoy this spectacle. Namely, you can go somewhere overlooking the river such as Lesser Town, Petrin Hill, and Prague Castle. The other option is to head for the main square (Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square). Keep in mind that, unlike London, Prague is cheap. Therefore, don’t hesitate to book accommodation in the city center for the full experience.

Gdansk, Poland

Another gorgeous city that found its way to our list of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve in Europe is Gdansk. It is one of the Polish most beautiful cities with a long tradition of celebration during holidays. Furthermore, the New Year’s Eve party in Gdansk takes place on its main streets: Dlugi Targ and Wiglowy Tard (Coal Market). This is where most people gather to watch the fireworks. However, that’s not all this city has to show. All the city restaurants and bars welcome guests who wish to celebrate with them. The evening in Gdansk offers a concert, party for everybody, amazing fireworks and traditional chiming in the new year by the residents.

Rome, Italy

Rome is considered to be, along with Paris, one of the most romantic places for the New Year’s Eve celebration. In case you are lucky enough to be there on that special night, you will enjoy many free concerts, plenty of places offering traditional New Year’s Eve dinner (cenone), firework shows, and a party atmosphere. With the exception of New Year’s Day, everything is open, the city is beautifully lit up, from the shops and the street decorations to the giant trees at the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, and Saint Peter’s. Circo Massimo, Piazza del Popolo, and the Auditorium are just some of the amazing places waiting for you with their special programs.

Stockholm, Sweden

Like all Scandinavian people, Swedes sure know how to celebrate the winter holidays. Therefore, spending your New Year’s Eve in their capital will definitely be one of the greatest memories of your life. Furthermore, the most famous event is a New Year ceremony at the Skansen open-air museum. The bells are chiming and a New Year’s verse by British poet L. A. Tennyson is declaimed to the nation. In addition, there are plenty of other options where to celebrate such as the City Hall, Södermalm, Fjällgatan, and Monteliusvägen.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is one of the biggest New Year celebrations in the world. It all starts on December 30th with Torchlight Procession heading towards Calton Hill. The procession is accompanied by music and the show ends with magnificent fireworks. On Hogmanay itself, the celebration moves to Princes Street. It is located in the very center of Scotland’s capital, beneath Edinburgh Castle. A lot is happening in this vibrant city: DJs, a band, giant screens, outdoor bars, and food stands. Last but not least, there is the worldwide famous Hogmanay firework show that amazes thousands of people each year. No wonder this is one of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve in Europe!

Paris, France

The French capital is known worldwide as the City of Love. Therefore, it is one of the top destinations for celebrating the new year surrounded by a romantic atmosphere. For an unforgettable experience, you can rent a boat and observe the luxurious illumination of this gorgeous city. In addition, what makes this experience even better is a special festive menu and a live orchestra. If, however, you wish for a bit wilder and crazier evening, you can visit the fabulous street party at Avenue des Champs-Elysees. There will be lots of champagne and “papillotes”, France’s chocolate holiday candies wrapped in gold paper. Besides that, there are a number of spots close by for dining, drinking, and dancing before and after midnight. Moreover, magnificent spectacles are organized close to the Eiffel Tower known for its light shows and at the Arc de Triomphe, as well.

Lisbon, Portugal

On December 31st, as in all European cities, Lisbon too dresses up to welcome the new year. Streets get overflown with people singing, partying, dancing, and hanging out with friends. Everyone is awaiting midnight and, of course, the fireworks. Furthermore, the city’s largest ‘living room’, Terreiro de Paco, will provide you with lots of music, food, and drinks. If, on the other hand, you prefer smaller groups of people, you are welcome to celebrate in many clubs and restaurants all across the town. However, be prepared to pay for entrance. Also, don’t hesitate to visit Barrio Alto streets, Lisbon’s most exhilarating district with plenty of nightclubs, bars, and restaurants. Other popular streets are Rua do Norte, Rua da Atalaia or Rua do Diario Noticias. It’s worthy as well checking out Lux, one of the most popular clubs around Lisbon city.

Berlin, Germany

More than a million people gather around at the Brandenburg Gate to welcome New Year. Party tents, light shows, outdoor bars, and food stands occupy more than 2 kilometers of space to make this special night even more spectacular. Besides that, another great outdoor location to enjoy the fireworks in Berlin is the Alexanderplatz. For those who prefer to celebrate in a club, crazy fun is guaranteed in Kulturbrauerei. There are more than 15 floors of different music! Therefore, you will definitely find something you like. Also, clubs such as SO36 and Weekend Club promise a lot of fun as well. If you wish for a quieter atmosphere, you can always book a table in one of the city restaurants and enjoy German specialties and live music.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

One of Croatia’s most beautiful cities turns into a real party destination on the last night of the year, promising great adventures and parties all across the town. This is a chance to make a passage into the new year on Dubrovnik’s most celebrated street, Stradun. Namely, the street turns into an open stage with hundreds of people singing, dancing, and enjoying Croatian specialties. In addition, on this special night, the fireworks make the historic and world-famous city walls even more fascinating. What’s more, you can enjoy the fireworks above the city walls from pretty much anywhere in the old town. Therefore, if you want a more intimate atmosphere, you can book a table at one of the many Dubrovnik restaurants and bars.