Europe is an incredible place to spend the holidays, not only for Christmas but also for that special atmosphere of the olden days and modern charm that only Europe’s architecture and culture can concoct. Let yourself enjoy watching massive fireworks displays, participating in sparkling celebrations, and savoring new cultures. We’ve put together a list of the best places to spend New Year’s in Europe,
Berlin
One of Europe’s biggest street parties, New Year’s Eve in Berlin is not to be missed. Every year before midnight on New Year’s Eve, thousands of people converge upon a two-kilometer stretch of the city between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column. Here, you’ll find live bands, DJs, and locals and visitors alike enjoying the celebratory spirit of the new year! Of course, no NYE celebration is complete without fireworks, and Berlin more than delivers on that front.
Admission to this event is absolutely free, but admission is capped once things start to get busy to prevent overcrowding. Of course, if you can’t make it into the main stretch, you’ll be able to see the fireworks from almost anywhere in Berlin!
Amsterdam
A lot of Amsterdam’s charm is in its narrow, winding roads: it feels like there’s something new and unique to discover around every corner! That excitement makes for a pretty special New Year’s Eve, too: you’ll find impromptu street parties, organized events, and magical surprises nearly everywhere you look.
The televised New Year’s countdown is housed at The Hague, but there are celebrations all over the city! If you’re looking for Amsterdam’s official fireworks display and party, you’ll find it on Java Island, a peninsula in the city’s IJ waterfront facing the rest of the city to the south. Many museums are also open on New Year’s Day, so you can counteract a wild night with a peaceful day of culture.
London
London’s quirky boroughs and cosmopolitan bars mean that ringing in the new year here is a great option for both travelers who love to plan their itinerary down to the minute and those who prefer to play it by ear. Here, you’ll find an incredible fireworks display along the River Thames, which is visible from many areas on the ground, but the many heated rooftop bars are available if you’re seeking a more glamorous experience. There are countless parties, from the officially sanctioned to the underground, and the New Year’s Day parade is always a huge hit.
Paris
Can you think of anything more perfect than celebrating New Year’s Eve in the City of Lights? Me neither. And since Paris has been known for its parties for centuries, you know you’ll find something amazing here. While there’s no official fireworks display, fireworks are legal throughout the city, and you’re almost sure to spot some from locals getting into the spirit of the new year (or, as it’s known in France, St. Sylvestre). There are countless parties to attend, and you can choose if you want to have bubbles (or anything else) in a cozy bistro in the Marais, a chic cocktail bar downtown, or one of the celebrations in the many museums! If you want to party like a Parisian, there are few times of the year better to do it than New Year’s Eve!
Venice
The first step in celebrating New Year’s Eve in Venice is feasting! If you’re looking for another celebratory meal this holiday season, Venice’s Capodanno is a large meal, traditionally including lentils for good luck in the new year, held on December 31st. You’ll find plenty of options for Capodanno around the city, from large hotels to local trattoria, and all of them will be delicious.
Once you’ve eaten your fill, head to Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square) for the official fireworks display! If you’re traveling with a special someone, you can also participate in the “Love event,” when thousands of couples gather for their New Year’s kiss and a glass of bubbly. Now I would think we don’t have to mention the magic word that pops up in everyone’s mind when talking about Venice but for the purpose of on-water fireworks viewing here we go: gondola!
Budapest
This city’s rich history and charming gems around every corner make it an inviting destination all year round. With local cuisine (heartwarming goulash, anyone?), rich history, and the scenic Danube river dividing the city in East and West, Buda and Pest, you can’t go wrong with this lively city. For New Year’s, there’s no better place to view the fireworks than along the river, with the magnificent Neo-Gothic Parliament building and the lit-up bridges to add to the panorama. You might even want to witness the fireworks from a cruise ship on the Danube itself or, for something higher, one of the many rooftop bars, for which you’re best to make a reservation ahead. Clearly, Budapest is full of options!
As if that weren’t enough, Budapest has a number of hot spring baths to keep you warm and cozy, with Széchenyi thermal baths as the absolute must-visit, having been opened in 1913 with grandiose Neo-Baroque architecture and alcohol license for the thirsty. Add to this an array of cozy bars and restaurants and the near whimsical-looking Fisherman’s Bastion with a view over the city and river, and there is no doubt this is your destination for a can’t-miss celebration.
Reykjavik
As always, Reykjavik is the perfect destination for travelers who want to get off the beaten path and make some unique discoveries. There’s no official New Year’s Eve celebration in the Icelandic capital, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get into the spirit! Reykjavik’s roughly 200,000 citizens set off around 500 tonnes of fireworks on New Year’s Eve every year, which means that no matter how you spend the evening, you’ll enjoy an atmosphere dedicated to fun and adventure.
New Year’s Eve Tours in Europe
If the idea of losing yourself in a sea of people is a bit daunting, you don’t have to go it alone! Joining a group tour gives you access to parties you may not have heard of, a built-in group of people to celebrate with, and the opportunity to see more of Europe. Head over to TourRadar for your pick from hundreds of New Year’s destinations!
New Year’s Eve is a great opportunity to take stock of your life and be thankful for what you have. If your new year’s resolution is to travel more, why not start the year off right, and take to Europe? No matter where you go, you’re sure to have an incredible time.
