The holidays are approaching! It's time again to plan the upcoming winter holidays and many of us are faced with deciding where to celebrate the arrival of the New Year. Not sure where to go?
Here are some ideas for an unforgettable New Year's Eve: the perfect destinations for young people looking for crazy fun, for couples looking for romance, and for families looking for family-friendly activities and events.
Let's find out together which European cities and capitals are best suited for New Year's Eve!
Destination | Temperature (min/max) | Cost 5 days/4 nights (flight+hotel) |
|---|---|---|
Rome | 10°/19° | |
Amsterdam | 2°/7° | |
Berlin | 0°/4° | |
Paris | 4°/8° | |
Budapest | 0°/4° | |
Brussels | 2°/7° | |
Prague | 0°/4° | |
Madrid | 4°/10° | |
London | 5°/9° | |
Dublin | 3°/9° |
1 - Rome: Happy New Year!
Let's start with the"Bel Paese". Yes, because Rome is certainly one of the most fascinating European capitals and on New Year's Eve it becomes even more atmospheric. Every year, numerous events, manifestations and concerts are organised to celebrate the passage into the New Year. Traditionally, the city organises a large free concert in the Circus Maximus area or at the Imperial Forum. Other lively areas on New Year's Eve are the Lungotevere and Piazza dell'Emporio.
During the last days of the year you will be able to visit all the must-sees in Rome, but we recommend booking tickets and guided tours in advance to avoid being stuck in line for hours, especially for the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel (skip-the-line ticket from €35.00, see details), the Colosseum and the Roman Forum and Palatine (guided tour from €34.90, see details).
SEE ALSO: New Year's Eve in Rome: Tips, Events and Offers
Where to stay: hotels and b&b from €60.00 per night - see offers
Flight+ hotel: Return flight + 4 nights/5 days from €361.00 per person - see offers
2 - Amsterdam: Gelukkig Nieuwjaar!
Amsterdam is the European capital of transgression and on the last night of the year it gets even crazier. With its nightlife, it's an ideal destination for young people even if, to be honest, it's not exactly a cheap one.
Dam Square is the main night and daytime meeting place; and on New Year's Eve, it buzzes with even more life, thanks to the traditional free New Year's Eve celebration concert. If you are not afraid of the cold and want to experience a New Year's Eve out of the box, on the beach of Scheveningen (1 hour away from Amsterdam) many Dutch people gather to celebrate with the world-famous New Year's Eve plunge. Around the pier, the celebrations continue with singing, dancing and toasts. To get around the city, get a public transport pass before departure to save on individual tickets.
As for activities to do during your stay, definitely enjoy a cruise on the city's canals and don't miss a visit to the Van Gogh Museum ( advance purchase of tickets recommended).
SEE ALSO: New Year's Eve in Amsterdam: Tips, Events and Offers
Where to stay: hotels and B&Bs from €85.00 per night - see offers
Flight+ hotel: Return flight + 4 nights/5 days - from €300.00 per person - see more
3 - Berlin: Prosit Neujahr!
Berlin is a paradise for every beer lover. Lots of events with live music are organised here too. And for the countdown, more than a million people gather at the Brandenburg Gate to watch the incredible fireworks display. After midnight, the square turns into a huge open-air disco, where you can dance and rock until the first light of dawn.
In the atmospheric Gendarmenmarkt, the WeihnachtsZauber takes place, a Christmas market offering a more relaxed atmosphere. Here you can find the best of local gastronomy but also specialities from all over the world. Another fascinating possibility, especially for families, is the New Year's Eve party at the Citadel of Spandau, where there is a wonderful medieval fortress. If you choose Berlin as your New Year's destination, we recommend purchasing the WelcomeCard, for discounts on attractions and free transport. Finally, to save valuable time in line, book tickets for the Television Tower and the river cruise in advance.
SEE ALSO: New Year's Eve in Berlin - tips, events and offers
Where to stay: hotels and b&b from €85.00 per night - see offers
Flight+ hotel: Return flight + 4 nights/5 days - from €509.00 per person - see more
4 - Paris: Bonne Année!
The'city of lovers': if you want to indulge in a weekend of passion with your partner, there's no better place!
Romantic like few others in the world, Paris becomes even more beautiful during the festivities, with plenty of alternatives to spend a fantastic New Year's Eve.
On the Champs Elysées you can enjoy wonderful shows. The big party starts as early as 9 p.m. - our advice is to arrive a little earlier, perhaps as early as late afternoon, to avoid the crowds.
Plus, at the stroke of midnight, you will have the chance to kiss your sweetheart at the foot of the Eiffel Tower: could you ask for anything better?
If you have chosen Paris to celebrate New Year's Eve but want to avoid the crowds in the squares and clubs, you can choose a romantic dinner cruise on the Seine on one of the many Bateaux Mouches(from €16.00).
For a spicy New Year's Eve instead, consider attending a show at the Mouline Rouge(from €100.00).
Finally, for those travelling with the family, the best option is definitely Disneyland Paris, provided you book your tickets well in advance(from €56.00).
SEE ALSO: New Year's Eve in Paris - tips, events and offers
Where to stay: hotels and B&Bs from €120.00 per night - see deals
Flight+ hotel: A/R flight + 4 nights/5 days - from €730.00 per person - see deals
5 - Budapest: Boldog új évet!
Budapest presents very good entertainment but certainly different from the cities recommended so far.
Indeed, on New Year's Eve, the Hungarian capital is certainly less chaotic than Berlin, Amsterdam or Paris.
The atmosphere is certainly quieter, suitable for an elopement.
Vorosmarty Square is one of the most popular and youth-populated locations in the entire city of Budapest.
A romantic proposal is a cruise on the Danube: music on board, romance, dreamy views and a dinner fit for a king(from €129.00).
An original solution is New Year's Eve at the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, which start celebrating on 30 December(from €30.00). And to enjoy the city in the days before or after the festivities, buy the Budapest Card, for access to transport, attractions and tours.
SEE ALSO: New Year's Eve in Budapest: Tips, Events and Offers
Where to stay: hotels and b&b from €70.00 per night - see offers
Flight+ hotel: Return flight + 4 nights/5 days - from €360.00 per person - see offers
6 - Brussels: Gelukkig Nieuwjaar!
Brussels will give you unique emotions.
Thanks to the fabulous events organised, there is no shortage of fun, as well as beer and alcohol in general: for these main reasons it is a suitable location for youth tourism.
Right in the centre is the meeting point for the classic New Year's Eve on the square: the wonderful Gran Place. Alternatively, you could spend New Year's Eve on the street between Borse and De Brouckère, a pedestrian area that is at its best on the last night of the year.
And during the day, attractions you can't miss include the Atomium(entry from €16.00) and the Mini-Europe Park(entry from €17.00). We recommend booking tickets in advance, considering the large number of tourists over the festive period.
SEE ALSO: New Year's Eve in Brussels - tips, events and offers
Where to stay: hotels and B&Bs from €70.00 per night - Find out more
Flight+ hotel: Return flight + 4 nights/5 days - from €500.00 per person - see offers
7 - Prague: Šťastný Nový Rok!
The Czech capital presents historical and artistic wonders of unquestionable value. What's more, under the festive season there is a fantastic atmosphere in Prague. The streets are lit up with traditional lights and snow falls from the sky just like in one of the classic Christmas films shown on TV.
You just have to go to the Charles Bridge and witness one of the most beautiful fireworks displays in the world live!
Of all the 'hot' areas of Prague, Wenceslas Square is undoubtedly the most popular. The festivities kick off in the evening with a live music concert and the inevitable fireworks display. But the party continues until the morning in all the clubs in the centre, which we recommend you discover via the fun pub tour.
A romantic alternative is a cruise on the Vltava River, with dinner and live music(read more)
SEE ALSO: New Year's Eve in Prague - tips, events and offers
Where to stay: hotels and b&b from €70.00 per night - see offers
Flight+ hotel: Return flight + 4 nights/5 days - from €580.00 per person - see offers
8 - Madrid: Feliz Año Nuevo!
Millions of visitors are expected in Madrid on the first of the year, many of whom gather at Puerta del Sol for the ritual toast.
For lovers of tradition, the appointment is in front of the Royal House, to eat a grape for each of the twelve chimes of the clock.
A truly alternative New Year's Eve can be spent on Madrid's funicular railway. The company that runs the cable car organises the last ride of the year to allow you to admire the festivities and fireworks taking place in the city from a privileged vantage point.
Considering the number of tourists, it is highly recommended to book in advance the various activities and guided tours for the days close to New Year's Eve, such as the entrance to theRoyal Palace, theentrance to the Prado Museum and the tour of the Bernabéu stadium.
SEE ALSO: New Year's Eve in Madrid - tips, events and offers
Where to stay: hotels and b&b from €80.00 per night - see offers
Flight+ hotel: Return flight + 4 nights/5 days - from €490.00 per person - see offers
9 - London: Happy New Year!
New Year's Eve in London is always an unparalleled spectacle. Rivers of people pour into the streets, in defiance of the not always clement weather, and spectacular fireworks are set off in the sky.
How to spend New Year's Eve in London? You're spoilt for choice: dinner cruise on the Thames, Sensational Party with light display on the Shard skyscraper or even open-air disco in Trafalgar Square!
London is quite expensive, especially when it comes to accommodation. So look for and choose accommodation away from the centre that is close to a tube station. And to save on entrance fees to attractions, we definitely recommend the London Pass, a tourist card that includes free access to over 80 museums and monuments.
SEE ALSO: New Year's Eve in London - tips, events and offers
Where to stay: hotels and b&b's from €120.00 per night - see offers
Flight+ hotel: Return flight + 4 nights/5 days - from €550.00 per person - see deals
10 - Dublin: Happy New Year!
A city and an event truly for everyone: lovers of fun, adventure, clubs, but also families and lovers of history and culture. A must-see stop to say goodbye to the year that is drawing to a close.
The 'must' places for New Year's Eve in Dublin? St. Stephen's Green, Temple Bar and the gospel choir concert at Christ Church Cathedral! And if you really don't want to skimp, you can visit the Guinness factory on New Year's Eve, for which we recommend buying your ticket in advance, or alternatively the Dublin Pass, which offers over 35 free attractions and activities, including the Guinness Storehouse itself and the Hop on hop off bus.
SEE ALSO: New Year's Eve in Dublin - tips, events and offers
Where to stay: hotels and B&Bs from €90.00 per night - see deals
Flight+ hotel: Return flight + 4 nights/5 days - from €526.00 per person - see deals
Other ideas and low cost destinations to celebrate New Year's Eve
Ideas and low cost offers: still not clear on what to do on New Year's Eve? Take a look at our low-cost ideas and destinations
World's best New Year's Eve parties: If you don't want to compromise, don't miss out on the world's craziest and most memorable celebrations, here are the world's best New Year's Eve destinations.
New Year's Eve in Italy: in the beautiful country, there is no shortage of solutions to spend an unforgettable New Year's Eve; here is where to celebrate in Italy.
New Year's Eve atthe spa: if you are in the mood for a relaxing experience, New Year's Eve at the spa is a valid alternative for spending New Year's Eve. Here are the best destinations.
Best New Year's Eve concerts and events: if you prefer to wait for the stroke of midnight while enjoying a legendary live concert, here are the special events you should not miss.
New Year's Eve in the mountains: and why not welcome in the New Year with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing? Here are the best destinations in the mountains.
Most beautiful cities for Christmas and New Year's Eve: some destinations are literally perfect for visiting over the Christmas holidays... here they all are!
New Year's Eve with Kids: If you are looking for the right destination to entertain the little ones, here are the best destinations for families, including amusement parks and party atmosphere.