New Year’s Eve in Europe

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 to present to you and maybe help you decide where to spend the craziest night of the year.

1) 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. Great parties are guaranteed in many London pubs and restaurants, but also at the National Museum History ice rink and many comedy clubs. Also, you cannot miss the New Year’s Day Parade on January 1st. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the parade and will welcome over 8,500 performers representing 20 countries from all over the world.

2) Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is a very popular destination for New Year’s Eve, whether you wish to embrace the new year in a peaceful atmosphere or at some crazy party, you can find it all. The Prague fireworks launched from Letna Parks are a really special experience, so you have two options from where to watch it: go somewhere overlooking the river (Lesser Town, Petrin Hill, Prague Castle) or head for the main square (Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square). Unlike London, Prague is cheap so don’t hesitate to book accommodation in the city center for the full experience.

3) Gdansk, Poland

One of the Polish most beautiful cities has a long tradition of celebration during holidays. The New Year’s Eve party in Gdansk will take place on its main streets: Dlugi Targ and Wiglowy Tard (Coal Market). 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.

4) Rome, Italy

Rome is considered to be, among 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.

5) Stockholm, Sweden

As all Scandinavian people, Swedes sure know how to celebrate winter holidays, so spending your New Year’s Eve in their capital will definitely be one of the greatest memories of your life. Each year ends with a live broadcast from the Skansen open-air museum with the bells chiming and a New Year’s verse by British poet L. A. Tennyson is declaimed to the nation. There are plenty of options where to celebrate: the City Hall, Södermalm, Fjällgatan, Monteliusvägen, and many others.

6) 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 towards Calton Hill where it ends with magnificent fireworks. On Hogmanay itself, the celebration moves to Princes Street in the very center of Scotland’s capital beneath the Edinburgh Castle. Together with DJs, a band, giant screens, outdoor bars, food stands, and the worldwide famous Hogmanay firework show, thousands of people welcome the new year.

7) Paris, France

The French capital is known worldwide as the City of Love, so it is one of the top destinations for waiting for a new year surrounded by a romantic atmosphere and luxurious illumination. For an unforgettable experience, rent a boat and observe the magnificent Paris eating a special festive menu while listening to a live orchestra. For those wishing for a bit wilder and crazier evening, you can visit the fabulous street party at Avenue des Champs-Elysees, where there will be lots of champagne and “papillotes”, France’s chocolate holiday candies wrapped in gold paper. There are a number of spots close by for dining, drinking, and dancing before and after midnight. Magnificent spectacles will be organized close to the Eiffel Tower known for its light shows and at the Arc de Triomphe, as well.

8) 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 awaiting the midnight and the fireworks. The city’s largest ‘living room’, Terreiro de Paco, will provide you with lots of music, food, and drinks. If you prefer smaller groups of people, you are welcome to celebrate in many clubs and restaurants all across the town, but be prepared to pay for entrance. 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.

9) 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 your night spectacular. If you wish to go to some club, crazy fun is guaranteed in Kulturbrauerei, with more than 15 floors of different music, so you will definitely find what suits you. Also, the Silvesterclub, Spreespeicher, and Bassy Club promise a lot of fun as well. If you wish for a quieter atmosphere, you can always rent an apartment with beautiful views of Berlin or go to some of the city restaurants and enjoy the German specialties and live music.

10) Dubrovnik, Croatia

Croatia’s most expensive city turns into a real party destination on the last night of the year, promising great adventures and parties all across the town. Many Croatian and foreign performers guarantee to get your money’s worth. Make a passage into the new year on Dubrovnik’s most celebrated street, Stradun, which turns into an open stage with hundreds of people singing, dancing, and enjoying Croatian specialties. Don’t miss the fireworks above the world-famous city walls, which you can see even if you choose to celebrate in one of the many Dubrovnik restaurants and bars, offering great service and live music.