New Year’s Eve unites the world in celebration and hope. It’s a time to leave the past behind us and look ahead to the future. One of my favorite ways to celebrate is by traveling somewhere new! These travel bloggers also agree – so that’s why I put together over 15 amazing cities to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Europe.
(f you don’t want to head to Europe this NYE, check out this post on over 30 places to celebrate NYE around the world!)
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
Recommended by Sam of Sam Sees World
One of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve in Europe is Amsterdam. Known as one of the most wild and eccentric cities in the world, Amsterdam is a top destination for all things parties and celebrations. The young crowd, party-friendly environment and welcoming atmosphere make it a top place to spend New Year’s for travellers of all kinds. Spending a night in Amsterdam any night of the year offers an unforgettable experience, and NYE is no different.
Amsterdam is one of the top places to spend New Year’s because of its plethora of things to do. You can head to a party in a club, listen to a famous DJ perform in an arena, go to a local pub, or simply walk the streets and enjoy the bustling atmosphere.
Fireworks are illegal in Amsterdam but you will most likely see and hear a lot of them all around the city. You don’t even have to go searching to find them along the canals and in the city streets.
It is best to stay as close to the city center as possible during New Year’s Eve so you can avoid needing an uber or any form of transportation other than walking. A great option for ringing in the new year in style is The Hoxton!
Head to Amsterdam for one of the most electric and memorable New Year’s Eve you can get!
Berlin, Germany
Recommended by Ali of Berlin Travel Tips
If you like a good party for New Year’s Eve, Berlin is the place to be. Germany’s capital is known for parties all year round, and things get even wilder on New Year’s Eve.
Many Berlin clubs have special parties for New Year’s, so for those of you who love dancing and music, this is a good option. There are clubs for all tastes in Berlin, but one of the biggest New Year’s Eve parties is at Kulturbrauerei where multiple clubs put on one huge party together.
Another option for celebration is at Brandenburg Gate. Not only is this one of the most famous landmarks in Germany, but it’s also where many events take place throughout the year, including a giant outdoor New Year’s celebration. The street that runs west from Brandenburg Gate, called Strasse des 17. Juni, is closed off for the event, stages are set up for performances, and people party in the street. At midnight, there’s a huge fireworks display.
If you’re not up for the crowds at Brandenburg Gate, you can still easily see fireworks from almost anywhere. Fireworks are really easy to buy at this time of year, and people will set them off all around the city well before and after midnight. Good places to see them are near the Spree River or near Frankfurter Tor, but no matter where you are, someone will be setting off fireworks nearby.
For a nice place to stay, I recommend the 25Hours Hotel. Book a “jungle” room and you’ll be rewarded with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Berlin Zoo and Tiergarten park.
Dublin, Ireland
Recommended by Me, The Directionally Challenged Traveler
Dublin is a charming city throughout the entire year, but is truly special for New Year’s Eve.
Celebrations occur all over the city, from the choreographed Liffey Lights at Custom House, to rocking out at the Countdown Concert featuring top Irish musicians.
If you’re visiting for longer than just December 31st, don’t worry, there are plenty of things to do in Dublin. The Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle, and the Book of Kells at Trinity College are all festively decorated during this time of the year.
Indulge in the pub scene for fuel to keep you exploring and celebrating. The Church is a church-turned-pub that features live music and a slice of Dublin history. The Temple Bar area is the place to go if you enjoy a loud party atmosphere.
The Schoolhouse Hotel is located in the city center, and is home to a lot of history, making it perfect for exploring the city.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Recommended by Moumita of Chasing the Long Road
The Scottish capital city of Edinburgh is one of the best places in Europe to spend New Year’s Eve. Just after Christmas, Edinburgh embraces Hogmanay – a three-day annual celebration from 30th December to New Year’s Day.
The Hogmanay starts with Torchlight Procession, which originated from a Norse tradition. Thousands of people walk with torchlight across the city. It finishes with spectacular fireworks. On New Year’s Eve, Edinburgh celebrates street parties on Princes Street. Also, you might participate in a candlelit concert and cosy traditional Scottish dance (Ceilidh).
Fireworks happen from Edinburgh Castle every hour before midnight. At the stroke of midnight, the grand firework lights up the city sky, and people embrace the new year by dancing and screaming with ‘Auld Lang Syne’ – a popular song by Scottish poet, Robert Burns. The best place to see the fireworks is the Princes Street Garden where the concert happens. Salisbury Crag, Calton Hill and Inverleith Park are also great places to admire the fireworks.
Last but not the least, a very important tradition of Hogmanay is Loony Took which happens on the morning of New Year’s Day. Hundreds of people dip into the chilly cold water of the Firth of Forth to the north of the city.
There are plenty of luxury and budget hotels dotted in and around Edinburgh. If you are looking for a central location to stay in Edinburgh, The Rutland Hotel and Apartments would be an excellent choice. You would get a superb view of the castle, and it’s very close to Princes Street, where the street party takes place.
Helsinki, Finland
Recommended by Me, The Directionally Challenged Traveler
Helsinki is often an overlooked destination in Europe – and definitely skipped over for New Year’s Eve. Winter in Finland is not for the faint of heart! With the sun rising after 9:00 am and setting around 4:00 pm, and cold temperatures, travelers should be bundled up before visiting.
There are two major places to see fireworks in the city. Senate Square, featuring the iconic Helsinki Cathedral, and Kansalaistori Square near the Contemporary Art Museum. Both are out in the open, so be sure to bundle up nice and warm. You’ll find musical entertainment, plenty of dancing, snacks, and at midnight – fireworks!
If you’re lucky to spend New Years Eve with a local Finn, you can try tin casting! This tradition is a way to predict your future for the year. They melt a tin horseshoe in a pan, then pour the liquid medal in water to solidify. The shape of the tin is said to be indicative of the next year’s fortunes.
The Klaus K Hotel in downtown Helsinki brings the traditional architecture design mixed with luxury, making it a great place to explore the city from!
Istanbul, Turkey
Recommended by Sasha of Mog and Dog Travels
Istanbul is a fantastic place to see in the New Year especially because this buzzing mega-city offers a range of ways that travellers on all budgets can celebrate.
Budget travellers should definitely not miss Istanbul’s stunning firework displays to welcome in the New Year. The most breathtaking firework shows are over the Bosphorus strait and feature some of the city’s most spectacular bridges in the background.
All of the fireworks shows are free, you just need to decide where you want to watch them and make sure you get there early! Some of the most popular viewpoints are in Ortaköy and Beşiktaş on the European side of the city and Kadıköy and Camlica Hill on the Asian Side.
Another wallet-friendly way to celebrate New Year’s Eve is to attend one of the many street parties in the city. These parties feature street food stalls, DJs and even stages with lights and live music! Istanbul’s street parties are free to attend, just bring along your own drinks! The best parties are at Nişantaşı, Ortaköy and Kadıköy.
Boat cruises along the Bosphorus are also a popular New Years’ Eve activity. Lasting between 4-6 hours, a boat cruise typically features a three-course meal, an open bar and live music. The deck of the boat also offers a great vantage point from which to watch the fireworks when midnight strikes.
If you prefer to stay on dry land, Istanbul also has an abundance of cool clubs where you can dance until you drop plus many trendy rooftop bars and restaurants that will offer special NYE menus.
There is a range of fantastic places to stay in Istanbul from budget-friendly apartments to luxury hotels. A great luxury option is The Stay Bosphorus, which features gorgeous rooms with incredible views over the water.
Lagos, Portugal
Recommended by Alya of The Algrave Family
Lagos is a charming beach town in the Algarve region of Portugal. It’s a great place to come to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Here you can have a fun New Year’s Eve party combined with a winter beach holiday. The average day temperature in Lagos in December is 17°C. It’s mostly sunny and windless. You can have an outdoor New Year celebration without worrying about getting cold.
New Year’s celebrations in Lagos include all-night concerts, shows, and fireworks. The town is well-known in Portugal for its New Year’s Eve fireworks. The main stage is usually set on Praca do Infante in the Old Town of Lagos. The nearest beach, Praia da Batata, is just 50 m away. Most bars and restaurants in the Old Town are open all night.
The Marina de Lagos is another great area for celebrating New Year’s Eve. It’s 800 m away from the Old Town. Many bars there have their own live music and performance. If you don’t want to be in a very crowded place with thousands of people the Marina is a good alternative. It’s the best place in Lagos to watch the fireworks as well, especially if you book a table on the terrace of one of the restaurants on the upper floor.
There are many great things to do in Lagos during the day. You can spend time enjoying beaches, surfing, kayaking or hiking along the rugged limestone cliffs.
Lagos is a popular New Year’s Eve destination. It’s highly recommended to book accommodation in advance. Boutique Taghostel is a great party place to stay in Lagos. Lagos Avenida Hotel is a perfect choice for a romantic stay.
London, England
Recommended by Paulina of UK Every Day
If you are looking for one of the most spectacular destinations to celebrate New Year’s Eve, choose London. Over 10 million people watch the impressive fireworks show on BBC every year, while many others admire them by the River Thames in person.
New Year’s Eve countdown on Big Ben or the Shard are just a few of the amazing displays in the capital. Enjoy laser shows over the River Thames and watch light illuminations of flying birds in the sky.
However, one of the best spots is opposite the London Eye. The amount of fireworks just 10 minutes before midnight is incredible. This famous landmark in London fades away when a colorful display appears in the sky.
The views from Westminister Bridge are also impressive, so make sure to choose the right spot to celebrate New Year’s Eve in London. With a budget of a few million pounds to create this event, London will not disappoint you.
One of the most amazing places to stay in London is Shangri-La The Shard. It is located in the tallest building in London and offers incredible views of the city. Visit the Shard and enjoy cocktails in the clouds during New Year’s Eve. This hotel has also the highest swimming pool in Western Europe and panoramic views of London are like nowhere else. You can also kick off the New Year during a party at Shard. With so many options, London is definitely one of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve in Europe.
Lucca, Italy
Recommended by Denise of Chef Denise
Lucca loves to celebrate the winter holidays, especially Christmas and New Years. From the end of November shops decorate windows, squares hold special markets, and lights adorn the cobblestone streets of this ancient walled city. Even a make-shift ice-skating ring appears in the Piazza Napoleone.
The city is abuzz with exciting energy that culminates with New Years festivities. Many restaurants in Lucca will throw parties and multi-course dinners to ring in the New Year. Afterwards, one of the best ways to spend the night of December 31st is to attend the many concerts around the city. This is the birthplace of the iconic opera composer Giacomo Puccini after all, and Lucca takes every opportunity to boast their most famous native.
Music makes everything more festive and there are no shortages of musical options on New Years Eve in Lucca. From amazing concerts at the San Giovanni church near the cathedral to musicians playing in the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, you can enjoy a toe-tapping good time.
The most well-known musical event is the Grande Concert di Fine Anno or Grand New Year’s Eve Concert, hosted annually at Teatro del Giglio. Stay across the Piazza del Giglio at the Grande Universe Lucca Hotel. Get a room facing the square on the top floor and you’ll be well-set. Or choose to stay in and watch the firework displays outside of the gates. Or walk atop the famous walls for a 360-degree view.
Lucerne, Switzerland
Recommended by Me, The Directionally Challenged Traveler
One of the most beautiful cities in Europe is also one of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve! Lucerne is comfortably nestled in near Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps. There are also plenty of things to do in Lucerne when you’re not celebrating.
Since it can be very cold in Lucerne, there are not too many outdoor activities. A great way to see the city and enjoy some Swiss cheese is by taking a Raclette Cruise on New Year’s Eve! Lake Lucerne is one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe so it’s worth getting out on the water just for the breathtaking views.
In the Europaplatz in front of KKL Luzern there is a festive ice rink to enjoy the cold! If you need to warm up, one of the best restaurants in town is Sternen – but be sure to call a few weeks in advance for reservations! Warm up with some traditional swiss fondue at the Fondue House!
Staying at Hotel Himmelrich will guarantee you breathtaking views of the mountains and Lucerne. It’s a bit above the city so the views of the fireworks are amazing! You can also discover more hotels in Lucerne here. Lucerne is one of the more peaceful places to celebrate New Years’ Eve in Europe.
Madeira, Portugal
Recommended by Joanna of The World in my Pocket
Madeira is a fantastic place to spend New Year’s Eve if you are looking for both celebration and great weather. The temperature in Funchal is mild, making Madeira a wonderful winter sun destination. Usually, December sees highs of 20 degrees, with daily averages of 17 degrees.
Funchal is the main city in Madeira, where most tourists will base themselves. Whilst December may be a bit too cold to swim in the ocean, there are plenty of other things to do in Madeira. The New Year’s Eve fireworks in Funchal are spectacular! Both locals and tourists gather on the seafront of Funchal to see this 8 minutes show, recognized by the Guinness World of Records as the largest fireworks show in the world, in 2006. Before midnight, the Orchestra in Madeira plays a New Year’s Eve concert on the pier in Funchal.
Even if it’s a warm winter destination, Funchal dresses up in lights from December 1st. There is also a night market that opens on the 23rd of December from where you can buy gifts, food, and drinks.
Many cruise ships come to Madeira on the 31st of December, so it’s not just locals and tourists celebrating together, but cruise passengers too. Locals will usually wear elegant clothes to welcome the new year in.
Madrid, Spain
Recommended by Laura of Travelers Universe
During the last night of the year, all of Spain sets its eyes on Madrid to see the ball fall from the Puerta del Sol clock. It is the kilometer zero of the Spanish road network and also the clock that all Spaniards look at to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new one.
These are the most famous chimes that mark the passage, the moment to eat the 12 grapes and drink a glass of cava, on the night of December 31 while watching a short firework show.
The tradition of saying goodbye to the year to the rhythm of the chimes while consuming grapes does not have a clear origin beyond being a Spanish custom.
In the collective memory, attempts have been made to establish that the origin has to do with the hypothetical surplus of grapes that was produced in 1909, but there are many doubts about this theory since in that period reaching the end of the year with fresh grapes was very difficult.
It’s best to plan a short trip of 3 days in Madrid and celebrate the New Year’s Eve in the Puerta del Sol together with thousands of people. This is a fun, budget friendly way to welcome the New Year.
If you are looking for the opposite to that, head over to the Four Seasons, on the corner of Calle de Alcalá in Madrid. Its 1,300 euros New Year’s Eve menu makes it the most expensive option in the Spanish capital to say goodbye to the old year end step into the new one.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Recommended by Me, The Directionally Challenged Traveler
The capital city of Iceland is such a unique destination any time of the year, so celebrating New Year’s Eve has to be special. The intense firework show is unlike any other show in Europe! It can go on for hours throughout the city.
Traditionally New Year’s Eve starts with a big dinner with family and friends. There are bonfires on the outskirts of the city (and all around Iceland) where people celebrate and shoot off fireworks.
Be prepared for thousands of fireworks. Icelanders spend A LOT of money on fireworks each year. The income from Christmas tree sales and firework sales help to fund the Icelandic Search and Rescue Teams throughout the country.
Anyone can shoot fireworks anywhere in the city, so if you’re sensitive, pack some earplugs or safety glasses.
The Hallgrimskirkja Church is one of the most popular places to see fireworks in the city (not to mention it’s an icon of the city and one of the best free things to do in Reykjavik.)
If the fireworks seem overwhelming, you can do a Firework cruise or a Celebration at Sea for a calmer look at the fireworks!
Salzburg, Austria
Recommended by Paula of Paula Pins the Planet
If you are looking for a magical NYE celebration, you should add Salzburg in Austria to your bucket list. Salzburg is packed of amazing things to do, from Mozart to some of the best Christmas Markets in Austria.
The City of Mozart celebrates the New Year with lots of music. One of the most popular events is the New Year’s Eve Concert performed by Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg in the Grosses Festspielhaus, is when numerous other concerts and events at the Mozarteum, Salzburg State Theatre, Hohensalzburg Fortress, Palace Mirabell and several other venues will welcome the New Year!
On December 31 is when the celebrations for New Year’s Eve start and the culinary booths at Residenzplatz Square open. In the afternoon, there is also DJs and live music at the Residenzplatz Square the hot spot for all dancers.
But the highlight of the celebrations happens at the stroke of midnight, when Salzburg transforms into a magic world. The bells of Salzburg Cathedral ring out from the middle of town, while a magnificent firework in sparkling color, and highlight the sky of Salzburg.
Also, many restaurants in tow offer special and exclusive dinner menu and entertainment such as classical concerts or dinner shows. If you are planning to visit Salzburg during NYE, make sure you book your hotel in advance as the town tends to get very busy with tourists. The best option for accommodation is in the city centre, as Salzburg city centre is very compact and easy to explore on foot. The place I choose to stay is the Townhouse Tessa by HeymCollections as it has an excellent location, with walking distance to the main attractions.
Stockholm, Sweden
Recommended by Philipp of JOURNICATION Travel Blog
The truth is that Stockholm is one of the best places in Europe where you can celebrate New Year’s Eve. It all depends on what you want since there are different kinds of celebrations to enjoy. For instance, there is the New Year’s concert which normally takes place in Royal Opera House. It is also possible to visit the expensive islands within the city to catch some fun. New Year’s cruise will be offered by Strömma. What about the New Year Gala being held at Djurönäset?
When it comes to things to do in Stockholm, you can never run out of ideas. This is because there are lots of tourist attractions you can take advantage of within the city during New Year’s Eve. There are also museums to visit like Artipelag, Cosmonova, Drottningholm’s Palace, Fotografiska, The Royal Palace and Millesgården. Ensure to find out the opening and closing times for these museums since they vary. One museum you must visit is Skansen. On New Year’s Eve, there are celebrations like dances and songs. Skinnaviksberget, Stockholm’s highest mound is also worth exploring. Do you love fireworks? There are places you can visit in Stockholm to see them firsthand a few minutes before the New Year. These are Monteliusvägen, Skinnarviksberget, Vanadislunden, Mosebacketerassen, Vita Bergen, and Fjällgatan. Other places to see fireworks are Skeppsbron, City Hall, Norrbro, and Gustav Adolfs Torg. Please, it is recommended to light fireworks in any of these places since the law prohibits you from using them in certain areas
Venice, Italy
Recommended by Me, The Directionally Challenged Traveler
One of the best places in the world to celebrate New Years Eve is the beautiful floating city, Venice. The breathtaking city is comes alive with good vibes all around.
Start the evening with a locally sourced dinner. If you plan ahead, you can take a dinner cruise and see some of the biggest attractions of the city – including St. Mark’s Square, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Rialto Bridge. Enjoy Cenone di Capodanno, the traditional Venetian New Year’s Eve dish, made of sausages and lentils.
The celebration starts around 10 in St. Mark’s Square with the annual Love festival – celebrating love in all its forms. There’s a large stage with musicians throughout the night. Admission is free and you can’t miss the giant blow-up Bellini bottle at the entrance. You can get a small bottle to toast at midnight.
At midnight, the crowds head to the waterfront to see the fireworks. The way the fireworks reflect on the water is a special charm. Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Venice is truly a bucket list experience.
Save “Best Places to Celebrate NYE in Europe” for Later!
If your favorite didn’t make the list, let me know in the comments & I’ll add it as a reader favorite!
I am so glad you included Madeira, I heard all the best things about NYE in Madeira! My favorite one so far was on the Baltic Sea from Latvia to Sweden, so we celebrated twice on the cruise ship due to the time zones! I still haven’t decided this year, so maybe I will have to come back to this article… saving!!
Some great suggestions here! I never went into Amsterdam for New Year while I lived in The Netherlands (thanks Covid) but being in the suburbs was great. The kids loved being able to play with their own fireworks (something we cannot do in Australia), and it was great being rugged up at midnight with a glass of champagne, watching them have so much fun!
It’s my dream to experience NYE in a different city every year! There are a lot on this list I didn’t even think about. Thanks for sharing.