23 Best Places to Spend New Year’s Eve in Europe (2024/2025)
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Planning a New Year’s Eve getaway? Keep reading for a guide to the best places to spend New Year’s Eve in Europe in 2023!
New Year’s Eve is one of my favorite nights of the year. I absolutely LOVE getting all dressed up, going out with my friends, and celebrating the closing of a chapter and the start of the next year.
Celebrating New Year’s Eve is always exciting no matter where you are in the world, but there’s something very special about celebrating the holiday in Europe!
There are a few reasons why I love celebrating New Year’s Eve in Europe.
One is that most European cities are still celebrating Christmas in the days surrounding New Year’s Eve, and there are few things more magical than a European Christmas Market. By visiting a European city at this time of year, you get to celebrate two holidays in one trip!
Another reason why European NYE is so much fun is that each country has different traditions, like eating 12 grapes before midnight in Spain or wearing red underwear in Italy.
Taking part in these traditions is a fun way to experience the country’s culture while celebrating.
So, are you ready to celebrate NYE in Europe? Grab your favorite travel mates (or yourself if you’re a solo traveler!), book your flight, and keep reading to find the perfect destination to spend New Year’s Eve in Europe!
A World in Reach contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a commission at no cost to you! Read my full disclosure here.
The Best Places to Spend New Year’s Eve in Europe
1. London, England
The first time I spent New Year’s Eve abroad was when I welcomed 2017 while in London, England.
This was my first time in the city, and I knew that this wouldn’t be the last time that I celebrated New Year’s Eve in Europe.
London has a ton of things to do on New Year’s Eve, but the most popular event for tourists is undoubtedly the massive fireworks show along South Bank and Victoria Embankment near Big Ben and the London Eye.
The event attracts upwards of 100,000 people each year, and tickets are required to attend (in past years, they’ve cost around £10).
The show has a special theme each year, with the themes typically reflecting on the events of the past year.
In the seconds before the New Year begins, a countdown begins (along with the chimes of Big Ben). Then, at midnight, the spectacular display begins with fireworks launched off of barges on the River Thames as well as from the London Eye.
Celebrating the New Year in London with 100,000 of your closest friends is definitely something you should add to your London bucket list.
Rather celebrate indoors? There are tons of other fun ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in London!
No matter how you choose to celebrate, it would be a wise idea to make dinner reservations ahead of time. Many restaurants also offer special menus for the holiday.
If you’re in the mood to have a low-key celebration, consider booking a table at a nice restaurant before heading to one of the city’s best cocktail bars for a celebratory drink at midnight.
Want to celebrate on the dance floor? Many of London’s clubs host New Year’s Eve parties, some including an open bar – ticket prices for these events vary.
If you’re wondering about all the events happening in London for NYE, a good place to see all of your options is Visit London, the city’s official visitor guide.
2. Berlin, Germany
Berlin was always at the top of my bucket list, and I was so excited to finally visit for New Year’s Eve, known as Silvester in Berlin (and elsewhere in Germany).
During my pre-trip research, I learned that Berlin goes hard with the NYE fireworks, and I was so excited to experience the city’s celebrations for myself.
Berlin’s largest New Year’s Eve Party is held at Brandenburg Gate. The open-air street party is one of the largest held in Europe, featuring live music, vendors, and of course, a spectacular fireworks show at midnight.
The party is free and hundreds of thousands of people attend each year, making it a pretty popular spot to ring in the New Year in Berlin.
If you’d rather celebrate elsewhere but don’t want to miss out on fireworks, no worries.
On New Year’s Eve, the skies of Berlin are full of colorful fireworks being set off from every corner of the city. The locals start setting off fireworks early on New Year’s Eve and continue on through New Year’s Day.
Berlin is known for being home to some of the best clubs in the world, so if want to celebrate by dancing the night away, you’re in the right place.
Many of Berlin’s top clubs host their own ticketed Silvester parties, with some including an open bar as well as snacks.
If you’d prefer a more chill night, make dinner reservations before heading to a cocktail bar or get tickets to the famous Berlin Philharmonic New Year’s Eve Concert.
3. Edinburgh, Scotland
Recommended by Gemma from Two Scots Abroad
The world’s biggest New Year’s street party takes place in Scotland’s capital.
As part of Edinburgh’s Christmas activities, Hogmanay is a three-day festival starting on the 30th of December.
On this day, the night before NYE, thousands of Scots and visitors gather on The Royal Mile with torches and follow live pipe bands to Holyrood Park. This festivity is called the Torchlight Procession.
On the 31st of December, several events take place over the city including live music in Princes Street Gardens and a ceilidh on the cobbled streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Just before midnight, revelers count down to the New Year which is rung in with fireworks.
It’s Scotland, so you can be assured lots of alcohol is consumed on the 31st.
The Hogmanay street party is mainly attended by tourists, with Scots hiding from the elements indoors at pubs, clubs, and at home with family. Some will accept a first footer after the bells at midnight.
On the 1st of January, New Year’s Day, brave (or daft, depending on how you look at it) folks take to the Firth of Forth’s freezing waters to raise money for charity.
You can watch the plungers parade in their fancy dress costumes in South Queensferry.
Elsewhere in Scotland, locals are nursing a hangover and looking forward to tucking into their new year steak pie.
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Recommended by Natasha from the Great Ocean Road Collective
For a truly memorable New Year’s Eve, there’s no better place than Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
During the day, you can explore the city’s beautiful 17th-century canal system lined with narrow houses along cobblestone streets.
Next, you can head to the shopping district, visit the Van Gogh Museum or another museum on your Amsterdam bucket list, or try Dutch foods like stroopwafel or bitterballen.
If you plan on going out to dinner, be sure to make reservations ahead of time as restaurants will get booked up quickly.
In the evening, the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Amsterdam truly begin.
If you feel like partying to ring in the new year, Amsterdam is the place to be. There are tons of cool clubs around the city that put on huge parties. Some favorites include Club NYX, Encore, and Awakenings New Year’s Eve Special.
For something a little more low key, check out Skylounge or Floor17, where you can celebrate with panoramic views of the city from above.
If clubbing isn’t your thing, head to the streets where you’ll find plenty of locals and visitors alike celebrating. Though there isn’t always a city-official firework display, many locals set off fireworks throughout the city, lighting up the canals.
Be sure to take part in a local Dutch New Year’s Eve tradition and have oliebollen at midnight.
Oliebollen are balls of dough that have been deep-fried and are typically topped with powdered sugar or chocolate.
Look for street vendors selling them around the city, and enjoy with a hot chocolate or glass of champagne.
For a unique stay in central Amsterdam, check out Hotel Estheréa.
They have beautiful colorful rooms that are comfortable and clean and are conveniently located near Dam Square on the canal.
READ MORE: The Ultimate Amsterdam Bucket List
5. Paris, France
Recommended by Christina from Travel2next.com
One of the best cities to spend New Year’s Eve in Europe is Paris, often called the City of Lights or the City of Love.
La Réveillon de Saint Sylvestre (New Year’s Eve in France) offers lots of fun choices such as cabarets, events, themed dinners, and cruises.
Parisians are experts at throwing a party and the best day of the year to join in on the celebrations is New Year’s Eve.
The city comes alive, and the streets, restaurants, clubs, and bars are packed with people. There is no shortage of places to go in Paris to join in the frivolity.
The Eiffel Tower is not just one of the most famous French landmarks, it is also the most popular destination to celebrate. You can book a table in the restaurant or join the revelers in Champ de Mars, the park next to the tower.
Another top spot to usher in the new year in Paris is the Champs-Élysées, which is where the official Paris New Year’s Eve street party is held.
From 9 PM, the most famous street in France comes alive as people jostle for a position to see the midnight light show. Take a tip and head towards the Arc de Triomphe for the best views.
After midnight, the show goes on, and the clubs and bars pulse with activity.
If crowds do not appeal, how about dining on lobster and caviar on a NYE river cruise in Paris? It is a more leisurely way to celebrate in the City of Lights.
Book a stay at Hotel Duquesne Eiffel for a room with a view of the Eiffel Tower. It’s the perfect place for a celebratory NYE stay!
READ MORE: The Ultimate Paris Bucket List
6. Strasbourg, France
Recommended by Elisa from France Bucket List
If you are looking for a great place to spend New Year’s Eve in Europe, head to Strasbourg in Eastern France.
You can fly to Paris and then easily reach Strasbourg in 3 hours or less by a TGV train.
Strasbourg is the capital of the historical region of Alsace, well known for its wines, picturesque architecture, and Christmas markets.
Actually, Strasbourg hosts one of the best Christmas markets in Alsace, so I recommend arriving in the city a couple of days before New Year’s Eve to enjoy some Christmas fun in Strasbourg.
For the last dinner of the year, book your restaurant well in advance.
In Strasbourg, you are going to love the winstubs, which are the traditional restaurants in Alsace, featuring local food like choucroute, cordon bleu, or tarte flambée.
After dinner, you will find many New Year’s Eve parties scattered throughout the city, allowing everyone to find the ideal atmosphere to switch to the New Year.
If you prefer to celebrate in a warmer space, many places hold New Year’s Eve parties like the Salle de la Bourse, the theatre Bateau du Rhin, or the famous restaurant Mandala.
Whatever you choose, you will find mulled wine, bredeles (Alsatian Christmas biscuits), and of course, champagne everywhere.
Strasbourg is home to both mainstream chain hotels like the Hilton Strasbourg as well as independent, boutique hotels like Hotel Hannong (my favorite place to stay in Strasbourg) or Arok Hotel.
7. Rome, Italy
Recommended by Katy from Untold Italy
Celebrating the passing of a year and the beginning of a new one is very important to Italians.
New Year’s Eve in Rome is a fun party and one that is not to be missed.
For 24 hours, the city is one big party with the Festa di Roma offering concerts, light shows, and fireworks throughout the city.
Start your night out properly with aperitivo in Piazza Navona before heading out to dinner.
If you’re in the mood to splurge, the Grand Hotel de la Minerve offers stunning views over the city and Michelin-starred dining from its rooftop restaurant.
When it is time for the countdown then make sure you’re close to the Piazza del Popolo, Colosseum, Quirinal Palace, or Spanish Steps to watch the fireworks.
Make sure you are dressed to impress and don’t forget to pack red underwear! Italians believe wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve will bring you good luck for the coming year.
The best place to stay in Rome to enjoy the festivities in right in the heart of the Centro Storico (historic district) near the Pantheon.
Stay at the charming Boutique Hotel Campo de’ Fiori where you can easily access the concerts and fireworks and stroll back to your room once you have seen in the new year.
8. Milan, Italy
Recommended by Dymphe from Dymabroad
Milan is one of the best cities in Italy to visit and is a great place to spend New Year’s Eve in Europe. There is so much to do and see during this time.
The way the Italians celebrate New Year’s Eve is great, and you should definitely visit Milan on the 31st of December!
At the squares of Piazza Duomo and Piazza Castello, you can enjoy an evening with lots of entertainment.
There are live concerts until midnight and at midnight, there are beautiful fireworks displays.
But your night doesn’t need to end then.
To continue the night, you can explore the nightlife of Milan. There are many amazing New Year’s Eve parties held at hotels and discos throughout the city.
Dinner on New Year’s Eve is very important for Italians and can last for hours. Restaurants offer special menus for the occasion.
Also, during New Year’s Eve dinner, many Italians eat Lentils, which is a tradition and is said to lead to a prosperous year.
Another tradition in Italy is to wear red underwear during New Year’s Eve. Many Italians do this as it is said to bring good luck to the wearer.
If you are visiting Milan and intend to stay until late into the night, then staying in a hotel or apartment in the center of the city is the most convenient.
However, there are extended operating times for public transport during New Year’s Eve, so staying a bit further from the center is also perfectly possible!
9. Brussels, Belgium
Recommended by Devin from Deventuretime
Brussels is an exciting city in Europe to spend New Year’s Eve, due to the lavish restaurants, exciting events, and incredible fireworks displays.
The city is filled with some of the most fascinating dance clubs that are absolutely perfect to celebrate the night out on the town!
Not to mention, the city is filled with amazing bars like the Delirium Café, known for its very long beer list, which is record-setting in the Guinness Book of Records.
You will find plenty of dance clubs and bars with big New Year’s events, blasting music from house and hip-hop to disco and jazz.
hese dance clubs typically stay open until the early hours of the morning.
If you’re looking to visit more than one club during the night, there are various passes that companies sell to go club-hopping on this night.
If you’re not looking to party, head to one of the amazing restaurants in the city to enjoy your evening.
On New Year’s Eve, restaurants tend to serve a fixed multi-course meal. It can be more expensive than a typical night out, but it is a cause for celebration!
Just after nightfall on New Year’s Eve, the fireworks display begins.
You can see the display from a number of places throughout the city, but many people flock to the area around the Atomium to watch the show!
Looking for the best place to stay in Brussels?
Not only is Made in Louise one of the top-rated hotels in Brussels, it’s also very affordable! You’ll feel like a local staying in this boutique hotel set in an adorable Brussels townhouse.
10. Antwerp, Belgium
Recommended by Emily from Emysway
One of the most underrated places to spend New Year’s Eve in Europe is undoubtedly Antwerp.
Most tourists gear towards Brussels or Bruges when planning a trip to Belgium, while Antwerp is often overlooked. It’s a shame because the city has a lot to offer. Especially on New Year’s Eve!
Start off your night with a fancy dinner in one of the MANY top-notch restaurants you can find in Antwerp (make sure to book your table far enough in advance!).
Next, have a stroll around the city center and let yourself be blown away by the gazillion fairy lights covering various buildings, countless trees, and even the main Cathedral!
Whether it’s ice-skating, indulging in some jenever shots at the Christmas market, going for a spin on the epic Ferris Wheel, or simply enjoying the ambiance and gorgeous decorations, you will not be bored for a second.
Before midnight, I suggest you make your way to the canal (or “de Schelde”), where the annual firework show will take place.
Honestly, these fireworks are some of the most spectacular I’ve seen so far!
If you’re not a fan of crowds, I recommend going to the other side of the canal (called “Linkeroever”).
You will not only have a front-row view of the fireworks, but you’ll also get to admire the skyline of Antwerp in all of its glory.
Once the fireworks are over, the entire city pretty much transforms into one big party!
If you’re wondering where to stay, the city center will, of course, be the most convenient option.
There are plenty of mainstream hotels such as Hilton Antwerp Old Town or Ibis Anterwerpen Centrum, as well as cute vacation rentals tucked away in charming cobbled streets.
11. Prague, Czech Republic
Recommended by Alina from World of Lina
Prague is another great city in Europe to spend New Year’s Eve.
It’s mostly very busy but there’s always a lot to see and do, which is why you should definitely consider Prague as a NYE destination.
At the Old Town Square, for example, you can the annual Prague Christmas Market until after New Year’s Day.
Enjoy a delicious cup of hot wine or try one of the famous and traditional chimney cakes – also called Trdelnik.
In the evening, you can choose one of the many ways how to celebrate the New Year.
Whether you want to have a late dinner and drinks on a rooftop terrace, party all night long in a club, or watch the fireworks displays all around the city – make sure to plan ahead because many clubs and restaurants will be full.
Every year there are also some great events happening such as special New Year’s concerts or theatre performances.
If you’re looking for something more romantic, a New Year’s Eve Jazz Cruise on the Vltava river is the perfect option for you.
There are no official fireworks organized by the city, but hundreds of people make their own.
The best lookout points to see this absolutely breathtaking spectacle are Letná Hill, Petrin, and Strahov. Make sure to get there early enough to catch a good spot.
12. Barcelona, Spain
Recommended by Vicki from Vicki Viaja
Barcelona is a great place for nightlife and partying all year round. So it’s hardly surprising that the Catalan capital is also one of the most popular destinations in Europe for New Year’s Eve.
Various events take place all over the city on “Noche Vieja” (Old Night).
Whether you prefer to spend a romantic evening with your partner in a cozy restaurant, go to a club with your friends, or attend a particular New Year’s party, anything is possible in Barcelona.
However, all celebrations have one thing in common: the 12 grapes.
According to Spanish tradition, 12 grapes are eaten during the last minute before midnight – one with every stroke of the bell.
If you manage to eat the grapes before midnight, good luck awaits you in the New Year.
Visiting Barcelona in winter is generally a great idea.
Even in winter, it is significantly warmer than in many other European cities. So it’s not too cold at night when you watch the fireworks in the sky over Barcelona.
Even if the fireworks might seem relatively small compared to other European countries, it is still a great experience to watch the fireworks from the beach. But there are, of course, also fantastic firework shows in other parts of the city.
13. Seville, Spain
Recommended by Linn Haglund from Brainy Backpackers
Seville, Spain is a great place to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
The city is beyond beautiful and it’s not too cold, compared to the rest of Europe.
New Year’s Eve in Seville is much about family, and most locals have late dinner at home with their family and watch the count down on the television.
One of the biggest traditions on New Year’s Eve is to have 12 grapes. You need to eat one per second counting down the last 12 seconds to the new year.
Though many families make this tradition with champagne at their dining table, the streets are also full of people and Plaza Nueva is the place to have your 12 grapes! And you don’t want to miss out on them. They bring good luck into the new year.
The Christmas lights are still up, and the atmosphere is wonderful at the busy square. But if you want to experience something else, try to get tickets for any of the massive New Year’s Eve parties at any of the luxury hotels in the city.
With amazing food and drinks, these parties keep on throughout the night.
There is a lot to do in the city even the days before and after the party and if you stay even longer, make sure to go on day trips from Seville too to experience charming white Andalusian villages, astounding natural parks, and other cities with an intriguing history.
H10 Casa de la Plata is a gorgeous, relatively new hotel right in the middle of Seville’s Historic Center. It’s the perfect place to ring in the New Year!
14. Málaga, Spain
Recommended by Paulina Rubia from Visit Southern Spain
Málaga in Spain is a great place to celebrate New Year’s Eve as the city is one of those places that is popular for its beachy resorts on the nearby Costa del Sol.
Spending time in December in Málaga amazes the tourists completely with its charm, scenic promenades, holiday lights, and more.
The coffee served in 10 different ways, atmospheric fresh food markets, and the operatic waiters are the major attractions why tourists love to spend their New Year in this city.
After reaching Málaga, you can find a nice place to stay, probably a rented apartment close to the train station in the El Perched neighborhood.
After settling yourself, get yourself lost in the crowd of locals in the early evening where they stroll along the pedestrianized Calle Larios.
The holiday lights keep twinkling around between Christmas and New Year’s Eve offering a magical sight to behold.
The city celebrates many events at the arrival of the New Year.
You can go to the Plaza de la Constitución to say goodbye to this year. The plaza welcomes hundreds of locals and visitors who come together to celebrate the joy and have a great time.
The City Council distributes hundreds of bags of cotillion to the visitors. The evening pairs up with live music and dancing that continues all night long.
It’s a New Year’s tradition for the locals to eat late and enjoy a great dinner with family. The dinner is similar to that of Christmas Eve.
After dinner, Spanish people in Málaga love to enjoy the night with a glass of champagne.
If you are alone or with a friend during New Year and can’t decide what to eat in Málaga, I suggest having Lechazo and the beef entrecote at Restaurante Miguel.
Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano is an adorable boutique hotel with gorgeous views of Old Town Málaga.
15. Tbilisi, Georgia
Recommended by Kristin from Adventures with Ensuite
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, might not be the first place you think of spending New Year but there are two reasons why this is a great place to celebrate the festivities.
Firstly, Tbilisi has a vibrant party scene that turns up one notch over New Year.
Secondly, the city has a pretty old town and many interesting day trips that should be added to any itinerary in Georgia.
Many restaurants and bars open later than normal on New Year’s Eve since many locals start the celebration at home with their family.
But they all go out to party at midnight, so it is important to book both restaurants and night clubs in advance.
Fabrika is popular at any time of year as are the city’s many wine bars such as 8000 Vintages or Divino. Shardeni Street might be a bit touristy but here you will find many fun venues to dance the night away.
Fireworks displays are a big part of local celebrations and are best viewed from Freedom Square or Rustaveli Street.
A quirkier local tradition is the gala concert which takes place on the streets in the city center.
The best part of town to stay in is close to the Old Town where most of the bars and restaurants are located.
Fabrika is a hostel as well as a bar and is one of the most popular budget options in town (and one of the best hostels in Europe).
At the other end of the scale is Rooms Hotel Tbilisi, a local boutique hotel.
16. Lucerne, Switzerland
Recommended by Carolyn from Holidays to Switzerland
If you’re looking for somewhere to welcome in the New Year in Europe, Lucerne is a wonderful choice.
This beautiful city is a great destination at any time of year but when it is dusted with snow, it really takes on a fairytale appearance.
The city offers plenty to do in the cooler months but one of the best things to do in Lucerne on New Year’s Eve is to visit the Live on Ice festival.
Held right beside Lake Lucerne, the centerpiece of the festival is an ice rink that is open to the public. Bring your own skates or hire them on-site and skate alongside both locals and visitors.
There are also light illuminations, food stalls, and a convivial atmosphere as many locals meet here for an after-work drink.
Live on Ice is held from late November until January 3rd with New Year’s Eve being one of the most popular nights of the festival.
For New Year’s Day celebrations, the city’s huge fireworks display is a must-see.
Held on January 1st from 8:15 PM, fireworks light up the sky over the lake.
Celebratory cruises operate and at many hotels, special menus are offered to honor the arrival of the new year.
You’ll need somewhere to rest your head after your New Year’s Eve celebrations and the Hotel des Balances offers a great location and excellent amenities.
Many rooms have views of Lucerne’s famous Chapel Bridge, and it’s just a short stroll to both Live on Ice and the fireworks display.
17. Innsbruck, Austria
Recommended by Nisha and Vasu from Le Monde, the Poetic Travels
As you look forward to celebrating the New Year with much gusto and zeal, Innsbruck is one of the top places in Europe which totally fits the bill.
The celebrations in Innsbruck are for people of all ages. There are lots of plays as well as a fun New Year’s Eve party, the Zwergerlsilvester, that is enjoyable for young visitors and older ones.
Beginning on the afternoon of December 30th, the historic streets of the Old Town of Innsbruck turn into a center of attractions.
It becomes a winter wonderland offering a wide range of activities for everyone.
On New Year’s Eve, there is a fireworks display in front of the House of Music.
Many athletes come to Innsbruck to participate in Innsbruck New Year’s Eve Run. The event has competitions for the whole family, and it is a happy moment to see the entire family participating.
Innsbruck is a fabulous place around the New Year when the “heart of the Alps” beats to a musical tune.
The main action happens in the Old Town. Visitors can dine in the restaurants while looking at the amazing fireworks on the mountains– the views over the mountains are breathtaking.
The city is alive with joy, shopping, dining, and cheerfulness. There’s something for everyone, from late-night parties to let your hair down to the adventure seekers on the mountains.
For the best and most convenient experience, stay in a hotel in the Old Town.
A great choice is the AC Hotel Innsbruck, a modern hotel just steps away from the Old Town’s attractions.
18. Reykjavik, Iceland
Recommended by Suzanne from Meandering Wild
Reykjavík and Iceland in general has a very traditional end to the year and welcome to the New Year.
The dark winter months are long and cold, but New Year’s Eve is a celebration that follows a traditional routine wherever you are in the country.
The early evening is spent with family before heading out to watch the bonfires that are lit all over the city.
In Reykjavík, there will be anywhere between 15 and 20 bonfires lit including a large one on Ægissíða Street.
These burn brightly for a few hours before burning out and it is possible to tour the bonfires in each part of the city.
People return home to watch Áramótaskaup, or Skaupið for short, and the bonfires and fireworks, as well as the bars, quieten down while this is on TV.
This is a satirical comedy that translates to New Year’s Comedy. It is made up of short sketches summarizing the year and is the talking point for the rest of the night.
It is then time for fireworks and parties. Fireworks cannot be bought in Iceland at any other time of the year, but the country makes up for the restrictions for New Year.
Fireworks will be set off across the city although the Sun Voyager, Harpa Concert Hall, or reflected in Tjörnin Lake are some of the best backdrops for the fireworks.
You can even book a New Year’s Eve fireworks boat cruise!
The fireworks start early on in the evening and intensify towards midnight with organized displays and private parties.
The party atmosphere starts at the fireworks and then continues in clubs, bars and at home into the early hours.
Many bars stay open until 5am and the city nightlife really comes alive each New Year.
Iceland has a reputation for being expensive, but Storm Hotel is a stylish, reasonably-priced option in the heart of Reykjavik. Plus, they have free breakfast!
19. Frankfurt, Germany
Recommended by Daniel and Ilona from Top Travel Sights
Most tourists only come to Frankfurt for the airport and don’t spend more time here than necessary.
That means they often don’t know that this city is one of the best places in Europe for New Year’s Eve!
Frankfurt is a very international city with a large expat community. Therefore, you can find international parties all over the city.
Go and dance all night, enjoy yourself at a masquerade ball, or spend a more quiet evening enjoying excellent food in Frankfurt’s best restaurants.
Germans have a few peculiar New Year’s Eve traditions that you can experience in Frankfurt.
First, turn on your TV and watch Dinner for One. It’ll play all evening, on multiple TV channels.
This British short film is insanely popular in Germany, much more than in the UK, and many locals watch it every single year.
Germans also love fireworks. While it’s not allowed to light your own fireworks in the Old Town (due to the fire hazard with the half-timbered houses), you can watch the fireworks organized by the city.
You’ll find large parts of the Main River shore roped off, which is where the show will start at midnight.
One of the best places to see the fireworks is from the pedestrian bridge “Eiserner Steg”. Just make sure to arrive early so that you get a good view.
As an alternative, you can book a boat trip for New Year’s Eve. Then, you can enjoy a multi-course feast and a great view of the lights afterward.
The Moxy Hotel in the City Center is a great place to stay that’s within walking distance of all of the action.
20. Wisla, Poland
Recommended by Bec from Poland Travel Expert
For Australians, celebrating anything in the snow feels foreign.
Normally you are sweating your way through the day or trying to get yourself some shade to be comfortable.
So snow-covered mountains in the gorgeous town of Wisla in Poland is as far from Australia as you can get.
New Year’s Eve (or Sylwester) in Poland is huge. Most larger cities have the town square decorated and it is where most people go to see in the New Year, but it is small towns like Wisla where you can get a real feel for the celebration.
Wisla is a ski town and there are small chalets dotted all over the countryside, through the valleys and on the ridges.
People spend the day visiting shops to get all the very best food to help celebrate and a fair amount of vodka to go with it.
They are either off to a party at a friend’s house or they are the ones hosting and it is extremely important what food and drink is on offer.
While they are out, they pick up fireworks as well. There are shops and stalls everywhere selling all kinds. They are busy from morning until late afternoon when the town goes quiet and the parties begin.
You enjoy a lovely meal together, talk about the year that has been, share some vodka, and then there is the countdown on the TV .
At midnight, fireworks light up the night sky. They come from all of the little chalets so there is not a piece of the night sky that isn’t full of color.
It is a beautiful sight and one that isn’t forgotten easily.
The next day, a walk through the snow-covered forest helps clear the head and is another gorgeous way to start the new year.
For the most authentic experience in Wisla, consider renting a cottage on VRBO. There are several options to choose from, and you can see all of the vacation rentals in Wisla here.
21. Canary Islands
Recommended by Ucman Scher from BrownBoyTravels
While most of Europe is covered in grey and white, the Canary Islands offer almost guaranteed sunshine and warmth around New Year’s with average temperatures of 72-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
These islands, especially Gran Canaria and Tenerife, are the best place to celebrate this special occasion.
Gran Canaria and Tenerife are the biggest islands in the Canaries. Both have thriving tourist centers in the south with gorgeous beaches, sunshine, and poolside fun.
The north of both islands is host to their capitals and most of the local population lives here.
The last day of the year can be started at the beach soaking some sunshine and Vitamin D.
Head to one of the many great restaurants around the island you’re visiting for an evening meal. Most families and friends then head to a bar nearby and wait for midnight with music and drinking, Spanish style.
Around midnight, the tradition is to eat 12 grapes, one for each second before the midnight with the countdown (it is a mouthful, so be sure to grab the smaller ones).
If you love fireworks, head to one of the beach clubs around the islands.
There is no shortage of clubs, bars, and party venues just as you won’t be disappointed by the choice of remote beaches that offer tranquil sea waves gently lashing against the shores in moonlight.
22. St Ives, Cornwall, England
Recommended by Sylvie from Kids to Cornwall
One of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve in the UK is St Ives, a small town in South-West Cornwall.
Once a fishing village, the town now welcomes over 220,000 holidaymakers each year and over 540,000-day-trippers.
People visit for the town’s five spectacular beaches, ample walking opportunities, and pretty shopping streets.
New Year’s Eve in St Ives is free and invites people to celebrate on the streets of the town in fancy dress.
Midnight is celebrated with a fantastic firework display. Visitors can choose between celebrating on the street, in one of the pubs, or booking a table at a restaurant for seafront views of the fancy dress parades.
The event is a very family-friendly affair in the early evening with whole families dressing up as matching characters from famous films and TV series such as Teletubbies.
If you want to enjoy a meal while watching the festivities, make sure you book a table well in advance as this is one of the most popular nights of the year.
Be aware that under 18’s are usually only allowed into the pubs until 9:30 PM.
There’s plenty of good places to stay in St Ives for New Year’s. The Pedn Olva Hotel has fantastic views of the firework display as well as the picturesque beach of Porthminster.
If you’re visiting in a larger group, consider renting a holiday cottage.
There’s also a range of lovely apartments on the harbor front for front-row views of the festivities. You can find cottages and apartments on VRBO.
23. Zagreb, Croatia
Recommended by Džangir from Dr Jam Travels
Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, has been voted 3 times in a row (2016-2018) as the best Christmas market in Europe.
So, if you want to enjoy the city’s Christmas spirit before ringing in the New Year, Zagreb is a great place to visit.
You can start your day by taking the funicular to the Upper Town (the old part of Zagreb), visiting Lotršćak Tower with the cannon firing at noon, Saint Mark’s Square with the Croatian Parliament (Sabor), and the Stone Gate.
In Lower Town, you will find Lenuci’s Green Horseshoe, a U-shaped system of city squares with parks, statues, fountains, and neoclassical 18-century buildings.
This is the center of the Zagreb Christmas Market with lights, concerts, a beautiful ice rink, a gigantic Christmas tree, stands with tasty food, mulled wine, gingerbread, and handmade gifts.
At Zagreb Cathedral, you can see a live nativity scene. The main venue for concerts is the Ban Jelačić Square, which is also a popular spot to see the fireworks and ring in the new year on New Year’s Eve.
Zagreb has different influences from Slavic, German, Mediterranean, and Turkish. This is visible in the city’s cuisine.
A typical New Year’s Eve dinner would be stuffed turkey with mlinci (baked noodles). Lunch for the next morning’s hangover might be Sarma (Croatian sauerkraut rolls) with mashed potatoes.
As for drinks, mead and mulled wine are popular at this time of year. For wine, you could try something local like Graševina.
Beer is also a popular drink, and in Zagreb, you can find big breweries as well as small craft ones. Spirits are also common; plum and pear variations of rakija (fruit spirits) is a popular choice.
The accommodation palette in the city center is wide, from 5-star hotels like Esplanade Zagreb Hotel to hostels like Chillout.
For a mid-range option, you could choose an apartment rental on VRBO.
Accommodation prices in Zagreb are also much cheaper than you might find in the Western European countries.
Planning Your New Year’s Eve Trip to Europe: Travel Tips
The time around Christmas and New Year’s Eve is a really popular time to visit Europe, which means that prices on hotels and flights can be pretty expensive. However, with proper planning, you can totally visit Europe for New Year’s Eve on a budget!
Here are my top tips for planning a European NYE getaway that won’t break the bank.
Be flexible when deciding your destination.
When planning my past New Year’s Eve Europe trips with my friends, we didn’t have a destination set in stone when we started our travel planning.
We knew that we wanted to go somewhere in Europe, but we weren’t too picky with where we ended up.
We ended up finding killer flight deals to London one year and Berlin another year, so that’s where we ended up celebrating!
We were thrilled with both destinations, but we probably would’ve been just as happy had we found deals to Amsterdam or Paris instead.
Use Going to find flight deals.
Flights around New Year’s Eve can be crazy expensive.
I’m a huge fan of Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), an email service that sends the best flight deals to destinations around the world right to your inbox.
My NYE flights to London and Berlin were found thanks to Going – once we found a flight deal to a destination in Europe that worked with our dates, we booked (and paid more than half of what we would’ve paid if we hadn’t known about the deal!).
Start looking out for flight deals in September and October – this will give you plenty of time to plan your trip.
Going has a free option as well as a paid premium subscription which sends out more deals and an elite subscription that includes business class deals.
I’ve been a premium subscriber for more than 6 years and have saved thousands on flights!
Click here to sign up for a free trial of Going.
Traveling with a group? Vacation rentals are the way to go.
Flights aren’t the only thing that can be pricey for New Year’s Eve travel – accommodation rates also tend to spike this time of year.
If you’re traveling with a group, a vacation rental is the best way to go in order to get the most bang for your buck.
When my friends and I visited Berlin for a week around New Year’s Eve, we stayed in a gorgeous, HUGE Airbnb in Berlin’s trendy Kreuzberg neighborhood.
We were able to split the total cost 5 ways, making it super affordable. The price was much less than we would have paid had we stayed in a hotel, and we got a lot more space.
One thing to keep in mind: if you and your travel mates are younger, some rental hosts might be apprehensive to host you.
This is especially true around New Year’s Eve, a holiday where drinking and partying are common.
Have a list of a few options in case you’re rejected by your first choice.
Also, be mindful of laws surrounding vacation rentals in your destination.
Many destinations are plagued with investors buying affordable properties and turning them into vacation rentals, thus taking housing away from the locals and driving housing prices up.
Only choose to stay in a vacation rental if it’s legal where you’re going, and try to avoid the ones that are obviously only used as investment properties.
Click here to search VRBO for the perfect vacation rental for your trip.
If you’re not traveling in a group, or just prefer to stay in a hotel or hostel, I recommend searching on Booking.com, Expedia, or Hotwire (you can also save $$$ by booking a Hotwire Hot Rate Deal!)
Don’t forget travel insurance!
No one likes to think about the bad things that can happen while traveling, but it’s always best to be prepared.
I always purchase travel insurance before a trip, and I highly recommend that you do the same.
It might seem a little stupid to spend money on something you might not even use, but in the case where you had to make a claim, it could save you thousands.
On my travels, I use and recommend SafetyWing travel insurance. I used it on my New Year’s Eve visits to Berlin and London.
I’ve been lucky enough to not have to make a claim, but I’ve enjoyed the peace of mind of having it in case of an injury, sickness, or theft.
Click here to read more about SafetyWing to see if their policies are right for you.
Spending New Year’s Eve in Europe: Wrap-Up
Ringing in the new year is a time-honored tradition all over the world.
Whether you’re looking to party with thousands of people in one of Europe’s biggest cities or cozy up in a charming small town, we’ve got you covered.
Have you celebrated New Year’s Eve in Europe? Which place do you want to visit next?
Check out these posts for more Europe travel inspiration:
