Top 10 best European cities for New Year celebrations

As we come to the end of 2019 we look at some of the best European destinations for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

From epic fireworks displays to street parties, here’s our top 10 list of the best places to spend a memorable New Year’s Eve in Europe…

1. Edinburgh

Hogmanay celebrations could be the ultimate way to experience the culture and spirit of Edinburgh. The legendary street party includes ceilidhs (dancing to traditional Gaelic folk music), a torch-lit procession, a variety of musical performances, fireworks and culminates with a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne at the stroke of midnight.

2. Berlin

Every year, thousands of revelers – both local and tourists – converge along a two-kilometre stretch between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column for a free street party. The party is legendary, with live music and DJs creating a celebratory atmosphere complete with fireworks.

3. London

London offers a huge choice of venues for New Year festivities, from sophisticated restaurants and rooftop bars to cosy traditional pubs. Visitors can also enjoy an incredible firework display which takes place along the River Thames, Champagne river cruises, and ticketed galas or parties at museums and cultural centres, followed by the annual New Year’s Day parade on 1st January.

4. Paris

Magical Paris offers many options for New Year celebrations. Party like a Parisian in the ‘City of Lights’: join the fun of the street party at the Champs-Élysées; witness the sound and light display; take a river cruise along the Seine and see the city from a different perspective; or take in a show and indulge in a gourmet meal.

5. Venice

The romantic city offers various options for New Year’s celebrations. An Italian New Year’s Eve traditionally starts with a feast, Capodanno, or alternatively an elegant dinner on a boat cruise is a uniquely Venetian experience. After dining, Piazza San Marco is host to the stunning fireworks display.

6. Copenhagen

In the lead up to midnight, many gather at Copenhagen’s Town Hall Square for a jolly and informal scene of popping Champagne corks and lighting their own fireworks. Illuminated by fairylights, Tivoli Gardens offers a firework display, traditional fairground rides, and warming cups of glögg (mulled wine).

7. Lisbon

With vibrant nightlife and a celebrated culinary scene, Portugal’s capital is a great city to visit at any time of the year. When it comes to New Year celebrations, we recommend starting with a meal at one of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants before embarking on an evening river cruise, listening to traditional Portuguese music, or bar-hopping. The fiesta continues with a spectacular firework display at Praça do Comércio main square.

8. Dublin

Known as a party capital, Dublin goes all out for New Year celebrations with the bustling pubs of the popular Temple Bar area, outdoor music concerts, and a light display over the River Liffey.

9. Madrid

Madrid is a great destination for celebrating Nochevieja, as it’s known in Spain. The city offers lively bars and excellent clubs that don’t close until 6:00am, allowing festivities to continue long into the night, as well as a gathering in the historic Puerto del Sol square – the most popular place to see in the New Year in Madrid.

10. Stockholm

The city offers an exhilarating midnight firework display over the Royal Castle as well as a classical music concert at the Cathedral. For dedicated party-seekers, the Södermalm area is an ideal destination for bars and clubs which are open until the small hours.

We hope you’ve had a great year and look forward to working with you in 2020 and beyond! Please get in touch to speak to one of our European travel experts about a tailor-made itinerary for your clients.

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