From late-night parties to taking part in cherished traditions with friends and family, New Year’s Eve is the ultimate time to celebrate in style.
While some people may prefer to enjoy it from the comfort of their own home, others are interested in seeing the cultural differences in how the New Year is welcomed around the world.
If you’re planning a break for the upcoming New Year, Lonely Planet has rounded up some of the best cities to celebrate the occasion.
Read below for the full list.
8. London
Shortly after midnight on 1 January 2023, fireworks light up the London skyline over Big Ben and the London Eye
From a cruise on the Thames to a massive fireworks display, London has something for everyone when it comes to its famous New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Hampstead Heath, Primrose Hill and the Millennium Bridge are always popular places to catch a glimpse of London’s fireworks.
If you like to put on your dancing shoes and party the night away, you can visit one of the capital’s legendary nightclubs, such as Cirque le Soir or Ministry of Sound.
7. Madrid
Hundreds of people gather at midnight during the traditional New Year’s Eve carillon on the last day of 2022 in Madrid, Spain
The Spanish party scene follows a slightly more unconventional time format than the Brits are used to.
While many nightclubs in the UK often close around 3am, in Spain it’s not uncommon for them to stay open until 7am, making Madrid the perfect place to party the night away on New Year’s Eve.
Local traditions not to be missed include eating 12 grapes in the last 12 seconds of the countdown to the New Year and ending the evening with the Spanish specialty hot chocolate and churros.
6. Stockholm
New Year’s Eve celebration with fireworks over Skepsbronstraat in central Stockholm at midnight on 31 December 2013
While it’s tradition for many Swedes to spend New Year’s Eve indoors with family and friends, there’s a wealth of activities to choose from if you’re brave enough to spend a cold Scandinavian night in Stockholm.
Lonely Planet highlights the annual midnight fireworks display that shines spectacularly over the city’s royal castle.
The best view of the exhibition is from Stadshuset, Fjällgatan or the Västerbron and Skanstullsbron bridges, says the travel guide.
Other highlights include a New Year’s Eve concert in Stockholm Cathedral, where musicians perform songs by Haydn and Judith Bingham. The Royal Swedish Opera House presents its traditional New Year’s concert as the country draws to a close its golden jubilee year.
5. Edinburgh
A general evening view of Princes Street as Edinburgh
What better place to welcome in the New Year than taking part in the Scottish capital’s traditional Hogmanay celebrations with ceilidhs, music, fireworks and exciting performances by Auld Lang Syne?
The torchlight procession through the city centre, accompanied by fifes and drums, with the annual Concert in the Gardens – this year featuring Pulp and Hot Chip – which attracted a large crowd.
Elsewhere, you can attend a quiet candlelit concert at St Giles Cathedral, a giant ceiling at Edinburgh Castle, or take a dip in the River Forth with the annual Loony Dook to work off your New Year’s hangover.
4.Dublin
Members of the Dublin Circus Project, dressed as angels and devils, perform on Dublin’s Grafton Street on New Year’s Day
When it comes to welcoming the New Year, few do it with more pageantry, style and tenacity than the Irish.
Before sipping a smooth and creamy pint of Guinness in one of the capital’s many bars, it’s definitely worth exploring the city’s New Year’s Eve festival.
While Temple Bar is a convenient venue, partygoers can also enjoy a pint at John Kavanagh’s Pub at Dublin Cemetery, which is perhaps the best in the city.
3. Paris
Fireworks explode over the Eiffel Tower as part of the annual Bastille Day celebrations in Paris on July 14, 2023
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway this New Year, Paris might be the place for you. The Sacré-Coeur in Montmartre offers incredible views of Paris, but make sure you arrive early enough to climb the steep hill to the cathedral.
Of course, you don’t want to miss any of the famous local cuisine. So book in advance to secure a spot during what is obviously a hectic and busy time for restaurants.
2. Lisbon
Fireworks on New Year’s Eve in Cascais Bay near Lisbon, Portugal
Although many tourists are put off walking around Lisbon due to the notoriously steep incline, the upside of all the climbing is that you get fantastic views of the fireworks displays.
For parties, you can visit the lively Praça do Comércio or the 16th-century Torre de Belem tower.
The best party scene can be found in Bairro Alto and if you want to celebrate the beginning of a new year in traditional Portuguese style, eat 12 raisins one after the other at midnight, accompanied by a glass of Espumante, Portugal’s exquisite version of sparkling wine.
1. Berlin
Berlin’s famous landmark, the Brandenburg Gate, is lit up during the city’s New Year celebrations
According to Lonely Planet, first place goes to the city considered by many to be the party capital of Europe.
Admired around the world for its famous techno dance clubs – with raves going on until the early hours – Berlin is hard to beat when it comes to partying.
The Kulturbrauerei is hosting the city’s largest indoor New Year’s Eve party and will have up to 30 DJs on 13 different dance floors. There are also numerous other parties that take place in a city with a rich musical history.
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
