Even for adult skeptics who have long ceased to believe in Santa Claus, New Year’s Eve is a special night of the year. And if you are tired of the annual scenario: cleaning, cooking, TV, then it’s time to change the holiday decorations. The magnificent seven, the most interesting destinations for a New Year’s trip to Europe for every taste and budget.
Amsterdam
People from different parts of the world come here on New Year’s Eve. The center is always full of active nightlife. You will definitely not be bored in the busiest parts of the city: Nieuwmarkt (New Market), Rembrandt Square, Museum Square or Dam Square. And, of course, closer to midnight, it is worth taking a seat on a hill or in a restaurant with a panoramic view to appreciate the spectacular festive fireworks.
But the light show doesn’t end there. Pyrotechnics in Amsterdam are sold only a few days a year, so from December 31 to January 1, locals come off to the fullest. If you are brave enough, then go with the Dutch to roam the streets and along the canals, setting off fireworks on every bridge and every open space.
Brussels
Meet the holiday in one of the most beautiful and fabulous European cities. At midnight, when the countdown starts, move to the Grand Place. The entire city will gather here to watch thousands of lights illuminate the Brussels night sky. In the central square, you will also find the famous beer and chocolate, and get into the festive mood. For the “continuation of the banquet” go to the Belgian bars. All night long in different parts of the cities New Year’s parties for every musical taste will thunder: from rock and roll, hip-hop to house and techno. Didn’t find a seat at the bar? No problem! On this night, dancing can be arranged on the street.
Paris
The “City of Light” on the night of December 31 to January 1 fully justifies its nickname. At midnight, a spectacular light show is projected onto the Eiffel Tower, and fireworks flash in the sky. Massive street festivities take place on the Champs Elysees. The street is flooded with an endless stream of people.
There is also a light show that is projected onto the Arc de Triomphe. After the countdown with champagne in one hand and chocolates in the other, the French begin to move down the street, congratulating each other, kissing each other on the cheek and having fun from the bottom of their hearts. But there is also a quieter location to admire the charming Parisian landscape – on the hill of Montmartre. If you’re a romantic, book a gala dinner on one of the ships that cruise the Seine. Enjoy fine dining and the city’s night illuminations.
Budapest
It is called the second Paris, but unlike the French capital, Budapest is one of the most budgetary European capitals. Bars and restaurants located literally at every turn offer a special New Year’s menu at affordable prices. At the same time, the holiday in Budapest is celebrated very noisily. Hooters, all kinds of available pyrotechnics, dances, songs and wild delight – this is how the city looks on a festive night. The main street parties take place in three central squares: Vereshmarty, Oktogon and Eiffel Square. You can watch the fireworks from anywhere on the Danube embankment.
Berlin
The German capital has a reputation as a city where crazy parties and crazy parties never stop. Can you imagine what the New Year’s Eve or, as the locals call it, “Sylvester” is like here? The central element of the celebration is the Club Mile. This is a two-kilometer stretch with bars, restaurants, laser shows, video screens, party tents, music stages. It all starts at midnight at the Brandenburg Gate: grandiose fireworks, the clink of glasses, and then dancing until the morning.
Vein
This atmospheric city is primarily famous for the New Year’s Grand Ball, which takes place in the Hofburg Palace. But Vienna has much to offer tourists beyond that. The famous Christmas markets smoothly flow into New Year’s ones, gathering crowds of revelers in the city center. The mulled wine-fueled party starts at 2 pm, and at midnight colorful fireworks light up the city, best viewed from the Town Hall, St. Stephen’s Cathedral or Heroes’ Square. On New Year’s Eve, locals and tourists gather at the City Hall to watch a concert by the Vienna Philharmonic on a huge screen.
Edinburgh
The Scottish winter holiday “Hogmanay” is translated as “the last day of the year”, but the annual celebrations last three days. It all starts December 30th. The festival opens with torchlight processions. The holiday itself is celebrated with mass street festivities, parties and open-air concerts. At midnight, about 4,5 tons of fireworks explode over Edinburgh Castle, while the audience sings together the famous Scottish New Year’s song Auld Lang Syne. On a festive night, walkers are also offered a dog sled ride through Holyrood Park, and the most desperate can jump into the icy waters of the Forth River.
And finally, another nice feature of celebrating the New Year abroad is the opportunity to make a wish twice: at midnight Russian time and local time. Chin-chin!
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