Romantic countryside retreats. All-night parties. Stunning city breaks. Break the mould and spend NYE in Europe this year.
Keen to make this New Year’s Eve one to remember? Whether your idea of the perfect celebration is relaxing in luxury or dancing until the early hours, a trip abroad for the biggest party night of the year is calling. Let us help you find the perfect destination for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve in Europe.
Design your New Year’s Eve in Europe
Discover the best New Year’s Eve celebrations in Europe
Europe’s beauty lies in its incredible diversity. A European getaway could mean relaxing at a beach resort, exploring a vibrant city, or an adventure in the wilderness – the choice is yours. Here we’ve detailed some of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve in Europe, from the rugged landscapes of Iceland to the elegance of Vienna and the energy of Berlin. No matter what your vibe is, we’ve got the insider tips and expert advice to help you plan an unforgettable New Year’s Eve on the continent this year.
5 of the Top New Year’s Eve destinations in Europe
Where will your adventure take you?
Start the New Year the way you mean to go on with an exciting European getaway. To help you decide where to go for New Year’s Eve in Europe, we’ve rounded up some of the best European cities for NYE parties and unusual or unique celebrations to inspire your trip.
Berlin, Germany
All-night parties
Berlin is a young and trendy city with a vibrant arts and culture scene. On New Year’s Eve, the Brandenburg Gate – Berlin’s most famous landmark – transforms into the venue for a huge open-air party. With live music, top DJs spinning tunes until the early hours, and a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the city, it’s an unforgettable night that attracts over 65,000 people each year. Will you be there this year?
Look out for:
- Cheesy fondue and raclette dishes
- Rollmops eaten as a hangover cure
- Berlin’s traditional New Year’s Eve run
Madeira, Portugal
Winter sun
If you’re craving warmer weather, Madeira – known as the “Islands of Eternal Spring” – could offer the sun, sea, and sand you’re looking for. In Madeira, the celebrations begin at the start of December and continue through to the 6th January. Throw yourself into Madeiran culture by dancing to traditional music. Then, prepare to be wowed by one of the world’s most impressive fireworks displays, set against the gorgeous backdrop of Funchal Bay’s sea and mountains.
Look out for:
- The Madeira Mandolin Orchestra’s End of Year Concert
- The Funchal cable car to Monte
- Poncha, a popular Madeiran alcoholic drink
Did you know?
In many parts of Europe, New Year’s Eve is called Silvester
In Denmark, jumping off a chair at midnight is thought to bring good fortune
In Italy, wearing red underwear on NYE is said to bring good luck
Prague, Czech Republic
A romantic getaway
Prague’s stunning architecture and historic charm create the ideal setting for a romantic New Year’s Eve getaway. At midnight, an epic fireworks display lights up the sky over the Vltava River and Charles Bridge. Wrap up warm and watch the display from Letna Park, with the pretty Old Town as your backdrop. Or take the funicular to the top of Petrin Hill with a bottle of bubbly. For something extra special, wine and dine aboard a river cruise for a unique view of the celebrations.
Look out for:
- Jednohubky (savoury topped rolls)
- Kids’ entertainment at the Old Town Square
- The New Year’s Day projection light show
Reykjavik, Iceland
Natural wonders
What could be more memorable than bringing in the New Year beneath the incredible Northern Lights in Iceland? Join a tour from Reykjavik for a once-in-a-lifetime experience chasing the auroras across Iceland’s rugged snow-covered landscape. Fireworks are also a big part of Iceland’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, with many set off at community bonfires across Reykjavik from around 8 pm on New Year’s Eve.
Look out for:
- Tours of Iceland’s Golden Circle
- Áramótaskaupið – Iceland’s annual New Year’s skit
- Fireworks near Hallgrimskirkja church
Insider tip:
Many restaurants across Iceland are closed on New Year’s Eve. So if you want to eat out, make sure you book your table several weeks, if not months, ahead of your visit.
Vienna, Austria
Dancing the waltz
In Vienna, many locals start New Year’s Eve with an elegant breakfast of sparkling wine and smoked salmon. Next, follow the New Year’s Eve trail through the centre of Vienna, enjoying food, drink, and musical entertainment from 2 pm on 31 December until 2 am on 1 January. As the bell in St. Stephen’s Cathedral chimes midnight, slip on your dancing shoes and join Vienna’s cherished tradition of waltzing into the New Year in elegant three-four time.
Look out for:
- Lucky Fish New Year’s Eve biscuits
- The Blue Danube playing at midnight
- The Bitzinger sausage stand at Albertina
Top tips for travelling abroad for New Year’s Eve in Europe
Book flights, accommodation, taxis, and restaurants well in advance
Embrace local traditions to make your trip more memorable
Check the weather and pack appropriate clothing for outdoor celebrations
What’s your New Year’s Eve travel style?
Bring in the New Year how you mean to go on.
Romantic getaway
Couples seeking an intimate New Year’s Eve escape should choose cosy restaurants and a mid to high-range hotel in a scenic city like Prague, Paris or Vienna.
Party holiday
If your perfect New Year’s Eve involves partying with friends until the early hours, choose a vibrant city like Berlin, Amsterdam or Barcelona. Two to three nights is usually just right.
City break
For families and friends, a classic city break somewhere like Prague, Lisbon or Amsterdam offers the perfect mix of history, culture and celebrations.
Budgeting for New Year’s Eve in Europe
While European countries like Poland and the Czech Republic are known for being budget-friendly, others like Switzerland and Iceland are notoriously expensive. To help you plan, here’s a quick guide to average prices in Europe.
Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant – €75-100
A bottle of champagne – €30-80
Entrance to a New Year’s Eve party – €60-200
One night in a 3-star hotel – €50-300
A souvenir or gift – €10-50
Make this New Year’s Eve one to remember. Head to a city in Europe for romance, dancing, partying, and an unforgettable experience. So, where will the New Year take you?
Thinking of travelling to Europe? Skyscanner can help find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
