8 Best European Cities to Celebrate New Year 2024

Lonely Planet, the world's leading travel guide publisher, has released a list of the world's 8 best New Year's Eve cities as a suggestion for travelers planning their upcoming vacations.

Berlin, Germany

The top spot, according to Lonely Planet, belongs to what many consider the party capital of Europe - Berlin. In addition to visiting Christmas markets and watching fireworks, Berlin is also attractive for Kulturbrauerei, the city's largest indoor New Year's party. Entrance fees start at 35 euros, and visitors have the opportunity to join the party at 8 clubs spread over 13 different floors with 30 DJs and live bands playing all genres of music from pop, 80s-90s to electronic music, hip-hop.

Lisbon, Portugal

Many visitors are hesitant to walk around Lisbon due to the narrow paths on the steep hills. But the plus point is that when you go uphill, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the New Year's fireworks..

Visitors can visit the bustling Praça do Comércio square or the 16th-century Torre de Belem tower. However, the “best party scene to be found” is in Bairro Alto, the city center, with its steep, bohemian cobblestone streets. If you want to ring in the new year the traditional way, eat 12 raisins as the clock strikes midnight, accompanied by a glass of Espumante, the country’s famous champagne.

Paris, France

Paris is the place to be for those looking for a romantic New Year's getaway. "You can find incredible views of Paris from the Sacre Coeur Basilica on Montmartre hill," suggests Lonely Planet. But make sure you arrive early enough to climb the hill before the crowds arrive.

Restaurants are extremely busy at this time of year, so make a reservation in advance so you don’t miss out on some of the local delicacies.

Dublin, Ireland

When it comes to welcoming the new year, few places do it with more fanfare and style than the Irish. Before you sip a pint of rich, creamy Guinness in the tiny pubs across Dublin, the city's New Year's Eve festivities are definitely worth the trip.

One of the recommended destinations to visit is Temple Bar, which is conveniently located, or John Kavanagh's The Gravediggers pub next to Dublin's cemetery for a pint that is said to be "the best in the city".

Edinburgh, Scotland

Join the traditional Hogmanay New Year's Eve celebration in the capital city of Edinburgh with music, fireworks and a lively performance of Auld Lang Syne (Olden Days), a New Year's Eve carol that is more than 200 years old, is the next suggestion for visitors.

If you don’t want to join the lively torchlight procession in the city centre, you can enjoy a peaceful candlelit concert at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh’s Old Town. You can also take a dip in the River Forth at the Loony Dook festival, the locals’ annual ice bath.

Stockholm, Sweden

Swedes often prefer to spend New Year's Eve indoors with their loved ones, but Stockholm still has plenty of activities for visitors to choose from, if "you're brave enough to venture out on a cold Scandinavian night". One of the events worth watching is the midnight fireworks display, which lights up "spectacularly over the Royal Castle". The best spots to watch the fireworks are from the Stadshuset, Fjällgatan or Västerbron and Skanstullsbron bridges.

Additionally, visitors can attend the New Year's Eve concert at Stockholm Cathedral, and the Royal Swedish Opera also holds a traditional New Year's Eve concert.

Madrid, Spain

Many nightclubs in Spain stay open until 7am, making Madrid the perfect place to party all night long on New Year's Eve. A local tradition that visitors won't want to miss is eating 12 grapes in the last 12 seconds of the countdown to the new year, ending the year with a special hot chocolate and churros.

London, England

From a boat ride down the Thames to a spectacular fireworks display, London "has something for everyone when it comes to its famous New Year's Eve celebrations," says Lonely Planet. write.

Hampstead Heath, Primrose Hill and the Millennium Bridge are all popular places to watch London's fireworks display. You can also visit iconic nightclubs like Cirque le Soir or Ministry of Sound to party the night away.