Wondering where to spend your New Year’s Eve? Looking for a change or a cultural discovery? Mondassur has put together a short list of the best destinations around the world to celebrate New Year’s Eve!
1. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is one of Europe’s most affordable capitals. Enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of the festive season in this city of incomparable charm in winter. On the evening of December 31st, locals gather in an old town square to watch the clock strike midnight, before marvelling at the fireworks. Bonus: You’ll find low-cost parties all over the city. There’s something for everyone!
2. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is renowned for bringing together young people from all over the world and offering them a place to party all year round. Although Spaniards often opt for a family New Year’s Eve, you’ll find plenty of celebrations on December 31 evening in this tourist city. Catalan nights tend to start late, giving you plenty of time to try your hand at the famous tradition of lucky grapes. It’s as simple as swallowing twelve grapes one at a time during the stroke of midnight. Legend has it that the lucky ones who manage to swallow it rhythmically will have a happy new year. Bonus: Temperatures are pretty good, even in winter!
3. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Considered one of Europe’s best New Year’s cities, Amsterdam has plenty to offer this festive season. The city is one of the most popular in Europe for its many activities: city tours, numerous bars and unusual restaurants… If you like a party atmosphere, head for the red light district or the Oosterdok. Rembrandtplein, Nieumarkt, Museumplein and Dam Square are also iconic Amsterdam landmarks.
4. Berlin, Germany
Berlin, the capital of Germany and Europe’s party scene. It’s the city that never sleeps! Every year, hundreds of thousands of people flock to the Feistmeile to count down to midnight and watch a gigantic fireworks display. The unique atmosphere is created by live musical performances on numerous stages, international stars, gastronomy… After midnight, you can dance until dawn in an open-air discotheque.
5. Rome, Italy
La Dolce Vita is a good way to end the year and start the new one, isn’t it? It’s the embodiment of a life full of love, good food… A great reason to visit and spend New Year’s Eve in Italy. In Rome, spend New Year’s Eve in the Piazza del Popolo, where the whole city gathers in a friendly, festive atmosphere. Everyone shares and toasts together for a long part of the evening. Then, at midnight, you can enjoy the fireworks from the Colosseum. Rome is an ideal destination for lovers, friends or family to enjoy the festivities taking place all over the city.
6. New York, United States
It’s hard not to mention New York’s New Year’s Day classic. The most famous city on the east coast of the United States guarantees you an extraordinary New Year’s Eve. In New York, New Year’s Eve festivities begin in the afternoon. The city is one of the last to enter the New Year. The New Year in every country in the world is celebrated in Time Square, hour after hour. You can watch the famous Times Square Ball ceremony, a luminous time ball. The ball slowly descends from a mast on the roof of One Times Square at 11:59pm, landing at exactly midnight. Nearly 1 million people spend New Year’s Eve in New York on this square!
7. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, also known as the “crazy city”, is a must-see destination. New Year’s Eve in Bangkok is internationally renowned for its dynamism. If you’re dreaming of a sunny end to the year in 30-degree heat and shorts, Thailand is the place for you! What’s more, the warm welcome and smiling faces of the Thai people will ensure that you’re immersed in a friendly atmosphere.
8. Sydney, Australia
The Australian city organizes an unforgettable New Year’s Day, with beach barbecues, sun and coconut trees, and parties into the wee hours. This night of festivities is marked by fireworks around the Harbour Bridge. A first fire is lit at 9pm for the youngest and another at midnight.
9. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Looking for an exceptional New Year’s Eve party? Come to Rio at this time of year! The enchantment of fireworks on Copacabana beach, with your feet in the water, surrounded by festive Cariocas dressed in white, and free concerts all along the beach! Enjoy the festive season in the middle of summer. This will give you the opportunity to enjoy a swim or even surf as soon as the clock strikes midnight!
10. Hong-Kong, China
In addition to the Chinese New Year in February, Hong Kong celebrates New Year’s Eve on December 31 with the rest of the world. Festivities include massive countdown parties, huge fireworks displays and live concerts. Hong Kong’s bay and skyline light up, ablaze with spectacular fireworks reflected in the skyscrapers.
Deciding to spend your New Year abroad? Remember to take out travel insurance before you leave, so you can celebrate the first day of the year to the full. Mondassur will be at your side all year long to help you compare the best travel insurance and find the expatriate insurance that’s right for you, anywhere in the world!
And… Happy New Year 2023!
