New Year's Eve in Europe feels special. Bells ring, fireworks light up the sky, and people hug strangers at midnight. The only hard part is choosing where to be.
Here are our favourite places to spend the 31st night, and a few simple tips to help you enjoy it
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is the place for a classy night. The old town fills with stages, music and food stalls. At midnight, the Blue Danube Waltz plays and people dance right in the street. Grab a cup of hot punch and join in.
Edinburgh, Scotland
The Scots call it Hogmanay, and they know how to throw a party. Expect live music, a big street party and fireworks over the castle. At midnight, everyone joins hands and sings Auld Lang Syne. You will not forget it.
The Alps: Zermatt, St. Moritz and Innsbruck
This is our home turf. Picture a snowy mountain village, a warm chalet dinner and fireworks echoing between the peaks. Zermatt sits under the Matterhorn. St. Moritz is glamorous. Innsbruck has a lively old town. On 1 January, you can ski or relax in a spa.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague looks like a fairy tale, and it looks even better at midnight. Most people gather by the river or on Charles Bridge to watch the fireworks over the castle. It is also easier on your wallet than many other big cities.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is all about energy. There is a big open-air party near the Brandenburg Gate, and clubs and rooftop parties keep going until sunrise. If you want a wild night, this is your city.
Madrid and Lisbon
In Madrid, people eat twelve grapes at midnight, one for each chime of the clock. It is said to bring good luck. Lisbon is mild and friendly, with fireworks over the river. Both are great if you do not like the cold.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest has beautiful buildings, lively bars and famous hot spring baths. Many visitors spend the night on a Danube cruise with dinner and a midnight toast. The view of Parliament lit up is hard to beat.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland does New Year's Eve differently. Locals light big bonfires and set off fireworks all over the city. If you are lucky, the Northern Lights might join in too
How to Enjoy Your 31st Night
- Book early. Hotels and dinner tables fill up months ahead, and prices go up.
- Pick your mood first. Do you want romantic, family-friendly or full party? Choose the city after that.
- Reserve a dinner. Lots of restaurants have special New Year's menus. Book yours in advance.
- Find your spot early. Good viewpoints get crowded. Arrive a couple of hours before midnight, or book a rooftop or river cruise.
- Dress warm. Wear layers, a hat, gloves and shoes that grip on ice. Nobody cares about your outfit at midnight in the cold.
- Plan how to get home. Public transport times can change on the night. Check them in advance or book a taxi.
- Watch your pockets. Crowds attract purse snatchers. Keep your phone and wallet somewhere safe.
- Join a local tradition. Eat the grapes, sing the song, dance the waltz. It makes the night a story.
- Celebrate safely. Drink water between drinks and have a plan to get back to your hotel.
- Keep 1 January free. Sleep in, have a slow brunch, or visit a spa.
Not Sure Where to Go?
Every city above is a good choice. The best one is the one that fits how you like to travel. Start with the kind of night you want, then use this table to pick.
Want a romantic night? Go to Vienna or St. Moritz. Vienna gives you a waltz at midnight, candlelit dinners and cosy cafes. St. Moritz adds luxury hotels, spas and snowy glamour. Expect cold weather, and a medium to high budget in Vienna and a high one in St. Moritz.
Want the biggest party? Go to Edinburgh or Berlin. Edinburgh has the Hogmanay street party, live music and fireworks over the castle. Berlin has a huge open-air party, plus clubs and rooftops that go on until sunrise. Expect cold weather, with Edinburgh a bit damp. Edinburgh is pricey, while Berlin is more medium.
Want snow and mountains? Go to Zermatt or Innsbruck. Zermatt has real snow, skiing and chalet dinners under the Matterhorn. Innsbruck has a lively old town, mountain views and easy skiing. Expect very cold weather. Zermatt is high on budget, and Innsbruck is medium to high.
Want the best value? Go to Prague or Budapest. Prague has fireworks over the river and castle at low prices. Budapest has thermal baths, Danube cruises and lovely views. Expect cold weather and a low budget in both.
Want warmer weather? Go to Madrid or Lisbon. Madrid is all about the twelve grapes at midnight and great food. Lisbon has mild nights and fireworks by the river. Expect cool to mild weather and a medium budget.
Want something different? Go to Reykjavik. You get bonfires, fireworks and a chance of the Northern Lights. Expect cold, dark and windy weather, and a higher budget.
Still stuck? These quick picks might help:
- Travelling with kids: Choose the Alps or Vienna. Both are safe, easy to get around and full of things to see during the day.
- Your first trip to Europe: Choose Vienna or Prague. They are beautiful, walkable and easy to enjoy.
- A big group of friends: Choose Edinburgh or Berlin. There is enough going on for everyone.
- Only a few days free: Choose Prague or Budapest. The main sights are close together, so you will not waste time travelling.
- A honeymoon or anniversary: Choose St. Moritz or Vienna for a special, memorable night.
- You hate the cold: Choose Lisbon or Madrid and enjoy a mild night outside.
Let Jetalps Plan It for You
The best New Year's Eve is the one you plan early. Tell us what kind of night you want, and we will help you find the right place, the right hotel and the right flights.
