Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Europe
Looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Europe? Check out our guide to help you plan the ultimate New Year getaway!
Everyone loves a good New Year’s Eve celebration, and ringing it in in Europe is always thrilling. All across the continent, countries celebrate New Year’s Eve with a variety of traditions and welcome visitors to be part of the experience. From the Scottish Highlands to the beaches of Barcelona, Europe is a great place to ring in the New Year. But where should you go? Well, it depends on what kind of party you’re after. To help you decide, check out our guide on where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Europe. You’ll love our suggestions!
Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Europe – Photo by Christian Lue on Unsplash
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
How to Say ‘Happy New Year!’ in Dutch: Gelukkig Nieuwjaar!
Amsterdam has a reputation for a good party no matter the season, so you know it’s not a quiet place to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Europe. When the clock strikes 12 on Oudejaarsavond (NYE), they eat Oliebollen (fried dough balls with apple and raisins), and drink champagne. You’ll find them all over the city, and it’s a huge part of their essen culture.
At midnight, the city erupts in an impressive firework display, and even locals get in on the action. Fireworks are only legal a few days before New Year’s Eve, so you’ll be hard up to find a place where someone isn’t setting them off. If you want to watch the magic from ‘indoors’, we recommend heading to a terrace or rooftop bar.
But if you want a party, head to Nieuwmarkt or Dam Square for free, open-air concerts with plenty of well-known bands and DJs. And if you’re looking for a real Dutch rave, you’ll have no shortage of options. Our best advice is to ask hostel reception where to go, or check out Resident Advisor for listings. However, you may need to purchase tickets in advance to some events.
And on New Year’s Day, head to the beach for the New Year Dip! Join thousands of others as they brave the icy cold waters of the North Sea as a way to ring in the New Year. The closest option if you’re in Amsterdam is Zandvoort aan Zee.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Our recommendation in Amsterdam is the famous Flying Pig Uptown. Located near Vondelpark and the Van Gogh Museum, this hostel is the perfect place to rest your head. Whether you’re looking to meet new people, party, or simply chill out, you’ll be satisfied staying with Flying Pig Uptown. And don’t leave booking to the last minute: this hostel is one of the most popular in Amsterdam, especially over New Year’s Eve!
Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Photo by Nicholas Vos on Unsplash
Barcelona, Spanien
How to Say ‘Happy New Year’ in Spanish/Catalan: ¡Feliz Año Nuevo!
Looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Europe in a warmer climate? Then head to sunny Barcelona! Like Amsterdam, it has an international party reputation and they really kick it off on December 31st. From firework displays to legendary parties, Barcelona is one of our favourite spots to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Europe.
Let’s start with the fireworks. While you can find private displays all over the city, it never matches up to the fireworks at Placa d’Espanya. Every year, thousands come to celebrate and enjoy the live music. The official countdown to midnight is marked by 12 chimes. After each one, it’s tradition to eat a grape and make a wish for the new year. Barcelona loves to celebrate their essen!
Looking for a street party? We recommend heading to Plaça Catalunya and take part in the tradition where people throw their bottles into the square. It might sound hectic, but it’s loads of fun!
There are tons of parties to ring in the new year. The hottest parties in Barcelona include Poble Espanyol, Shoko Club, Otto Zuzu, and Opium Barcelona, which has sofas overlooking the strand. It’s safe to say that whatever you’re after, Barcelona has it. Is it any wonder it’s on our list of places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Europe?!
Where to Stay in Barcelona
If you’re looking for a hostel notorious for a great party and welcoming atmosphere, then we recommend booking a room at Kabul Party Hostel. You can reach most of Barcelona’s main attractions quite easily from here, and it’s located only 20 mins from the beach! They also have an incredible rooftop patio, which is a great spot to watch the city come alive with celebration!
Barcelona, Spain. Photo by Kevin Horvat on Unsplash
Edinburgh, Schottland
How to Say ‘Happy New Year’ in traditional Scottish: haud Hogmanay!’
It might come as a shock, but if you want to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Europe like it’s going out of style, then head to Edinburgh. Known locally as Hogmanay, it’s a party that has roots dating back to the Viking period. And it’s an event you won’t want to miss.
Hogmanay celebrations start on December 30th, with a Torchlight Procession from Royal Mile to Holyrood Park in the heart of Edinburgh. In a bit of a parade, participants march with torches and sing traditional songs.
But the celebrations really kick off on December 31st. Edinburgh is known for their Hogmanay street parties, especially on Princes Street. You’ll find plenty of festivities here, including DJs, live bands, and entertainment. When the fireworks go off at midnight, everyone joins in for the world’s biggest rendition of Auld Lang Syne. It’s truly a memorable experience!
Feel like starting January 1st with a shock? Then head to River Forth and take a dip with other brave souls at the Loony Dook. Go to the parade beforehand and wear your costume in the water!
Where to Stay in Edinburgh
If you’re planning to celebrate the legendary Hogmanay, then be sure to book with the centrally located St Christophers Inn Edinburgh. Guests can enjoy 24 hour reception, a bar, restaurant, and cool themed rooms. They also host their own celebrations, and can advise you on where to find the best parties in the city!
Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo by Alana Harris on Unsplash
Berlin, Deutschland
How to say, ‘Happy New Year’ in German: Frohes Neues Jahr!
Of course Berlin is on our list of where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Europe. This city literally never sleeps, so naturally they go wild on Silvester (NYE). As in the Netherlands, fireworks are only legal a few days prior to NYE in Germany, and they take advantage of this. To an outsider, it will seem like a free-for-all when the clock strikes 12, but this is more or less just the way the Germans, and Berliners, like to ring in the new year.
But for an impressive display and street party, head to either Brandenburger Tor or the Berlin Victory Column where there’s always a great line up of bands and DJs.
But the clubs is where you’ll find the real parties for NYE, some of which will last for days. Seriously. We aren’t kidding. You’ll find cool parties almost anywhere you go, but the best places we recommend are Kater Blau, Watergate, and Sisyphos. When the party-goers are done, that’s when the doors close- But never a minute – or day – before!
Where to Stay in Berlin
Book accommodation at Sunflower Hostel, minutes away from the Berlin Wall and tons fo great clubs. This hostel, located in East Berlin, offers bicycle rentals, a common lunge, bar, private rooms, and shared dorms. If you want to get a trendy experience in Berlin this is the hostel to stay at!
Berlin, Germany. Photo by Christian Lue on Unsplash
Budapest, Ungarn
How to say, ‘Happy New Year’ in Hungarian: Boldog Új Évet!
If you have any experience travelling, you probably already know that Budapest loves a party. The Hungarian capital is next on our list of where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Europe.
Auf Szilveszter (NYE) everyone takes to the streets and gather in the main squares in the Old Town. After the national anthem plays at midnight, people pop and drink champagne, kiss, and watch incredible fireworks.It’s a great place to kick off your celebrations for the night!
Vörösmarty Platz hosts a three-day long party from 30 December to 1 January, with live music throughout the entire event. Budapest is also famous for their boat cruises along the Daube, and there are plenty of boozy and classy boat parties you can book tickets for. Tickets vary in price, but it’s a New Year’s Eve experience you won’t soon forget!
Locals celebrate long into the night, so don’t expect to get home early. The next day, Hungarians eat a traditional dish of Region to help soak up last night’s decisions.
Where to Stay in Budapest
If you’re planning on attending this festival, you have to book Budapest’s best, Maverick Hostel. Located in a Hapsburg era mansion, you’ll love the vibe at Maverick’s! Don’t leave your booking too late as it’s quite a popular spot.
Budapest, Hungary. Photo by Daniel Olah on Unsplash
Madrid, Spanien
How to Say ‘Happy New Year’ in Spanish: ¡Feliz Año Nuevo!
The Spanish capital is knows a thing or two about party, and it’s a top destination to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Europe. When Madrid has a reason to party, they go for it!
As in Barcelona, Madrid also honours the tradition of eating 12 grapes on Noche Vieja (NYE). It’s traditional to make wishes for the new year with each grape you eat. And it’s good to prepare in advance by picking up some at a market. Otherwise, you’ll end up paying astronomical amounts from vendors in the city.
das Puerta del Sol is the biggest party in the city and is also where Madrid’s official countdown takes places. If you want to be part of the festivities, we recommend arriving early so you get a good spot. And don’t forget the champagne and your grapes!
You’ll find tons of great clubs hosting legendary parties to help you ring in the new year. Our favourites include Opium, Sala Pirendello (LGBTQI friendly), and Teatro Kapital. And for a good rave, head to either NOX or Fabrik.
Where to Stay in Madrid
Cats Hostel Madrid Sol is our top recommendation if you’re planning to visit Madrid for New Year’s Eve. From free activities, to cool social areas, and even a Sangria fountain, Cats Hostel are the best hosts in the city! They also have an incredible bar and club in the basement, and are known to throw great parties.
Madrid, Spain. Photo by Mike Swigunski on Unsplash
Paris, Frankreich
How to say, ‘Happy New Year’ in French: Bonne Année!
Paris isn’t just about the romance, delectable food, memorable sweet treats, and high fashion. It’s one of the shiniest destinations to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Europe.
Since essen is a big part of the experience in Paris, you’ll want to eat well before the celebrations. Restaurants all over the city will feature special menus for the occasion. If you want this to be part of your night, then be sure to make reservations in advance as it’s a popular night to eat out!
For the most iconic scene in Paris, head to the Champs de Mars to watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle over the city. It’s an unofficial meeting spot for those looking to ring in the new year, so make sure you bring your champagne and sparklers!
The official street party is on the famous Champs-Elysées where revellers can take in the spectacular light show. Afterwards, head to a variety of bars and clubs in the neighbourhood to continue the party.
On New Year’s Day, you can attend the Grande Parade de Paris 9to help you forget that morning-after feeling.
Where to Stay in Paris
Our top recommendation for accommodation in Paris is St. Christopher’s Inn. With two fully equipped locations, they’re the perfect guests in Paris. Enjoy exclusive discounts at their restaurants and bar, participate in a range of their free activities, and sleep soundly when you’re a guest at St. Christopher’s.
Paris, France. Photo by Mat Napo on Unsplash
Stockholm, Schweden
How to say, ‘Happy New Year’ in Swedish: Gott Nytt År!
Last on our list of where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Europe is the Swedish capital of Stockholm! Before we get into the fun bit, make sure you bring appropriate clothing as you’ll actually spend quite a bit of your night outdoors. And Stockholm in winter isn’t known to be warm!
das Nyårsafton (NYE) celebrations in Sweden is a lively contrast to the quiet Christmas holiday. The party starts at home, with lots of essen and drinks, and then the party starts just before midnight. Since 1895, locals have been ringing in the new year at Skansen, an outdoor museum. At midnight, a well-known Swede reads Tennyson’s "Erklingen, wilde Glocken’ und Luftschlangen und Partei Trompeten erklingen mit dem Klang von Feuerwerkskörpern.
If you want to enjoy the fireworks elsewhere, we suggest seeing them from Södermalm – Fjällgatan, Katarinaberget or Fåfängan. Gamla Stan is also a great spot for fireworks!
And as for places to party and dance, you’ll have plenty of options. Whether you want a glitzy and glamorous night, or a sweaty dance party, you’ll find it here. Our favourite clubs on New Year’s Eve include Södra Teatern, Slakthuset, Berns, Club Backdoor, and Debaser.
Hotels in Stockholm
Our top recommendation is City Backpackers Stockholm – the friendliest hostel in town! With a great bar terrace, cosy chill out area, and a sauna, you’re bound to love it. Located close to the city centre, it’s also a great place to meet other travellers. Guests are also entitled to exclusive discounts at Nomad, their incredible Swedish bar.
Stockholm, Sweden. Photo by Micael Widell on Unsplash
Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Europe
Now that you know where to go to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Europe, it’s up to you to choose a destination. No matter where you end up ringing in the new year, we’re sure it’ll be a night to remember and will leave you with many incredible travel memories. If you need more information to help you plan your vacation, click Hier for a range of helpful tips, city guides, food guides, and more. For all the latest news at Famous Hostels, follow us or subscribe on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Youtube.
