Best Cities to Celebrate New Year 2024 around the world
Explore the Most Amazing New Year’s Eve Celebrations Around the Globe
Explore the most amazing New Year’s Eve celebrations across the globe virtually. These celebrations combine excitement, diversity, and lasting memories. All of the locations, like the lively streets of Budapest, the snow-covered slopes of Val d’Isère, and the romantic atmosphere of Paris, guarantee an unforgettable countdown experience. Whether the renowned ball drop in New York City, the historic charm of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebration, or the community spirit of Reykjavik’s fireworks beckons you, our carefully chosen collection guarantees a memorable international event. Discover the legendary nightlife of Beirut, the exuberant outdoor celebrations of Berlin, and the unplanned street celebrations of Amsterdam. Travel across continents, take in the magnificent fireworks over Sydney Harbour, discover the golden beaches of Goa, and immerse yourself in the Mardi Gras culture of New Orleans. Find the ideal location to ring in 2024 in style by reading our insights into the world’s greatest New Year’s Eve festivities!
Budapest, Hungary
New Year’s Eve in Budapest is a low-key occasion compared to many other European cities, and there are no “official” fireworks displays in the Hungarian capital. Several separate organisers put on spectacular fireworks displays that light up the sky, but the squares and old streets are where most of the action happens.
On New Year’s Eve, Vorosmarty Square serves as the main hub of action. As the twelve clock chimes ring in a new year, locals and visitors wait side by side. As midnight draws near, get a table at a restaurant with a view and get ready to party hard—firecrackers and loud noises ward off evil spirits. This is a food-fueled celebration.
Mathild Palace, one of a pair of UNESCO-protected neo-baroque fin de siècle palaces, is a relatively recent addition to Budapest’s hotel industry. It’s home to Europe’s first Spago restaurant (owned by Wolfgang Puck), an art nouveau café that serves mouthwatering brunches and seasonal cabaret events, and a rooftop bar with panoramic views.
Val d’Isère, France
Travellers with extra cash tend to go to Val d’Isère, one of France’s top ski resorts, to celebrate the start of a new year. The streets are decorated with sculptures and festive lights, and for those who have a view of the show, the midnight fireworks display is the highlight of the evening.
For enthusiastic skiers (and après-skiers), Val d’Isère is a seasonal party playground where a diverse range of nationalities and personalities congregate. At midnight, pyrotechnics light up the night sky, drawing all eyes to the sky, while pubs, clubs, and restaurants become vibrant hubs of activity. Foodies can enjoy the quaint Bistrot Gourmand or the Michelin-starred La Table de l’Ours; elsewhere, Champagne-spraying begins early at well-known locations like La Folie Douce.
One of the most luxurious hotels in the ski resort is Airelles Val d’Isère. Cosy retreats with views of the vast white stretches can be found in the rooms and suites; unwind there before going to the Nobu Matsuhisa restaurant for black fish miso and cocktails. The four-bedroom Chalet Schuss, a private mountain getaway created by renowned interior designer Christophe Tollemer, is brand new for the 2023–2024 season.
Paris, France
The city of romance is the ideal destination to spend New Year’s Eve if you have someone special to share a midnight kiss with. The fireworks show on the Champs-Élysées is without a doubt the focal point of the festivities. Still, the street parties in the hillside Sacré-Coeur give a cinematic—and slightly calmer—view over the celebrations if you’re trying to take in the ambiance without being crammed up against everyone else. To avoid disappointment, avoid going to the Eiffel Tower altogether. It’s lit up any night of the year with slightly fewer crowds to contend with, yet fireworks are only let off here on Bastille Day. The French celebrate New Year’s Eve with a meal known as le réveillon, which is typically a decadent feast of treats including oysters and caviar.
Le réveillon, or New Year’s Eve supper, is customarily celebrated by the French and typically consists of an expensive spread of delicacies, including foie gras, shellfish, and caviar. The Michelin-starred La Tour d’Argent serves a set meal of outstanding dishes and offers even more stunning vistas of the city, but you might have to start saving in January to get in. The stylish club Wanderlust’s rooftop terrace is a great place to see the fireworks over the Seine in Paris if you’re on a budget.
Celebrate the beginning of the year in style at the magnificent Le Meurice, a creative paradise with Philippe Starck interiors that has hosted both Dali and Picasso. Alternatively, get a lovely Airbnb in Paris and explore the city’s top pavement cafes for a post-workout cappuccino. View our selection of the top hotels in Paris for additional choices.
Edinburgh, Scotland
The renowned three-day Hogmanay celebration in the Scottish capital typically begins on December 30 with a torchlight procession around the Royal Mile in the manner of the Vikings. The main event of the evening includes a Scottish music lineup that includes Breabach, Eddi Reader, and Dougie McLean. The schedule concludes in time for attendees to enjoy unrivalled views of midnight fireworks above Edinburgh Castle. On New Year’s Day, festivities continue with the customary fancy-dress plunge into the icy Firth of Forth, dubbed “the Loony Dook.” Go to edinburghshogmanay.com for additional details on the several events that typically occur.
For one very valid reason, you’re unlikely to see many Edinburgh locals during the official Hogmanay celebrations: they are known to be pessimistic about the weather. Rather, witness the Scots making use of indoor amusements to hedge their odds before securing a free location to witness the castle’s midnight show. Astute and free-spirited There are many excellent pubs in Stockbridge. Visit The Bailie Bar, a basement bar, for a few beers and folk music, then head to Inverleith Park for the finest free view of the city’s countdown fireworks.
The most luxurious hotel in Edinburgh is the Balmoral, which is also the most welcoming spot to unwind after Hogmanay festivities. Eden Locke, a New Town Georgian townhouse, presents a perfect storm of millennial pink and Elephant’s Breath, brass accents, wicker seats, and tropical plants for something more reasonably priced but no less grounded. Take over this elegant yet cosy loft Airbnb with a breathtaking view of the Royal Mile for a private stay.
Reykjavik, Iceland
The midnight fireworks in the Icelandic capital are a community effort; in what is ICE-SAR’s most profitable fundraising activity of the year, everyone purchases their own from the national search and rescue organisation. As a result, the entire city is illuminated when the clock strikes twelve and the sky bursts with hundreds of miniature fireworks. While the picture is breathtaking, don’t miss the noises as well: fire engines and harboured ships all ring their bells and blast their horns to greet the New Year.
Long before the countdown, the town is lit up with community bonfires starting at 4 p.m. (a benefit of those long winter nights). At midnight, a sizable number of residents assemble at the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church, which provides an excellent view from its position atop Skólavörðuholt hill, to witness the fireworks launch and display.
With its rooftop terrace for watching the northern lights, cosy speakeasy-style bar, and rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the fjord, Mt. Esja, or downtown Reykjavik, Reykjavik Edition is currently one of the chicest hotels in Iceland.
New York City, USA
The classic New York experience in NYC is Times Square, despite not being the most inventive suggestion. If you’re going to do it, do it from the R Lounge of the Renaissance Hotel—the bar windows provide unrivalled views of the iconic One Times Square structure, which is located directly south of where the ball drops. Move from Manhattan to Brooklyn, just as a true New Yorker would. Prospect Park offers free fireworks and live music, and the Brooklyn Bridge is a great place to see the spectacle from above. Aman New York has set the standard for Midtown as one of the newest hotels in New York and the company’s first urban venture in the US. All of the rooms are spacious, have functional fireplaces, and are properly soundproofed. Located in Midtown, Pendry Manhattan West boasts 30 spacious suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and a laid-back West Coast vibe.
Lisbon, Portugal
The largest square on the Tagus River, Praça do Comércio, is home to Europe’s latest hippest capital. The fiesta extends late, as is customary with Portuguese celebrations: live music begins at approximately 10 p.m. and goes on until the midnight fireworks. It doesn’t feel like a tourist trap because many residents are drinking and dancing in the centre of the activity, armed with their own fizz and plastic cups.
Because of the permissive open-container rules, Lisbon’s central Bairro Alto district is always a party destination, and NYE is no different. After the Praça do Comércio fireworks, partygoers frequently head here. The district is also home to some excellent fado houses, where you can enjoy dinner while listening to traditional Portuguese music. O Faia and Café Luso are popular places; however, they are pricey.
The Lumiares is well situated in Bairro Alto, close to a plethora of bars and nightlife. The self-contained studios at the hotel are equipped with kitchens, making them feel like a home away from home once the festivities end. The neighbouring Bairro Alto Hotel is well-liked for its lively ambience and excellent soundproofing.
Koh Phangan, Thailand
The world’s most renowned full-moon celebration takes place on Koh Phangan; therefore, on New Year’s Eve, there is the craziest of all the parties held on the beaches of Thailand’s islands. The chaos that revolves around Sunrise Beach in Haad Rin begins as soon as night falls and lasts well into the next afternoon.
Enjoy a meal of freshly caught fish that has been grilled and some cocktails on the island’s sunset side. Don’t even consider attending the party until right before midnight. After that, return to Sunset Beach to swim at the first light.
Although the chic Anantara resort is located some distance from the party on Koh Phangan’s east coast, the ride home on a boat through azure waters as the sun rises might be the best taxi ride you’ve ever experienced.
Venice, Italy
There is something magical about Venice on New Year’s Eve, but it is well worth the wait to experience the excitement of watching the countdown to midnight in the crowded St. Marco’s Square. (And there will be a queue; if you want a decent place to watch the fireworks, arrive at least a few hours early.).
Take the water bus (Vaporetto) to Giudecca and observe the fireworks from across the lagoon for one of the greatest views of Venice’s fireworks display. You can partake in a number of Italian New Year’s Eve customs. Lentils are a staple of any New Year’s Eve dinner and are also said to bring good luck. Wearing red knickers is considered lucky as the year comes to an end. Try out some more contemporary customs as well, like the frigid dip in the Lido on New Year’s Day. With a view of the Grand Canal, the garden at The St. Regis is the most sought-after spot among all the hotels in Venice. Il Palazzo Experimental has some of the best aperitivo hours in town, so come for the party vibe.
Barcelona, Spain
The festivities don’t really get going until after 11 p.m. in Barcelona because the city is full of night owls. At midnight, large crowds congregate at Plaça d’Espanya to witness the pyrotechnics on Montjuïc, the hill situated slightly above. The outdoor architecture museum, Plaza Espanyol, is a short distance away. It has a big dance party that lasts until six in the morning. In the city core, in Plaça de Catalunya, is one of the strangest customs, besides eating a grape for each chime at midnight (yes, truly, everyone does that). The gathered throngs toss their Cava bottles into the centre of the square as soon as the new year is rung in. If it seems a little scary, go to Pacha Rages Uiall Night, which is the most well-liked club party.
Arrive at The Hoxton, Pobelnou, a well-liked neighbourhood hotspot featuring a taqueria and rooftop pool. ME Barcelona is in an ideal location, just a short walk from Plaça de Catalunya, the city’s main centre.
Cape Town, South Africa
The V&A Waterfront hosts Mother City’s grandest celebrations, which feature live music, dancing, fireworks, food, and everything you could possibly need in one convenient location. In addition, there are vistas of the Atlantic coast and Table Mountain. It’s spectacular, but you have to go to the sand for a more locally themed celebration. A popular option for Capetonians is a sunset picnic on Clifton 4th Beach, a stunning cove in the affluent Clifton district. Then it’s time to visit one of the many glitzy beach clubs in the city. Pacha’s upscale event at Grand Africa, which takes place on the hotel’s own beach and faces Robben Island, is the event of the year. Perched over the highly anticipated Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa on the V&A Waterfront, The Silo epitomises what a destination hotel should be. Egyptian crystal chandeliers light the ballroom-worthy bathrooms, while vivid silks and velvets in deep purple and bottle green harmoniously combine to create the chambers.
Berlin, Germany
This massive outdoor celebration between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column is a true example of Berlin’s anything-goes spirit. Approximately a million people assemble along the 1.6-mile course of this jamboree, which is one of Europe’s biggest outdoor events. Plus, it doesn’t require any charging and stays pumping until three in the morning. Aside from pyrotechnics, expect live music, DJs, laser shows, and cuisine. There are many excellent clubs in Berlin, but on New Year’s Eve, the rooftop garden at House of Weekend really shines, providing breathtaking views of the city skyline and the pyrotechnics. Furthermore, the notorious Berghain bouncer is not a concern.
AmaNO East Side is located in the lively and edgy Friedrichshain area, making it the ideal place to stay near the nightlife along the banks of the Spree. The rooms here are like seductive little hideaways, and the ground-floor bar is a great place to start the evening off.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Magere Brug, often known as the “Skinny Bridge,” is a dependable location to be at midnight. Although Amsterdam is a conveniently small and always party-ready city, the 31st of December is an amalgam of spontaneous street fun. Countdown pyrotechnics explode above the River Amstel as revellers assemble here, and they carry on with their celebrations across the town. Particularly, Nieuwmarkt (Chinatown) is renowned for its boisterous environment. The awakening party in the Gashouder, a huge event housed in an industrial gas tank constructed in 1902, is the customary destination for Amsterdam’s EDM elite.
This area is full of chic addresses, like Pulitzer, Soho House, and The Hoxton. Situated inside a bridge house that was formerly used by operators to open and close the drawbridges, Sweets Hotel offers a one-of-a-kind location for an unforgettable stay. The interiors reflect the era, but the views of the canals are undoubtedly the most noteworthy.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney Harbour’s amazing fireworks display is typically witnessed by over a million spectators gathered along the waterfront. To get involved, rent a boat to join the throngs of partygoers bobbing in the water, bring your own bubbly, and begin the countdown early. For a front-row seat, landlubbers might choose to book an outside table at one of the waterfront eateries near the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Alternatively, drive to Cockatoo Island and have a moonlit picnic before the show. If you reserve a site in advance, you can even camp or glamp there.
The Opera House, Sydney Harbour, and Harbour Bridge are all visible from the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney. Make reservations at the recently opened Paramount House Hotel in Surry Hills, a popular inner-city dining destination, for a more authentic experience. Independent Australian producers of furniture, bathroom goods, and beer combine an industrial concrete and copper style.
Beirut, Lebanon
Beirut’s renowned nightlife offers an unforgettable experience throughout the year. However, in 2017–2018, the city decided to host an official celebration in its streets, which quickly made it onto multiple lists of the finest events ever. This led to the celebrations being even more spectacular in the years that followed. As the new decade is ushered in with fireworks, live bands, and DJs, Place de l’Etoile is crowded with celebrators. The 1933 Art Deco clocktower in the plaza is the focal point of a breathtaking light display. Since this is Beirut, the night usually lasts until beyond daybreak.
There are plenty of luxurious clubs in the city, but the best way to meet the Beiruti elite is to go bar-hopping in trendy Gemmayzeh and nearby Mar Mikhael. The latter’s Anise, where craft cocktails are made with locally foraged herbs and the Lebanese liquor arak, is a crowd favourite. From its antique-furnished rooms to the macarons that are served to your room upon arrival and the orange juice in a Murano glass jug, the Albergo by Relais & Châteaux has an air of bygone-era elegance.
Copenhagen, Denmark
As the clock strikes twelve, the usually subdued Danes assemble at Town Hall Square for a boisterous, bring-your-own bash featuring burst champagne corks, whooshing rockets, and fizzing Roman candles. For a slightly more subdued approach, Tivoli Gardens’ illuminated sky is lit up by its own fireworks festival; its eateries offer New Year’s meals; its roller coasters are operational; and there are plenty of glögg kiosks serving liquid courage. Watch as thousands of revellers take to the streets shortly after midnight to launch their own fireworks on New Year’s Eve, abandoning the tradition of hygge in favour of hedonism. Stretching across The Lakes in the centre of the city, Queen Louise’s Bridge is a popular local place to witness the mayhem, which is rowdy, noisy, and a little nerve-wracking. The beautiful Hotel Sanders is located on a peaceful lane, only a short stroll from vibrant Nyhavn. Its design blends British Colonial and Danish mid-century modern elements (potted palms, wickerwork, etc.). A conservatory on the fifth story offers views of the city.
New Orleans, USA
Have you missed the festivities of Mardi Gras? The exuberant enthusiasm, glitzy luxury, and explosive sense of fun that make New Orleans unique are all captured in these New Year’s Eve parties. The city was, quite rightly, one of our top travel destinations in 2022 and will remain so till the clock strikes midnight on December 31. After spending the afternoon at the Allstate Sugar Bowl Parade, which is as lively and colourful as you might anticipate, head to Jackson Square to see the fireworks over the Mississippi and the Fleur de Lis drop, the city’s version of New York City’s ball drop.
Combine a visit to the French Quarter with two enduring New Orleans customs: jazz bands and balcony parties. Get a ticket to one of the private events hosted by the bars and eateries on Bourbon Street, and then enjoy a night of dining, drinking, and dancing above the bustling streets. There are so many unique hotels and Airbnbs in the city. The Eliza Jane is a great choice if you’re looking for bright design and unique accommodations near the French Quarter. If you’re in need of some quiet time after your New Year’s Day hangover, go to one of the exclusive Audubon Cottages, where a butler will bring breakfast right to your door.
Goa, India
In our opinion, there’s nothing quite like dancing on the sand between your toes, watching glittering sari skirts spin beneath the stars, and enjoying fairy lights hung from every palm tree. Furthermore, Goa’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, complete with fireworks and revelry along the state’s shore, are the greatest of the year. The biggest and wildest parties are inevitably concentrated around Anjuna, where elite DJs play to sold-out crowds late into the evening.
In the south, go to Palolem for a more private party. There are dilapidated beach bars lining this bay bordered by rainforest that come together for an evening of EDM and psy-trance music, unlimited cocktails, and fireworks at midnight.The all-white, modern Park Inn on the beach in Candolim, close to Anjuna, features 30 guestrooms, cabanas on the deck beside the pool, a private beach, and DJs spinning Balearic beats in the outdoor bar—welcome news for those who don’t enjoy Goa trance.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
This time of year in Rio de Janeiro, it’s virtually midsummer, so instead of congregating in stuffy indoor clubs, a lot of partygoers move the celebration outside to the beach. On New Year’s Eve, a staggering two million people congregate on the 2.5-mile-long Copacabana for champagne, samba, and fireworks. If you want to get a decent spot, start staking your claim around 10 p.m. On NYE, it’s traditional to wear white in Rio, as it’s believed to bring good fortune for the upcoming year. It might be best to leave your most fashionable attire at home, unless you don’t mind being showered in Champagne, Formula One-style, by ecstatic spectators.
The “postos” (beach lifeguard stations) are termed so because locals with insider knowledge advise stationing between Postos 5 and 6. Since this is the last stretch of Copacabana, it is less congested. In addition, it is only a short stroll from the nearby Ipanema festivities, which is where many partygoers go after the countdown pyrotechnics. If you want to go all out, Belmond Copacabana Palace offers unique views of the excitement, but at a price that goes along with it. A charming guesthouse with a retro, cosy vibe is the Mama Ruisa hotel, which is more reasonably priced but still offers stunning views.