27 best European cities for New Years (2024/25)

This is the ultimate list of the best European cities for New Years for every type of traveler. From romance in Venice to off-the-path adventures in Gdansk, Europe has it all. Plus I’ve included tips for experiences and tours in Europe as well.

Europe is an amazing place to spend New Year’s Eve.

What I love the most is that it’s so easy to get to almost any capital within a few hours, and it’s also affordable.

The most popular places to spend the New Year are London, Berlin, Prague, Edinburgh, and Copenhagen (OK, so it’s not the most popular, but as a Dane I’m biased).

Ready to see the list?

Let’s jump in!

Read next: 20 best places to visit in Europe in December

Best New Year’s Eve experiences in Europe

If you have limited time to spend in the city, or you’re just looking for the very best tours in Europe during New Year, here are my top recommendations: 

• Italy: New Year’s Eve Opera Gala (⭐ 5/5)
• Croatia: Zagreb Christmas market tour (⭐ 5/5)
• Portugal: Canyoning in Madeira Island (⭐ 5/5)

Most romantic European cities for New Years

1. Paris, France

Paris is hard to beat for New Years Eve.

Just picture fireworks bursting over the Eiffel Tower – it looks pretty amazing!

The city has that romantic vibe, but honestly, it’s a great fit for everyone.

Whether you’re into a quiet, intimate dinner or more into the bustling energy at the Champs-Élysées, Paris knows how to make your New Year’s celebration special.

2. Venice, Italy

Speaking of romantic places to spend the New Years…

Imagine gliding through the iconic canals of Venice as fireworks light up the sky, reflecting off the water for that extra magical touch.

The city has an unmatched romantic atmosphere, but it’s also versatile, which means it’s a great destination whether you’re with family, friends, or that special someone.

🥂 Best tour on New Years Eve – I Musici Veneziani New Year’s Concert in Venice (⭐ 4/5)

3. Florence, Italy

Ah, Florence.

The Renaissance architecture and Arno River serve as the most elegant backdrop when you watch the fireworks at midnight.

It’s the perfect pick for couples, but honestly, anyone would like the way Florence elevates the whole New Year’s experience.

🥂 Best tour on New Years Eve – New Year’s Eve Opera Gala (⭐ 5/5)

4. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik really hits the mark for New Year’s Eve.

Picture fireworks popping over the ancient city walls and the Adriatic Sea in the backdrop—definitely Instagram-worthy.

Most of the celebrations are centered around the Old Town, so it’s a great place to be if you want to get in on the action.

🥂 Best tour in Dubrovnik – Old Town Food Tour (⭐ 5/5)

Off-the-Path European cities for New Years

5. Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi is a bit of an unsung hero when it comes to New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The city lights up—literally—with decorations and fireworks, and there’s this genuine warmth from the locals that adds to the vibe.

You’ve got options here: You could go for a traditional Georgian feast, known as a “supra,” or join the public gatherings that usually happen around Freedom Square.

🥂 Best tour in Tbilisi – Tbilisi Walking Tour (⭐ 5/5)

6. Gdansk, Poland

In Gdansk, New Year’s Eve is festive but not overwhelming.

The city lights up, especially around Long Street, and you can catch some great fireworks by the river.

Gdansk is busy enough to feel like a celebration, but not so packed that you’ll feel lost in the crowd.

🥂 Best tour in Gdańsk – Old Town Private Walking Tour (⭐ 5/5)

7. Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb has a really inviting feel for New Year’s Eve.

The city center turns into one big celebration, with music stages and street food stalls.

Fireworks kick off at midnight, usually around Ban Jelačić Square, which is the heart of the action.

What’s nice about Zagreb is that it feels festive but not overly commercialized.

🥂 Best tour in Zagreb – Christmas market tour (⭐ 5/5)

8. Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki is a good pick for a New Year’s Eve that’s different but still has that festive flair.

The city’s Senate Square is usually the hub for the main event, where you’ll find fireworks and live performances.

It’s winter, so it’s cold, but the Finns know how to make the most of it—think saunas, Finlandia vodka, and hearty food.

🥂 Best tour in Helsinki – Helsinki Like a Local Walking Tour (⭐ 4.5/5)

9. Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade’s New Year’s Eve is energetic and lively, a bit of a hidden gem in Europe.

The city’s Knez Mihailova Street and Republic Square are bustling with concerts and local events.

What stands out in Belgrade is the local vibe—it feels more authentic and less catered to tourists.

You can also find quieter spots, like the many bars and restaurants along the Sava River, where you can enjoy the evening at your own pace.

🥂 Best tour in Belgrade – Belgrade Christmas Tour

Warm-weather European cities for New Years

10. Gran Canaria, Spain

Gran Canaria is where you’ll want to be for New Year’s Eve if you’re not a fan of the cold.

The weather’s generally mild, so you could even spend some time snorkeling or at the pool.

Come evening, places like Las Palmas light up with fireworks and festivities, usually close to the water.

The vibe is relaxed, but you still know you’re part of a celebration.

🥂 Best tour in Gran Canaria – Snorkeling in Puerto de Mogan (⭐ 5/5)

11. Tenerife, Spain

If you’re looking to escape the cold for New Year’s Eve, Tenerife is a great bet. You can actually enjoy being outside when midnight rolls around.

Fireworks are a big deal here, usually happening near the beaches or main squares.

The atmosphere is festive, but it doesn’t get too chaotic, making it a nice balance if you want to celebrate without getting overwhelmed.

🥂 Best tour in Tenerife – Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran (⭐ 4.5/5)

12. Split, Croatia

Split is a nice spot for New Year’s Eve if you like the idea of celebrating by the sea with some history thrown in.

The main action happens along the Riva promenade, which gets all lit up and has live music to set the mood.

When the fireworks go off over the harbor, there’s a pretty cool scene with the old Roman buildings in the background.

🥂 Best tour in Split – Blue Cave and Hvar Day Trip (⭐ 5/5)

13. Malaga, Spain

If you’re after a warm New Year’s Eve with a European flair, Malaga is a solid option.

Most of the action is around Calle Larios and Plaza de la Constitución.

There’s live music and the fireworks at midnight are a must-see. It’s a lively scene, but not too over-the-top, so you can enjoy the festivities without feeling swamped.

🥂 Best tour in Malaga – Traditional Wine & Tapas Tour (⭐ 4.5/5)

14. Madeira, Portugal

If you’re a fan of fireworks, you might want to check out Madeira for New Year’s Eve.

The island is famous for its sky-lit spectacle, and it’s pretty unforgettable with the Atlantic Ocean and mountains as your backdrop.

Most people hang out in Funchal, the main city, where there’s music and festivities. It’s a lively scene, but the island setting gives it a more close-knit feel compared to big cities.

🥂 Best tour on Madeira – Canyoning in Madeira Island (⭐ 5/5)

15. Ibiza, Spain

If the party scene is more your speed, then Ibiza might be up your alley for New Year’s Eve.

Sure, it’s known as a summer hotspot, but the winter celebrations here shouldn’t be overlooked.

The island’s famous clubs often host special New Year’s events, and the beaches still have their own charm even if it’s cooler out (12°C-16°C / 60°F).

The vibe is lively but not as intense as the summer months, so it’s a bit more manageable.

🥂 Best tour on Ibiza – Ibiza Quad ATV Tour (⭐ 5/5)

16. Malta

If you’re looking for a New Year’s Eve that’s warm but still has that European charm, Malta is a good fit.

The island’s capital, Valletta, is usually where the main events are.

The city squares come alive with music, and fireworks are pretty much a given when midnight hits.

The atmosphere is festive, and because it’s a smaller place, it feels less crowded and a bit more personal.

🥂 Best tour on Malta – Blue Lagoon, Beaches and Bays Catamaran Sailing Tour (⭐ 4.5/5)

17. São Miguel Island, Portugal

São Miguel Island in Portugal’s Azores is a bit off the typical New Year’s Eve radar, but that’s part of why it’s great!

The island has lush landscapes and volcanic craters that you can explore during the day, and at night you can watch fireworks over the harbor in Ponta Delgada.

🥂 Best tour on Sao Miguel – Full Day Outdoor Furnas Valley Tour (⭐ 5/5)

Party European cities for New Years

18. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is one of the most popular European cities for New Years!

The city goes all out, especially around Brandenburg Gate where you’ll find a massive open-air party complete with music, food stalls, and, of course, fireworks.

It’s crowded, but in a way that adds to the excitement. Plus, the city’s famous club scene is in full swing, so you can keep the party going till the early hours.

🥂 Best tour on New Years Eve – New Year’s Day Dinner and Concert at Charlottenburg Palace

19. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam for New Year’s Eve is a whole vibe!

The city is already known for its canals and historic buildings, but add in fireworks and it takes on a whole new level of charm.

Dam Square and the areas around the Amstel River are usually packed with people enjoying live performances and getting ready for the midnight fireworks.

🥂 Best tour in Amsterdam – Classic Boat Cruise with Live Guide, Drinks and Cheese (⭐ 5/5)

20. London, UK

London on New Year’s Eve is iconic for a reason.

The city’s famous landmarks like Big Ben and the London Eye serve as the backdrop for some really impressive fireworks.

Speaking of the London Eye, that’s where the official display happens, so the South Bank of the Thames is where you’ll want to be for the best views.

🥂 Best tour on New Years Eve – Royal Historic Pubs Walking Guided Tour (⭐ 5/5)

21. Edinburgh, Scotland

Hogmanay is Edinburgh‘s answer to New Year’s Eve, and it’s an experience you don’t want to miss.

The city knows how to throw a proper celebration, complete with torchlight processions, live music, and, of course, fireworks over Edinburgh Castle.

Princes Street and the Royal Mile are the go-to spots to catch all the action. It’s not just a one-night celebration either; festivities often stretch out for a couple of days!

🥂 Best tour in Edinburgh – Underground Walking Tour in Edinburgh (⭐ 4.5/5)

22. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen for New Year’s Eve is super fun!

The city square and waterfront areas are where most people gather, but the real highlight is when everyone joins in to hear the clock tower bells chime at midnight.

Then the sky lights up with fireworks, and the atmosphere is electric. It gets crowded, but the vibe is more communal than chaotic.

🥂 Best tour in Copenhagen – Private Walking Grand Tour of Copenhagen (⭐ 5/5)

23. Zurich, Switzerland

New Years Eve celebrations happen around Lake Zurich, where a fireworks show lights up the sky at midnight.

The views are stunning, especially with the snow-capped Alps in the distance.

The city isn’t as crowded as some of the bigger European capitals, which is a plus if you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe.

🥂 Best tour in Zurich – Jungfraujoch: Top of Europe Day Trip from Zurich (⭐ 4.5/5)

24. Istanbul, Türkiye

Istanbul is one of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Europe.

Taksim Square and Ortaköy are popular spots where crowds gather for live music and fireworks.

You’ve got the Bosphorus as your backdrop, and it’s pretty stunning when the fireworks start.

The atmosphere is lively but can get crowded, so just a heads up. If you’re up for it, you can even take a Bosphorus party cruise and see the fireworks from the water.

🥂 Best tour on New Years Eve – New Year Party Cruise through Bosphorus (⭐ 4/5)

25. Prague, The Czech Republic

Prague for New Year’s Eve is like stepping into a fairytale with a party twist.

The Charles Bridge and Old Town Square are where the action is, but be prepared: they’re filled with people.

When the clock hits midnight, the sky above the city’s famous castle lights up with fireworks, making for some killer Instagram shots.

🥂 Best tour on New Years Eve – New Year’s Eve Pub Crawl in Prague (⭐ 4.5/5)

26. Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik on New Year’s Eve is unlike anything else, mainly because you’ve got a good shot at seeing not just fireworks but also the Northern Lights.

The locals go all out with their own fireworks, so pretty much wherever you stand, you’re in for a show.

The main gathering spots are around Hallgrímskirkja church and by the harbor. It’s chilly, so bundle up!

🥂 Best tour in Reykjavik – South Iceland Glaciers, Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach Tour (⭐ 4.5/5)

27. Bucharest, Romania

If you’re looking for a New Year’s Eve that’s buzzing but not too overrun with tourists, I recommend Bucharest.

The city’s Revolution Square and University Square are where you’ll find the bulk of the action.

It’s busy but not jam-packed, so you can actually enjoy yourself.

🥂 Best tour on New Years Eve – Dracula’s Castle Full-Day Tour from Bucharest (⭐ 4.5/5)

More posts about Europe you might like

• 20 best places to visit in Europe in November
• 20 best places to visit in Europe in December
• 20 best places to visit in Europe in January
• 20 best places to go in Europe in February
• 55 major landmarks in Europe you should visit

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