Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Europe: 8 Must-Visit Cities

From elegant concerts in majestic palaces to lively can-can performances in cabaret venues, Europe knows how to celebrate New Year's Eve with flair.

Whether you're looking to dance at Berlin's techno clubs or enjoy pints of Guinness in Dublin's Temple Bar, we’ve compiled the top cities to welcome 2024. Get ready for a spectacular display of fireworks!

1. Berlin

As Europe's party capital, Berlin knows how to keep New Year's Eve lively well into the night. Join the crowd at Brandenburg Gate for live music, stunning light displays, and electrifying DJ sets leading up to the fireworks bursting over The Quadriga statue at midnight.

Alternatively, head to Kulturbrauerei for Berlin's largest indoor New Year’s Eve celebration. This year features 13 unique dance floors, 30 DJs, and live performances—all included with a single ticket. And that’s just one option! Berlin also offers techno clubs, historic riverboat parties, and classical music galas in its grand palaces, with festivities that seem endless.

2. Lisbon

Fireworks are a central part of the New Year’s Eve festivities, and in Lisbon, there are numerous stunning spots to witness them. Thousands flock to the city center or the banks of the Tagus River, but the best views come from the seven hills surrounding the capital. Portugal’s largest square, Praça do Comércio, is a popular spot for celebrations, alongside the iconic 16th-century Torre de Belém. Enjoy live music, festive parties, and plenty of espumante (Portuguese sparkling wine) while soaking in the Atlantic views.

Lisbon is a culinary paradise, featuring several Michelin-starred restaurants, with many hotels and eateries offering special New Year’s Eve dinners. You might also consider a private river tour, experiencing traditional Portuguese music at a live fado performance, or a lively bar crawl. The Bairro Alto district is the heart of Lisbon’s nightlife, with an array of energetic clubs and trendy bars. For a traditional Portuguese celebration, it’s customary to eat 12 raisins at midnight, one for each stroke of the clock, paired with a glass of espumante.

3. Paris

A visit to Paris is always enchanting, especially on New Year’s Eve when it truly embodies its title, the City of Lights. Party-goers can gather at the Champs-Élysées, where the city's official street celebration features fireworks over the Arc De Triomphe, or head to the Sacré Coeur plaza in Montmartre for stunning views of the Paris skyline during the midnight show. Dining at one of the city's renowned restaurants is just as unforgettable as the fireworks, so make sure to reserve a table well in advance.

Attending a performance is another excellent way to ring in the new year, whether it's at the dazzling Moulin Rouge in Pigalle or at the Lido2Paris, where you can celebrate with a six-course gourmet meal, champagne, and a musical show. (The can-can dancers were retired in 2022.) Rooftop parties, masquerade balls, and nostalgic 80s/90s club nights are just a few of the exciting options available for welcoming 2024, the year of the Paris Olympics.

4. Dublin

Dublin goes all out for New Year's Eve with its annual New Year’s Eve Festival, spanning four venues, including the National Museum of Ireland and Dublin Castle. Expect live performances, music, DJs, and a variety of food options.

Easily navigable on foot, explore the Irish capital before midnight by visiting key attractions. Don't miss Christchurch Cathedral, the city’s oldest building, and the famous Guinness Storehouse. Later, enjoy a dazzling light show that will light up the skies over the Liffey to usher in the new year. The following day, revelers can visit the lively Temple Bar area for a pint to cure any hangovers or attend a free afternoon concert at Dublin Castle.

5. Edinburgh

Hogmanay in Edinburgh is a must for anyone's New Year’s Eve list: it’s an unparalleled street celebration filled with ceilidhs, music, fireworks, and spirited renditions of Auld Lang Syne. The city’s torchlight parade through the streets, featuring bagpipes and drums, is truly unforgettable, and the annual Concert in the Gardens attracts large crowds, with Pulp headlining this year alongside Hot Chip.

Experience candlelit concerts at St Giles Cathedral; join a massive ceilidh at Edinburgh Castle; and for those who might be feeling a bit rough the next morning, the invigorating dip in the River Forth during the annual Loony Dook is sure to refresh.

6. Stockholm

On New Year’s Eve, many Stockholm locals prefer to stay in or enjoy a meal with friends, but the Swedish capital still offers plenty for visitors. One highlight is the annual midnight fireworks that illuminate the skies above the Royal Castle. Bundle up and make your way to Stadshuset, Fjällgatan, or the Västerbron and Skanstullsbron bridges for the best views.

Additionally, guests can attend a New Year’s Eve concert at Stockholm Cathedral, featuring performances of works by Haydn, Judith Bingham, and more. The Royal Swedish Opera House will host a glamorous New Year’s Masquerade—be sure to dress to impress. Each year, Tennyson’s New Year’s poem Ring Out Wild Bells is recited at the open-air museum Skansen, with a live broadcast on Swedish television. For nightlife, visit the Södermalm area to toast gott nytt år (Happy New Year) with fellow revelers.

7. Madrid

New Year’s Eve, known as Nochevieja in Spain, showcases the Madrileños' love for celebration. Madrid is famous for its vibrant bars and some of the best nightclubs in the country, which often stay open until 6 AM. The festivities start building just before midnight and continue deep into the night. Join the throngs at Puerta del Sol, the historic square that serves as the heart of Madrid and the ultimate spot to welcome the new year. Be sure to have a bottle of cava and 12 grapes in hand, as it’s a tradition to eat one grape for each of the last 12 seconds of the countdown.

For a different celebration location, head to Templo de Debod, the ancient Egyptian temple gifted to Spain, offering fantastic views of the fireworks. With countless nightclubs available, two of the most popular include Teatro Kapital, which features seven dance floors and live performances, and Joy Eslava, where you can dance the night away. Due to high demand, it’s wise to purchase tickets in advance if you plan on visiting one of the well-known clubs.

Wrap up your night—or early morning—with another Spanish tradition: churros for your first breakfast of the year. San Ginés, Madrid’s renowned chocolate and churros shop, has been serving customers for 125 years and is open 24/7, all year round.

8. London

As the English author Samuel Johnson famously stated, 'When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.' Only the most indifferent visitor could miss the excitement of London on New Year’s Eve. Approximately 100,000 revelers will gather along the River Thames to enjoy the annual firework display launched from the London Eye. This event has become so popular that tickets are now required. Register on the official website. For free viewing spots, consider Primrose Hill and Hampstead Heath.

A boat ride on the Thames is another favorite activity for NYE—options include traditional cruises with drinks and music, speedy boat rides, or relaxed river tours. Moreover, some of London’s most notable landmarks host festive parties. The Natural History Museum offers live music and a silent disco, allowing ticket holders (18 and older) to explore the galleries. Kick off 2024 with the annual London New Year’s Day Parade the following day.