Too crowded. Too expensive. Too much pressure; it’s easy to sneer at New Year’s Eve. But this much-hyped event doesn’t have to be a disappointment.
New Year’s Eve is celebrated around the globe and whether it’s fireworks exploding across iconic landmarks, raucous street parties, or all-night raves on white-sand beaches, the world is full of unforgettable ways to ring in the New Year.
So let the countdown begin with these eight amazing places to travel for a New Year’s Eve you’ll never forget. Start the year as you mean to go on – on holiday.
Edinburgh, Scotland
A Viking-style torchlight procession, live music, midnight fireworks over Edinburgh Castle, and a fancy-dress dip in the freezing Firth of Forth – Edinburgh’s three-day Hogmanay extravaganza is one of the world’s most famous New Year’s Eve celebrations.
What you should know: While there are some free and in ticketed events, you will need tickets for most and be warned, some events will be cancelled in the event of bad weather.
Taipei, Taiwan
The Taiwanese capital puts on an incredible firework display from the the city’s tallest building, the Taipei 101. Once the display is over, visitors can catch the Fulong Happiness Train from Taipei Main Station, which reaches Fulong beach at 3.30am. Once there, the party continues with the Sunrise Music Festival.
What you should know: The area surrounding Taipei’s iconic tower is extremely crowded. Although it’s not as bad as Times Square, it’s definitely no place for the claustrophobic.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin knows how to party on any night of year, and on New Year’s Eve it really ups the ante. Between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column, hundreds of thousands of partiers populate one of Europe’s largest street parties. There are live bands, DJs and a spectacular fireworks display at midnight, and it’s all free of charge.
What you should know: Gates open in the early afternoon, concerts begin in the evening, fireworks launch at midnight, and the party continues until 3 am, so wear something warm and comfortable.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
If you want to greet 2020 with about two million other people at what is probably the world’s biggest beach party, then Rio is for you. The famous Copacabana Beach is the place to be, with musical acts, fireworks, samba and champagne. It’s customary to wear white in Rio on NYE because it’s said to bring luck for the New Year.
What you should know: Stake out a spot on the beach no later than 10pm and head to the area between lifeguard posts five and six, which is less crowded. Plus, it’s walking distance from the parties at neighbouring Ipanema.
London, England
The River Thames provides a stunning backdrop for London’s dazzling display of pyrotechnics. If you want to be within the official staging area on the night, you must have secured a ticket to be able to attend. Alternatively, if you want a fantastic view of the display, opt for a magical evening river cruise.
What you should know: Tickets sell out fast for the firework display but you may be able to see it for free from hilltops such as Primrose Hill, Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath, Greenwich Park and Alexandra Palace. Public transportation is free from 11.45 pm until 4.30 am.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Escape the cold and head to Buenos Aires, where you’ll find rooftop parties, street parties and lots of open-air dancing. Many of the parties in neighbourhoods such as La Boca and Barraca are local events organised by residents. But if you’re after glitz and glamour, hit the street party in Palermo Hollywood, which is catered more towards tourists.
What you should know: Argentines are notorious for arriving late, but New Year’s is the exception. Arrive early to events and be prepared, as very few shops or supermarkets are open in the evening.
Sydney, Australia
The Sydney fireworks may be the most famous display in the world, thanks to its incredible backdrop of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. More than a million people gather along the shore to watch it, but a better idea is to hire out a boat, bring your own bubbles and start the countdown early. Alternatively, reserve an outside table at one of the waterfront restaurants for a front-row seat. Or forget about struggling for a taxi home and set up camp on the nearby Cockatoo Island, where you can even glamp overnight.
What you should know: If you want a guarantee of a great location to watch the show without having to wait hours waiting for it to begin then a ticketed area is the best way to go. Choose from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Barangaroo or the National Parks and Wildlife Harbour Islands.
New York, USA
Times Square in Manhattan isn’t the most original suggestion for New Year’s Eve, but if you do it right, you’ll definitely have a night to remember. Booking into a hotel on the square will give you all of the spectacular views of the glittering ball-drop and star-studded concert, without the crowds. But the privilege will cost you.
What you should know: If packing into Times Square with around one million other people doesn’t sound like fun, make like a real New Yorker and swap Manhattan for Brooklyn, where you’ll find free fireworks and live music at Prospect Park.
