Settling on spending New Year’s Eve away in Europe is the easy part, but selecting where to go is a much tougher decision. You could be doing the countdown with your partner, admiring the glow of the Eiffel Tower. Or perhaps nonstop partying in Lisbon’s legendary Bairro Alto. So many possibilities for one big night.
Across Europe, people will be ringing in the New Year, but a few destinations truly stand out for doing the final eve of December right. Picture fireworks painting the sky with vibrant colors, street celebrations that last until sunrise, and feasts featuring every local dish you can think of. We’re here to reveal the best places to be on the 31st!
Revel in the Buzz of Bairro Alto in Lisbon
You might know it as New Year’s Eve, but the Alfacinhas like to call it Passagem de Ano. Lisbon is where it’s at on the 31st no matter how you like to spend the evening. Whether you’re drawn to the explosive fireworks over Praça do Comércio or enjoying a cozy multi-course meal tucked away on the side of the charming streets of Alfama, it promises a night to remember for all.
The city has several decent spots for catching a glimpse of the pyrotechnics, with Praça do Comércio being the most popular. Yes, it can get crowded, but that kind of adds to the crazy atmosphere here. Live music kicks off around 10 pm to get spirits high before the grand display, and there are plenty of lively bars like Wines of Portugal to sip a drink while you wait. If you’re after something quieter, consider Belém, Parque das Nações, or Almada, or take the hike up to Castelo de São Jorge for a panoramic view of the spectacle.
One Lisbon tradition you won’t want to miss is the “12 Raisins.” As the clock ticks down, eat one raisin for good luck for each month of 2025; this year will be a good one! You can find raisins to do the trick in all the major supermarkets and corner stores.
Looking for some other cool experiences? Hop aboard a boat for a river cruise on the Tagus to the iconic Ponte 25 de Abril bridge, sip champagne, and indulge in a delicious Portuguese feast while you watch Lisbon light up (fees start at around €67). Afterward, head to one of Alfama’s intimate fado bars for an evening of expressive traditional music. Check out A Baiuca; it may be small, but you’ll be safe if you make a reservation.
As the night goes on, most people will go to the buzzing Bairro Alto, where the real fun is. The streets overflow with people spilling out of lively tequila bars like A Tasca and international spots like Cheers Irish Pub. The celebrations last here well into the early morning, so pace yourselves.
Bask in the Glow of Paris on New Year’s Eve
Spending New Year’s Eve in one of the most romantic cities in the world sounds like a dream come true. Just envison the Eiffel Tower glowing beautifully against the night sky while excitement builds with every step you take down the Champs-Élysées to watch the fireworks. Only for one night, the famous avenue will be cleared of all traffic, giving way for the public to come as they come together for the countdown. From 7 pm, there will be an excellent schedule of live entertainment, including DJs like Barbara Butch, who will take the stage. As the clock strikes twelve, the sky over the Arc de Triomphe will erupt in color, marking the official arrival of 2025.
While it might be tempting to race to the Eiffel Tower, it’s important to know that no fireworks are scheduled in this area for this year. So, it’s better to time your visit earlier in the evening and then venture to the Champs-Élysées.
Why not mix in some entertainment to start your 2025 on a high note? Catch a hilarious comedy show like How to Become a Parisian in One Hour by the brilliant Olivier Giraud (€24), or dive into Paris’s famous cabaret scene with a Moulin Rouge Dinner Show (tickets from €245) or a night of theatrical performances at Crazy Horse (€119).
And, of course, when in Paris, a fancy dinner is a must. The city is renowned for its world-class dining scene, so you have to indulge, but remember to book ahead of time. A lot of restaurants fill up fast for the occasion, but one of my favorite spots is L’Escagort Montorgueil. If you’ve ever wanted to try France’s famous specialty, cooked land snails, this is the place to do it.
Paris has no shortage of parties on NYE. Some of the hottest events planned include the VIP 2025 New Year Party at La Nuit (from €59 with drinks) and the Rooftop Oxygen New Year’s Eve party at Oxygen & Nodd Rooftop (from €65 with drinks). Expect long queues at almost every well-known nightclub in the capital; that’s why getting your tickets in advance is essential; you don’t want to be lining up the cold, dark December night in winter.
Dance the Night Away in Barcelona, Catalonia-Style
Barcelona is no stranger to a good party, and when it comes to New Year’s Eve, the city pulls out all the stops. From Flamenco magic at Tablao Cordobes to mouthwatering tapas feasts at Firebug, it’s the one night that everyone from Catalonia looks forward to. But before we discuss the festivities, you might want to know about some of the local traditions here.
First up, let’s discuss ‘Grapes and Red Underwear.’ At the stroke of midnight, locals pop twelve grapes into their mouths, similar to the ’12 Raisins’ phenomenon in Lisbon. The catch? No spitting them out! As for the red undies, people like to slip them on for an extra dose of fortune. It’s all a bit of lighthearted banter, so you might as well embrace these customs to feel like a true Barcelonan.
New Year’s Eve in Barcelona may start somewhat differently than back in your home. Family comes first here; it’s a non-negotiable. Most people will stick with their parents for the evening until the countdown has finished; some might settle in for a hearty meal at home or dine out with their loved ones. That’s why the bars and clubs might seem a bit quiet before midnight. But don’t be fooled; the actual festa commences when midnight arrives.
The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc is where the fireworks are, just before midnight, and for the early birds, there’s a pre-show with live entertainment starting at 9:30 pm.
When the fireworks are over, it’s time to hit the town. Barcelona’s nightlife doesn’t disappoint, with legendary clubs like Pacha, Razzmatazz, Opium, and Sala Bikini throwing some of the wildest parties. Not a club person? No worries. The Gothic Quarter is packed with nice bars for drinks, like First Cocktail Bar, La Burnessa, and La Plata.
And don’t think New Year’s finishes in Barcelona with the night. Shake off your hangover the following morning by joining everyone for El Primer Bany de l’Any, the first swim of the year. At noon on January 1st, head to San Sebastián Beach for an ice-cold dip in the Mediterranean; if you last longer than a minute, I’ll shake your hand.
Raise a Glass in Lively Reykjavik
Wait, Reykjavik throws a party on New Year’s Eve? It sure does, and it’s a mighty good one. People don’t really view the Icelandic capital as a place for wild events, but truth be told, it plays more of a part in society here than in most cities in Europe.
So, what does NYE in Reykjavik look like? The evening starts with warm family meals followed by visits to the local ‘brennas’ (bonfires) to share moments with neighbors and long-term friends. But all of a sudden, things quiet down the closer it gets to twelve as people hide away to watch the national comedy special, Áramótaskaup. Not to worry, though; as soon as it wraps up, everyone races outside to spark off their own fireworks to mark the beginning of the New Year. As the night stretches on, the bars and discos fill up and stay open for service for as long as you can imagine.
Rather than having a public fireworks display, the people of Reykjavik buy their own and let them off. The purpose of this is to donate money to the Icelandic Search and Rescue Teams, which sell the fireworks as a fundraiser; it all goes towards a good cause. As a tourist, you might wonder how you can join in on the fireworks if you don’t know any local people. Head to either Hallgrimskirkja Church or Perlan; these are the two main places in Reykjavik where locals tend to head to let off their newly purchased Roman candles, and they will be more than happy to welcome you in.
Going back to the ‘brennas,’ these bonfires are a staple of the Reykjavik New Year’s Eve agenda. They commence at around 8 pm, and around 17 of them are lit across the city. It’s tradition for people to come and chat with each other, sing songs, and get excited for what lies ahead. To find the one closest to where you’re staying, ask the person working at the front desk; they’ll lead you in the right direction. Alternatively, if you can’t find any, just head to Aegissida Street; that’s where a big one happens.
Follow the Crowds to London for the Big Countdown
Is there any major festival that London can’t pull off? New Year’s Eve is certainly no exception for the British capital as they’ve got huge exciting plans for this year.
The fireworks are set to blow off at midnight in Westminster once Big Ben hits twelve. Unfortunately, this is a ticketed event with prices starting from £20 (€24.27), and it’s already sold out. Not all is bad, though, as you can catch a good view from some sneaky little locations. Lambeth Bridge and Vauxhall Bridge are spots we recommend that aren’t as busy as others, but it’s still advised to get there early, as many have caught on to it recently. As another option, you can always book on to the Wellington on the Thames cruise, which promises views of the display, but tickets come at a premium of £239 (€290.01).
In a city with a culinary scene as diverse as London’s, you’re bound to come across some incredible dining deals this New Year’s Eve. Be sure to check out Inko Nito in Soho; this authentic Japanese eatery offers a four-course tasting menu all through December 31st for only £59.50 (€72.20), and a glass of bubbly comes with it. Another fantastic deal we came across was at German Gymnasium; settle in for a three-course dinner costing £68 (€82.51) on their lavish ground floor, which becomes the venue’s main dancefloor the further the night goes on.
After a satisfying meal, chances are you’ll be on the hunt for a bar to toast to 2025. Coq D’Argent is hosting its own party with fireworks and a DJ for the night; the entry fees are £50 (€60.67), and you receive a free pour of champagne. Not interested in paying entry and just want to head somewhere for a few drinks minus the fuss? Pay a visit to Ridley Road Market Bar for £5.25 (€6.37) cans of beer and £4.80 (€5.82) shots of Jaeger. Or, hit up Fam Bar, where all cocktails from their Christmas menu are charged at a fixed fee of £12.50 (€15.17).
Chase the Magic of Europe This New Year’s Eve
An abundance of destinations awaits you this New Year’s Eve in Europe, but these standout spots are worth putting first. It’s hard to resist the glamor of London or Paris’s charm when there’s so much organized for one of the biggest celebrations on the calendar, don’t you think? The countdown is on!