Christmas fun has passed, and New Year’s Eve is the only event left before the great 2024 wraps up. There’s no denying that the last night of the year can feel strange; Santa has come and gone, you’ve indulged in far too many sweets, and all you really want is for it to be over so life can return to normal. Instead of waiting around, you could be using that time for an adventure in Europe!
Many people choose to travel for New Year’s in Europe nowadays to avoid the come down from all the festive cheer Christmas brings. Of course, this brings a surge in demand for everything, often leading to things becoming more expensive. There’s no need to stress, though; there are still some lesser-known gems across the continent where an inexpensive vacation is possible. Think we’re exagerating? Let us show you a few of them.
Belgrade, Serbia
First, we’re going to the cheapest European region, the Balkans, for an NYE trip to Belgrade, the Serbian capital. Speak to anyone who’s been to this part of Europe, and they’ll tell you Belgrade is the place to party, that’s what you want for a celebration like this, isn’t it?
Largely undiscovered, cheap as chips, and a lot of fun, I don’t know why Belgrade doesn’t get as much attention as other popular European locations. You can find low-cost, fully-furnished modern apartments for RSD 1988.18 (€17) a night, visit a slew of attractions for nothing, like the Saint Sava Temple, and get your hands on shots of Rakia for a little over 100 Serbian dinars.
While you’ll likely spend New Year’s Eve celebrating in Skadarlija (Bohemian Quarter), you’ll want to cover some of the main sights during the day. Kalemegdan Park, Belgrade Fortress, and Tašmajdan Park can all be visited free of charge. Or, if you’re looking to splash out a little, take a trip to the Museum of Yugoslavia for some insight into Serbia’s history (RSD 600 (€5.13)) or venture to the historic Hotel Moskva to indulge in a scrumptious dessert.
Over the New Year celebrations, chances are you’ll come across a party or two by the Sava River. There’s a vibrant promenade here lined with a nice variety of cafes, bars, and restaurants, some of which have live DJs playing in the evenings. Just head down that way, keep your ears peeled, and it won’t be long before you arrive at the fun.
Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
Down south of the Czech Republic hides one of the country’s best-kept secrets, Český Krumlov. Easy on the eye and oh-so picturesque, those who’ve heard of Český Krumlov come here to escape the hustle and bustle of Prague and feel that old-world Medieval charm. Do you blame them?
There’s excellent value for money to be found here for New Year’s compared to the capital. Savor traditional Czech dishes like Svíčková, Česnečka, and Guláš for a few hundred CZK and bag yourself a bed in a shared hostel room for around CZK 454.51 (€18) a night. Český Krumlov is also quite small and very walkable, so you won’t have to spend any money on transport unless you plan to go out into the countryside for a day trip like the Dívčí Kámen Castle.
Český Krumlov may be a tiny town, but there’s enough here to keep you entertained for a few nights over the New Year’s period. Start your exploration at the towering State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov CZK 260.08 (€10.30), take in the splendor of St. Vitus Church (free entry), and get lost in the quaint cobblestoned streets before ringing in the New Year at Zapa Bar.
Istanbul, Turkey
Half European, half Asian, Istanbul covers two continents, but for this one, we’ll stick to the European side unless you want to sneak over on the boat to the Asian side.
Istanbul has long been considered a budget-friendly destination, and with the city’s main airport serving as a global hub, finding affordable flights there for this New Year’s Eve will be a breeze. It’s a huge metropolis with tons of accommodation, meaning the owners are all competing for your hard-earned tourist dollars, so you can pick up some deals on a private room for as low as TRY 458.72 (€12.50) per person. Along with that, Turkish food is just as delicious as what you’re used to back home, with dishes like kebab costing around TRY 200 (€5.45).
You’ll find plenty of ways to ring in the New Year while you’re in Istanbul, from boat rides on the Bosphorus TRY 917.43 (€25) to traditional Turkish belly dancing dinner shows (TRY 1651.38 (€45)). Sightseeing is a big part of the Istanbul experience; admire the Hagia Sophia (TLR 917.43 (€25)), grab some spices to take home in the Grand Bazaar, and catch a view overlooking the city on top of the Galata Tower (TLR 1100.92 (€30)).
It can be easy to get lost in all the neighborhoods throughout Istanbul; the city is massive, so try to focus your attention on a handful rather than racing around too many. The ones I loved the most were Sultanahmet, Balat, Karaköy, and Galata.
Bansko, Bulgaria
The digital nomad hub of Bansko in southern Bulgaria, tucked away beneath the Pirin Mountains, has a bit of a reputation for its insanely low prices and wonderful skiing opportunities between December and April. If the sound of hitting the slopes for the New Year seems like your kind of fun, you can grab a day ski pass here for about BGN 96 (€49.09). For anyone who’s skied before, you’ll know that’s a pretty great deal! Lodging here is also surprisingly affordable, but you’ve got to get there far in advance because many long-term stayers jump on the monthly rental deals. Hostels are a nice alternative over the New Year, as beds for one night only cost about BGV 29.34 (€15).
You might assume that because Bansko gets a good amount of snow in December, many activities will be out of bounds. But in reality, that’s not true. Get your bearings with the town by taking a free walking tour hosted by Bansko Free Tour and seeing some cool landmarks like the Holy Trinity Church. Swing by Neofit Rilski House-Museum to learn about the Bulgarian monk, Neophyte of Rila (BGV 3 (€1.53)), and don’t forget to check out the Paisiy Hilendarski Monument.
Most likely, your evenings will be spent in one of the many mehanas, which are like little local inns serving freshly made traditional plates. Plenty of options are available across town, but our favorites are Mehana Bai Kotse and Mehana Bardareva.
Kaunas, Lithuania
Kaunas may not get as much attention as the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, but it sure can give it a run for its money in terms of prices. With a population of just over 300,000, Kaunas has a fascinating history. From its thriving days as part of the Hanseatic League to its time under Soviet rule, it has been through a lot for somewhere so small, but you wouldn’t think it when you feel the buzz walking through the Old Town.
Like anywhere you visit for the New Year period, prices will inevitably be on your mind. The good news is costs are low here, even over the holidays. With hotel rooms for around €20 a night, if you bunk with somebody, one-way bus fares costing €0.70, and classic foods like cepelinai priced less than €7, your money will go far in Kaunas. Not to forget that flights from many European cities with airlines like Ryanair are very good value.
Being in Kaunas for New Year means you’re likely to get cold weather, so you better wrap up for the occasion. It’s normal for temperatures to drop as low as -4°C, increasing the likelihood of snow and frost; don’t forget a strong pair of shoes with grip; you’ll need them for exploring. Even if you’re not too fond of the chilly conditions, points of interest like Kaunas Castle (€4 entry) and the Ninth Fort (€8 entry) will make it worth it.
Kaunas also has an incredible street art scene. It won’t be long before you spot great works like “The Wise Old Man” and “Princess on a Horse” on your travels around the city. Unsure where to start looking? Over at the city’s tourism office, they have made a map called “Wallographer’s Notes,” containing all the key points for spotting the main murals across Kaunas.
Paphos, Cyprus
Sun-kissed shores, a series of ancient Greek history, and a culinary heaven for travelers hoping to indulge in Cypriot cuisine; yep, exactly, it’s beautiful Paphos. Cyprus, in general, has always been seen as a budget-friendly getaway for as long as I can remember, so it’s a no-brainer for anyone keen on getting away for New Year without the hefty price tag. Villas by the beach for €22.50, anyone? Or what about some free samples of locally brewed brandy (zivania) at one of the bars by the promenade for the countdown? It’s all to come in Paphos.
Paphos tends to be much busier during the high summer season as people chase high temperatures. This means you’re much more likely to have the place to yourself, easing the process of finding a bed on Vrisoudia A Beach and visiting Kato Paphos Archaeological Park (€4.50) in peace. While the sea conditions may be slightly rocky in December, you could be lucky enough that it’s not too bad and head off on a boat trip from the Harbor for some snorkeling (around €17.50).
A fun New Year’s Eve experience you can treat yourself to is a lovely wine tasting at Sterna Winery & Wine Museum-Kathikas, Paphos. Where else in the world would you get to do a wine sampling course for as low as €5? Only in Paphos would you get it!
Gdańsk, Poland
After much anticipation for our final pick, we move to the edge of the Baltic Sea to Gdańsk in Poland. All the Krakow lovers are probably cursing me in their minds, but hear me out for a second: Gdańsk is an up-and-comer on the tourism scene; it’s here to stay, and I think you should give it a chance this New Year. Why, you might ask? It’s less touristy than most of the bigger cities in the country, so you’ll spend a lower amount on a hotel for the night. For example, a well-rated apartment in the heart of the center can set you back just PLN 107.58 (€25) a head, whereas if you were to look for somewhere in Krakow for the 31st, it would easily cost you double that.
Gdansk has an energy that feels different from anywhere else in Poland. Perhaps it’s the port city vibe or the uniquely structured buildings that give off a Dutch feel; regardless, you’re sure to fall in love. Be sure to walk the Dlugi Targ (or the Royal Way or Long Market); it’s a 500-meter trail through the center home to a bunch of must-see highlights such as the Golden Gate and the Neptune Fountain.
Learning about a country’s past is important wherever you go, especially when it’s somewhere like Poland, which was significantly impacted by World War 2. The country was invaded by both Germany and the Soviet Union, and the scars of the past still live on today; visitors can learn all about the events at the Museum of the Second World War (PLN 29 €6.74)).
Start Booking Your Cheap New Year Getaway for the End of 2024 Before It’s Too Late
New Year’s Eve has long been associated with overpriced hotels, expensive restaurant reservations, and crowded firework displays where you can’t see a thing; not at these destinations, though.
It may sound unbelievable, but New Year in any of the places we’ve listed in this article can still be good value for money. Competition among other tourists tends to be much lower, or there’s a huge accommodation supply, especially in Istanbul, cutting the cost of everything across the board. Hurry up! Your dream New Year getaway is waiting.