Top 10 Places to Ring in the New Year
New Year’s Eve is the time we farewell the year that was and look to a brand-new one and the promises it brings. It’s also the biggest global celebration there is so it pays to ensure you are at the most exciting and memorable setting. Here are ten of the top places to be when the clock strikes at midnight on the last day of the year…
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| Sydney | New York City |
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As the first major city to welcome the new year, the world looks to Sydney to set the global revelry standards, and the city doesn’t disappoint with the largest fireworks display in the world. The Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House provide a stunning scenery set off by 50 illuminated boats in the Harbour of Light Parade. Recommended stay: |
If big crowds and a big city is what gets you in the mood for celebratory merriment, then there’s no other place to be than among a million people gathered in Times Square, New York City. Watch the 12-foot wide crystal ball descend in the famous ball drop, or cruise the New York Harbour on a boat ride, which offers the best views of the fireworks. Recommended stay: |
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| Rio de Janeiro | London |
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Perhaps the biggest New Year’s Eve party in the world, the Brazilian Réveillon on Copacabana Beach is a unique mix of religious, traditional, and superstitious customs. The locals dress all in white and throw flowers into the sea as an offering to the goddess, Yemanjá. Around two million people cover the iconic stretch of sand with oceanfront stages hosting live musical and dance shows. Recommended stay: |
In London, the tolling of the old Big Ben signals midnight and the start of the new year. Some 250,000 people cram on the banks of the River Thames awaiting the dazzling ten-minute lightshow and fireworks display. The best vantage points are the London Eye and the top of the 95-storey skyscraper, The Shard. Recommended stay: |
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| Berlin | Las Vegas |
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Berlin seems to always be carousing for most of the year so needless to say their NYE celebrations are next level. The ‘Party Mile’ is where it all happens, with a two-kilometre stretch of bars, international food stalls, laser shows, video screens, party tents, performance stages and more that runs from Brandenburg Gate to Victory Column. Recommended stay:
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The party capital of the world closes off the famous Las Vegas strip from cars and turns into one giant street party. There’s no shortage of entertainment with live bands, pyrotechnic displays, laser shows and concerts as well as the countless parties and shows hosted by clubs, hotels, and casinos. And you don’t have to try too hard to catch a glimpse of the midnight fireworks as they are launched from seven rooftops along the strip. Recommended stay: |
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| Prague | Hong Kong |
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The NYE atmosphere in the city of a Hundred Spires builds gently with revelers gathering in places overlooking the river or at one of the main squares for the best views of the fireworks as midnight approaches. The fireworks enjoyed by the river take in the backdrop of Charles Bridge and the Old Town, while counting down to the new year in popular squares like Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square means experiencing the handheld fireworks set off by locals which can get pretty hair-raising. Recommended stay: |
If you want to usher in the new year in a New York fashion, but don’t want the dense crowds, then Hong Kong is where you should find yourself. It has its own version of Times Square of course, and carries out a replica ball drop to kick off the evening revelries. Catch the best views of the spectacular pyrotechnic dragon dancing across Victoria Harbour from boats, rooftop terraces, or at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Tsa Shui. Recommended stay: |
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| Vienna | Reykjavik |
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This beautiful city celebrates the last day of the year as only Vienna can: with dignified balls, classical music concerts and – as home to Mozart and Beethoven – naturally some of the world’s best symphonies. Vienna will truly leave you with a memorable experience and the best start to the new year you could possibly hope for, complete with a champagne brunch on New Year’s Day. Recommended stay: |
What do you do with only four hours of daylight on NYE? In Reykjavik, the locals light bonfires while fireworks dazzle the skies as they launch throughout the city. Find the nearest major landmarks, like the rotating Perlan glass dome and Landakotskirkja Church, to catch the best views of the official fireworks, as well as sweeping views of the sea and nearby hills. |
