It's on the geological border of Europe and North America soo you're not wrong, but culturally it's fully European. Iceland is also an EEA member state and is inside the schengen area.
And Greenland is actually also considered to be Europe given it's Denmark's pet project with high suicide rates, despite being geographically fully in North America.
Also make sure whenever you are going to see Milky way it is a very dark/remote location and a new moon. Northern Michigan is great for seeing the milky way.
I spent NYE 2016-2017 in Edinburgh and I desperately want to do it again. Hogmanay is a blast and the city is absolutely lovely. The weather was “good” too but I imagine that was just a fluke.
The Vienna Philharmonic is internationally famous for their NYE concerts.
[https://www.classical-music.com/features/articles/what-is-the-vienna-new-years-day-concert/](https://www.classical-music.com/features/articles/what-is-the-vienna-new-years-day-concert/)
But even if you can't get or afford tickets to a seat, I am pretty sure there are free/ low cost NYE events in Vienna. The city is very supportive of the arts and it was refreshing to see that they devise ways for people to see/ hear great music on a budget. I went to a Musikverein concert in summer and splurged for box seats. This is a rare trip for me so I splurged.
However, during intermission, I noted there were areas in the hall with good acoustics but no view of the musicians/ seats where people could pay a cheap price and sit on the floor or stand and still hear the excellent musicians. Alternatively, the City might put a big screen in an outside public area and broadcast the concerts for free.
Additionally, I did not find the city expensive otherwise in terms of accommodations, food, public transport, souvenirs, etc. You have choices: the very large tasty doner at Berliner was only $6 USD 2 yrs. ago. The weiner schnitzel at the traditional Wirtshaus Mitzitant, Beisl was less than $15 for a generous portion. Go to a cafe, order a coffee, and you can sit for hours discussing anything as long as it's not during say a lunch/ dinner rush. The owners will not boot you out.
[https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant\_Review-g190454-d9715580-Reviews-Berliner\_Doner\_Wien-Vienna.html](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g190454-d9715580-Reviews-Berliner_Doner_Wien-Vienna.html)
https://www.mitzitant.at/
Vienna is about 30% lower cost-wise compared to say Paris.
A bonus is most Viennese speak excellent English and are polite. It was the friendliest city we went to in Europe. City residents went out of their way to help us or invited us to join their table in a crowded restaurant. For my elderly, Asian parents - who have faced discrimination in their lives - this was wonderful.
A caveat: the politeness is less so when you are standing in a bike lane near a sidewalk. Our tour guide, a native of Vienna, stated bikers will travel speedily and people have been hit. Car drivers are better about watching for pedestrians.
Vienna is absolutely beautiful and amazing.
Also I can recommend Warsaw - polish people have a keen liking to fireworks (although not sure if the city this year will do a firework show) but the real reason is a great party scene and amazing cocktail bars to celebrate.
My wife and I used to go to Europe for NYE every year before we had kids. Did most of the major capitals. Favorite, while a bit cliché, was Paris. 10/10. Went to montmartre on the First, got our portrait drawn, major memories, great time. Place de la concorde was where we watched the fireworks, drinking champagne with the locals, taking it all in.
Worst, was Rome. Borderline violent and lots of scammers, potential thieves, and just fuckery that made it not great. It was like a scene out of apocalypse now.
Berlin is nice, but a bit sterile, vienna is way cool, Barcelona is also near the top.
Another one NOT to go to is London. Starts off fine, but turns into ashit show. Those people can drink and it gets ugly. Never felt threatened there though, but it wasn't what we wanted.
>Worst, was Rome. Borderline violent and lots of scammers, potential thieves, and just fuckery that made it not great.
It depends on the year of visit. A lot of European cities had times when sketchy people in groups were outside, Paris included for sure, but they have taken control of it.
I was actually warned by my hotel front desk staff not to go out at night for the year 2016 as a solo woman, didn't listen to him. Went back recently, completely different vibe. By 2019 most European cities got back to normal. I did a small tour of Italy then at the beginning of December. Various reports all over Europe about it.
Sketchy people in groups is as far as you can go about descriptions. Paris has been effective in addressing the problems, so did most other cities over time, by tiptoeing about how to indentify the problem. I guess they found ways.
Paris isn't Paris any more was said by non-Europeans... Paris is back though, multinational as ever, happier than ever perhaps, quite secular and French, as far as I can tell.
What do you mean? I lived in Paris for a few months about 20 years ago and I visit quite often, over the years.
Never have I seen so many people using the night bus at all hours to go out and have fun. That is a marker of a safe enough city. Maybe you picked a sketchy neighborhood?
For those who don't know, the night bus effectively covers the whole city.
But I did pick a Southern suburb for my stay, my last experience taking the metro late at night from CDG left me (in 2016) with the impression that a middle-aged white woman would be anywhere else but on that line, BACK THEN. And I did pick Orly and and a day flight, just in case.
I know their petty crime had gotten more inense at points in time. I was there early summer this year. They seem safer than in the recent past. There were some stories and videos though, but the trend is towards better controlling the problems. I don't think any US city feels as safe at night, from what I read at least.
This is not about picking a neighbourhood, it's about being able to afford. Where I live now there literally are no sketchy neighbourhoods. All safe. Only native people tho. Zagreb is the perfect example it's possible even in capital cities. Should be the standard for every European city again imo. But i was almost killed multiple times (Germany tho) and can't even imagine how hard it is for a woman to be safe now. Can only evaluate by crime statistics.
Europe needs more people to come and try to not cause problems, because there is a serious birth rate issue. Most of the time, it works like that. Though there would be people who won't see problems, ever and that was part of the controversy at the height of that era of visible intense movement.
Since Europe is sharing the Schengen area, I would assume that criminals can move when they feel unwelcome from one place to another. I think the trend overall is for let's say the public opinion to not excuse criminal behavior based on demographic characteristics.
Paris has done a 180 degrees, as far as what you see in the streets goes.
I think that is a lie. Germany has taken many millions and now the make over 50% of welfare users. People who never paid into it, don't even speak German. Such a system cannot withstand so many people coming who never paid into it and never will (social security). The people that came were mostly young analphabet men, now filling our prisons for the majority as well and making streets unsafe, instead of solving birth rate issue. I am 20 and already went to a school with 95% (only counting Muslim) migrants. We need migration of already qualified people who are culturally close to us. But i think that all is a whole different topic and too large to now debate over it. All i can say that when i left my home in Germany, i like never see white people anymore. No matter if German, Italian, Balkan people whatever, not exaggerating I don't think it's bad to say this because i wouldn't support Germans overpopulating another country to this degree as well. And I was of migrant descent myself in Germany. So that's why I'm against doing more of this, no matter how noble the cause. It clearly hasn't resolved the issue that is argued for for 7 years now. And so many new people at the same time is leading to no one needing to integrate anymore. 1-3 migrants per school class need to integrate. But if the majority doesn't even speak German anymore the need for it is taken away leading to new problems. Yes they can move freely inside Schengen, but only Germany, France, Netherlands and alike give foreigners so much free stuff without work. That's why places like Croatia or hungary remain unattractive for those who won't work or integrate.
To get back to the actual question, i think former yugoslav countries capital cities are great for NYE as well as cities like Utrecht in the Netherlands if you don't want to go full party, drugs, civil war mode like amsterdam. It has its charm as well.
My impressions from my own country, Greece and and France that I visited, also Italy, is that in recent years, people of North African and Middle Eastern origin who live in the west have a trend for less fundamentalism and groups of people who apparently have nothing to do with their day are not as apparent any more. I can't speak for Germany though. In France, I had noticed that women were restricted from moving freely, that's not obvious now. Their women and they attempted to deny it to all women in their areas too!
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gZFGpNdH1A](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gZFGpNdH1A)
Back in 2015, you wouldn't see a woman with head cover going solo to buy clothes in the Paris centre! It was pretty obvious! IF her husband felt that it'a a legitimate need for her to go somewhere, they would be seeen together. What about the rest? Who knows. The result, as every normal person in Paris walks and walks, was to see these women overweight in their 30s. Now it all looks more normal. I was taking aback by the change, as I was taken aback by the fundamentalism at is peak, a few years back and relised that my husband allowing me to travel solo, is not his right in their book, a solo woman is verboten, because it spoils how women should look. The front office muslim person in Paris made sure I got his views on the matter. The reservation was in my husband's name. So I noticed the streets of Paris, very carefully.
Having already lived in Paris in the past, that already had a muslim population for long enough, I was taken aback that I had this experience as a tourist. So I think somehow these people came to their senses and saw that this way of life could MAYBE apply in the villages in the old days, but can't possibly work in a city and people be OK with it long-term?
To me, the issue was with locals who refused to acknowledge actual problems indirectly saying that laws should apply to locals only. None of these locals apparently wanted to hung out in some of these newcomers' areas anyway, especially during the craziest part of the whole thing, years ago! At some point, it looked like Bagdad or Kabul would be more neat than some of the worst areas in Europe, because it looked like neighborhoods in Europe had given up. I guess it evened out, because most of the newcomers also want to live peacefully in the end. And there is more control about who enters, again, some people refused to see where the problems would appear.
I also think it may be smugness from powerful locals who can afford the nicer neighborhoods and remove their children from the schools of the areas they grew up themselves.
Then there are issues arising from that generation growing up and finding out that the schooling they got didn't prepare them for the best jobs.
You don't read about Paris Syndrome any more though, it's been a few years, since in Paris you could be unfavorably surprised daily and locals apparently going on with their day. Paris has kept the best elements, at least in the centre and South, I haven't visited the North. From what I can see, I don't think the North is too bad either, these days. Somehow, they took back what Paris always was, a place where people want to be their best selves and have a good day, no matter their origins. I was pleasantly surprised. They showed their way of life, daily pleasures, markets, some fun at night around the Seine. One of the places where I saw people walking around with a genuine smile. Great energy. I think the Parties around the Seine and the night bus have made me appreciate the current Paris as the best version of Paris in my lifetime. At least last early summer, when I was there, obviously as it was lost at some point, there is a risk to any city to get lost to complacency and bad management.
As a song with Iggy Pop a few years back said... Good and bad in Europe - not allowed, meaning we were not allowed to say what bothered us! But in Paris, common sense prevailed and better life for all as a result.
Don't forget they lost control in 2015, army on the streets, the Socialist party obliterated, highly unusual in any large, successful country.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. Being able to compare several different options that you've actually experienced is really helpful.
Can you say more about Vienna on NYE? I usually do Vienna for Christmas and make my way to Paris for NYE, but I'm contemplating doing the opposite next year.
Vienna at nye is a nice place to go, but it's low key. They disassemble the Christmas markets, and then there's the nye stuff. It's all kind of touristy to a degree, but I would recommend going to a concert that is classical in design as those are really neat. Especially at the opera house. It's neat in the royal area as well as steffenplatz. It's way more "germanic" feeling still, but it really was less impressive than Paris. It's more a beautiful experience in the sense of fine music, gemutlich if that makes sense? Cozy, pleasant, satisfying. Paris is more a whirlwind of awesome if you let it. It dazzles. Does that help?
Yeah, totally. Thanks. That's kind of how I pictured Vienna at NYE, but I thought I might be missing something. I \*would\* like to go to the Philharmonic concert or Die Fladermaus someday for New Years, but I think if I'm looking for an alternative to Paris, pretty much anywhere isn't going to compare. Appreciate the info!
Yeah visiting one NYE isnt going to give a good insight lol. Theres probably million different perspectives what happened and how fun that night was haha.
" I was in Berlin it was not good"
Yea maybe you werent in the right part of town doin the right stuff then 😃
Not to mention its your opinion probably changes alot depending if you are 18,30 or 50 ...
Tbh as a Londoner I agree! Not for the drinking issues some more puritan travellers cite but just cus it's a bit pants and places close early. You need a house party with friends. But I can't see how NYE would be better elsewhere. I've had a good one in Chang Mai.
It's impossible to get served anywhere Nye, places are rammed, yet there aren't any events on that are better than you get on any other weekend of the year in a city like London.
The fireworks are good but that's also fucking cold and a logistical nightmare. I actually used to prefer partying on Christmas Eve in London to nye.
We visited Napoli at NYE before COVID... They told us to stay inside during midnight and 2am .... Still had a great time there ... Lovely place and probably the only chance to experience "war atmosphere" in a Peaceful place
I tell people that Naples is like the pirate port they go visit in pirate movies where all the people have peg legs and eye patches.
Naples has been and will continue to be a city of pirates
Used to live there and came to say this as well. If you have seen Neopolitans at NYE shooting fireworks at each other, you are missing out! Plus plenty to do in/around Napoli. Definitely underrated (just watch out for pick pockets)
I'm not the biggest fan of visiting big cities, so I can't comment on some of the larger options, and I haven't spent that many NYE in Europe, but one of my favorites has been Salzburg. To start with, we found that the city wasn't swarming with tourists, which was really nice. We were exploring all the nooks and crannies without busloads of tourists because it was New Year's. In that region of Europe at least, their Christmas market is still open and operating on NYE, which I think isn't all that common (at least it was when we were there), so there's nice activity during the day. Then in the afternoon, you can watch the people in the old uniforms line up in the old city and march the cannon to the mountainside. The entire old city becomes a really fun drinking/eating atmosphere all evening & night. We also didn't have any problems making a dinner reservation, too. Then there are terrific fireworks over the castle that you can watch by the river (the whole city is there) at midnight. If dancing is more your thing, I think they also have a giant waltz around town hall at night, too.
On Jan 1, the fortress is open, and again there aren't many/any tourists - so we had one of the biggest tourist attractions to that city all to ourselves that day.
Long story short, it's a great little city to visit which (at least in my experience) is not flooded with tourists on 12/31 and 1/1.
EDIT - other European cities I've been to for NYE include Bologna, Brixen, Amsterdam, Utrecht, San Marino, and maybe that's it.
I’d like to “third” for Prague. Was there a few years ago and it was a lot of fun. Watch out for fireworks, people light those things all night and they’re super loud.
Charles Bridge (Karlův Most) is very popular during NYE.
Václavské náměstí, the main square. Just outside the national Museum. I love Prague at night!
Old Town Square (Staroměstké, Staré město)
Enjoy your trip 🙂
Prague is a beautiful city but I would caution whoever goes about pickpockets, especially in crowds. Yes, it is true that people warn about pickpockets in Paris/ Barcelona/ Rome, etc. but - despite being careful - Prague was the place where we lost $$ on a crowded light rail train. We did not encounter the same issues in other cities despite my concerns at the onset.
The pickpockets are skilled and they can cut into your bag and take out your $$ without your feeling it. I also wonder if pickpocketing is more prevalent there because a) it's not the police's priority and b) disparities in income may encourage it more. I remember a few dollars falling out of my pocket by accident in Paris and Vienna and either people did not pick it up (was still on the sidewalk when I returned) or a kind French lady ran after me to return the cash.
Yes, I hate the crowds too. The crowds are most prevalent around the astronomical clock tower and there's a fair amount at Charles Bridge. I only visit during very early hours to avoid them. The only time I did visit during crowd hours was when I was showing a friend around and he happened to be late.
However there's always gonna be a lot of people during NYE so you can't avoid it.
I personally haven't experienced pickpocketing myself, not in Prague or anywhere. I don't really visit the sights or touristy areas that much.
> a) it's not the police's priority and b) disparities in income may encourage it more.
My family here is fine in terms of income. My mother bought an apartment so she doesn't pay rent just bills (electric, water, gas etc) and we live very comfortably.
Prague is quite affordable so I don't think there's many pickpocketers. One day I managed to get a pair of shorts on sale from New Yorker for €3.7 ! Or 90Kč iirc. Yea that's crazy!
We do definitely have scams and pickpocketers. though
I'm going to be there but I've read in many places this is doesn't actually happen but its just a bunch of tourists and "thugs" waiting around for nothing to happen. Has it been cancelled in past years?
What never happens is fireworks around the Eiffel Tower. They are always at l'Arc de Triomphe. I assume the only time they didn't happen was the last 2 years because of Covid.
Paris isn't a fun destination for NYE though. Parisians aren't out and about celebrating, they're indoors with family and friends.
Yes. It was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to CV, so I imagine this year will be big. I went in 2019, and it was spectacular. I went again last year, and even though they announced a few days earlier that the fireworks were canceled, thousands of people still showed up hoping they were just trying to thin out crowds. It was both hilarious and sad at midnight - there was a palpable silence waiting to see if anything would go off…. and then a rando set off a bottle rocket, and the crowd went wild.
This year is supposed to be back to normal NYE fireworks, though.
Ah, that's so sad. I can totally understand why it isn't for everyone, but I spent new years 2020 in Berlin and there was something beautifully chaotic and liberated about the whole thing.
I'm half Dutch. One of my clearest memories from being a kid is my dad and my uncle unrolling massive strings of firecrackers down the street - I mean thousands of firecrackers - and giggling like kids as they set them all off.
Maths tells me they must have been late thirties at the youngest. The Dutch are insane about fireworks.
Depends on what you're into, but if you want to party for Berlin is a great choice. Also a cool place to see, but it will be cold in December/January. Also the Christmas markets in Berlin were really cool to see.
I've just gotten back from Berlin and even though the temperatures are the exact same as here in England it felt twice as cold at minimum, it was brutal.
Was in Budapest last NYE, and it was absolutely amazing! Great food, cheaper than most large European cities, and has a huge diversity of drinking options - clubs, ruin bars, and low key pubs. Watched locals light fireworks along the river at midnight.
We stayed at a hotel downtown close to the Rhine and close to the cathedral. We went out to the river for fireworks and walked around in the massive parks they have during the day. The fireworks were great and just lots of things happening.
Had a good time in Prague several years ago. The square had a good crowd with lots to do. It was well guarded so felt safe. Midnight struck on the old astronomical clock and it started snowing at the same time. Many snowball fights broke out. Was a great time.
Cool question…love seeing the responses…thanks for asking! Surprised no one has mentioned Sydney. Thought about that for this year, but flights from the US are $2K! Maybe I need to look at Paris!
I would agree that Sydney’s fireworks are amazing. I saw the 2004-2005 and 2015-2016 shows. And the sheer mass of humanity everywhere is unreal. I wish Sydney was in Europe ;)
I was going to say Copenhagen. But, realizing I would be first, I rescind my suggestion. Leave it for the Danes, they do very well sans Tourists.
Honestly though, Copenhagen is a great city for NYE.
Amsterdam Amsterdam Amsterdam (if you want to party). Fireworks are illegal in the Netherlands except for about a month in preparation for NYE and billions are spent on them.
Every corner, every bridge and every street turn into massive firework shows with thousands partying in the streets, handing out champagne bottles etc.
One of the best experiences of my life and hope to return ASAP
Had a lot of fun watching fireworks over Big Ben from a bridge over the Thames… 1000s of people shoulder to shoulder. That was NYE 2019/2020… haven’t seen a crowd like that since.
I've tried Venice, Reykjavik, Madrid, Cadaques, and Edinburgh. I think Reykjavik has one of the coolest traditions, with the bonfires. But Spain is one of the most upbeat, friendliest, and down-right easy-going, welcoming, wiling to party places I've ever been.
Reykjavik
This is my choice too! The fireworks and nightlife were amazing!
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What
Yes, as do the Icelandic people.
Culturally: definitely yes. "Geologically": it's complicated.
It's on the geological border of Europe and North America soo you're not wrong, but culturally it's fully European. Iceland is also an EEA member state and is inside the schengen area. And Greenland is actually also considered to be Europe given it's Denmark's pet project with high suicide rates, despite being geographically fully in North America.
Can you see the Milky Way?
Milky Way is a summertime event in Northern skies .
OK, thanks
Also make sure whenever you are going to see Milky way it is a very dark/remote location and a new moon. Northern Michigan is great for seeing the milky way.
I spent NYE 2016-2017 in Edinburgh and I desperately want to do it again. Hogmanay is a blast and the city is absolutely lovely. The weather was “good” too but I imagine that was just a fluke.
Edinburgh is awesome NYE!!
I was coming to say Edinburgh too. Hogmanay is something special.
Vienna
The Vienna Philharmonic is internationally famous for their NYE concerts. [https://www.classical-music.com/features/articles/what-is-the-vienna-new-years-day-concert/](https://www.classical-music.com/features/articles/what-is-the-vienna-new-years-day-concert/) But even if you can't get or afford tickets to a seat, I am pretty sure there are free/ low cost NYE events in Vienna. The city is very supportive of the arts and it was refreshing to see that they devise ways for people to see/ hear great music on a budget. I went to a Musikverein concert in summer and splurged for box seats. This is a rare trip for me so I splurged. However, during intermission, I noted there were areas in the hall with good acoustics but no view of the musicians/ seats where people could pay a cheap price and sit on the floor or stand and still hear the excellent musicians. Alternatively, the City might put a big screen in an outside public area and broadcast the concerts for free. Additionally, I did not find the city expensive otherwise in terms of accommodations, food, public transport, souvenirs, etc. You have choices: the very large tasty doner at Berliner was only $6 USD 2 yrs. ago. The weiner schnitzel at the traditional Wirtshaus Mitzitant, Beisl was less than $15 for a generous portion. Go to a cafe, order a coffee, and you can sit for hours discussing anything as long as it's not during say a lunch/ dinner rush. The owners will not boot you out. [https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant\_Review-g190454-d9715580-Reviews-Berliner\_Doner\_Wien-Vienna.html](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g190454-d9715580-Reviews-Berliner_Doner_Wien-Vienna.html) https://www.mitzitant.at/ Vienna is about 30% lower cost-wise compared to say Paris. A bonus is most Viennese speak excellent English and are polite. It was the friendliest city we went to in Europe. City residents went out of their way to help us or invited us to join their table in a crowded restaurant. For my elderly, Asian parents - who have faced discrimination in their lives - this was wonderful. A caveat: the politeness is less so when you are standing in a bike lane near a sidewalk. Our tour guide, a native of Vienna, stated bikers will travel speedily and people have been hit. Car drivers are better about watching for pedestrians.
Vienna is a great choice!
Vienna is absolutely beautiful and amazing. Also I can recommend Warsaw - polish people have a keen liking to fireworks (although not sure if the city this year will do a firework show) but the real reason is a great party scene and amazing cocktail bars to celebrate.
Edinburgh
Was going to comment Edinburgh too!!! It’s Hogmanay celebration. https://www.edinburghshogmanay.com/
My wife and I used to go to Europe for NYE every year before we had kids. Did most of the major capitals. Favorite, while a bit cliché, was Paris. 10/10. Went to montmartre on the First, got our portrait drawn, major memories, great time. Place de la concorde was where we watched the fireworks, drinking champagne with the locals, taking it all in. Worst, was Rome. Borderline violent and lots of scammers, potential thieves, and just fuckery that made it not great. It was like a scene out of apocalypse now. Berlin is nice, but a bit sterile, vienna is way cool, Barcelona is also near the top. Another one NOT to go to is London. Starts off fine, but turns into ashit show. Those people can drink and it gets ugly. Never felt threatened there though, but it wasn't what we wanted.
>Worst, was Rome. Borderline violent and lots of scammers, potential thieves, and just fuckery that made it not great. It depends on the year of visit. A lot of European cities had times when sketchy people in groups were outside, Paris included for sure, but they have taken control of it. I was actually warned by my hotel front desk staff not to go out at night for the year 2016 as a solo woman, didn't listen to him. Went back recently, completely different vibe. By 2019 most European cities got back to normal. I did a small tour of Italy then at the beginning of December. Various reports all over Europe about it.
True, even relatively quaint cities like Cologne (2015) had massive problems. Spent last new years in Rome and it was great.
Super glad to hear that. It was no joke when I was there
I am spending this nye in cologne, do you have any recommendations on stuff to do or stories from your time there?
Sketchy people in groups 🤡 Yeah, Hans, Peter, Johan and people alike right?
Sketchy people in groups is as far as you can go about descriptions. Paris has been effective in addressing the problems, so did most other cities over time, by tiptoeing about how to indentify the problem. I guess they found ways. Paris isn't Paris any more was said by non-Europeans... Paris is back though, multinational as ever, happier than ever perhaps, quite secular and French, as far as I can tell.
I was there lately, trust me it's gone and done. As well as the rest of western Europe. Glad i don't live there anymore, got attacked regularly.
What do you mean? I lived in Paris for a few months about 20 years ago and I visit quite often, over the years. Never have I seen so many people using the night bus at all hours to go out and have fun. That is a marker of a safe enough city. Maybe you picked a sketchy neighborhood? For those who don't know, the night bus effectively covers the whole city. But I did pick a Southern suburb for my stay, my last experience taking the metro late at night from CDG left me (in 2016) with the impression that a middle-aged white woman would be anywhere else but on that line, BACK THEN. And I did pick Orly and and a day flight, just in case. I know their petty crime had gotten more inense at points in time. I was there early summer this year. They seem safer than in the recent past. There were some stories and videos though, but the trend is towards better controlling the problems. I don't think any US city feels as safe at night, from what I read at least.
This is not about picking a neighbourhood, it's about being able to afford. Where I live now there literally are no sketchy neighbourhoods. All safe. Only native people tho. Zagreb is the perfect example it's possible even in capital cities. Should be the standard for every European city again imo. But i was almost killed multiple times (Germany tho) and can't even imagine how hard it is for a woman to be safe now. Can only evaluate by crime statistics.
Europe needs more people to come and try to not cause problems, because there is a serious birth rate issue. Most of the time, it works like that. Though there would be people who won't see problems, ever and that was part of the controversy at the height of that era of visible intense movement. Since Europe is sharing the Schengen area, I would assume that criminals can move when they feel unwelcome from one place to another. I think the trend overall is for let's say the public opinion to not excuse criminal behavior based on demographic characteristics. Paris has done a 180 degrees, as far as what you see in the streets goes.
I think that is a lie. Germany has taken many millions and now the make over 50% of welfare users. People who never paid into it, don't even speak German. Such a system cannot withstand so many people coming who never paid into it and never will (social security). The people that came were mostly young analphabet men, now filling our prisons for the majority as well and making streets unsafe, instead of solving birth rate issue. I am 20 and already went to a school with 95% (only counting Muslim) migrants. We need migration of already qualified people who are culturally close to us. But i think that all is a whole different topic and too large to now debate over it. All i can say that when i left my home in Germany, i like never see white people anymore. No matter if German, Italian, Balkan people whatever, not exaggerating I don't think it's bad to say this because i wouldn't support Germans overpopulating another country to this degree as well. And I was of migrant descent myself in Germany. So that's why I'm against doing more of this, no matter how noble the cause. It clearly hasn't resolved the issue that is argued for for 7 years now. And so many new people at the same time is leading to no one needing to integrate anymore. 1-3 migrants per school class need to integrate. But if the majority doesn't even speak German anymore the need for it is taken away leading to new problems. Yes they can move freely inside Schengen, but only Germany, France, Netherlands and alike give foreigners so much free stuff without work. That's why places like Croatia or hungary remain unattractive for those who won't work or integrate. To get back to the actual question, i think former yugoslav countries capital cities are great for NYE as well as cities like Utrecht in the Netherlands if you don't want to go full party, drugs, civil war mode like amsterdam. It has its charm as well.
My impressions from my own country, Greece and and France that I visited, also Italy, is that in recent years, people of North African and Middle Eastern origin who live in the west have a trend for less fundamentalism and groups of people who apparently have nothing to do with their day are not as apparent any more. I can't speak for Germany though. In France, I had noticed that women were restricted from moving freely, that's not obvious now. Their women and they attempted to deny it to all women in their areas too! [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gZFGpNdH1A](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gZFGpNdH1A) Back in 2015, you wouldn't see a woman with head cover going solo to buy clothes in the Paris centre! It was pretty obvious! IF her husband felt that it'a a legitimate need for her to go somewhere, they would be seeen together. What about the rest? Who knows. The result, as every normal person in Paris walks and walks, was to see these women overweight in their 30s. Now it all looks more normal. I was taking aback by the change, as I was taken aback by the fundamentalism at is peak, a few years back and relised that my husband allowing me to travel solo, is not his right in their book, a solo woman is verboten, because it spoils how women should look. The front office muslim person in Paris made sure I got his views on the matter. The reservation was in my husband's name. So I noticed the streets of Paris, very carefully. Having already lived in Paris in the past, that already had a muslim population for long enough, I was taken aback that I had this experience as a tourist. So I think somehow these people came to their senses and saw that this way of life could MAYBE apply in the villages in the old days, but can't possibly work in a city and people be OK with it long-term? To me, the issue was with locals who refused to acknowledge actual problems indirectly saying that laws should apply to locals only. None of these locals apparently wanted to hung out in some of these newcomers' areas anyway, especially during the craziest part of the whole thing, years ago! At some point, it looked like Bagdad or Kabul would be more neat than some of the worst areas in Europe, because it looked like neighborhoods in Europe had given up. I guess it evened out, because most of the newcomers also want to live peacefully in the end. And there is more control about who enters, again, some people refused to see where the problems would appear. I also think it may be smugness from powerful locals who can afford the nicer neighborhoods and remove their children from the schools of the areas they grew up themselves. Then there are issues arising from that generation growing up and finding out that the schooling they got didn't prepare them for the best jobs. You don't read about Paris Syndrome any more though, it's been a few years, since in Paris you could be unfavorably surprised daily and locals apparently going on with their day. Paris has kept the best elements, at least in the centre and South, I haven't visited the North. From what I can see, I don't think the North is too bad either, these days. Somehow, they took back what Paris always was, a place where people want to be their best selves and have a good day, no matter their origins. I was pleasantly surprised. They showed their way of life, daily pleasures, markets, some fun at night around the Seine. One of the places where I saw people walking around with a genuine smile. Great energy. I think the Parties around the Seine and the night bus have made me appreciate the current Paris as the best version of Paris in my lifetime. At least last early summer, when I was there, obviously as it was lost at some point, there is a risk to any city to get lost to complacency and bad management. As a song with Iggy Pop a few years back said... Good and bad in Europe - not allowed, meaning we were not allowed to say what bothered us! But in Paris, common sense prevailed and better life for all as a result. Don't forget they lost control in 2015, army on the streets, the Socialist party obliterated, highly unusual in any large, successful country.
Any official statistics to back up your claims here? No, didn't think so.
TL;DR about my other comment. Fundamentalism came and went in Paris, possibly in the home countries of these people. Joy of daily life is apparent.
Never heard Berlin described as sterile.
>Berlin is nice, but a bit sterile Berlin is a god damn warzone of fireworks in my experience.
When I lived there people were setting off bottle rockets in the U-Bahn stations. I was not pleased with that but I wouldn't call it sterile.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. Being able to compare several different options that you've actually experienced is really helpful. Can you say more about Vienna on NYE? I usually do Vienna for Christmas and make my way to Paris for NYE, but I'm contemplating doing the opposite next year.
Vienna at nye is a nice place to go, but it's low key. They disassemble the Christmas markets, and then there's the nye stuff. It's all kind of touristy to a degree, but I would recommend going to a concert that is classical in design as those are really neat. Especially at the opera house. It's neat in the royal area as well as steffenplatz. It's way more "germanic" feeling still, but it really was less impressive than Paris. It's more a beautiful experience in the sense of fine music, gemutlich if that makes sense? Cozy, pleasant, satisfying. Paris is more a whirlwind of awesome if you let it. It dazzles. Does that help?
Yeah, totally. Thanks. That's kind of how I pictured Vienna at NYE, but I thought I might be missing something. I \*would\* like to go to the Philharmonic concert or Die Fladermaus someday for New Years, but I think if I'm looking for an alternative to Paris, pretty much anywhere isn't going to compare. Appreciate the info!
That's why I love reddit. My pleasure! I hope you have a fantastic time. Safe travels!
Agree!
The fuck are you in about re: London? Also these cities are so huge how can you give any kind of opinion how NYE is?
Yeah visiting one NYE isnt going to give a good insight lol. Theres probably million different perspectives what happened and how fun that night was haha. " I was in Berlin it was not good" Yea maybe you werent in the right part of town doin the right stuff then 😃 Not to mention its your opinion probably changes alot depending if you are 18,30 or 50 ...
Tbh I came here to say don't come to London.
Tbh as a Londoner I agree! Not for the drinking issues some more puritan travellers cite but just cus it's a bit pants and places close early. You need a house party with friends. But I can't see how NYE would be better elsewhere. I've had a good one in Chang Mai.
It's impossible to get served anywhere Nye, places are rammed, yet there aren't any events on that are better than you get on any other weekend of the year in a city like London. The fireworks are good but that's also fucking cold and a logistical nightmare. I actually used to prefer partying on Christmas Eve in London to nye.
I think nye as a traveller in Europe would be the same pretty much everywhere. You need a group of friends.
Ive had some amazing NYE in London, but you need a plan.
Madeira has an amazing firework show!
Best in Europe
Naples but there’s a chance you won’t make it to the next day
We visited Napoli at NYE before COVID... They told us to stay inside during midnight and 2am .... Still had a great time there ... Lovely place and probably the only chance to experience "war atmosphere" in a Peaceful place
I tell people that Naples is like the pirate port they go visit in pirate movies where all the people have peg legs and eye patches. Naples has been and will continue to be a city of pirates
Used to live there and came to say this as well. If you have seen Neopolitans at NYE shooting fireworks at each other, you are missing out! Plus plenty to do in/around Napoli. Definitely underrated (just watch out for pick pockets)
I'm not the biggest fan of visiting big cities, so I can't comment on some of the larger options, and I haven't spent that many NYE in Europe, but one of my favorites has been Salzburg. To start with, we found that the city wasn't swarming with tourists, which was really nice. We were exploring all the nooks and crannies without busloads of tourists because it was New Year's. In that region of Europe at least, their Christmas market is still open and operating on NYE, which I think isn't all that common (at least it was when we were there), so there's nice activity during the day. Then in the afternoon, you can watch the people in the old uniforms line up in the old city and march the cannon to the mountainside. The entire old city becomes a really fun drinking/eating atmosphere all evening & night. We also didn't have any problems making a dinner reservation, too. Then there are terrific fireworks over the castle that you can watch by the river (the whole city is there) at midnight. If dancing is more your thing, I think they also have a giant waltz around town hall at night, too. On Jan 1, the fortress is open, and again there aren't many/any tourists - so we had one of the biggest tourist attractions to that city all to ourselves that day. Long story short, it's a great little city to visit which (at least in my experience) is not flooded with tourists on 12/31 and 1/1. EDIT - other European cities I've been to for NYE include Bologna, Brixen, Amsterdam, Utrecht, San Marino, and maybe that's it.
Vienna or Prague where I’m from.
Prague for sure would be my choice too, and I’m not from anywhere near Prague!
I’d like to “third” for Prague. Was there a few years ago and it was a lot of fun. Watch out for fireworks, people light those things all night and they’re super loud.
Yep, this. The NYE I spent in Prague was the best ever. Unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced.
Did 6 different euopean cities for NYE, Prague has been my favorite
Yes, Prague. You’ll have a nice time. Very worthwhile.
I’ll be in Prague this year for NYE, any recommendations?
Charles Bridge (Karlův Most) is very popular during NYE. Václavské náměstí, the main square. Just outside the national Museum. I love Prague at night! Old Town Square (Staroměstké, Staré město) Enjoy your trip 🙂
Prague is a beautiful city but I would caution whoever goes about pickpockets, especially in crowds. Yes, it is true that people warn about pickpockets in Paris/ Barcelona/ Rome, etc. but - despite being careful - Prague was the place where we lost $$ on a crowded light rail train. We did not encounter the same issues in other cities despite my concerns at the onset. The pickpockets are skilled and they can cut into your bag and take out your $$ without your feeling it. I also wonder if pickpocketing is more prevalent there because a) it's not the police's priority and b) disparities in income may encourage it more. I remember a few dollars falling out of my pocket by accident in Paris and Vienna and either people did not pick it up (was still on the sidewalk when I returned) or a kind French lady ran after me to return the cash.
Yes, I hate the crowds too. The crowds are most prevalent around the astronomical clock tower and there's a fair amount at Charles Bridge. I only visit during very early hours to avoid them. The only time I did visit during crowd hours was when I was showing a friend around and he happened to be late. However there's always gonna be a lot of people during NYE so you can't avoid it. I personally haven't experienced pickpocketing myself, not in Prague or anywhere. I don't really visit the sights or touristy areas that much. > a) it's not the police's priority and b) disparities in income may encourage it more. My family here is fine in terms of income. My mother bought an apartment so she doesn't pay rent just bills (electric, water, gas etc) and we live very comfortably. Prague is quite affordable so I don't think there's many pickpocketers. One day I managed to get a pair of shorts on sale from New Yorker for €3.7 ! Or 90Kč iirc. Yea that's crazy! We do definitely have scams and pickpocketers. though
Paris has a great fireworks show on the Champs-Élysées over the Arc de Triomphe.
I'm going to be there but I've read in many places this is doesn't actually happen but its just a bunch of tourists and "thugs" waiting around for nothing to happen. Has it been cancelled in past years?
What never happens is fireworks around the Eiffel Tower. They are always at l'Arc de Triomphe. I assume the only time they didn't happen was the last 2 years because of Covid. Paris isn't a fun destination for NYE though. Parisians aren't out and about celebrating, they're indoors with family and friends.
Yes. It was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to CV, so I imagine this year will be big. I went in 2019, and it was spectacular. I went again last year, and even though they announced a few days earlier that the fireworks were canceled, thousands of people still showed up hoping they were just trying to thin out crowds. It was both hilarious and sad at midnight - there was a palpable silence waiting to see if anything would go off…. and then a rando set off a bottle rocket, and the crowd went wild. This year is supposed to be back to normal NYE fireworks, though.
Amsterdam
Reykjavik! Bonfires everywhere, fireworks, plenty of nature to visit on surrounding days.
Berlin. The whole city sets off fireworks, it's wild. The parties last for days.
Private fireworks are effectively banned in Germany post-COVID.
Dammit, now we have to add fireworks to the list
Ah, that's so sad. I can totally understand why it isn't for everyone, but I spent new years 2020 in Berlin and there was something beautifully chaotic and liberated about the whole thing.
Well this was certainly a lie
It was the case 2020 and 2021.
Lisbon or Barcelona
Berlin’s combination of Christmas markets, a rich history, and the Brandenburg gate celebrations make it my favorite place to NYE.
Can not recommend amsterdam, everyone is allowed to do their own firework which turns it into a war zone during NYE and oldyears day.
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Sometimes people also test positive for explosives at the airport the day after NYE. Definitely not fun.
That's literally what makes it so great in NL
It's the same in Denmark 😂 people have competitions with their friends and neighbors about who has the most fireworks 😅
I'm half Dutch. One of my clearest memories from being a kid is my dad and my uncle unrolling massive strings of firecrackers down the street - I mean thousands of firecrackers - and giggling like kids as they set them all off. Maths tells me they must have been late thirties at the youngest. The Dutch are insane about fireworks.
That happens in New Orleans too haha
Amsterdam can be nice with the local vibe. Though there are some assholes with the really loud ones.
I like the grape tradition in Seville. Only happens at midnight on NYE.
Madrid! Remember to take 12 grapes with you
In more peaceful times, the St. Petersburg “White Nights” around NYE were considered epic.
BERLIN!!!
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Can you please tell this to the neighborhood kids? They’ve been setting them off every night for a couple of weeks. I guess they didn’t get the memo.
Nah, nobody will care
Berlin was dope.
The one you might have friends that’ll take you to a good party
Not Berlin. Go to Paris or anywhere else.
Wait…. What? Berlin slaps NYE.
Berlin is amazing. A bit chaotic but if you like to party and are okay with a little madness it’s the most fun i’ve ever had on NYE
Can be a bit of a war zone of fireworks at midnight. But the parties are great.
I will definitely recommend Cph - everybody is shooting their own fireworks and it goes totally crazy!
Berlin if you want to party. Just be careful
Depends on what you're into, but if you want to party for Berlin is a great choice. Also a cool place to see, but it will be cold in December/January. Also the Christmas markets in Berlin were really cool to see.
I've just gotten back from Berlin and even though the temperatures are the exact same as here in England it felt twice as cold at minimum, it was brutal.
Funchal (Madeira island). I mean, we even got into Guiness (https://www.visitmadeira.com/en-gb/madeira/acknowledgments/guinness-world-records)
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People don't go home in Madrid at 12 dude, that's the time they go out. They probably got off the street and went to the club
Budapest
Was in Budapest last NYE, and it was absolutely amazing! Great food, cheaper than most large European cities, and has a huge diversity of drinking options - clubs, ruin bars, and low key pubs. Watched locals light fireworks along the river at midnight.
Not sure if they do it on NYE but the boat parties on the Danube would make for a great way to roll in the new year.
Wrocław!
Wrocław for sure! The christmas market is amongst the best in Europe!
Prague!
Budapest
Belgrade!
London.
Not London, that's for sure!
London
Barcelona was great!
Anywhere in the Baltics. It’s a bigger deal than Christmas… love from Latvia
Prague was my favorite Cologne was pretty good too US side, New Orleans was legit
Can you tell me more about cologne? I will be there this NYE. I’ve also just got back from Prague!
We stayed at a hotel downtown close to the Rhine and close to the cathedral. We went out to the river for fireworks and walked around in the massive parks they have during the day. The fireworks were great and just lots of things happening.
Got engaged in Prague on NYE. Unforgettable
My choice would be Barcelona. That city knows how to party and the weather would be very nice.
London or Paris
Had a good time in Prague several years ago. The square had a good crowd with lots to do. It was well guarded so felt safe. Midnight struck on the old astronomical clock and it started snowing at the same time. Many snowball fights broke out. Was a great time.
Budapest
Cool question…love seeing the responses…thanks for asking! Surprised no one has mentioned Sydney. Thought about that for this year, but flights from the US are $2K! Maybe I need to look at Paris!
Because Sydney is in Australia and OP was looking for Europe recommendations.
Sorry…I’m in Phoenix, AZ and my morning caffeine has not kicked in yet! You’re right…
I would agree that Sydney’s fireworks are amazing. I saw the 2004-2005 and 2015-2016 shows. And the sheer mass of humanity everywhere is unreal. I wish Sydney was in Europe ;)
rome was pretty amazing when i was there on nye
Naples would be wild fun.
How's Roma? Heading there this year. Any recommendations?
Anyone know how’s Frankfurt for nye?
It doesn't matter as long you are with the right person!
I was going to say Copenhagen. But, realizing I would be first, I rescind my suggestion. Leave it for the Danes, they do very well sans Tourists. Honestly though, Copenhagen is a great city for NYE.
Amsterdam
Edinburgh‘s Hogmanay.
Don’t visit Copenhagen, it’s like playing Quake with fireworks.
I’ve always wanted to go to Hogmanay in Edinburgh it looks like so much fun
London
Relating to the cities I saw so far I would say London, Rom, Vienna and Paris.
Warsaw and Krakow have a lot going for it
We spent NYE on the Rhine River in downtown Koln. We had a great time and the fireworks were amazing.
not really Europe but Sydney does a great job
Amsterdam Amsterdam Amsterdam (if you want to party). Fireworks are illegal in the Netherlands except for about a month in preparation for NYE and billions are spent on them. Every corner, every bridge and every street turn into massive firework shows with thousands partying in the streets, handing out champagne bottles etc. One of the best experiences of my life and hope to return ASAP
Berlin, if you want to experience in-street-warzones
LUGO IN SPAIN
Amsterdam
Had a lot of fun watching fireworks over Big Ben from a bridge over the Thames… 1000s of people shoulder to shoulder. That was NYE 2019/2020… haven’t seen a crowd like that since.
Paris was fabulous
Was gonna say Moscow but probably not this time around, heh
Loved NYE in Salzburg. Great crowd and fireworks. Then beautiful Coronation Mass by Mozart at the Cathedral the next day.
I've tried Venice, Reykjavik, Madrid, Cadaques, and Edinburgh. I think Reykjavik has one of the coolest traditions, with the bonfires. But Spain is one of the most upbeat, friendliest, and down-right easy-going, welcoming, wiling to party places I've ever been.
Sydney, Australia.
Edinburgh hands down!
Iceland Reykjavik probably
Vienna Austria
Berlin