New Year’s Eve is coming around fast. Yeah, we’re not sure where 2017 went either… To help you plan your night, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve this year.
New Year’s Eve: you either love it or you hate it. It’s either the best night of your life or an absolute nightmare. We’ve all been there. But to get you inspired to make the most of those last few hours of 2017, come take a look at our pick of 5 of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve that are awesome AF.
Let the countdown begin.
1. New York City, America
It’s a classic, and for good reason. We’re talking ultimate bucket list stuff right here. Why not watch the ball drop in Times Square? Along with over a million people, you’ll also catch performances from top musicians and see some pretty cool fireworks. But if you don’t wanna be waiting in the cold from 3pm and can’t face the prospect of no bathroom for nine hours, have no fear! There are loads of other options.
Get all glam for the night and head on down to one of New York’s super clubs. Be sure to do your research and book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment on the night. Clubbing not your thang? Cruise over to a local bar or pub and welcome in the New Year with the locals.
There are also lots of fireworks displays to look forward to. Our choice? Escape the Manhattan craziness and head to Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. There’ll be hot drinks and live music from 11pm at Grand Army Plaza beforehand to get the party started.
Want more? There’ll also be fireworks in Central Park and New York Harbour. Get views of the city and its glittery displays from Brooklyn Bridge or pretty much anywhere by the water for a night to remember.
Wanna come do NYE in New York with Topdeck?
2. Edinburgh, Scotland
New Year’s in Edinburgh is something a little different. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations take place throughout the city centre over three whole days. Yup, you heard that right. The Scots sure know how to party.
The three-day spectacular starts on 30 December with the Torchlight Procession. Watch as the the procession weaves through the streets of Edinburgh or get a good vantage point in Holyrood Park, the procession’s final destination.
On New Year’s Eve, get ready for one epic street party. From 7pm, join the crowds at the three street party stages and other stages up and down Princes Street. Expect bands, DJs, dancers, performances, fire eaters and loads more. When the clock strikes midnight, watch the awesome fireworks display with beautiful Edinburgh Castle as the backdrop. #wow
Shake off that headache and lack of sleep on 1 January by taking part in a Scottish tradition that’s not for the faint hearted. We’re talking about running into the (freezing) water of the Firth of Forth. But, no excuses to not get involved as the event raises money for charities across the UK. If you don’t feel like braving the cold, you could always go and just watch the craziness unfold…
Get amongst it in Edinburgh for New Year’s with Topdeck.
3. Sydney, Australia
Hands down one of the most incredible fireworks displays every year, Sydney sure knows how to put on a show. With a huge display in the Sydney Harbour, people flock from around the world to catch a glimpse. It’s deffo one for our list of top places to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
Nab a spot along the harbour waters to get right in the middle of the action. But because that can be pretty hectic, other options for good viewpoints are Barangaroo Reserve (there’ll be food outlets from local favourites including North Bondi Fish), Dawes Point, Bradfield Park and even Watsons Bay.
Want something other than fireworks? New for 2017 is a night of music and partying in Victoria Park. The crew that brought you Hot Dub Time Machine and Falcona (Wonderland Warehouse Project, Wine Machine) have created NYE in the Park.
There’s gonna be two stages packed with a line-up of national and international music producers, DJs and bands. Get pumped for sets from the likes of 2manydjs, Krafty Kuts, Vera Blue and lots more. There’ll also be a selection of food vendors, drinks and a fireworks display to put the cherry on top.
4. Berlin, Germany
Hit one of the Europe’s coolest cities for New Year’s Eve this year. Before the big day, there’s underground street art culture to explore, heaps of history to learn about and endless opportunities for currywurst and schnitzel. #yesplease Oh, and the nightlife? Let’s just say Berlin’s party scene is famous for a reason.
On New Year’s, head to one of the biggest street parties in Europe which takes place on the 2km stretch between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column. Expect live bands, DJs, light shows, laser shows, food stalls, and, yep you guessed it, a fireworks display at midnight.
Get your dancing shoes on; you’ll no doubt be going ’til the early hours of New Year’s Day because there’s no official closing time… #classic
Wanna celebrate New Year’s in Berlin with Topdeck?
5. Budapest, Hungary
Europe‘s delivering the goods once again on this list of places to celebrate New Year’s Eve. This time, we’re talking about Budapest.
Wanna do something different? On 30 December, flock to the heart of the city to the Széchenyi Thermal Bath for a night of partying (aptly called Sparty) that you won’t be forgetting in a hurry. This open-air thermal bath turns into an awesome party packed with fire dancers, aerial performers, acrobats, laser and light shows and, of course, music.
If you’ve still got energy left on New Year’s itself, get yourself on a river cruise. Not only can you check out all the UNESCO World Heritage site amazingness from the water, you’ll also get pretty epic views of the city’s fireworks, minus the crowds. #winning.
Come check out Budapest New Year with Topdeck.
Has our list of places to celebrate New Year’s Eve got you keen for a New Year’s trip to with Topdeck? We’ve got you covered.
Come and check out our blog on festive foods from around the world and our list of festive things to do in London this Christmas.