New Year's Eve is notoriously divisive: while some would prefer to cross the festivities around the turn of the year off the calendar, others are already waiting with anticipation for New Year's Eve and are making big plans. Quite a few are also planning a short trip, to give a fitting welcome to the new year. Whether you're in a celebratory mood or looking for peace and quiet, Europe offers the right destination for every taste just a stone's throw away.

Viennese waltz dancing into the new year

Sometimes you don't even have to leave your own country to find a top destination for the turn of the year. Because in the Austrian capital Vienna you can actually find everything you need for a successful New Year's Eve. Many restaurants offer multi-course New Year's Eve menus, there is a lot going on in the city's many bars and those who have seen enough fireworks after midnight are spoilt for choice when it comes to celebrating with a large selection of clubs. The many great restaurants with rooftop terraces, such as the Loft or the Atmosphere Rooftop Bar, are also particularly nice, where you can watch the hustle and bustle from a bird's eye view in a dignified atmosphere. For culture lovers, the traditional New Year's concert by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is a must-see.

 

 

 

 

 

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Twelve grapes meal in Barcelona

If you're looking for milder temperatures at the turn of the year, Barcelona is the place to be. But that's not all: the Catalans also know how to party hard, and the city has plenty of clubs and a large party scene ready for its visitors. As most of them open much later than here, typically after midnight, there is enough time to enjoy the hustle and bustle on the Ramblas, to stop at one of the typical tapas bars and to watch the fireworks at midnight. One has a particularly good view from the Montjuïc, the local mountain of Barcelona. Those who spend the days around New Year's Eve in Barcelona should not miss a tradition: "Las uvas de la suerte". In this custom, which is over a hundred years old, twelve grapes must be eaten within the twelve chimes of the bell to invoke good luck for the new year.

 

 

 

 

 

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Paris: New Year's Eve without fireworks

The fact that Paris is rather quiet in terms of fireworks at the turn of the year does not dampen the mood. Although it is forbidden to set off fireworks in the French capital, there are great light spectacles waiting for visitors in the large squares such as the forecourt of the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe. Especially nice: the Christmas markets in Paris are also open until 6 January and conjure up a very special atmosphere. Those who do not want to stroll through the streets on New Year's Eve should make restaurant reservations early, since restaurants here usually all offer relatively pompous gala menus. Paris is a classic on New Year's Eve - and therefore also booked accordingly well.

 

 

 

 

 

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Fireworks, shows and parade in London

Probably one of the most popular cities for New Year's Eve is London, because the fireworks next to the London Eye is an imposing and impressive spectacle, which is even filmed by the BBC every year. Those who do not want to buy a ticket for this, have a great view to the city from the Parliament Hill, the Primrose Hill or the Alexandra Palace. Also at the Trafalgar Square, there is a big open air party where the turn of the year is celebrated. If you have some time in the days before and after, you should have a look at the light and laser show "Christmas at Kew" and the "Hyde Park Wonderland", which are open until January 5th. A special spectacle is the New Year's Day Parade on 1 January, when more than 8,000 artists perform in London's streets.

Start the new year in a relaxed way in Copenhagen

For those who want to welcome in the New Year in a more quiet and leisurely way, Copenhagen is the place to be. In Denmark, it's a good idea to do as the locals do and head to a bar or pub on New Year's Eve to wind down the last hours of the year in comfort. At midnight, one of the most popular attractions at the Tivoli amusement park is a top-notch fireworks display. Before that, you can take advantage of the amusement park rides. The fact that there is less hype around the turn of the year does not mean that it is less beautiful - here you simply reflect on the essentials.