New year's eve is less than three weeks away. It is always a hard night to plan for with the choice between a family party, visiting the local pub or going away. But generally, an early night isn’t on the cards. So if you’ve not got a plan yet, pack your bags and head to one of these top picks for 2016/17.
5. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
Edinburgh’s world famous Hogmanay is the ultimate 3-day party. Featured in The Independent’s ‘100 Things To Do Before You Die’, Hogmanay gives you music from world-class bands, amazing fireworks and the world’s largest rendition of Auld Lang Syne. On the 30th, why not join in with the famous torchlight procession and create a ‘river of fire’ through Edinburgh’s city centre.
Hogmanay is a ticketed event and entry to the street party is £25.
Edinburgh is easily reached from all over the UK by flight, train or car. If you can spare two days, the city has plenty of amazing things to see and do, including Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat
4. Paris
Celebrations are returning to Paris this year after a difficult time in 2015 following the dreadful terror attacks which caused the cancellation of the fireworks and most large public gatherings in Paris.
The Paris party scene is centred around popping champagne corks on the Champs-Elysees. You won’t find any fireworks dancing from the Eiffel Tower – instead they light up the skies above the Arc de Triomphe.
In France, tradition states that you should dress-up on NYE. Failure to do say may result in you being denied entry to clubs, bars or restaurants.
If you’ve got time, the Grande Parade de Paris concludes the celebrations on 1st Jan.
3. Amsterdam
Amsterdam already has the reputation for being a city which likes to party, and on new years’ eve it doesn’t disappoint. There are a number of large organised public parties, but the most fun can be had at some of the smaller impromptu gatherings spilling out onto the streets in-between.
Fireworks go on sale from 30th December, so grab a drink, find a bridge and watch the sky about the whole city explode in colour. The official fireworks display is fired at midnight overhead VOC Ship The Amsterdam and the Scheepvaartmuseum, best seen from the official party at Oosterdok.
There are plenty of Dutch traditions not to be missed, including ‘oliebollen’ (which is a doughnut coated in icing sugar) and ‘appelflappen’ (apple fritter). Be quick though, they’ll all be gone on 1st Jan.
Amsterdam is closer than you may think, with flight times of 50 minutes from Southampton and 1 hour 10 minutes from Edinburgh.
2. Prague
Enjoy the beautiful city of Prague under a sky packed with fireworks, which are let off all over the city with an element of unrestraint by professionals and amateurs alike. The main revellers head to Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square. Try a river boat dinner cruise or find a bridge and good vantage point over-looking the river.
It’s traditional in Prague to smash champagne bottles during the new year celebrations, so you’ll need to watch out for flying glass as well as sideways fireworks.
1. Berlin
Germany’s party mecca does not pull any punches on new year's eve. ‘Party Mile’ is the city’s highlight. The two kilometre stretch between Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column is crammed with food stalls, live music, drinks and laser shows.
Why not join the 1 million people who will head to Berlin to see in 2017? Wherever you go, remember to make sure you’re adequately covered with comprehensive travel insurance. Compare quotes online or call one of our travel experts now on 01243 784000.
