8 unforgettable places to celebrate New Years Eve

How are you spending your New Years Eve this year? Whether you’re into chilling at home and not making it a big deal, or heading out on the town, you’ll want to spend at least one new years experiencing a a new travel destination. From epic firework displays, to iconic street parties, and all-night raves on the beach, there’s no shortage of amazing ways to ring in your new years.

Hong Kong, China
If you’re all about new years fireworks, Hong Kong is a great place to be. An amazing pyro-musical display lights up the Victoria Harbour at midnight with lasers, fireworks, and choreographed LED’s across the city’s landscape. There is a focal point where the countdown is displayed, but the fireworks can be watched from both sides of the harbour. And they last a whole ten minutes!

New York City, USA
Okay, you might’ve guessed this one as a recommendation. Although NYC isn’t the most original place to spend NYE, it’s still an iconic new years event. You can huddle with the crowds for the big event, but we’ve heard the Renaissance Hotel’s R Lounge has the perfect view of Time Square and the iconic ball drop.

Barcelona, Spain
Another great place to spend new years is Plaça d’Espanya. Barcelona is a city of night owls, so celebrations begin around 11pm, when crowds gather to watch the midnight pyrotechnics on Montjuic, the hill just above. If you’re a fan of crowd hopping, a few yards from Place d’Espanya is Poble Espanyol, where the famous open-air museum hosts a huge dance party till about 6am.

Berlin, Germany
Every year, Berlin hosts a massive open-air party between the Brandenburg Gate and Victory Column. It’s one of Europe’s largest outdoor celebrations, with a gathering of around 1 million people. You’ll get the best of live music, DJs, laser shows, food, and fireworks. And the best part - entry is completely free.

Koh Phangan, Thailand
Thailand is no stranger to wild beach parties, but the wildest of them all has to be the New Years Eve full-moon party in Koh Phangan. The event revolves around Sunrise Beach in Head Rin, and starts as soon as it gets dark and goes on well until the next afternoon. No time for sleep at this NYE party.

Goa, India
New Year’s eve is the best time of year to party in Goa, with fireworks and celebrations all along the coast. Expect a lot of dancing on the beach, sand between your toes, and fairy lights shining on every palm tree you can see. World-class DJ’s entertain massive crowds long into the night.

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
We’ve heard amazing things about NYE in Rio. A whopping 2 million people gather along Copacabana for a whole lot of samba, champagne, and fireworks. Not to mention, the fireworks display lasts for a whole half hour. If you’re planning to head this new years, make sure to wear white, as its a tradition to be decked out in all-white for NYE in Rio - said to bring luck for the New Year.

Dubai
We all know, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. But it’s even more magnificent on New Year’s Eve. The building, along with the Burj Al Arab and Pal Jumeirah host an amazing pyrotechnics and fireworks show that you’ll need to witness at least once in your lifetime. Many popular venues will sell tickets for perfect vantage points, or join the crowd at Dubai’s various outdoor districts that offer great views of the displays.

Want more travel inspiration and ideas? Head to our The SimCorner Blog for more.