{"id":8722,"date":"2023-09-30T15:25:36","date_gmt":"2023-09-30T07:25:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rearviewmirror.tv\/?p=8722"},"modified":"2023-09-30T15:33:00","modified_gmt":"2023-09-30T07:33:00","slug":"last-minute-new-years-eve-in-europe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rearviewmirror.tv\/last-minute-new-years-eve-in-europe\/","title":{"rendered":"Best New Year Destinations in Europe 2023: Ideal City Breaks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If only we could actually erase all our problems and bad habits with the dawn of a new day. It would be so satisfying knowing you had a clean slate going forward. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, life doesn\u2019t work that way, but temporarily running away from your issues by travelling is the next best thing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you can make a quick decision, it\u2019s not too late for a last-minute New Year\u2019s Eve in Europe. In this guide, you’ll find my recommendations for where to go to ring in the 2023 \/ 2024 New Year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I, for one, am very much looking forward to the new year and a symbolic new start. The countdown is on.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Dubrovnik,<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Best New Year Destinations in Europe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve celebrated New Year\u2019s in many of Europe\u2019s big cities, and even now, the thought of it scares the hell out of me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fireworks are fun and pretty from a distance, but not when they\u2019re in the hands of individuals and going off in the streets in every direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe it\u2019s just me who doesn\u2019t find the thought of getting hit in the butt by fireworks appealing (I\u2019ve seen this in Amsterdam and Budapest), but if you love a big city and big street parties, one of these five destinations is bound to suit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Amsterdam<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Amsterdam, Netherlands<\/strong> – My first big New Year\u2019s Eve night out in Europe was in Amsterdam. It started slow but was wild after midnight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I would never spend New Year\u2019s there again, I feel way too old now for that kind of partying, but it was loads of fun at the time, if not nerve-wracking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amsterdam is a compact city, so if you can find a rooftop terrace or somewhere high up, you can see fireworks all over the city. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch the official city fireworks at Kop van Java; otherwise, head to Nieuwmarkt or Dam Square to party with the masses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Amsterdam<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Lisbon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lisbon, Portugal<\/strong> – Lisbon is one of Europe’s most beautiful coastal cities, and there\u2019s a good chance of relatively warm(ish) weather. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bairro Alto is the place to be after midnight when the quiet residential area turns into an all-night party zone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bars are packed with most of the patrons moving out onto the narrow streets, even in winter. If you\u2019d prefer something a little different and very Portuguese, head to the Alfama district for a night of Fado singing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Budapest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Budapest, Hungary<\/strong> – Budapest is an all-year-round party destination. When I lived there, the weekends were packed with visitors drinking cheap drinks at one of the city\u2019s many grungy ruin bars. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting caught up bar-hopping in Budapest is so easy, and you can’t go wrong at New Year\u2019s. You can see a list of the best ruin bars in my Budapest Travel Guide<\/strong> – What to do in Budapest<\/a> or just walk around the Jewish Quarter and fall into any place that takes your fancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I made this video from one of several New Year celebrations I had in Budapest. I safely watched the New Year fireworks from my hotel window. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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