Picture yourself this New Years Eve. It’s 11:59pm, one stroke to midnight.
Where do they have the best parties? Most original way to celebrate? Best fireworks show? On a beach or somewhere warm? In a crowd? Bright lights and loud music? Fancy restaurant?
Here is tripatlas.com/new‘s list of the top New Years Destinations in the world – and we’ve made sure that there’s a little something for everyone!
10) Las Vegas, Nevada. Besides New York, Las Vegas is where to be at New Years for the larger-than-life parties, nightclubs, restaurants, lights, and celebrations.
9) Zanzibar, Tanzania & Goa, India. Okay, they’re in 2 totally different countries, but for relaxing beaches with great parties and beautiful people, Zanzibar and Goa, both beach and resort spots, are great places for newlyweds, or couples looking for a romantic getaway. Sip wine on the beach, party in its clubs, and soak all day in the sand and surf. You won’t be disappointed.
8) Disney World, Florida. Fun for both kids and adults alike, Disney World has something for everyone! With some of the best firework displays in the world, you’ll also have a world-class experience when it comes to the food, parties, and celebrations. Find yourself in the Magic Kingdom with the kids or visit Pleasure Island or Downtown Disney for an adult street party! You’ll have a real magical experience.
7) London, England. Countdown the new year with many other friendly pub goers right by the River Thames at the Tower Bridge, while Big Ben chimes away the night. Street festivals, a city wide London Parade to celebrate locals and the rest of the city, pub open until morning, and brilliant firework displays over the Thames will challenge any party goer’s stamina.
6) Zermatt or Grindelwald, Switzerland. Definitely not the usual pick for a New Years celebration, but if you find yourself here or anywhere else in the Swiss Alps, you’ll find yourself enchanted by its wonder. As small car-free ski towns, you’ll have the best of Swiss hospitality, skiing and snowboarding, spectacular views of the Alps, and cozy chalets and lodges. Book now to take part in New Years Eve gala dinners, or maybe you’ll have a romantic evening sipping champagne and admiring the view from your chalet window.
5) New Orleans, Louisiana. Whether before or after Hurricane Katrina’s devastation, New Orleans’ French Quarter has always been the place for arts, jazz, a little Creole food, southern comfort, and lively celebrations in the streets. Find all kinds of bands and musicians playing, buskers, street performers and contortionists, and of course, every drink you can imagine. Watch the ball drop in Jackson Square while you grab a cafe au lait and beignets from Cafe du Monde. What more should you expect from a city famous for its Mardi Gras celebrations?
4) Sydney, Australia. For Australians, being at the harbour is the place to be on New Years, where fireworks go off right above the water. You’ll find the best view at Harbour Bridge. Consider also taking in the festivities relaxing on a New Years Eve boat cruise on the water, a high rise hotel or restaurant, or along the quay. Whether you’re looking for romantic, crowded, or flowing with beer, you’ll find it in Sydney on New Years.
3) Tokyo, Japan. For a truly different experience, like New York on speed, try visiting Tokyo where New Years celebrations last for a week. You’re sure to find crowds, bright lights, and an entirely different experience of New Years. You’ll hear and experience some of the world’s best techno, house, and rave music here, and on New Years, the celebrations are better than ever. Try some of Japan’s amazing food and shopping. Superstitious? Visit the local Buddhist temples to pay respects and pray for good favour for the upcoming year.
2) New York City, New York. It had to be mentioned, whether we like it or not. The famous Times Square celebration is more attended and more popular every year. With bright glitzy lights, MTV performances, trendy clubs, overbooked hotels, restaurants, crowds filling the subway cars and streets – this will be enough to get the adrenaline and excitement pumping.
1) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From the place that offers Carnival at its best, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil is infamous for its New Years Eve Copacabana Beach Celebration. Picture the beachfront filled with millions of people clad in white, throwing flowers and champagne into the water for good luck, and gearing up for the night full of dancing and samba. Don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes!
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