10 spectacular cities to visit on New Year’s Eve

Expat life
27 Nov 2023
9 mins read
Written by Team Instarem

If you’re looking for a city to ring in the new year, look no further! Here are 10 of the most spectacular cities to visit on New Year’s Eve. From Sydney to Paris, these cities offer something special for everyone. So grab your passport and get ready to party!

Sydney, Australia

australia countdown

 

If you want to start your new year off with a bang, there’s no better place to be than Sydney. With its world-famous fireworks display, Sydney is the perfect place to celebrate the start of a new year.

 

The best part? The fireworks are set off from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, so you can watch them from anywhere in the city. 

 

Plus, you’re not going to be counting down in the cold, so you can enjoy the festivities without having to worry about the weather.

Paris, France

What could be more romantic than ringing in the new year in the City of Love? Paris is the perfect place to celebrate with your significant other. With its stunning architecture and beautiful streets, Paris is sure to make your New Year’s Eve a night to remember.

 

Fireworks explode over the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River, and revellers crowd the streets, singing and dancing their way into the new year. If you want to join in the fun, head to the Champs-Elysées, where you can watch the fireworks display or enjoy a meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants lining the avenue.

 

Just be sure to arrive early – the street gets crowded as midnight approaches! And if you’re looking for a truly unique experience, consider heading to Notre Dame Cathedral. Every year, the cathedral hosts a special Mass to mark the start of the new year, and you can roll into the new year with one of the most famous buildings in Paris.

New York City, USA

NYC countdown

 

Of course, no list of top New Year’s Eve destinations would be complete without the Big Apple. New York City is famous for its massive celebration in Times Square, where travellers from all over the world gather to watch the ball drop.

 

If you want to experience the true New York City holiday spirit, make your way to Rockefeller Center to see the giant Christmas tree. Then, head to Times Square to watch the ball drop and enjoy the fireworks display.

 

Or, if you’re looking for a more low-key celebration, consider heading to Brooklyn. The borough is home to a number of bars and restaurants that offer a great view of the Manhattan skyline – perfect for watching the fireworks.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Ready to party? Then you’ll want to head to Rio de Janeiro for New Year’s Eve. The city is famous for its massive celebration on Copacabana Beach, where people dance and sing their way into the new year.

 

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, consider heading to Sugarloaf Mountain. Every year, the mountain hosts a New Year’s Eve party, complete with an incredible fireworks display. Plus, you’ll get a great view of the city below.

Bangkok, Thailand

Welcome to the Land of Smiles! Bangkok is the perfect place to ring in the new year if you’re looking for a fun and festive celebration.

 

The city comes alive on New Year’s Eve, with parties and celebrations taking place all over. Head to Khao San Road, where you can enjoy live music and drinks at one of the many bars and clubs. Or, if you want to avoid the crowds, consider heading to one of Bangkok’s rooftop bars for a more low-key celebration.

 

No matter where you go, you’re sure to have a great time celebrating the start of a new year in Bangkok.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

If you’re looking for a luxurious New Year’s Eve celebration, then you’ll want to head to Dubai. This city is famous for its opulent hotels and towering skyscrapers, and it’s the perfect place to ring in the new year in style.

 

There are a number of great places to celebrate in Dubai, but one of the best is the Burj Khalifa. This towering skyscraper is the tallest building in the world, and it offers stunning views of the city below. On New Year’s Eve, the Burj Khalifa hosts a spectacular fireworks display, making it the perfect place to watch the midnight countdown.

 

If you’re looking for a more low-key celebration, consider heading to one of Dubai’s many beach clubs. You can enjoy a meal, take a dip in the pool, and watch the fireworks over the city skyline.

London, England

While many people think of London as a stuffy, old-fashioned city, the truth is that it knows how to party when New Year’s Eve rolls around.

 

Be ready to celebrate like a royal!

 

One of the best places to ring in the new year is Trafalgar Square. Every year, the square hosts a massive celebration, complete with live music, food stalls, and a stunning fireworks display. Or, if you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, consider heading to one of London’s many pubs and restaurants.

 

Be adventurous and join in the annual tradition of “first-footing,” where you attempt to be the first person to enter someone’s home on New Year’s Day. Just be sure to bring along a gift of coal or bread, as this is considered good luck.

 

And finally, no trip to London would be complete without sampling some of the city’s distinctive cuisine. Why not start the new year off with a customary English breakfast of eggs, bacon, and beans?

 

As you can tell, there’s no wrong way to celebrate the start of a new year in London. Just be sure to bundle up – it can get chilly in the city on New Year’s Eve!

Vancouver, Canada

If you’re looking for a breathtaking setting for your New Year’s Eve celebration, look no further than Vancouver. This Canadian city is nestled between the mountains and the sea, and it offers some of the most stunning views in the world.

 

There are a number of great places to celebrate in Vancouver, but one of the best is English Bay. This popular spot comes alive on New Year’s Eve, with live music, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks display. Plus, you’ll get a great view of the city skyline and the surrounding mountains.

 

Want to skip the cliche? Drive to Niagara Falls and take part in the festivities from the Canadian side. You can watch the fireworks display over the falls, and you’ll even get a chance to see the famous Niagara Falls Illumination.

 

End off with a polar bear dip in Lake Ontario. If you’re feeling brave, take the plunge at midnight! It’s said to bring good luck in the new year.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong countdown

 

Want to celebrate New Year’s Eve in one of the most exciting cities in the world? Then head to Hong Kong. This vibrant metropolis comes alive on December 31st, with parties and celebrations taking place all over the city.

 

Start the day by enjoying a delicious Dim Sum breakfast. This is a must-do for any visitor to Hong Kong, and there’s no better time to try it than on New Year’s Day. There are plenty of places to enjoy Dim Sum, but for something truly special, head to Tim Ho Wan. This Michelin-starred restaurant is famed for its delicious Dim Sum, and it’s the perfect way to start your New Year’s celebrations.

 

After breakfast, it’s time to head out and explore. Hong Kong is home to some spectacular scenery, and there are plenty of great places to go for a walk or hike. One of the best is Victoria Peak, which offers stunning views over the city. If you’re feeling energetic, you can even hike up to the summit. Or, if you prefer something more relaxed, take a leisurely stroll around Stanley Park.

 

In the evening, it’s time to party! Join the locals in countdown celebrations at one of Hong Kong’s many bars and clubs. The Lan Kwai Fong district is the place to be on New Year’s Eve, with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from.

 

Alternatively, head to Victoria Harbour. Every year, Hong Kong puts on an incredible fireworks display over the harbour, and it’s truly a sight to behold. You can watch the show from the waterfront, or take a boat out onto the harbour for an up-close view.

Edinburgh, Scotland

For a truly unique New Year’s Eve experience, head to Edinburgh. This Scottish city is famous for its Hogmanay celebrations, which attract visitors from all over the world.

 

The festivities start on December 30th with a torchlit procession through the streets of Edinburgh. The procession ends at Calton Hill, where you can enjoy stunning views over the city.

 

On New Year’s Eve, head to Princes Street for the street party. This is one of the biggest Hogmanay parties in Edinburgh, and it features live music, food stalls, and a spectacular fireworks display. If you’re feeling brave, you can even take a dip in the loch!

 

For something a little different, check out the Hogmanay Ceilidh. This traditional Scottish dance is the perfect way to burn off some energy before midnight.

 

And of course, no trip to Edinburgh would be complete without a visit to Edinburgh Castle. This iconic castle is lit up on New Year’s Eve, making it the perfect place to ring in the new year.

Before you go…

The new year is a time for resolutions, reflection, and spending time with loved ones. If you’re like most people, you probably want to spend the holiday season relaxing and enjoying yourself, not worrying about money.

 

That’s where Instarem comes in.

 

Whether you’re an expat who is travelling or a Singaporean looking to spend new year overseas, Instarem can help you save time and money.

 

With no hidden fees and competitive exchange rates, we make it easy to send money home. Try Instarem for your next transfer by downloading the app or sign up here.

 

And through amaze*, pair up with any Mastercard bank cards or top up your amaze wallet and get:

 

  • Fantastic FX rates with every global purchase.
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  • sign up now and get your virtual card promptly

 

*Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with products or vendors mentioned.

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Instarem stands at the forefront of international money transfer services, facilitating fast and secure transactions for both individuals and businesses. Our platform offers competitive exchange rates for popular currency pairs like USD to INR, SGD to INR, and AUD to INR. If you're looking to send money to India or transfer funds to any of 60+ global destinations, Instarem makes it easy for you. We are dedicated to simplifying cross-border payments, providing cutting-edge technology that support individuals and businesses alike in overcoming traditional fiscal barriers normally associated with banks. As a trusted and regulated brand under the umbrella of the Fintech Unicorn Nium Pte. Ltd., and its international subsidiaries, Instarem is your go-to for reliable global financial exchanges. Learn more about Instarem.

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