1. London
New Year flights to London from £73 (from Edinburgh 30 Dec – 2 Jan)
In recent years London has become one of the world’s most popular cities for seeing in the New Year thanks to the midnight firework display at the iconic London Eye (free), which can be viewed from across the city. If you haven’t been invited to a party with a suitable viewing area (free), several London hotels have rooftop bars perfect for the occasion.
2. Edinburgh
New Year flights to Edinburgh from £76 (from London Stansted 30 Dec – 3 Jan)
Tens of thousands of people, snogging in the streets, and Simple Minds: what more could you wish for? ‘Hogmanay’ is one massive night of getting merry, eating steak pie and singing Auld Lang Syne. Attend the famous Street Party (£15) to be entertained by the legendary Scots stadium rockers as fireworks fill the sky. Or watch the fireworks from Calton Hill (free). You will need to act quickly as hotels in Edinburgh will be much in demand.
3. Barcelona
New Year flights to Barcelona from £110 (from Liverpool 30 Dec – 2 Jan)
The Catalan capital bursts with the party spirit throughout the year, but New Year’s Eve sees the locals really extend themselves as they indulge in the ‘eating of the grapes’ tradition. When the clock strikes midnight, locals eat one grape (under two euros a bunch) per chime, each one symbolising a month of good luck. Get a cheap deal on Barcelona hotels with Skyscanner’s comprehensive search.
4. Paris
New Year flights to Paris from £111 (from Birmingham 30 Dec – 3 Jan)
New Year in Paris needn’t be expensive. The traditional Parisian way to celebrate on New Year’s Eve is, in inimitable Parisian fashion, to go out for dinner. Unsurprisingly, prices rocket, as many places serve special six or seven-course menus, but it’s possible to find a reasonable restaurant doing three courses for 10 euros – browse the myriad places in the maze of streets off Boulevard St. Michel on the Left Bank. Paris hotels don’t have to be expensive, unless you demand a view of the Eiffel Tower
5. Amsterdam
New Year flights to Amsterdam from £111 (from Edinburgh 29 Dec – 1 Jan)
The cheapest place to spend New Year’s Eve is on the streets. That’s what many, many Amsterdammers do, getting Amsterdam-aged in the company of a fine local brew – either Heineken, which is brewed in the city, or a Dutch ‘white beer’ – a refreshingly fruity delight. Partying in the streets isn’t for the faint-hearted for it is traditional, especially among the young and exuberant, to let off fireworks, so watch out! Amsterdam hotels outside the most touristy areas can be good value – try an area like De Pijp for a good deal.
