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THE BEST DESTINATIONS TO SPEND NEW YEAR
From the grandest beach parties, the greatest fireworks displays, to the most spectacular events,
here are our suggestions for the best places to ring in the New Year in style.
New Year’s Eve will look a little different as we move into 2022. With many of the world’s biggest events cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this coming year is set to be one of renewal.
Discover the STAY SOME DAYS’s list of the best destinations for a great New Year’s Eve with all the information you need on parties and events, fireworks and local traditions that take place at this time of year, all while staying in the most magical hotels.
It’s easy to get lost in the maze of destinations and other booking options to spend a few exceptional days and a great New Year’s Eve: too expensive, too crowded, too much pressure around the organization to get the best possible start to the new year.
Well of course – it’s always possible to snuggle up at home in familiar surroundings, but this event can be truly unforgettable by choosing a unique destination for an exceptional New Year’s Eve. From fireworks exploding on heart-stopping backdrops, to raucous street parties in electrified capitals, or late-night festivities on dreamy beaches, there is no shortage of amazing ways to kick off a new year.
New York, Reykjavik, Copenhagen, Sydney, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Barcelona, Rio de Janeiro, Koh Phangan, Saint Barth, and Cape Town, are waiting for you to celebrate the new year.
Remember to check local restrictions and guidelines before travelling
Travel differently with STAY SOME DAYS.
The place to stay is itself a destination.
NEW YORK – UNITED STATES
The main event
The “city that never sleeps” has always been and remains a favourite place during the festive season. For sure, on New Year’s Eve, Times Square is not the most original recommendation. But it is the archetypal New Year’s Eve venue in New York. For an unobstructed view of the New Year’s Eve festivities, the R Lounge at the Renaissance Hotel offers a spectacular view through the bar’s windows of the famous One Times Square building facing south, where the ball drops.
Like the locals
A New York holiday should be all about immersion, so do it like a real New Yorker and swap Manhattan for Brooklyn. There are free fireworks and live music in Prospect Park. And to make this season even cooler, get lost in trendy Williamsburg, where the new year will have a real relaxed feel.
Where to stay
Among the STAY SOME DAYS best places to stay in New York, you will find the Public hotel, the Arlo NoMad hotel, the new Arlo Midtown hotel, the Equinox hotel, the new Ace hotel Brooklyn, The Hoxton Williamsburg hotel, the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge…
PUBLIC
Hotel located in East Village Manhattan
ARLO NOMAD
Hotel located in NoMad Manhattan
ARLO MIDTOWN
Hotel located in Hell’s Kitchen Manhattan
EQUINOX HOTEL
Hotel located in Hudson Yards Manhattan
ACE HOTEL BROOKLYN
Hotel located in Downtown Brooklyn
THE HOXTON WILLIAMSBURG
Hotel located in Williamsburg Brooklyn
1 HOTEL BROOKLYN BRIDGE
Hotel located in Brooklyn Bridge
Haven’t found the perfect place for your next New York vacation?
Check out the list of all the hotels available to spend New Year in New York:
And so that the experience is complete and unforgettable,
find our selection of hotspots, the best restaurants, the most beautiful shops,
and the most beautiful places to visit in our New York City Guide.
REYKJAVIK – ICELAND
The main event
The Icelandic capital’s midnight fireworks are marked by a very special feature: everyone buys their own from ICE-SAR, the national search and rescue centre, as part of the year’s most imploring fundraiser. The result: when the clock strikes midnight, the sky lights up with hundreds of mini fireworks, illuminating the entire city. It’s a magical sight, but also listen to the sounds around you as fire engines and ships in the harbour ring out their bells and horns to welcome the new year.
Like the locals
The festivities intensify well before the countdown, with community bonfires starting throughout the city from 4pm. Large crowds of locals gather at Hallgrímskirkja Church to set off fireworks and watch the show at midnight, offering an excellent view from its perch on Skólavörðuholt hill.
Where to stay
Among the STAY SOME DAYS best places to stay in Reykjavik, you will find the Ion City hotel, the Exeter hotel, the 101 Hotel, the Skuggi Hotel by Keahotels, the Tower Suites Reykjavík hotel, the new The Reykjavik Edition which will open on November 9, 2021…
ION CITY
Hotel located in Katrínartún 2, 105 Reykjavik
EXETER
Hotel located in 12 Tryggvagata, 101 Reykjavik
101 HOTEL
Hotel located in Hverfisgata 10, 101 Reykjavik
SKUGGI
Hotel located in Hverfisgata 103, 101 Reykjavik
TOWER SUITES REYKJAVIK
Hotel located in Katrínartún 2, 105 Reykjavik
THE REYKJAVIK EDITION
Hotel located in Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík
Haven’t found the perfect place for your next Reykjavik vacation?
Check out the list of all the hotels available to spend New Year in Reykjavik:
The main event
When the clock strikes midnight, the usually rather reserved Danes gather in City Hall Square for a boisterous bacchanal and an explosion of champagne corks, clanging rockets and twinkling Roman candles. For a slightly more orderly take, Tivoli’s glittering gardens light up the sky with their own fireworks festival, its restaurants all serve New Year’s dinners, and the rollercoasters are open. Finally, many Glögg stands serve liquid ‘courage’!
Like the locals
Watch as Copenhageners abandon hygge for hedonism on New Year’s Eve as thousands of happy people take to the streets to light their own fireworks just after midnight. A great place to watch this noisy, rowdy, and somewhat nerve-wracking mayhem is at the Queen Louise Bridge, which stretches across the lakes in the heart of the city.
Where to stay
Among the STAY SOME DAYS best places to stay in Copenhagen, you will find The Socialist hotel, the Ottilia by Brochner Hotels, the Villa Copenhagen hotel, the SP34 hotel, the Sanders hotel, the Nobis Copenhagen hotel…
THE SOCIALIST
Hotel located in Bremerholm 6, 1069 Copenhagen
OTTILIA BY BRØCHNER HOTELS
Hotel located in 4 Pasteursvej, Vesterbro, 1778 Copenhagen
VILLA COPENHAGEN
Hotel located in 39 Tietgensgade, Vesterbro, 1704 Copenhagen
SP34
Hotel located in Sankt Peders Stræde 34, 1453 Copenhagen
HOTEL SANDERS
Hotel located in Tordenskjoldsgade 15, 1055 Copenhagen
NOBIS COPENHAGEN
Hotel located in 1 Niels Brocks Gade, 1574 Copenhagen
Haven’t found the perfect place for your next Copenhagen vacation?
Check out the list of all the hotels available to spend New Year in Copenhagen:
And so that the experience is complete and unforgettable,
find our selection of hotspots, the best restaurants, the most beautiful shops,
and the most beautiful places to visit in our Copenhagen City Guide.
SYDNEY – AUSTRALIA
The main event
The Sydney Harbour fireworks extravaganza is seen by over a million people gathered along the Foreshore. However, there are some very interesting alternatives, such as joining the party boats scattered around. Indeed, you can hire a boat, bring your own bubbles and start the countdown early! Freshwater sailors may prefer to book an outside table at one of the waterfront restaurants near Sydney Harbour Bridge for a front row seat to the festivities.
Like the locals
Another good choice is to go to Cockatoo Island and set up a moonlit picnic in preparation for the show. It’s even possible to camp or glamp overnight, provided you book a place in advance. New Year’s Eve without the late-night taxi fight? Yes, please!
Where to stay
Among the STAY SOME DAYS best places to stay in Sydney, you will find the Paramount House Hotel, the Little National Hotel Sydney, the A by Adina Sydney hotel, the Aiden Hotel Darling Harbor, the new Ace Hotel Sydney which will open at the end of 2021…
PARAMOUNT HOUSE HOTEL
Hotel located in 80 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills
LITTLE NATIONAL
Hotel located in 26 Clarence Street, Business district
A BY ADINA SYDNEY
Hotel located in 2 Hunter Street, Business district
AIDEN DARLING HARBOUR
Hotel located in 45 Murray Street Pyrmont, Business district
ACE HOTEL SYDNEY
Hotel located in 47 Wentworth Ave
Haven’t found the perfect place for your next Sydney vacation?
Check out the list of all the hotels available to spend New Year in Sydney:
AMSTERDAM – NETHERLANDS
The main event
Amsterdam, a compact, electric, and truly festive city in the image of its people, is a vast playground of impromptu parties on the evening of 31 December, but if there’s one sure place to be at midnight, it’s the Magere Brug (‘Skinny Bridge’). Here, revellers and locals gather to watch the countdown fireworks light up over the Amstel River, then continue their festivities throughout the city. Nieuwmarkt (the Chinese district) is particularly known for its wild atmosphere.
Like the locals
Even though the city centre is quite compact, the traffic flows smoothly. The Museumplein square is a great place to have a good time with talented DJs and a great atmosphere. On Dam Square you can also enjoy free entertainment. At midnight, you can watch the fireworks from all over the city. But to experience the magic of the show at Dam Square, Leidseplein, Nieuwmarkt and Rembrandtplein, make sure you get there early to get a good seat. Fans of Amsterdam’s electro music will end up at the Awakenings party at Gashouder. This epic party in an industrial gas complex built in 1902 usually features international DJs.
Where to stay
Among the STAY SOME DAYS best places to stay in Amsterdam, you will find The Hoxton hotel, the Morgan & Mees hotel, the QO hotel, the Conscious Hotel Museum Square, the Pillows Luxury Boutique Hotel Anna Van Den Vondel Amsterdam, the Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam…
THE HOXTON
Hotel located in Herengracht 255, Amsterdam center
MORGAN & MEES
Hotel located in 2e Hugo de Grootstraat 2-6, Westerpark
QO
Hotel located in Amstelvlietstraat 4, Oost-Watergraafsmeer
CONSCIOUS HOTEL MUSEUM SQUARE
Hotel located in De Lairessestraat 7, Amsterdam Oud-Zuid
PILLOWS ANNA VAN DEN VONDEL AMSTERDAM
Hotel located in Anna Van Den Vondelstraat 6, Oud-West
VAN DER VALK HOTEL AMSTERDAM
Hotel located in 20 Joan Muyskenweg, Oost-Watergraafsmeer
Haven’t found the perfect place for your next Amsterdam vacation?
Check out the list of all the hotels available to spend New Year in Amsterdam:
EDINBURGH – SCOTLAND
The main event
The three days of fantastic atmosphere and unforgettable memories of Hogmaney. You have to live it to believe it! The Hogmanay in the Scottish capital typically begins on December 30 with a Viking-style torchlight procession along the Royal Mile. New Year’s Eve itself includes the “Concert in the Gardens“, which ends in time for concert goers to also get a breathtaking view of the midnight fireworks over Edinburgh Castle. If you’re looking to clear your mind in the morning, why not continue the festivities with live music and take part in the breathtaking “Loony Dook”, the annual disguised plunge into the River Forth at South Queensferry? Also, take part in the High Street Dookers Parade before plunging into the icy Forth with the historic Forth Bridges in the background.
Like the locals
You probably won’t see many Edinburgh natives at the official Hogmanay festivities for a perfectly rational reason: They are very familiar with the vagaries of the weather. Instead, find the Scots covering their rears with interior quirks before scavenging a free spot to watch the castle illuminations. Smart, boho Stockbridge has a host of great pubs. It will then be appropriate to have a small drink or two while listening to folk music in the basement next to The Bailie Bar, followed by a trip to Inverleith Park which offers a breathtaking view of the fireworks with the countdown from the city.
Where to stay
Among the STAY SOME DAYS best places to stay in Edinburgh, you will find the Eden Locke hotel, the Market Street Hotel, the Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity Edinburgh Grassmarket…
EDEN LOCKE
Hotel located in 127 George St
MARKET STREET HOTEL
Hotel located in 6 Market Street, Old Town
WILDE BY STAYCITY
Hotel located in 26 King’s Stables Road
Haven’t found the perfect place for your next Edinburgh vacation?
Check out the list of all the hotels available to spend New Year in Edinburgh:
BARCELONA – SPAIN
The main event
There is no doubt that Barcelona has a reputation as a city of night owls. As a result, the party doesn’t really start until around 11pm. That’s when the crowds gather on the Plaça d’Espanya to watch the midnight pyrotechnics on Montjuïc, the hill just above the square. A few metres away, the Poble Espanyol, the open-air museum of architecture, hosts a big dance party until 6am, so you can feel the atmosphere of the Spanish city.
Like the locals
One of the strangest traditions, other than eating a grape for every chime at midnight, takes place in the Plaça de Catalunya in the city centre. As soon as the new year rings, thousands of people gather and throw their bottles of Cava into the middle of the square. If this sounds a bit scary or quirky, head to the party at the most popular club: Le Pacha is all the rage all night long.
Where to stay
Among the STAY SOME DAYS best places to stay in Barcelona, you will find the Yurbban Passage Hotel & Spa, the Casa Bonay hotel, the Sir Victor hotel, the CoolRooms Maldà hotel…
YURBBAN PASSAGE
Hotel located in 26 Carrer de Trafalgar, Vieille ville
CASA BONAY
Hotel located in Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 700, L’Eixample
SIR VICTOR
Hotel located in Rosselló, 265, L’Eixample
COOLROOMS MALDA
Hotel located in Carrer del Pi 5, Vieille ville
Haven’t found the perfect place for your next Barcelona vacation?
Check out the list of all the hotels available to spend New Year in Barcelona:
RIO DE JANEIRO – BRAZIL
The main event
It’s summer in Rio de Janeiro at this time of year, so many avoid the sweaty indoor clubs and take the party to the beach. Two million people gather on the four-kilometre stretch of Copacabana to celebrate by samba dancing, drinking champagne and enjoying fireworks on New Year’s Eve. To find the best spot, start scouting out the best spot at 10pm. It is customary to wear white in Rio on New Year’s Eve, as this is supposed to bring good luck for the New Year. But be careful about leaving your favourite clothes at home, unless you don’t mind getting doused with champagne.
Like the locals
In Copacabana, you will find lifeguard stations along the beach called “postos”. Those in the know recommend positioning yourself between Postos 5 and 6. This is the last stretch of Copacabana, so it’s not as crowded. Plus, it’s within walking distance of the parties in nearby Ipanema where many revellers head after the fireworks.
Where to stay
Among the STAY SOME DAYS best places to stay in Rio de Janeiro, you will find the Arpadaor hotel, the Janeiro Hotel, the Fasano Rio de Janeiro hotel, the Emiliano Rio hotel, the Chez Georges hotel…
ARPOADOR
Hotel located in Rua Francisco Otaviano, 177 – Copacabana, Ipanema
JANEIRO HOTEL
Hotel located in Avenida Delfim Moreira, 696, Leblon
FASANO RIO DE JANEIRO
Hotel located in Avenida Vieira Souto, 80, Ipanema
EMILIANO RIO
Hotel located in Av. Atlântica, 3804, Copacabana
CHEZ GEORGES
Hotel located in Ladeira do Meireles, 90, Santa Teresa
Haven’t found the perfect place for your next Rio de Janeiro vacation?
Check out the list of all the hotels available to spend New Year in Rio de Janeiro:
KOH PHANGAN – THAILAND
The main event
The end of year period in Thailand has a special flavour although there are beach parties on the Thai islands all year round, but the craziest of all is New Year’s Eve on Koh Phangan, home to the world’s most famous full moon party. Circling around Sunrise Beach in Haad Rin, the maelstrom begins as soon as it gets dark and extends well into the sunrise and the following afternoon.
Like the locals
Opt for cocktails and a dinner of freshly caught and grilled fish on the island’s sunset side, and don’t expect to join the party before midnight. Then head back to Sunset Beach for a dawn swim.
Where to stay
Among the STAY SOME DAYS best places to stay in Koh Phangan, you will find the Varivana Resort Koh Phangan hotel, The Cabin Beach Resort hotel, the Princess Paradise Koh Phangan hotel, the Sand in My Shoes Beach Loft hotel…
VARIVANA RESORT KOH PHANGAN
Hotel located in 79 Wok Tum Moo 4, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani
THE CABIN BEACH RESORT
Hotel located in Beach Moo.6 Baantai Koh Phangan
PRINCESS PARADISE KOH PHANGAN
Hotel located in 17/11 M6 Baan Tai Koh Phangan
SAND IN MY SHOES BEACH LOFT
Hotel located in 55/6 Moo 5 Thongnaipanoi Beach
Haven’t found the perfect place for your next Koh Phangan vacation?
Check out the list of all the hotels available to spend New Year in Koh Phangan:
SAINT BARTH – CARAIBES
The main event
St Barth, also known as St Barthelemy, is the Caribbean’s most exclusive beach getaway, offering uncrowded white sand beaches and a yacht-filled harbour. Start the New Year in this sunny getaway, where you can stroll around peaceful Fleming Bay or people-watch on festive Nikki Beach. New Year’s Eve in St Barth offers a wide variety of things to do, with a particularly popular focus on the high end for visitors to this Caribbean Island. You can lose yourself in Gustavia’s designer boutiques to buy the perfect New Year’s Eve outfit. Jump on your jet ski and explore this beautiful island or simply stroll along miles of pure white sand while you take time to relax as you wait for the New Year.
Like the locals
If you’re on land, you may be drawn to St Jean beach, one of the most popular New Year’s Eve party venues. All over the island there are numerous clubs promising a memorable New Year’s Eve, or opt for a beach party, try Gustavia beach and you’ll also get an epic view of the fireworks from Gustavia harbour.
Where to stay
Among the STAY SOME DAYS best places to stay in Saint Barthelemy, you will find the hotel Le Sereno…
LE SERENO
Hotel located in Grand Cul De Sac, 97133 Gustavia
Haven’t found the perfect place for your next Saint Barth vacation?
Check out the list of all the hotels available to spend New Year in Saint Barth:
CAPE TOWN – SOUTH AFRICA
The main event
The epitome of all celebrations in the Mother City takes place on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, where you’ll find everything you could possibly need: dinner, live music, dancing, fireworks. Plus, you’ll have a great view of Table Mountain and the Atlantic coast. It’s truly spectacular, but if you want to enjoy a party with a more local flavour, you’ll have to head for the sand.
Like the locals
A sunset picnic on Clifton 4th Beach, a beautiful cove in affluent Clifton, is a popular choice for Capetonians. Then it’s time to head to one of the city’s many glamorous beach clubs. The hottest spot is the elite Pacha’s Grand Africa party on the Grand’s private beach, facing Robben Island.
Where to stay
Among the STAY SOME DAYS best places to stay in Cape Town you will find the ¨Pod Camps Bay hotel, the The Silo hotel, the Camissa House hotel, the Gorgeous George hotel, the Labotessa Boutique Hotel…
POD CAMPS BAY
Hotel located in 3 Argyle Street, Camps Bay
THE SILO
Hotel located in Silo Square, V&A Waterfront
CAMISSA HOUSE
Hotel located in 28 Bridle Road, Oranjezicht
GORGEOUS GEORGE
Hotel located in 118 St Georges Mall, Cape Town CBD
LABOTESSA BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Hotel located in 5 Church Square Cape Town City Center
Haven’t found the perfect place for your next Cape Town vacation?
Check out the list of all the hotels available to spend New Year in Cape Town:
Images Courtesy Public hotel, Arlo NoMad hotel, Arlo Midtown hotel, Equinox hotel, Ace Hotel Brooklyn, The Hoxton Williamsburg hotel, 1 hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Ion City Reykjavik hotel, Exeter hotel, 101 hotel, Skuggi hotel, Tower Suites Reykjavik hotel, The Reykjavik Edition hotel, The Socialist hotel, Ottilia by Brochner Hotels, Villa Copenhagen hotel, SP34 hotel, Hotel Sanders, Nobis Copenhagen hotel, Paramount House Hotel, Little National hotel, A by Adina Sydney hotel, Aiden Darling Harbour hotel, Ace Hotel Sydney, The Hoxton Amsterdam hotel, Morgan & Mees hotel, QO hotel, Conscious Hotel Museum Square, Pillows Anna Van Den Vondel hotel, Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam, Eden Locke hotel, Market Street hotel, Wilde by Staycity hotel, Yurbban Passage hotel, Casa Bonay hotel, Sir Victor hotel, CoolRooms Malda hotel, Arpoador hotel, Janeiro Hotel, Fasano Rio de Janeiro hotel, Emiliano Rio hotel, Chez Georges hotel, Varivana Resort Koh Phangan hotel, The Cabin Beach Resort hotel, Princess Paradise Koh Phangan hotel, Sand in My Shoes Beach Loft hotel, Le Sereno hotel, Pod Campus Bay hotel, The Silo hotel, Camissa House hotel, Gorgeous George hotel, Labotessa Boutique hotel.
Article updated on November 2, 2021
