Top 10 spots to ring in the new year
Posted 5 December, 2019
Samuel Smith
Next New Year’s Eve, trade your humble backyard barbie for a beach party, street parade or festive feast.
While there’s nothing wrong with low-key celebrations at home, there’s something undeniably special about celebrating the year’s end overseas.
Whether you’re in search of the ultimate party or sweet solitude, here are our top 10 places to ring in in the new year abroad.
10. Rome, Italy
Embrace the new year in one of the most romantic cities on Earth. From the Piazza del Popolo to the Colosseum, Rome’s city streets buzz with excitement as the clock counts down.
Chaotic, in the best way possible, Rome’s grand Piazza del Popolo is the epicentre of the action. Warm up with a mix of traditional Italian music and street performers, then watch the winter night sky explode with a kaleidoscope of colours at midnight.
If you’re keen to party, make a beeline for the Via dei Fori Imperiali, and don’t forget the wine. Join a cacophony of spirited locals at an enormous free New Year’s Eve concert, then count down to midnight, when a stunning fireworks display illuminates the night sky.
9. Taipei, Taiwan
Heading to Taiwan for New Year’s Eve? Choose your own adventure.
If partying is your priority, make your way to the CBD where, come midnight, a barrage of fireworks are hurled from Taipei 101, the city’s tallest building. Farewell the old and welcome the new at a music festival or grab a celebratory drink in the Da’an and Xinyi districts.
Those in need of some R&R should skip the evening festivities and watch the sun rise from the famous arched bridge of Sanxiantai.
8. Reykjavik, Iceland
Each New Year’s Eve, over 1000kg of fireworks are set off in Reykjavik – Iceland’s beautiful capital. What many people don’t know is the role Iceland’s national search-and-rescue unit, ICE-SAR, plays in the celebrations.
ICE-SAR earns up to 60% of its annual revenue from New Year’s Eve fireworks sales. That’s right – Reykjavik locals purchase their fireworks directly from the country’s search-and-rescue unit, with revenue going towards keeping Icelanders and tourists safe.
The best places to watch (or set off your own) fireworks are outside the Hallgrímskirkja Church and near the statue of Leifur Eiríksson. Both locations are easy to get to, and close to bars and restaurants if you want to keep the party going.
Note: Iceland experiences an average of just 4 hours of light per day in December, so be prepared! On the plus side, you may be lucky enough to see the incredible northern lights.
