Interest rate hikes, rising food costs and inflated petrol rates… I could go on. With prices of practically everything increasing, money is tight for many. Still eager to bid a big fat goodbye to 2023? There are plenty of good value New Year’s Eve breaks around the world to ring in 2024.
From the cost of flights and accommodation to food and general activity expenditures, I’ve considered everything. Ready to ring in a brand new year in a brand new location? Here are 9 memorable New Year’s Eve breaks that tend to have cheap flights and good-value celebrations.
The best cheap New Year’s Eve breaks
1. Experience Hogmanay in Edinburgh
If you’re looking for a memorable New Year’s Eve break in the UK, get yourself to Edinburgh. Ok, that should actually be ‘Hogmanay break’ rather than ‘New Year break’. Names aside though, Edinburgh is the place to be for a party.
If you are on a strict budget, the city hosts three days of free live music and street festivals from December 30th to January 1st. There’s also the Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party (prices TBC) which is usually very reasonably priced at around £30 per person. The event is world famous, with an anticipated 30,000 revellers taking to the streets with LED wristbands to enjoy fireworks, live DJ sets, delicious food and fairground rides.
However, you don’t actually have to pay to see the fireworks. They can be viewed from all across the city. What’s more, many pubs and bars also host lively Hogmanay celebrations (although it’s worth booking in advance). Want to check out some of the Scottish capital’s attractions while you’re there? There are plenty of free activities and sights to enjoy, too.
2. Ring in 2024 in elegant Vienna
Looking for a New Year’s Eve break abroad with a touch of flair? Get yourself to Vienna. Flights to this beautiful city are reasonable, plus there are accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets.
For the city’s main New Year’s event, head to the Old Town for Silvesterpfad. Translated as New Year’s Eve Trail, it features lively parties, food (lots of sausages!) and music to suit every taste. At the stroke of midnight, you’ll hear Pummerin: the famous bell of St. Stephen’s Cathedral which only strikes on special occasions.
If you fancy indulging in some culture on New Year, Vienna comes into its own with activities like opera, theatre, and classical concerts. Want to get in on a local tradition? Vienna’s residents like to swap marzipan pigs to toast in the New Year – they’re considered lucky charms!
3. Eat, drink and be merry in Lisbon
Where would I recommend as a cheap New Year’s destination in Europe that satisfies all the senses? Lisbon, of course! While many consider Portugal’s capital a summer destination, it’s also a great place to see out the end of the year.
The easiest way to indulge your tastebuds is to head to the legendary Timeout Food Market. There, you can sample a wide selection of delicacies such as the amazing Pasteis de Nata (the city’s world-famous custard tarts). Afterwards, wind through the city’s cobbled streets to the waterfront to party and watch the free firework display that lights up the sky at midnight.
Lisbon’s nightclubs will then be in full flow until dawn breaks. And the best bit? You can experience all of this without putting a major strain on your finances.
4. Celebrate in party-loving Amsterdam
If you’re planning to celebrate the end of the year with a party-based city break, Amsterdam is the perfect destination for a New Year’s holiday. That’s because many of the nightclubs have 24-hour licenses.
The capital of the Netherlands is well-known as one of the liveliest cities in Europe – and NYE is no exception. The whole city turns into a massive party, with fireworks, concerts and events hosted all over the town. The streets around the Oosterdok and Rembrandtplein have lots of impromptu street parties, while the district of Nieuwmarkt is especially wild.
At midnight, get a spot on the Magere Brug bridge for the fireworks before heading to one of the city’s many nightclubs. It really is the ultimate destination for New Year’s!
5. Book a family-friendly New Year’s Eve break in Bratislava
Bratislava may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of a family-friendly New Year’s Eve trip. However, this gorgeous city is cheap to get to and offers value for money when you arrive.
From lunchtime on the 31st, Bratislava’s stunning medieval old town turns into one giant party, with various events and celebrations to suit all ages. This includes a range of traditional activities and modern events, including dancing and singing.
Bratislava is also a fabulous city for New Year’s Eve for adults thanks to its buzzing nightclubs.
6. Sample Berlin’s world-famous party scene
Each year, Berlin attracts thousands of visitors eager to sample its notorious party scene. It’s bursting with countless bars, a vast techno scene and several 24-hour nightclubs.
While you can find a great party any night of the week, month or year, Silvester (NYE) in Germany’s capital is a particularly big deal. The highlight of a New Year’s Eve break in Berlin is the big, free festival with fireworks at the Brandenburg Gate: one of the world’s largest open-air New Year’s Eve events.
Afterwards, you can hit the bars and clubs for more festivities. Make sure your practice how to say ‘Frohes neues Jahr’ (‘Happy New Year’ in the local lingo). Looking for something a little more wholesome? Many of Berlin’s famous Christmas Markets are open until the start of January.
7. Enjoy some culture in Prague
There are many reasons to visit Prague, from its castles and museums to its food and drink scene. On the 31st of December though, the city’s main allure is its end-of-year celebrations.
Whether you’re after a short break abroad, a family break, a couple’s break or a straight-up party break, Prague has something for everyone. Head towards the river banks near Charles Bridge to enjoy relaxed revelry. Book a table at a nice restaurant in the hills. Or head to Old Town Square or Wenceslas Square for a wilder atmosphere.
A river cruise is another good option. And the next day? Spend the 1st of January 2024 admiring the beautiful city on a free walking tour or visiting the majestic Prague Castle.
8. For wintery vibes, visit Reykjavík
Wondering where to go for New Year’s Eve for authenticity? Reykjavik may well be the answer. As far as New Year’s Eve breaks go, Iceland’s capital is pretty near perfect — and the flights are surprisingly cheap too.
With no state-run festivities planned, the locals tend to take charge and thousands head out into the streets at midnight dressed in sparkly outfits and snow boots. Earlier on in the evening, you’ll find them cosy indoors in front of the TV. Why? Because it’s tradition to watch a show called ‘Áramótaskaup’ which satirises the year just gone.
Just before midnight, the city’s residents set off fireworks galore. Starting with a literal bang, the party continues well into the wee hours or indeed the next day at bars or house parties.
There’s a lot to love about Iceland during the day, too. Expect lots of snowy scenery, dramatic frozen waterfalls and the amazing geothermal Blue Lagoon (the perfect place to soothe your hangover).
Note that shopping for food and drink in Reykjavik can be expensive, but visiting local supermarkets like Bónus, Krónan, and Nettó will make your stay more manageable. For more money-saving tips check out this article on how to travel Scandinavia on a budget.
9. Dance the night away in Budapest
Another cheap New Year’s destination in Europe to consider is Budapest. The Hungarian capital is one of the best city break locations, regardless of the time of year. In winter, though, you can take full advantage of its steaming thermal baths, pretty frozen scenery and hearty seasonal cuisine.
Budapest is a wonderful spot for an affordable night out, too. Why not bar hop around the city’s rustic ruin bars (including the iconic Simpla Kert)? You could also grab tickets to the incredible New Year’s Eve Bath Party hosted at the outdoor Szechenyi Baths. Or, for a more low-key night, consider a NYE cruise along the Danube. Some offer multi-course dinners and live piano music, while others cater to a younger crowd.
New Year’s Eve breaks FAQs
How to book a New Year’s Eve break on a budget?
As well as researching the above destinations for a cheap New Year’s Eve break, you can also use the KAYAK explore tool. This lets you discover holiday places for your specific travel dates and budget — being flexible with your dates helps too. For more advice check out these articles on how to find cheap flights and how to find cheap luxury hotels.
What to do on New Year’s that’s cheap?
For a low-cost NYE, see what free events are happening in your chosen city. Many places host festivals and firework displays which are free. Or, take a look at events whose tickets include food and drink. This can end up being much cheaper than planning out your whole evening separately and paying for everything individually.
Love the sound of booking another wintery escape? Discover 15 truly festive holiday destinations. Or, for something warmer check out KAYAK’s guide to the best winter sun holidays.
