I'm looking for someplace to spend a post-Christmas vacation, culminating in New Year's Eve someplace special. While I love Paris and think it'd be great to spend more time there, I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations for a trip elsewhere. I expect to be traveling for about 8-10 days total, including flights. I love cities, but am not averse to smaller places. My partner is a huge History/Art/Architecture buff, but has seen most of Europe already. Any suggestions?
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9202 posts
Two places come to mind for New Years Eve with the best parties. Berlin and Edinburgh. Both have enough things to keep you busy during the day time. Both are chock full of historical sites, museums, interesting architecture and there are lots of side trips you can take to smaller towns.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20023 posts
Another similar question
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/general-europe/eastern-europe-which-country-city-will-be-best-during-Christmas
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/hungary/holiday-season-in-budapest
We spent Christmas in London a few years ago, and then moved on to Rome for New Years. London was only so - so, and Rome was a lot too rowdy for us - broken glass and drunks everywhere. But it was a unique experience.
And we did Sorrento for New Years once. That was amazing. Really enjoyed it.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7897 posts
We were in Rome and Sicily the two weeks before Christmas, then Sorrento the week afterwards. Weather was pleasant and towns were done up for the Holidays. At midnight on New Year's, the town and surrounding hillsides were lit up by hundreds of fireworks (everybody was doing thier own private display). New Year's Day, all reports initially indicated that the ruins at Pompeii would be closed, but they were actually open (shorter hours than usual), so we started off 2013 at Pompeii. Lots to do and see in the surrounding area!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
295 posts
I also think Rome is a good choice as well as London or Barcelona. I once spent Christmas in Switzerland in Gstaad and loved it. Went to midnight mass and next day rode the chair lift for a great view. I also wanted a white Christmas and got it. But maybe that's not right if you want history and Architecture.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
I have to agree with Edinburgh (or other Scottish location). Hogmany, as they call New Years, is THE BIG celebration there. Christmas is typically a small, family time, but New Years is BIG BIG BIG! We had planned to go 2 years ago, but had to back out due to me having foot surgery. Hogmany in Edinburgh is on my bucket list. They have parades- including one in which everyone is welcome to join as it is a torch 'walk' from center of town to Arthur's Seat. There are people who twirl/juggle/spin huge fire balls, too. You can buy your torch ahead of time. There are fancy balls, special dinners, outdoor concerts and shows, private parties, and just about anything else you can think of. MAJOR fireworks! Bonfires! It will probably be cold, but not unbearable. And Edinburgh has plenty to interest you - good art, lots of history, and very interesting architecture.
If you don't want a big city, check out the Hormany celebrations in Inverness or Aviemore, or other smaller towns and villages.
Do a bit of research. But make up your mind soon, as hotel rooms are at a premium (many places offer package deals with dinner, tickets to some events, etc.).