I've suddenly found that I'm being furloughed for a week around New Year's and I figured it'd be a good time to check off another city or country in Europe. What city would people suggest for a last minute 7 day trip around New Years? Some places I have considered but not set on Madrid, Barcelona, Nice, Naples, Prague, and Budapest. I'm worried however, that things will be closed on and around the 1st as well. If someone could settle those fears as well I'd be grateful.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
Well, it's clear you need to go to Edinburgh where they really know how to ring in the New Year. It even has it's own name, Hogmanay. It's a huge party. You can go other places in Scotland to celebrate Hogmanay, but Edinburgh is the big celebration. Here's a link to the official site . You could also go to Glasgow for a while as well. Here's another link about the holiday.
Posted by
4 posts
Hello ErinP,
Great to hear that you'll be celebrating NYE in a new city! What are you mainly afraid of? Capital cities are usually well - guarded and (crowded) especially on special occasions, you'll most likely bump into fellow tourists! And many people speak English so communication wouldn't be much of an issue. But just the same, you have to be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to what's happening around you.
The NYE in Budapest is met with fireworks at the bridge and people gather around to celebrate! This is the case in most of the cities that you've mentioned. Perhaps the question is what kind of environment would you like to spend your NYE in? The famous Promenade of Nice is well decorated with lights and is absolutely beautiful during this time of the year. Madrid and Barcelona are equally festive.
Hope this helps :)
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
17897 posts
All depends on what you want to do on NYE. Everyone here knows I have a fondness for Budapest and I saw it on your list, so let me say; there are better places to spend NYE. I've always thought Lucerne would be a good NYE spot. Fireworks over the lake, beautiful setting, cold, snow, etc.
Posted by
OP
Minneapolis, MN
4 posts
Thank you for those links Pamela! This is looking promising. I'm definitely looking for a festive atmosphere. I guess what I was worried about the most was that museums, restaurants, and other attractions would be closed around the the 31st. and 1st. I hadn't thought about Switzerland! I'll have to give this more thought. :)
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
Somewhere in the mountains with peaks and snow around. If money is no object then Switzerland Alps. For less money High Tatras in Slovakia. The closest Ricknicks city is Krakow.