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The Top 5 Free New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Europe

The Champs-Élysées is packed with people on New Year's Eve

Whether you’re a struggling student or just backpacking around Europe, chances are you are pretty strapped for cash. Splurging on an overpriced party to celebrate New Year’s Eve is probably not something that is in your budget. So then, what is the cheapest way to have an amazing time on one of the biggest party nights of the year? Take to the streets!

New Year’s Eve is one of the only days out of the year where partying in the streets is not only accepted, but something that is embraced. Hordes of strangers gather together to bring in the New Year with a bang, and if your lucky enough to be in Europe, you will probably get a lot more bang than you had bargained for.

Like almost every New Year’s celebration in the world, fireworks are a staple of the party. However, these are not only limited to the firework displays that are put on by the city, as in many places it is custom for locals to partake in the action by setting off their own personal fireworks. A tradition that is as fun as it is dangerous, you might want to make sure you keep your eyes open when navigating the smoke filled streets.

Below is a list of 5 European cities offering the best and most importantly, free, street parties for New Year’s Eve:

Amsterdam – A war zone would probably be the best way to describe New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam. It’s as if every local is armed with an arsenal of fireworks, setting them off as they please throughout the streets. Smoldering piles of leftover fireworks can be found throughout Niuewmarkt Square and Dam Square, where the smoke creates an eerie glow. If you’re not a fan of fireworks, mini Heineken kegs, and loud noise, this might not be the place for you. However, you’d be missing out on one amazing party.

Berlin – Partying is not the only thing to do in Berlin on New Year’s Eve. If you feel like you need a little exercise before joining in the festivities, why not give the annual Berliner Silveserlauf (a.k.a. Pancake Run), a try. Runners in strange and imaginative costumes take to the streets of Berlin in the afternoon for a distance of up to 15 kilometers. Of course, for those of you that do fancy a party, why not be one of the million people celebrating at Berlin’s famed Brandenburg Gate? Plus, directly behind the gate is the “Straße des 17. Juni”, the 1.2 mile long “Party Mile” full of stages, bars, and dance floors that line the street. All of this combines to make Berlin one of the biggest New Year’s Eve events in the world.

The war zone that is Amsterdam

Paris – Who hasn’t dreamt of spending New Year’s Eve with a bottle of Champagne under the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower? Squeezing your way through the crowds pouring out of the subway stations in front of the tower is an adventure in itself, but if you’re looking for something a little more exciting than gazing up at those glistening lights, then I suggest you head over to the Champs-Élysées. Here you will find  a full-fledged street party with almost every person toting a bottle of Champagne and plastic flutes. Just don’t be alarmed when at the end of the night the heavily armored riot police form a frightening human wall to sweep the leftover partygoers of the street. Talk about a buzz-kill.

Prague – As if the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle weren’t beautiful enough in their own right, imagine their magnificence when placed as the backdrop to a gigantic New Year’s Eve fireworks display. Other popular places include the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, where rowdy throngs of people yielding fireworks can be found partying the night away.

Rome – Probably the best thing about celebrating New Year’s Eve in Rome is the temperate climate! You won’t be freezing to death among the thousands of people gathered at the Piazza del Popolo. Concerts, fireworks, and dancing are just a few ways the Romans like to celebrate. Just be aware when walking below balconies, as some people still follow the old custom of throwing old things out the window, a symbol of readiness for welcoming the New Year.