New Year’s Eve is one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year, but all too often, it fails to live up to the hype. Previous experiences of overcrowded pubs, expensive event entry and long queues for drinks may have left you wondering if you would get better value flying somewhere new to chime in the year.
Luckily, Wizz Air has created an index of the best European cities to ring in the New Year. By analysing all the countdown essentials—like the number of bars and clubs, the cost of a bottle of prosecco and a late-night McDonald’s, average hotel prices, and social media buzz from each location.
András Rado, Wizz Air’s Head of Communications, states, “While many of us cherish the idea of ringing in the New Year close to home, celebrating in a different country can add a unique and unforgettable touch to the occasion.
“Cities like Barcelona, Budapest, and Krakow are renowned for their lively celebrations, but Wizz Air aims to inspire travellers to explore Europe’s hidden New Year’s gems. From dazzling fireworks over the charming streets of Ljubljana to vibrant celebrations in a tucked-away corner of Serbia, there are countless destinations where you can welcome the New Year in a truly extraordinary way.”
Top 10 places to spend New Year’s Eve
| Rank | Country | Capital City | Avg. £ of a hotel p/n | No. of clubs & bars | Avg. £ of a McDonald’s | Avg. £ of a bottle of Prosecco | Instagram # posts | TikTok search volumes |
| 1 | Prague | Czech Republic | £1,042 | 548 | £6.59 | £14.79 | 19,259,194 | 996,000 |
| 2 | Budapest | Hungary | £270 | 208 | £6.06 | £31.79 | 16,743,473 | 1,487,000 |
| 3 | Barcelona | Spain | £375 | 453 | £9.15 | £20.70 | 73,270,167 | 24,690,000 |
| 4 | Lisbon | Portugal | £121 | 194 | £7.49 | £24.90 | 12,208,832 | 546,000 |
| 5 | Berlin | Germany | £326 | 460 | £9.16 | £24.02 | 55,188,089 | 2,223,000 |
| 6 | Sofia | Bulgaria | £91 | 144 | £6.38 | £40.65 | 4,884,312 | 1,819,000 |
| 7 | Riga | Latvia | £133 | 78 | £6.47 | £24.06 | 4,142,049 | 447,000 |
| 8 | Bucharest | Romania | £132 | 103 | £5.85 | £36.64 | 4,346,879 | 299,000 |
| 9 | London | England | £976 | 506 | £8.00 | £35.00 | 168,051,089 | 2,715,000 |
| 10 | Madrid | Spain | £631 | 533 | £8.32 | £36.51 | 51,678,555 | 2,715,000 |
- Prague
Prague, the Czech capital, tops the list as the best European city to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Known for its vibrant nightlife, gothic architecture, and affordability, it boasts 548 bars and clubs, the most in Europe and the cheapest bottle of prosecco at just £14.79.
Visitors can save on their first meal of the year too, with a McDonald’s costing 20% less than in London at £6.59. Plus, with over 19 million Instagram hashtags, Prague ranks among the top 10 most Instagrammable spots, perfect for capturing envy-worthy moments.
- Budapest
Budapest, Hungary’s capital, ranks as the second-best European city for New Year’s celebrations. Relax at the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, the largest mineral baths in Europe, before exploring the city’s historic streets and vibrant nightlife, with 208 bars and clubs.
Post-party meals are budget-friendly, with Budapest offering Europe’s second cheapest McDonald’s at £6.06. Social media enthusiasts will love its status as the 10th most Instagrammed city and 8th highest in TikTok searches.
- Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain, isn’t just for summer as it ranks third among the best cities for New Year’s Eve. With 453 bars and clubs and the second cheapest prosecco at £20.70, it’s perfect for celebrating in style.
Snap photos at the iconic Sagrada Família, as Barcelona ranks third on Instagram hashtags and leads in TikTok searches