These destinations around the world are famous for their spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations and are bustling again after 2 years affected by the COVID-19 epidemic.
Sydney, Australia:
Sydney is the first city in the world to welcome the new year. A massive fireworks display takes place at Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House offers spectacular views. The islands in the harbor or at the parks will have great views. Picture: Getty.
Taipei, Taiwan, China:
New Year’s Eve in Taipei is a visual arts performance. The city’s tallest building — Taipei 101 — is the launching pad for a beautiful fireworks display. The main sites of this event include Tiger Mountain (for remote observation), Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and Xinyi Business District – which is quite crowded. The city also sponsors musical performances before the big event. Picture: Getty.
Bangkok, Thailand:
Bangkok always tops the list of cities with the best nightlife in Asia. This is a great place to ring in the New Year if you like crowds, bright lights, noise. Catch a fireworks display at ICONSIAM, a major shopping and entertainment destination along the Chao Phraya River. You can go to one of the famous bars in Bangkok such as Sky Beach Bangkok – the highest bar in the city, or Sirocco – also located above, in the bustling street. Or you can spend some quiet time on January 1 at Wat Pho – where the Buddha statue is located. Picture: Getty.
Dubai:
Burj Khalifa in Dubai is one of the most famous skyscrapers in the world. As 2022 draws to a close, Burj Khalifa holds the record as the tallest building in the world (823 m), crowds gather under the building to ring in the new year with a fantastic fireworks display. Not far away, Burj Plaza is a little quieter and popular with families. Dubai is building its reputation as a culinary destination, so you should go to restaurants like Orfali Bros or Baku Cafe… If you intend to shop, go to Dubai Mall – one of the largest shopping malls in the world. Picture: Getty.
Cape Town, South Africa:
Cape Town is one of the most beautifully located cities in Africa. New Year’s Eve fireworks make it even more spectacular. If you want to party, the Aztec-themed Alcazar will have 10 hours of performances on 3 stages, all located at the foot of Table Mountain. If you’re looking for places to dine, consider Pier, which has a vegetarian menu. It’s located on the banks of the Victoria & Albert Rivers – great spot to watch fireworks. Visit South Africa’s famous vineyards around Cape Town such as the Leeu Estates. Picture: Getty.
Rome, Italy:
For fireworks, head to Circus Maximus, an entertainment venue and chariot racing venue since ancient times, to see an impressive display with ancient banquet organizers from the glory years of the Roman Empire. There will be a Three Tenors concert on New Year’s Eve and again on New Year’s Eve at Caravita, an English-speaking Catholic church. If you don’t feel like partying, you can enjoy the music-leaning Rome Parade, featuring marching bands and more on New Year’s Day. Picture: Getty.
London, England:
London always makes headlines with its New Year’s Eve fireworks display, organised by the London Eye on the South Bank of the River Thames. Tickets for 2022 at the official staging area are sold out, but you can watch the fireworks for free from hilltops such as Primrose Hill, Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath, Greenwich Park and Alexandra Palace. You can also try finding a spot on bridges like the Millennium Bridge and the Southwark Bridge. Another vantage point is the river cruise, where you can enjoy the spectacle from the Thames. A traditional way to ring in the new year is to visit one of the oldest pubs in London, such as the Old Bell Tavern, which has been serving adult drinks since 1670. Picture: Getty.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:
If you want to ring in the new year with about 3 million people in the beach resort, head to Rio de Janeiro. The main gathering at Copacabana Beach, which starts before dark, traditionally features music and fireworks. If you want to party in classic Rio style, visit Jobi Bar. It’s a social institution in the city, open since the 1950s. Or maybe head to Vista Chinasa, a small Chinese temple that offers great panoramas. Picture: Getty.
New York, USA:
Times Square in Manhattan is the best place to celebrate New Year’s Eve in America. Even if you’re not there in person, you can still feel the buzz through television. If you don’t want to crowd Times Square with about 1 million other people, here are some other options: Grand Army Plaza, just off Prospect Park in Brooklyn; Resorts World Casino – the only casino in the city; The Bronx Public – less than 1.6 km from Van Cortlandt Park. Image: Getty.
Las Vegas, USA:
Vegas lights up year-round, but it goes out on New Year’s Eve. The Strip is closed to traffic, and pedestrians will be able to attend a festival worthy of Vegas. At midnight, many casinos launch an impressive barrage of fireworks from the rooftops of buildings. You can watch the show from the top of the Stratosphere tower. The Sugar Ray and Sugar Hill Gang will be buzzing in late 2022 at the Fremont Street Time of Your Life Festival. Picture: Getty