Time Out named the best city in Europe to celebrate New Year 2026. Find out whose capital beat Berlin and Milan and why

There are only a few weeks left until New Year 2026, which means only one thing - it's time to finally decide where you will celebrate the first seconds of next year. If you are looking for a city with maximum atmosphere, loud parties and bright traditions, the answer is already there.

According to Time Out, the best city in Europe to celebrate the New Year is Madrid, Spain.

Planning to celebrate the New Year in Europe? Our travel guide contains the best destinations and tips for travelers. Find out how to prepare for a winter trip abroad: documents, transport, accommodation and current entry rules - all in one place.

Why Madrid?

Travel journalist and writer Dana Camilleri Clark, who spent New Year's Eve in 10 different European cities, called the Spanish capital her undisputed favorite.

According to her, in Madrid, New Year's Eve is not just a few hours of celebration, but an all-night party. Midnight here is just a “warm-up” before long dances, music and a festive atmosphere that lasts until the morning.

A nice bonus is the second countdown at 1:00 am, when Madrid symbolically celebrates the New Year together with the Canary Islands. Such an experience can not be had in every city in Europe.

According to statistics, among foreign guests to Madrid, the largest number of tourists come from the USA, France and Canada.

Where do the main celebrations take place in Madrid?

Puerta del Sol square traditionally becomes the epicenter of New Year's events. It is here that thousands of people gather to count the seconds until midnight.

At the same time, almost all restaurants, bars and clubs in the city organize their own themed parties - from intimate celebrations to large-scale night raves. So everyone can choose a format to their liking.

A tradition you can’t do without

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Madrid is not just about parties, it’s also about ancient traditions. The most famous of these is Las doce uvas de la suerte, or the 12 lucky grapes.

According to Spanish custom, at exactly midnight, you need to eat one grape with each stroke of the clock to ensure good luck for all 12 months of the coming year. The task is not easy, but that’s part of the festive excitement.

Tip from Dana Clark: don’t leave buying grapes to the last minute, because they sell out extremely quickly on New Year’s Eve.

Which other cities have become the best for celebrating the New Year 2026?

Berlin, Germany took second place – the city is known for its large-scale open-air parties and club culture. Tourists from the UK, Switzerland, South Korea and Japan enjoy such trips.

Milan, Italy was ranked third. Here, celebrations are more subdued, with an emphasis on gastronomy, concerts and classical events, rather than dance electronic music. New Year's Eve in Italy is popular with travelers from the UK, China and Japan.

Each of these cities has its own charm, but Madrid, Spain, according to Time Out, offers the brightest and most energetic New Year's Eve celebration in Europe.

If you are planning to celebrate the New Year abroad and travel independently, without travel agents or intermediaries, then the travel guide from Visit World is a convenient checklist and step-by-step instructions for travelers, which contains all the key information for a trip to the chosen country.

In the guide, you will find current requirements for obtaining a tourist visa, rules for visa-free travel, permitted periods of stay and practical advice that will help you avoid mistakes when planning a trip.

After completing the guide, all information will be sent to your email in PDF format in a few minutes - convenient, fast and always at hand.

Plan your New Year's trip without any hassle - choose a travel guide from Visit World and get all the latest information in a few minutes.

Recall! We have already mentioned that Lonely Planet has also selected the 9 best cities in Europe for celebrating the New Year 2026. Fireworks, festivals, music, gastronomy - which place is ideal for a winter trip.

Photo - eleconomista.es

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