How to win New Year’s Eve in 7 global party cities

The world is getting closer to welcoming another new year (and decade!) and saying goodbye to the current one—with a bang. Major cities across the globe will be turning into party centrals, so get your noisemakers ready and join in the fun. Here is how to properly bid farewell to the old and ring in the new in 7 cities around the world.

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Berlin

How to say cheers: Prost!
Local drink: Sekt, Riesling, Schnapps, Berliner Weiss beer
Iconic party: Tiergarten, between the Brandenburg Gate and the Siegessäule (Victory Column), where bands and DJs will perform at this mile-long, open-air nighttime party. At midnight, a huge fireworks display brightens up the night sky.
Estimated attendance: 1 million
Average cost of a four-star hotel room nearby: $300
Where to Stay: Maritim proArte Hotel, The Mandala Suites, Hotel Gendarm Nouveau, Scandic Berlin Kurfürstendamm

Sydney

How to say cheers: Cheers, mate!
Local drink: Victoria Bitter, Hunter Valley Shiraz
Iconic party: Sydney Harbour Bridge. Highlights include: “Welcome to Country,” performed by indigenous Australian elders, to cleanse Sydney Harbour of any bad spirits. A family-minded fireworks display from four barges and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Harbour of Light Parade will brings forth ships and vessels of all sizes. At midnight, fireworks light up the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.
Estimated attendance: 1.5 million
Average cost of a four-star hotel room nearby: $611
Where to stay: Holiday Inn Old Sydney the Rocks, Travelodge Wynyard, Metro Hotel on Pitt, Sydney Harbour Bed & Breakfast

New York City

How to say cheers: Cheers!
Local drink: Local beer by Brooklyn Brewery, Threes Brewing, or Heartland Brewery
Iconic party: The dropping of the Waterford Crystal ball in Times Square
Estimated attendance: 1 million
Average cost of a four-star hotel room nearby:  $1,751
Where to stay: Paramount Times Square, Row NYC, Club Quarters Hotel Midtown, W New York Times Square, New York Marriott Marquis

Las Vegas

How to say cheers: Cheers!
Local drink: The Fink Bomb at Frankie’s Tiki Room; the Dreamland in a souvenir glass from the Purple Zebra at LINQ
Iconic party: The Las Vegas Strip closes to traffic and turns into one giant block party with a choreographed fireworks display at midnight.
Estimated attendance: 300,000
Average cost of a four-star hotel room nearby: $466
Where to stay: MGM Grand, Park MGM, The Cosmopolitan, Paris Las Vegas, The Venetian

London

How to say cheers: Cheers!
Local drink: A glass of sparkling wine; beers like ales and bitters
Iconic party: A large fireworks display on the Thames River, near the London Eye, including Big Ben’s famous chimes at midnight. Advance tickets required.
Estimated attendance: The ticketed event will attract 100,000+, but tens of thousands more will watch the fireworks.
Average cost of a four-star hotel room nearby: $600
Where to stay: St. James Court, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London, The Royal Horseguards

Cape Town

People standing in front of colorful Firework

How to say cheers: Gesondheid in Afrikaans or Awe in the African vernacular
Local drink: SAB Castle Lager, Rooibos tea, Amarula, Jerepigo; for New Year’s Eve: a sparking wine called Methode Cap Classique, which is produced in the country’s Western Cape province.
Iconic party: Festivities and fireworks are held at the Victoria & Albert Waterfront at the foot of Table Mountain. The party features multiple entertainment zones with live bands, fire dancers, magical nymphs and a towering pirate ship make their way to the Waterfront. There will also be live music performances from South African stars as well as a variety of food trucks.
Estimated attendance: 180,000+
Average cost of a four-star hotel room nearby: $300
Where to stay: Southern Sun The Cullinan, Protea Hotel Fire & Ice by Marriott Cape Town, Rockwell All Suite Hotel & Apartments, Strand Tower Hotel

Rio de Janeiro

How to say Cheers: Saude
Local drink: Caipirinha
Iconic party: Copacabana Beach. A major stage with shows leads up to the countdown. There will be fireworks at midnight, with people heading to the beach to make their offerings to Yemanja, an ocean goddess.
Estimated attendance: 2 million
Average cost of a four-star hotel room nearby: $646
Where to stay: Arena Copacabana Hotel, Caesar Park Rio de Janeiro Ipanema Managed by Sofitel, Pestana Rio Atlantica, Marina Palace Rio Leblon

Tagged: Africa, Asia, Australia, Brazil, China, Europe, Germany, Las Vegas, Latin America, London, New York