Many things are now more expensive than a year before: gas prices, food prices, interest rates… and the list goes on. With the costs of everything increasing, money is tight for most of us now. But if you’re still eager to bid farewell to the financially testing year of 2022, you’ve come to the right place!
There are many affordable New Year’s destinations, so your turn-of-the-year holiday won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Depending on your budget, you can spend the last hours of the year chilling in a remote cabin, skiing at a resort town, or partying on a beautiful beach.
No matter what your ideal New Year’s Eve looks like, we’ll help you find a place that truly matches your needs and desires. Without further ado, here are 8 budget-friendly New Year’s destinations!
1. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is the place to be for a great party. From December 30th to January 1st, there are three days of street festivals and live music. The Edinburgh Hogmanay Street party — which costs £27.50 per ticket — is world famous, with an estimated 30,000 people taking to the streets with LED wristbands to enjoy delicious food, live DJ sets, fairground rides, and fireworks.
If you’re not really into parties, the fireworks can be viewed from all across the city, so you don’t have to actually buy tickets for that. Those who don’t feel like attending a large-scale event like this have many other options, such as bars and pubs — but you’ll likely need to book in advance.
Edinburgh isn’t just about parties. If you want to also do some sightseeing in addition to partying, there are many free activities and sights too.
2. Vienna, Austria
If you’re looking for a New Year’s couple’s trip abroad with a touch of style, then you should choose Vienna. The flights here are always reasonably priced, and there are many accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes.
If you want something dynamic, head to the old town that hosts the main New Year’s event, the annual Silversterpfad. Translated as New Year’s Eve Trail, the place is jam-packed with parties, music, and food (lots of sausages!). At exactly midnight, you’ll hear Pummerin, the famous, massive bell in St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which only chimes on special occasions.
But spending New Year’s Eve in Vienna isn’t just about crazy parties. If you fancy indulging in some culture, this wonderful city also comes with its own special activities like theater, opera, and classical concerts available to almost anyone.
3. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is one of the most affordable New Year’s destinations that satisfies the senses. While many consider this city a summer destination, it’s actually a great place to visit all year too.
The easiest way to satisfy your tastebuds is to head to the iconic Timeout Food Market, where you can try a wide variety of delicacies such as the famous Pasteis de Nata (Portuguese custard tarts).
After this, you can wind your way across the city’s streets toward the waterfront, where lots of parties are held and fireworks light up the midnight sky.
If you don’t fancy spending New Year’s Eve in a crowded space, Lisbon has plenty of other options available. Most restaurants provide lengthy multi-course dinners that last several hours and continue past midnight, obviously with a break to ring in the New Year.
4. Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava is probably not the first destination that comes to mind when you think of where to go for a budget-friendly New Year’s city break, but this lovely city is affordable to get to and offers a great price-quality ratio.
From lunchtime on the 31st, the gorgeous medieval old town of the city transforms into one big part, with family-friendly festivities kicking off the celebrations. From a wide selection of traditional activities to more dynamic events, the streets come alive with singing and dancing.
Or you can simply book a table at a restaurant and spend some quality time with your family or friends. Later, join the crowds celebrating the last minutes of the year and watch the dazzling firework display.
5. Dubrovnik, Croatia
This wonderful Croatian city has become one of the most popular places to celebrate New Year’s Eve, especially for those who don’t want to spend a fortune on their trip. Make sure to stop by the Stradun district, where you’ll find some of the best restaurants and bars. This is also the place where you’ll get the chance to see some of the most iconic spots in the city.
The unique treat will be the New Year Eve’s special concert held by the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra. From remarkable classical compositions performed by famous local artists to the city’s medieval vibe, Dubrovnik is an awesome destination that you won’t regret choosing.
6. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Located in the mountainous region of the island, Ubud is considered the center of arts and crafts in Bali. This town is still undiscovered, which is great for those who don’t enjoy visiting a crowded, busy city. In fact, Ubud is a great destination.
All the tourism infrastructure is well established here: there are lots of accommodation options from hotels and villas, the locals speak fluent English, and there’s a wide range of meal choices, from authentic local Balinese food to vegan organic meals.
The best of all? The costs are still relatively affordable compared to other cities on the island. Whether you want to see Balinese dance performances (you’ll want to try it too, so bring your dance shoes with you) or just chill at a beach restaurant, Ubud has some great options for New Year’s Eve.
7. New York
The Times Square Ball Drop is definitely one of the world’s most famous parties (although crowded and slightly cliche), so it’s worth checking off your bucket list. The tradition of lowering the ball has existed since the first celebration in 1907 and is now a symbol of welcoming the New Year in New York.
Excited revelers gather to watch the fireworks, listen to live music, and see the iconic ball getting lowered surrounded by the dazzling lights of Times Square.
If you’re searching for something else, you may want to head to the Brooklyn Bridge, where you can watch the city’s fireworks from another viewpoint. And yes, there are also plenty of amazing rooftop events and private parties to enjoy, but keep in mind that these tend to be more expensive options.
8. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik may be exactly what you need if you want to spend New Year’s Eve in an authentic place. With no state-run festivities happening (there’s a seasonal short break), the people of Iceland’s capital take charge and are responsible for all the celebrations.
They all pull out all the stops, so you’ll see around 200,000 folks (pretty much everyone who lives in the city) gathering in the streets at 11:35 p.m. dressed in sparkly outfits and snow boots. Oh, and they are also responsible for the fireworks display: they bring their own fireworks, which they let off themselves.
Iceland is a destination best experienced outside, so expect lots of snow and stunning frozen waterfalls, and make sure you don’t miss the stunning geothermal Blue Lagoon to soothe your hangover.
You may also want to read The 10 Best Christmas Destinations Across the World!
