New Year's Eve 2018: Eight of the best places to celebrate

Whether you want to party all night or be in bed before the clock chimes, we've got you covered this New Year's Eve

Night owl or early riser - we've found the best ways to see in 2019 (istock)

New Year’s Eve: love it or loathe it, it’s coming. Drinking overpriced plonk in a sweaty and squashed bar doesn’t have to be your only option. From doing the downward dog to daytime raving, here are the best events around the world to see in 2019 in style.

Best for: yogis

Recharge your batteries ahead of the New Year (iStock) (istock)

If you’re looking to start the New Year with good intentions, escape to the beautiful Cornish coastline for a relaxing and restorative yoga retreat. It's based in St Agnes, the filming location for BBC series Poldark. Guests begin their day with a silent walk in the surrounding countryside before participating in two hours of energising yoga. If you haven’t reached peak zen by this point, soak your weary bones in the hot tub or enjoy a massage before two hours of pre-dinner restorative yoga, followed by a two-course vegetarian meal.

Best for: ridiculous fireworks

Fireworks over Sydney Harbour (iStock) (istock)

One of the best New Year’s Eve fireworks displays in the world, the annual pyrotechnics extravaganza at Sydney Harbour is attended by more than a million people and televised around the world. An aerial display, light parade, water display, family fireworks and a purification ceremony conducted by indigenous Australian elders kick-off the main midnight display, but festivities begin at 6pm. Even better still, it’s free to attend.

Best for: feasting

Enjoy some of the world's best fine dining at Eleven Madison Park (iStock) (istock)

Foodies in the know will be familiar with New York’s Eleven Madison Park, which won the much sought-over accolade of best restaurant in the world in 2017. This year, although it’s dropped down the list to number four, it continues to serve some of the most innovative new American cuisine inside a grand former bank that overlooks Madison Square Park. This New Year’s Eve, diners can indulge in a nine-course tasting menu, including a champagne toast at midnight – the ultimate treat for fans of fine dining.

Best for: party animals

Reach for the lasers at Berlin's 24-hour rave (iStock) (istock)

If a few glasses of bubbly and a kitchen disco just don’t cut it for you, consider heading to Berlin, where music and festival promoters HYTE have confirmed a 24-hour party at Funkhaus Berlin. The stellar line-up includes techno legends Richie Hawton and Adam Beyer, plus newer faces such as Amelie Lens, who are playing in the former broadcasting house of the state radio GDR. The music starts at 6pm on New Year’s Eve and continues for 24 long hours. Prepare to sweat.

Best for: sun worshippers

Let the sun ease your aching head at Copacabana beach (istock)

With an average December temperature of around 40 degrees Celsius, Rio de Janeiro is an ideal destination for winter sun. Every New Year’s Eve, the city’s Copacabana beach hosts around two million people keen to shimmy and samba their way into the New Year on the 2.5 mile stretch of golden sand. While it’s traditional to wear white for the festivities, it frequently gets messy, with copious amounts of fizz and rum being thrown around, so dress accordingly. Spend the first day of 2019 soaking up the rays with the sound of the sea ringing in your ears, perfect for soothing the fiercest of sore heads.

Best for: traditionalists

St Peter's Basilica in Rome at sunset (iStock) (istock)

Rome is wonderful any time of year, but particularly at Christmas. On New Year’s Eve, huge crowds gather outside the Basilica of St Peter in Vatican City for Papal Vespers and Te Deum at 5pm, while others congregate in St Peter’s Square where seasonal music plays. The following day, the Pope will make his annual noon address in St Peter’s Square, which can accommodate up to 80,000 people. Rome’s annual New Year’s Day parade, which incorporates music, dancers and marching bands, also begins at 3.30pm at the Piazza del Popolo.

Best for: making new friends

New Year's Eve in Barcelona, 2016 (Getty)

Many cities around the world host New Year’s street parties, but they're not Barcelona. Known as Nochevieja, Spanish New Year traditions include wearing red underwear, eating a single grape for all 12 chimes that peal to mark the New Year and dropping a gold ring into your toasting glass of bubbly, customs that are believed to bring good luck for the year ahead. Crowds gather on the Plaça d’Espanya to watch the midnight firework display and socialise with revellers, young and old.

Best for: those seeking a challenge – and solitude

Rediscover the great outdoors this New Year (iStock) (istock)

If you’re equally sick of mince pies and familial politics, take some time out with an invigorating trek up the Merrick, southern Scotland’s highest mountain. At just over 800 metres, this peak offers views of the Lake District and Ireland on a clear day. At this time of year, the weather can change quickly, however, so ensure you have the correct walking equipment, check the weather before setting out and let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.

With the average sunset occurring at just past 4pm throughout December, explorers can wrap up warm and look skywards: the Galloway Forest is a top-tier dark sky park, offering ideal conditions for stargazing. Book a cosy cabin in this remote part of the world and see in the New Year with a new perspective.