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How to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Berlin? Best Ideas for a Memorable Experience
Berlin is a popular destination year-round and is known for its impressive nightlife. New Year’s Eve is especially popular in the city, and it seems like everyone visiting or living in Berlin is looking for the best way to spend their last night of the year. From visiting iconic landmarks to participating in themed parties, there is an endless array of activities and experiences on offer. In this guide, we share the best ideas to help you plan an exciting and unique New Year’s Eve in Berlin.
1. Visit the Iconic Brandenburg Gate as Fireworks Explode Around It
No New Year’s Eve in Berlin is complete without visiting the iconic Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor). As firework displays erupt around it, thousands of people gather to take in the spectacle and mark the start of a new year. Be prepared for a large crowd, as people from across the country flock to the landmark to take part in the festivities at midnight. Despite the throngs of people, the energy and atmosphere is usually electrifying and joyful.
If you are looking for a more intimate experience, there are plenty of vantage points for watching the fireworks from. The Schlossbrücke bridge offers an unobstructed view and is just 200 meters away; or if you want to stay close to the action, try the footpaths around Platz des 18 März. Both spots are great choices and you’ll get magnificent views of the colorful fireworks illuminating the historic Brandenburger Tor.
2. Lose Yourself at Huge Street Parties and Firework Celebrations
New Year’s Eve in Berlin comes alive with parties and gatherings all around the city. One of the largest and most popular street parties takes place at “Party Mile” (Partymeile) near Brandenburg Gate. Along with live music and street performances, people assemble along a one-kilometer stretch of road and watch spectacular fireworks from different locations. Visitors from around Europe flock to this area, so it’s a great spot for meeting new people and enjoying midnight beverages with friends. If you are still looking for more nightlife experiences, there are plenty of clubs and bars located nearby as well.
Berliners also have a special event known simply as “The Heavens Open” (den Himmel öffnen). At 11:45 pm on New Year’s Eve, a 3–4 minute-long firework show of over 1,000 shots begins. It’s attended by a few thousand locals who huddle around on the historic Friedrichstrasse and Unter den Linden boulevards, so expect huge crowds and limited seating options. Make sure you arrive early to get a good spot!
3. Go Sightseeing and Take in All of Berlin’s Sights
As one of Europe’s most exciting cities, there are plenty of places to visit that won’t be buzzing with big crowds. On New Year’s Eve it’s especially fun to explore all of Berlin’s fantastic sights and get lost in its cobblestoned streets. Pick up some hot drinks, don some warm winter clothing, and be sure to bring your camera if you want to capture some stunning photos. A few great spots include; the Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) near Museum Island (Museumsinsel), Alexanderplatz market near Marienkirche church, or the illuminated Kurfürstendamm Boulevard at Christmas time. As an added bonus, Berlin’s tourist-friendly trams (U-bahn) operate late into the night, so you don’t have to worry about making your way back home before midnight.
4. Experience a Themed Dinner & Party
If you want to celebrate the night while enjoying some mouthwatering food with friends, there are plenty of places offering special dinners and parties tailored for New Year’s Eve celebrations. For a cozy evening, check out Restaurant Reinstoff which offers a six-course dinner menu from their “Art of Dining” concept menu. It has been rated “excellent” by multiple reviewers on TripAdvisor who have praised its friendly staff, seasonally inspired dishes, and incredible atmosphere. Additionally, many lively bars and clubs offer food options too, such as Burg Schnabel which features hearty German cuisine accompanied by live DJs and dances.
5. Take a Crawl Along Berlin’s Bars & Pubs
Berlin has experienced a rise in popularity as one of Europe’s top party capitals with clubs, cocktail bars, and pubs situated all around town. And what better way to experience Berlin than through a pub crawl? If you are up for the challenge, you can join a New Year’s Eve tour to ease you into the atmosphere before midnight strikes. GetYourGuide’s tour brings visitors to three different bars over four hours with free shots upon entry and free beers throughout the crawl. Best of all, if you’re feeling wild you can take part in fun challenges like beer pong or forfeit games at each bar –the perfect way to begin your night in fabulous Berlin!
Conclusion
No matter how you decide to spend your final night of the year in Berlin, it certainly promises an exhilarating experience full of sightseeing and entertainment. From joining street parties near Brandenburg Gate to exploring the nightlife on pub crawls; there’s something for everyone during New Year’s Eve celebrations! Get ready to bring in 2020 with style and join thousands of travelers in one of Europe’s most memorable cities!
And don’t forget to book with GetYourGuide’s Berlin New Year’S Eve Pub Crawl with Drinks for an unforgettable time!
