Where will you spend New Year's Eve? : Rooftop Views

Rooftop Views

Where will you spend New Year's Eve?

This is a constant problem for us - where to spend this holiday. The good folks at aboutmen.com have prepared the following list so we don't have to stress about it anymore:

Number 10 Hawaii
Whether part of an all-inclusive package or on your own, there is a lot to do in Hawaii during New Year’s. You can book a nightlong cruise from Waikiki as well, where a nightclub atmosphere and live band can be found on a luxury yacht. As midnight approaches, those onboard will have a great view of the New Year’s Eve fireworks. Must-do: Try to get tickets to a Hawaiian gala, where traditional New Year’s practices are mixed with good old-fashioned fun.

Number 9 Vienna
In the capital of Austria, substitute nightlong dance raves with dignified balls, and loud club music with the world’s best symphonies. The Old World city comes alive by offering the Kaiserball at the Hofburg Palace on New Year’s Eve.   Must-see: On New Year’s Eve, the Vienna Philharmonic puts on a concert at the great Musikverein hall.

Number 8 Madeira
On this Portuguese island you can rent out a villa and soak up the atmosphere and beaches, or join the populace in watching Madeira’s famous fireworks and outdoor parties. Instead of, or along with, champagne, try the famous fortified wines, as well as the Poncha and Nikita cocktails.   Must-do: Prior to the festivities, eat out and try Madeira’s local dishes, like black swordfish and espetada (meat brochettes).

Number 7 Goa
Aside from privacy, great beaches and idyllic scenery, the resorts and hotels in Goa will treat you like royalty. Holiday packages include complimentary tours of the state, planned New Year’s events for those who want to mingle and several amenities to make you and your significant other more comfortable.   Must-see: Baga Beach and a drink at Tito’s, Goa’s most popular nightclub.

Number 6 Tokyo
For New Year’s, two different but equally fun opportunities present themselves in Japan’s greatest city. Traditionalists enjoy visiting Tokyo’s Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples to celebrate in style and pray for good luck in the New Year. Amazing festivals are held in these shrines, replete with music and dancers dressed in ornate costumes.
Must-see: On January 2nd, the Imperial Palace is open to the public. You can tour the grounds and catch a glimpse of Japan’s Emperor.

Number 5 Morocco
When the champagne-filled parties get old, it’s time to consider something completely different. Certain Moroccan tour companies organize desert tours for New Year’s, where travelers get to spend the memorable night in an incredible oasis. You can stay in the ancient city of Ouarzazate, then move out into the Sahara and experience a nomadic lifestyle with the natives.
Must-see: After midnight, catch the bonfire and nomadic dances, which help transform the desert into an outdoor dancehall.

Number 4 Sydney
Visit Sydney’s most popular spot on New Year’s—the Harbor Bridge, where people come in droves to watch an impressive display of fireworks that starts over the water at the stroke of midnight. If you can’t get on the bridge, sit on the steps of the legendary Sydney Opera House. Better yet, book a private charter boat for the night and observe the action from the water.
Must-do: Prior to partying, grab a window seat in one of Sydney’s high-rise restaurants to get a view of the city’s activities while dining on great food.

Number 3 Las Vegas
Want to gamble your money away, live in luxury and see the stars? Then hit Sin City for the ultimate bash. The standard Vegas activities are revamped for New Year’s Eve, as the strip is closed to traffic after 5 p.m. and is transformed into an enormous block party. As an added bonus, you’re likely to spot as many street performers as you do celebrities.
Must-see: The fireworks at midnight, which are best seen in front of Caesars Palace’s Forum Shops or on the observation deck of the Stratosphere.

Number 2 Cape Town
There’s a lot to see and do in this diverse, vibrant South African metropolis. Cape Town holds a New Year’s carnival, attracting 80,000 enthusiastic tourists and locals. This festival entertains in every aspect, offering great food, music and shows all night long.   Aside from the carnival, outdoor concerts, fireworks and a hospitable atmosphere in most restaurants mean you can find something to do in every corner.   Must-see: The V&A Waterfront is Cape Town’s fine harbor area and a great place to grab a drink and watch traditional African song and dance in the many lounges nearby.

Number 1 Rio de Janeiro
Rio is a party city all year-round, so imagine the ruckus that occurs when it’s time to ring in the New Year. Copacabana Beach serves as the setting for many of the outdoor parties, where in accordance with tradition, 2 million partiers are usually all dressed in white.   Must-do: At the stroke of midnight, celebrate by going for a dip in the ocean.