Spending the New Year’s outside of your country, experiencing new traditions, and celebrating the calendar’s shift to January 1st in a (insert a country name) way – sounds like a great deal, right? At the same time, traveling overseas to spend the New Year’s might sound like a hassle and a challenge for your bank account. What if we told you that you don’t need to splurge an extravagant amount of money to spend NYE overseas yet enjoying it at the fullest? Our expert travelers and local hosts have noted several cheap New Year destinations that you can check out for 2026. And yes, a full few-days vacation can cost than less than €500 in these places!
Cheap New Year Destinations – Summary
- Malaga, Spain
- Warsaw, Poland
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Budapest, Hungary
- Porto, Portugal
- Umbria, Italy
- Malta
- Andorra
- Mexico
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Taipei, Taiwan
- Sri Lanka
1. Malaga, Spain
Best for: New Year’s countdown on the beach and doing the viral 12 grapes ritual in its original country
Spain’s Costa del Sol might be the equivalent of ‘boujee’, but not every city shrinks your wallet! The sunny city of Malaga showcases the budget-friendly yet fun-filled side of the region. Malaga is the second-largest city in Spain’s Andalusian region, a place where the mountain and the sea meets. Being Andalusian, Malaga features a myriad of beautiful Moorish-styled buildings, Alhambra-like fortresses, and fascinating art museums. It is also fringed by Playa de Malagueta, a public beach which the locals relax on after work or with a picnic. Thanks to TripLeader Tajana, a local host in Malaga, we learned that you can stay for four days in Malaga to spend the New Year’s for €495.
Malaga is not Spain’s cheapest city, but here is some tips from Tajana that makes the budget work. You can benefit from Malaga’s free attractions, such as Malagueta Beach, Gibralfaro viewing point, and Contemporary Art Center. Then, food and drinks are generally cheap in Malaga. You can save some money by browsing through Atrazanas Market and grab some local food there. Last but not least, Malaga’s center – Centro – offers free fireworks shows and vibrant atmosphere as the countdown begins.
2. Warsaw, Poland
Best for: Budget-friendly and underrated party scenes
After TripLeader Christian’s last winter trip to Warsaw, we discovered that the capital of Poland offers a crazy party scene. Besides numerous big open-air parties, many clubs and bars also open their doors. Especially interesting for tourists is the Warsaw Hard Rock Café. Here, every year, a New Year’s Eve party is celebrated only for visitors. Outside these locations, however, one has to enjoy the party soberly as in Poland there is a strict ban on alcohol in public. But the open-air events are still worthwhile with live performances by Polish artists and breathtaking light and pyrotechnic shows.
3. Prague, Czech Republic
Best for: Dreamy fireworks scene over a big river
Known as a cheap party stronghold in Europe and therefore perfect for cheap New Year trips is Prague. But the capital of the Czech Republic has so much more to offer! Since the Middle Ages, it has been known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Its nicknames like “the golden city” or “the mother of all cities” do not come just from anywhere. Prague opens the new year with a huge fireworks display at Letná Park, which can be admired from many bridges and viewpoints.
4. Budapest, Hungary
Best for: Thermal baths and lively nightlife
Budapest in winter feels straight out of a storybook—warm golden lights, stunning bridges, and cozy cafés everywhere you turn. New Year’s Eve along the Danube is especially magical, with fireworks lighting up the Parliament Building and boats cruising the river. The city’s famous ruin bars offer a mix of quirky atmospheres and budget-friendly drinks, perfect for a fun night out. Add cheap public transport, wallet-friendly meals, and the chance to warm up in iconic thermal baths, and you get one of Europe’s most charming year-end escapes.
5. Porto, Portugal
There’s always something going on in Porto on the last evening of the year. There are free concerts on the main streets and squares of the city and countless smaller street parties. So, this will be a cheap holiday New Year getaway without expensive fees at the entrances to clubs and bars. In addition, you can get in touch with locals so quickly and easily and experience an unforgettable New Year’s Eve. The biggest street party takes place on the Avenida dos Aliados in front of the town hall. At midnight there is a crowning finale with fireworks on the river, which can be admired from many points of the city. If you don’t want to go home afterwards, you will surely find shelter in one of Porto’s nightclubs, where dancing continues until dawn.
6. Umbria, Italy
Best for: Cozy countryside celebrations
Umbria delivers a peaceful and authentic Italian New Year without the crowds or high seasonal prices of neighboring Tuscany. Picture rolling hills, medieval hilltop towns, and stone farmhouses offering warm hospitality. Travelers can spend their days wandering through Perugia, Assisi, or Spoleto, tasting regional winter dishes like truffle pasta and hearty stews. The local celebrations feel intimate—town squares host live music, markets, and small but festive firework shows. It’s ideal if you want a meaningful, slow-paced start to the year with plenty of good food and beautiful scenery.
7. Malta
Best for: Mild winter sun and Mediterranean nightlife
Malta is a top choice if you’re chasing sunshine instead of snow. December and January bring pleasant temperatures perfect for exploring Valletta’s historic streets, coastal viewpoints, and colorful fishing villages. New Year’s Eve celebrations take over the capital with open-air concerts, market stalls, and fireworks over the Grand Harbour. Budget travelers can enjoy lower hotel prices thanks to the winter off-season, and public buses make it cheap and easy to explore the island. With a mix of culture, nightlife, and warm weather, Malta offers a refreshing way to end the year.
8. Andorra
Best for: Affordable skiing and mountain views
Hidden in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, Andorra is a winter playground that doesn’t cost a fortune. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy vast runs in Grandvalira and Vallnord, often at prices significantly lower than major Alpine resorts. After a day on the slopes, the villages come alive with cozy bars, hearty mountain food, and cheerful crowds gearing up for midnight. Even non-skiers will love the snowy landscapes and scenic viewpoints. For travelers who want an active New Year with crisp winter air and festive energy, Andorra is a fantastic pick.
9. Mexico
Best for: Sunshine, fiestas, and cultural variety
Mexico stands out for offering both vibrant city celebrations and laid-back beach escapes, making it one of the most versatile cheap New Year destinations. In Mexico City, plazas buzz with fireworks, food stalls, and live music, while cultural attractions remain affordable and easy to explore. Along the coast, whether in Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta, or the Riviera Maya, you’ll find beach parties, warm weather, and budget-friendly stays ranging from hostels to small guesthouses. The food scene is a highlight too: tacos, tamales, and street snacks that are delicious and inexpensive.
10. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Best for: Culture, night markets, and a relaxed vibe
Chiang Mai offers a calm yet festive atmosphere perfect for travelers seeking a meaningful year-end experience. The city’s temples hold peaceful ceremonies and blessings, while night markets fill the streets with food, crafts, music, and color. Rooftop restaurants provide gorgeous mountain views for countdown celebrations, and the cool December weather makes exploring the Old City especially pleasant. Prices for accommodation, food, and transport are significantly lower than Thailand’s beach destinations, so you can celebrate freely without stressing about your budget.
11. Taipei, Taiwan
Best for: Foodies and iconic fireworks
Taipei bursts with energy at the end of the year, thanks to its world-famous Taipei 101 fireworks show—the centerpiece of New Year’s Eve celebrations. During the day, the city is an adventure for food lovers, with endless night markets offering everything from bubble tea to grilled seafood. Hot springs in Beitou or Yangmingshan are perfect for a warm-up before the evening festivities. Public transport is efficient and cheap, making it easy to explore temples, viewpoints, and trendy neighborhoods. Taipei gives you the excitement of a major city without overwhelming costs.
12. Sri Lanka
Best for: Tropical nature and adventure
Sri Lanka offers warm weather, lush landscapes, and impressive cultural sites—ideal for those looking to escape winter and start the year somewhere relaxing. December and January are peak weather months, giving you sunny skies perfect for surfing in Weligama, hiking in Ella, or exploring ancient ruins in Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa. Accommodation ranges from beachfront huts to boutique guesthouses, all fairly affordable, and local food is flavorful and inexpensive. With its mix of beaches, wildlife, and culture, Sri Lanka makes for a rejuvenating and budget-friendly start to the new year.