Bratislava, Slovakia

Why visit: New Year’s Eve in Bratislava is as unpretentious as it gets—though the black-tie balls of Vienna are just an hour away. The Slovak capital’s medieval era city hosts more than 10,000 people for concert events, open-air dance parties, and a fireworks show over the Danube River. It’s divided into a “live performance area” for those extra interested in live neighborhood entertainment and “celebration zones” for socializing. Jumbo monitors broadcast the celebrations in different international capital cities. Just be prepared: New Year’s Eve here’s a noisy affair, as traditions dictate the use of a rehtacka, or wood noisemaker, to ward off the terrible electricity of the past year.

Where to stay: The contemporary two-room suites at Penzion Virgo in Bratislava’s old city come with double beds, kitchenettes, non-public terraces, wi-fi, and continental breakfast—for a reasonable rate. penzionvirgo.sk