Picture this – the clock strikes twelve and your calendar transforms from year 2015 to 2016. And at that very split second, the dark skies of every cosmopolitan city instantly lights up with colourful splashes of booming fireworks. There is truly no better way to welcome the New Year with your loved ones than with gorgeous fireworks display.

The premiums you pay for air tickets, hotels and whatnot will be totally worth it when you witness the sparks in the skies; it will be a memory etched to your heart forever.

From New York City’s iconic countdown party at Times Square to Sydney Harbour Bridge’s 12-minute display, here are the 8 Best Cities to Watch Fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

Source: Good WP

#1 AMSTERDAM

For the best views at touristy areas in Amsterdam, visitors will have to arrive early to secure the best spots. The crowd can get overwhelming and it is not advisable for those who are claustrophobic. The city’s quieter main canals pose as ideal alternative venues to view the fireworks erupt into magnificent streaks.

Source: Shutterstock

#2 BANGKOK

A major firework display awaits at Bangkok’s Central World Square. It is encouraged for eager participants to arrive at least two hours before midnight to guarantee better viewing spots. If you are after something more private and exclusive, dining by the riverside will still grant you an unrivalled view.

Source: Gary McGovern

#3 DUBAI

Global city Dubai boasts the biggest and tallest fireworks in the world. The jaw-dropping fireworks will take place and cascade over the world’s tallest infrastructure Burj Khalifa. It is so impressive that people from all walks of life actually fly to witness this fascinating display. Nightlife destinations and dining options are aplenty so go ahead and paint the town red!

Source: Vegas Good Buys

#4 LAS VEGAS

The reputation of Las Vegas has always been crazy – and it still is. The Las Vegas Strip will be closed and out of bounds for all vehicles, and the entire stretch evolves into a gigantic countdown party. Choreographed fireworks are launched by the big casinos at midnight and everything gets wilder from then. After the fireworks, head indoors for the most splendid parties at Las Vegas’ best nightclubs.

Source: London The Inside

#5 LONDON

Marvel at the spellbindingly beautiful fireworks spiralling across River Thames and you will soon find yourselves hopelessly enchanted by the incredible London city. However, do know that the best viewing areas actually do require admission tickets – choose your spot wisely as moving between the designated zones are prohibited during New Year’s Eve.

Source: Countdown Entertainment

#6 NEW YORK CITY

The annual countdown event at New York City’s Time Square requires some form of perseverance, but know that your patience would be rewarded when the entertaining party starts with a bang at 6pm. The famous Times Square Ball descends from 70 feet above when midnight strikes, and the skies will be illuminated by spectacular fireworks and colourful confetti.

Source: Paris Design Agenda

#7 PARIS

The City of Love does not need much convincing for travellers to visit. Paris, the most romanticised city in the world, indeed lives up to its hype. A glimpse of the fabulous fireworks and light showcase over the world-famous Eiffel Tower monument is simply indescribable and enough to have you raving on for years.

Source: Happy New Year

#8 SYDNEY

From restaurants to even Taronga zoo, everyone in Sydney gears up for the exciting New Year’s countdowns every year. The breathtaking 12-minute fireworks display makes a perfect backdrop for the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Rock up to a bar or board a deluxe cruise and spoil yourselves silly with an indulgent view.

If you haven’t booked your trip, it is still not too late to book your dream year-end holiday. Here are our picks for the Best Places To Travel In December.

Imagine dining with exquisite food while enjoying a panoramic view of Singapore’s stunning skyline. To make the moment even better, amazing fireworks greet you and they look beautiful against the cityscape.

The day is approaching and we suggest you make your reservations soon if you want to catch the fireworks. What is so special about this year? Singapore celebrates the 50th year of independence with the ‘SG50′ slogan. This year’s fireworks are the biggest and will be the most stunning ones to date!

Racking your brains on which restaurant to make your reservations at for this special day? Fret not, we have a list to share. Here are 15 Restaurants To Catch The Beautiful National Day Fireworks 2015!

#1 1-ALTITUDE

What can we say? Perched on top of One Raffles Place, you will get a first-class view of the fireworks for sure. Dining here will also mean you get an aerial view of the entire display too.

#62-01, One Raffles Place
1 Raffles Place
Singapore 048616
Tel: +65 6438 0410
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 12pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 6pm – 12 midnight
Sun Brunch: 12pm – 2.30pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

#2 CÉ LA VI

What used to be Ku De Ta is now a revamped Ce La Vi. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the city skyline, as well as the much anticipated SG50 National Day fireworks.

Marina Bay Sands
2 Bayfront Avenue
Singapore S018972
L57-01, North Sky Park
Tel: +65 6688 7688
Lunch (daily): 12pm – 3pm
Sun to Wed: 6pm – 11pm
Thu to Sat: 6pm – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

#3 EQUINOX

There is a reason why Equinox enjoys its popularity – sitting on level 69 of Swissotel The Stamford, this sexy spot offers a Modern European menu, and you can enjoy an uninterrupted fireworks show here.

Level 69, Equinox Complex
Swissotel The Stamford
Singapore 178882
Tel: +65 6837 3322
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30am
Sun: 11am – 2.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

#4 FORLINO

Forlino serves some of the best fine dining Italian food around. Indulge in mouth-watering pastas and elegant wines while enjoying the spectacular fireworks.

1 Fullerton Road
#02-06 One Fullerton
Tel: +65 6877 6995
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30 – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

#5 LANTERN

Lantern is a sexy bar sitting within The Fullerton Bay Hotel, and comes with a great view of our city’s skyline. Lantern’s great selection of cocktails and drinks will taste even better with the show.

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80 Collyer Quay
The Fullerton Bay Hotel
Singapore 049326
Tel: +65 6597 5299
Sun to Thu: 8am – 1am
Fri & Sat: 8am – 2am
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

#6 LEVEL 33

As the world’s highest urban craft-brewery, Level 33 is great for sipping on excellent craft beers, while enjoying an unobstructed view of the fireworks.

8 Marina Boulevard
#33-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1
Singapore 018981
Tel: +65 6834 3133
Mon to Wed: 11.30am – 12am
Thu to Sat: 11.30am – 2am
Sun: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Downtown

#7 ORGO BAR & RESTAURANT

Established in 2009, Orgo Bar & Restaurant is a rooftop bar at Esplanade which comes with an amazing view of the Marina Bay. Enjoy a cocktail while you watch the fireworks on National Day.

8 Raffles Ave
Esplanade
Singapore 039802
Tel: +65 6336 9366
Daily: 6pm – 2am
Nearest Station: City Hall/Esplanade

#8 OVEREASY

Book an outdoor seat at Overeasy as you will not be able to see the fireworks if you dine inside. OverEasy serves great American diner fare and has a wide selection of cocktails.

#01-06, One Fullerton
1 Fullerton Road
Singapore 049213
Tel: +65 9129 8484
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 1am
Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 4am
Sat: 5pm – 4am
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

#9 SKY ON 57

Helmed by the beloved Chef Justin Quek, experience a gastronomical journey like no other when you dine here. Perched on the 57th floor, you will also be treated to the perfect view of the fireworks.

#57-00, Marina Bay Sands
Sands Skypark Tower 1
10 Bayfront Avenue
Singapore 018956
Tel: +65 6688 8857
Daily: 6pm – 10.30pm (dinner)
Nearest Station: Bayfront

Source: The Fullerton Hotel

#10 THE LIGHTHOUSE

High up on the apex of Fullerton Hotel, this restaurant and rooftop bar is strategically located, so much so that you get a near-perfect view of the entire fireworks display.

#08-00, Fullerton Hotel
1 Fullerton Square
Singapore 049178
Tel: +65 6877 8933
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

#11 THE PELICAN

The Pelican is popular for their amazing happy hour promotions. Sit outside for the best view of the SG50 fireworks display.

1 Fullerton Road
#01-01, One Fullerton
Singapore 049214
Tel: +65 6438 0400
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sat: 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

#12 TÓNG LÈ PRIVATE DINING

Sitting within the revolving tower of OUE building, Tóng Lè Private Dining offers contemporary Chinese cuisine prepared by the team of highly-trained chefs, impeccable service by the team of polished wait staff, and a panoramic view of the Marina and Collyer Quay from the top.

60 Collyer Quay
Level 8 & 10 OUE Tower
Singapore 049322
Tel: +65 6634 3233
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

#13 ZAFFERANO

Another restaurant to consider if you have a taste for Italian food. With a chic rooftop bar, Zafferano makes a great option for some unwinding and fireworks.

10 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049315
Tel: +65 6509 1488
Mon to Wed: 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11.45pm
Thu & Fri: 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 1am
Sat: 5.30pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

There are many places where you can catch a glimpse of the fireworks, but they are more often than not packed with people who reserve their spots as early as the day before. We always prefer enjoying the spectacular display in comfort, and that is when we think of our favourite dining haunts which offer an unparalleled view all the same.

Here is our guide on waterfront restaurants to watch fireworks in Singapore.

Boathouse

Located at the historial Fullerton Waterboat House, Boathouse is an intimate restaurant to go for that special occasion. Enjoy a romantic dinner at the restaurant before heading up to Prelude – the rooftop bar on the third floor – for drinks and to enjoy the splendid view.

#03-01 The Fullerton Waterboat House
3 Fullerton Road
Tel: +65 6538 9038

Catalunya

In the past two years, we have seen the opening of many Spanish tapas restaurants, and among them, Catalunya at Fullerton Pavilion is one of the fanciest spots to go for a glass of sangria and some tapas. The kitchen is helmed by the team formerly from elBuli Restaurant in Spain, so you can be assured that the food is always excellent.

A meal at Catalunya is as much about the atmosphere and view as it is about the classic tapas it offers. It is perfect for a night’s out with your girlfriends, or a special date with your partner.

The Fullerton Pavillion
82 Collyer Quay
Tel: +65 6534 0188
Daily: 12pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

Forlino Italian Restaurant

Helmed by Chef Kentaro Torii (previously from Ochre restaurant), Forlino serves modern Italian cuisine with some Japanese touches. This is a place where you know everything will be perfect – romantic ambience, good Italian food, and a fantastic spot to admire the glittering Marina Bay skyline.

1 Fullerton Road
#02-06 One Fullerton
Tel: +65 6877 6995

Kinki Japanese Restaurant

Funky, playful and full of energy, Kinki Japanese Restaurant combines modern Japanese cuisine with an extensive drink list. The rooftop bar at the top of Customs House is one of the best vantage points to watch fireworks in Singapore.

70 Collyer Quay
#02-02 Customs House
Tel: +65 6533 3471

La Brasserie

What we love most about La Brasserie, other than its exquisite offerings, is that it is effortlessly chic and a gorgeous place to dine in. This restaurant at Fullerton Bay Hotel is a venue that works perfectly for all occasions – be it a business luncheon with work associates, a gathering with your pals, or a romantic date with your partner.

The outdoor dining area of La Brasserie offers a marvellous view of the entire Singapore skyline, making this the perfect place to watch fireworks.

80 Collyer Quay
The Fullerton Bay Hotel
Tel: +65 6597 5288

Lantern Rooftop Bar

With its prime spot at the top of The Fullerton Bay Hotel, the Lantern Bar is one of the best rooftop bars in Singapore which is an extremely popular after work drinks venue in Singapore. With an unobstructed view of the Marina Bay area, this is the best place to go for drinks and enjoy the beautiful fireworks on festive occasions.

80 Collyer Quay
The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6597 5299

Orgo Bar Esplanade

Located on top of The Esplanade, Orgo bar has a great view of Singapore’s beautiful skyline. The rooftop terrace bar is known for its extensive list of original mixology and classic drinks.

1 Esplanade Drive #04-01
Roof Terrace Esplanade Theatres on the Bay
Tel: +65 6336 9366

Oyster Bar

Located beside the Fullerton Bay Hotel, the Oyster Bar is a gorgeous standalone building with full-length glass windows that overlook the waterfront. It is one of the best places to watch fireworks in Singapore while sipping champagne and slurping oysters.

#01-01 Customs House
70 Collyer Quay
Tel: +65 6534 5534

Paradise Pavilion

Regular readers will know that I am a fan of Paradise Pavilion at Marina Bay Financial Centre. Not only is it one of the most gorgeous Chinese restaurants in town, it also serves Chinese food of unimpeachable quality. I have been to Paradise Pavilion on several occasions, and they have always maintained a high standard.

Paradise Pavilion on level 2 of Marina Bay Link Mall has an excellent view of the Marina Bay area – definitely the place to go to watch fireworks on National Day, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year.

8A Marina Boulevard
#02-01 Marina Bay Link Mall
Tel: +65 6509 9308

Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant

Tucking in to a scrumptious seafood dinner while watching the fireworks sounds like the formula for a perfect evening. Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant at One Fullerton is an established name in the local dining scene, and the food is consistently good. Be it a gathering with family, or entertaining your clients, you can never go wrong with Palm Beach Seafood.

1 Fullerton Road
#01-09 One Fullerton
Tel: +65 6227 2332
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

Southcoast

Located along the Marina Bay Sands Promenade, Southcoast is an Australian bistro that offers salads, pizzas steaks or the traditional fish and chips.

10 Bayfront Ave
#L1-85 The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands
Tel: +65 6688 7600
Nearest Station: Bayfront

Sky on 57

Sky on 57 may not be located along the waterfront, but with its position at sky park on level 57, it has one of the best, if not the best, view of the fireworks.

57F Marina Bay Sands, Sands Skypark Tower 1
10 Bayfront Avenue
Tel: +65 6688 8857
Daily: 7am – 10.30am, 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

The Landing Point

One of our favourite afternoon teas in Singapore, The Landing Point at the lobby of the gorgeous Fullerton Bay Hotel commands a good view of the waterfront, and is an ideal spot to escape from the crazy crowd. Indulge in delicious cocktails at the chic and swanky bar as you enjoy the captivating fireworks.

80 Collyer Quay Lobby Level
The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6597 5277

The Pelican Seafood Bar & Grill

Located at One Fullerton, The Pelican Seafood Bar & Grill has an inviting setting with plush sofa, and wall panels that are made of copper plates, and they look like pieces of glitters. Not to mention that it also has the perfect spot to watch fireworks.

1 Fullerton Road
#01-01, One Fullerton
Tel: +65 6438 0400
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sat: 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

Zafferano

Perched at the top floor of Ocean Financial Centre, Zafferano not only offers hearty Italian fare, but also a panoramic 270-degree view of Singapore’s skyline.

Ocean Financial Centre
Level 43 10 Collyer Quay
Tel: +65 6509 1488
Nearest Station: Raffles Place