Forbes puts Tbilisi among 10 best places in Europe to spend New Year’s Eve

The American magazine Forbes has included the Georgian capital city of Tbilisi in the list of 10 of the best places in Europe to spend New Year's Eve.

The outlet’s top destinations to count down the New Year were revealed based on a poll of 11,963 travellers from 112 countries, mainly from the United Kingdom (22.42 percent) and the United States (18.91 percent).

Principle Christmas Tree of Tbilisi. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

The visitors named Madeira Islands, Lisbon and Porto in Portugal, Marbella and Ibiza in Spain, London in England, Prague in the Czech Republic, Sao Miguel in the Azores and Edinburgh in Scotland alongside Tbilisi as their top 10 favourites.

Forbes said in a related article Tbilisi was "probably the most original choice in this ranking" due to "attractive" prices of accommodation that are “up to five times cheaper than in London or Paris”, as well as safety and easy access for British and American travellers.

Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

It’s also a favourite destination for foodies and wine lovers. Sublimely decorated for Christmas and New Year celebrations, Tbilisi extends the Christmas spirit until mid-January. Many public concerts are organised to celebrate the New Year, the Christmas market of Tbilisi ranks among the most beautiful in Europe", the article reads.

The Georgian capital has been the centre of attention of various international media recently. 

Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

The United States-based television network CNN this week showcased New Year's Eve celebrations and firework displays in cities across the world including Tbilisi, where hundreds of thousands gathered on the First Republic Square to count down the hours and join special festive events.

CNN Travel also included the city among its list of European towns and locations that are “magical at Christmas”.