If you like to party, then there's no place quite like Berlin on New Year's Eve. With a population of almost 3.5 million (2011), Berlin is Germany's largest city, and one of the largest cities throughout the European Union (EU). The city has also become renowned for its lively and diverse nightlife that's truly unique in Europe. If you're going to be in Germany's capital on the last day of 2011, then here are some of the top ways that you can spend New Year's Eve:

Bleigiessen

This is a New Year's Eve tradition that happens throughout Germany, so it's one that you should certainly enjoy while in the country's capital city. It involves dropping ultra-hot lead into some cold water. The shape the that molten lead creates will supposedly predict your future for the new year. For example, if you see the shape of a ring or a heart, then you'll get married during the following year. If you see the shape of a pig then you'll have a sufficient amount of food during 2012. Each country has its own New Year's rituals, so you should certainly experience Bleigiessen while you're in Germany. In a way, it's German for "Happy New Year."

Carp, Cabbage, and Champagne

Whether you stay at your lodging or are out and about during New Year's Eve, you should certainly try some of the special foods that celebrate the new year. They include a herring or carp atop a toast made from champagne or sparkling wine. Other popular foods include lentil or pea soup, and meat and cheese fondues. Since you'll likely be awake several hours past midnight, there's nothing like enjoying some tasty dishes to help ring in the new year.

Brandenburg Gate

If you want to celebrate the dawn of 2012 in a traditional way, then you should certainly consider visiting the Brandenburg Gate. This is undoubtedly one of the most popular and significant landmarks throughout Germany. In many ways it's not only emblematic of the city, but also of Germany itself. For instance, U.S. President Ronald Reagan once referred to it when he ordered Mikhail Gorbachev to "Open this gate!" Well, it's open now, so you can certainly enjoy the location if you're planning to be in Berlin on the last day of 2011. The event usually includes over a million people, and a fantastic fireworks display that you'll remember for several years.

Bars and Nightclubs

Germany's bars are renowned for their beer, and Berlin is renowned for its nightclubs-making these options some of the best ones while staying in Berlin during New Year's Eve. From rock to techno, and from alternative to hiphop, you can enjoy virtually every type of music imaginable at Berlin's nightclubs (OK, maybe Classical is the exception). The Mitte district has become one of the most popular nightclub "zones" in Berlin, so it's one that you should certainly consider visiting. However, due to the popularity of the city's nightclubs, it's important that you buy tickets for New Year's Eve parties and events ASAP. Otherwise, you might spend the last day of 2011 outside the nightclubs' main doors.

Check berlinnewyearseve.com/ For more information about events and things to do for Berlins new years eve.  Don't forget that you can book cheap apartments in Berlin on-line