Gushing water, dazzling lights and cutting-edge designs – what was once a purely functional utility for bathing and washing, became a most sophisticated piece of architecture and a thrilling expression of artistic creativity. Take a look at some of the world's most fabulous fountains and let your mind flow with the way of the water.

The Unisphere - Queens, New York City, USA

It's not really a fountain that's in the spotlight here, but rather the giant steel representation of the Globe that sits within the pool in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, New York. The Unisphere was constructed as the symbol of the 1964/1965 New York World's Fair, whose theme was "Peace Through Understanding", and represented the idea of global peace and interdependence. The construction is 140 ft (50 m) high, 120 ft (37 m) in diameter and weighs 900,000 pounds (408 tons).

The Unisphere. By hamishmaccunn

The Magic Fountain of Montjuic – Barcelona, Spain

Located at the head of Avenida Maria Cristina in the Montjuïc neighborhood of Barcelona, the Magic Fountain delights visitors with a fabulous display of light and water acrobatics. Multicolored plumes dance in three concentric circles to the rhythm of music ranging from The Godfather theme to a Spanish zarzuela. The fountain counts as many as 3,620 water jets and pumps 2,600 litres of water every second. What a show!

The Magic Fountain of Montjuic. By chris683

Vaillancourt Fountain - San Francisco, USA

Ever since its debut in 1971, the Vaillancourt Fountain has been stirring controversies, mostly because of its awkward concrete limbs that people have called “"howling obscenity" and "pestiferous eyesore" among other epithets. Now that its design is heavily outdated and the city refuses to splash the annual $250,000 on electricity costs to pump 30,000 gallons of water through the monstrous tubes, the fountain has become a night refuge for the homeless and is hated stronger than ever. Pland have been developed to remove the much despised “attraction”, but Armand Vaillancourt, a French Canadian artist who sculpted the fountain, says he's going to fight like a devil to preserve his work.

Vaillancourt Fountain. By Thomas Hawk

Giant Wild Goose Fountain - Xi'an, China

Set against the backdrop of the majestic Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the music fountain ranks as the largest of its kind in Asia and is probably the most spectacular free attraction in Xian. Distributed over an area of 16.8 ha, the water jets shoot irregular streams to the rhythm of music and make for a particularly thrilling display at night, when the fountain is graciously illuminated by LED lights. With such a marvelous entourage, the spirit of the glorious Tang Dynasty can truly be felt, whether you are a Buddhist pilgrim or a random visitor.

Giant Wild Goose Fountain. By Smurfie_77

King Fahd’s Fountain - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Shooting 1023ft (312m) up in the air at a speed of 233 miles (375 km) per hour,  King Fahd's donation to the city is the world's tallest fountain and one that truly takes the breath away. It is located off the coast of Jeddah in the Red Sea and consists of a single massive plume of water that, on a calm day, reaches higher than the Eiffel Tower.

King Fahd's Fountain. By Jan Tielens

Dubai Fountain - Dubai, UAE

The largest, the tallest, the wealthiest – Dubai is very much into record-breaking, ans so it is with the mind-boggling fountain set on the 30-acre manmade Burj Khalifa Lake, at the center of the Downtown Dubai development. Over 6,600 incandescent lights and 25 color projectors generate a mesmerizing visual spectrum of over 1,000 abstract compositions, making it the brightest spot in the Middle East, and quite possibly in the entire world. The fountain is 275 m (902 ft) long and sends water 150 m (490 ft) into the air, accompanied by a wide range of tunes, from classical to contemporary Arabic and world music.

Dubai Fountain. By wita.

Oval Fountain - Tivoli, Italy

The astonishing UNESCO-protected garden of Tivoli hides a bewildering 500 fountains but one  deserves particular attention. Cascades from an egg-shaped basin into a large pool backdropped by a rustic nymphaeum, Fontana dell'Ovato is a quintessence of Italian classiness and taste in architectural undertakings. Visitors may walk behind the semi-circular wall of water through a shaded arcade thickly overgrown with vine and peopled with marble nymphas. No wonder the place is the most popular destination for day trip from Rome.

Oval Fountain. By judojudo

Moonlight Rainbow Fountain - Seoul, South Korea

With nearly 10,000 dynamic  LED nozzles running along both sides of the 1,140m long Banpo Bridge, the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain is the longest of its kind and one that adds a romantic quality to the otherwise hectic and business-soaked city. When night falls, the bridge turns into a stage for a riveting performance of water, light, music and color.

Moonlight Rainbow Fountai. By Robert Koehler

Trevi Fountain – Rome, Italy

In the maze of narrow, meandering streets, Rome hides a sparkling jewel held to be a triumphant example of Baroque finesse and the natural artistry of water - one of the world's most stunning fountains and a work of art in one. Trevi is not just a cold piece of marble glued to the facade of the Palazzo Poli. The play of light, shade and wind makes it move in a mesmerizing rhythm that the hypnotized public yields to subconsciously. Legend has it you will return to Rome if you throw a coin into the water, which results in an estimated 3,000 euros tossed into the fountain each day.

Trevi Fountain. By lopiccolo

Crown Fountain - Chicago, USA

A major tourist magnet and a vital addition to the city's world-renowned public art collection,  Jaume Plensa's Crown Fountain is a unique tribute to the people of Chicago first and foremost. Located centrally in downtown Chicago's Millennium Park, two 50-foot glass block towers sequined with light emitting diodes project video images of the citizens who, well, spit out water to the utmost delight of visiting kids. Though the beginning were tough (many feared the artwork's size would violate the aesthetic feel of the park), the fountain has found its way into the city's popular culture and is now a pride and joy of most Chicagoans.

Crown Fountain. By zoltaan & tenchi290

The Fountain of Wealth – Suntec City, Singapore

Right at the heart of the commercial complex of Suntec City, the world's largest fountain epitomizes all that's true of Sinagpore: wealth, grandiosity and harmony. The design iderived from the Hindu mandala, which signifies the universe and symbolizes unity of all who dwell in the Lion City. Legend has it if you walk around the Fountain’s central base with your hand immersed in the water and make a wish, it will soon come true. Doubtful, but it doesn't hurt to try... 

The Fountain of Wealth. By williamcho

Bellagio Fountains – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

In the kitsch realm of Las Vegas, the Bellagio Fountain Show may actually be the only spiritual experience to be had... if we don't count a staggering win at the hotel's casino, but that's improbable anyway. The dancing waters that come to life on an 8-acre lake have become the city's major attraction that never fails to mesmerize spectators gathering around the pool every half an hour. The musical background tends to be a little too pompous, but hey, it's Las Vegas.

Bellagio Fountain. By Eric 5D Mark II

Perhaps the most deliberately hedonistic of all celebrations throughout the year, New Year's Eve is when we give in to all sorts of indulgences before the restrictive resolutions are put into action. People head out on the town, champagne flows, music blasts from every corner and awe-inspiring firework displays light up the skies. Here's where the turn of the year gets a really special entourage. 

Sydney, Australia

Sydney. By Damian_White

Why Sydney? Thanks to its location, it is among the first major cities to welcome the new year. How cool is that? The harbor attracts more than 1.5 million revelers with numerous waterfront events, including traditional rituals by the indigenous people and a spectacular  Harbour of Lights Parade with more than 50 illuminated cruise boats circuiting the harbor all night. If you want to melt with the crowd lege artis, remember the wardrobe color of choice is black. If you don't feel like being part of the collective New Year frenzy, though, lay down a blanket at North Head of Sydney Harbour National Park, a relatively tranquil vantage point for gazing at the phenomenal pyrotechnic displays of over 80,000 fireworks traditionally set off from the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh. By james_clear

Scots do know how to party, and it is quite obviously the capital with the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle that attracts the greatest crowds. The four-day Hogmaney celebrations starting on December 29th with the torchlight parade last well until January 1st or even 2nd   and feature anything from live music, outdoor bar events, massive street parties, concerts in the Gardens and folk dancing lessons at the Keilidh. When the clock strikes twelve, be prepared for deafening bursts of fireworks and the communal singing of Auld Lang Syne followed by a traditional kissathon in which thousands are expected to exchange friendly kisses.

Venice, Italy

Venice. By luca_76

Venice is magical all year round and the splendor culminates for La Festa di San Silvestro, when the fireworks lit up the sky, music blasts from St. Mark's Square and wild partying lasts until the crack of dawn. The city offers a compelling blend of romantic charm and the glitz of high society events, including the Golden Opera New Year's Eve performance and the New Year's concert at La Fenice Theater.

Tradition wise, try a typical lentil dish that symbolizes good fortune, take a dip at the Lido Beach if you dare, share a communal kiss at the stroke of midnight, and watch your head as some Venetians still practice an old custom of throwing useless things out their windows, which is to signify purification before the New year is entered. The turn of the year kick-starts a series of joyous events, and if you're still around on the 6th of January, make sure you catch a glimpse of the Befana races, when local men clad in women's clothes race boats along the Grand Canal. 

Goa, India

Goa. By goaclub

As a former hippie paradise and a realm of swaying palms, snow-white sands and sparkling waters, Goa seems to be the perfect place to start your new year with a bang. Visitors go gaga over psychedelic trance parties in the open air while locals stick to their long-established traditions and feast in the little villages scattered all over the island. Whatever you do, your New Year stay in Goa is going to be marked with triple “f”: foof, fun and feni (a type of fiery liquor made from either coconut or the juice of the cashew apple).  

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona. By javirunner

With the reputation of the most alluring Spanish party hub, Barcelona certainly doesn't slow down for Noche Vieja. Las Ramblas, Plaça Catalunya and the Plaça Reial fill up with thousands of   merrymakers who dance, sing, bar hop and wait for Spaniards' beloved New Year's Eve tradition. When the clock strikes midnight, everyone eats one grape per chime, with each grape signifying good luck for the twelve months of the upcoming year. Then the party really gets into full swing. From rock to salsa and flamenco, whatever music you fancy, you'll find a spot for yourself in Barcelona. Yet if indoor events are not your thing, head over to the beach and gaze at star or crawl from bar to bar in the Olympic Port. If you manage to greet the morning at the waterfront, don't miss an almost traditional breakfast of hot chocolate and churros.

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok. By .Live.Your.Life.

Whether you fancy raving clubs with renowned DJ's spinning their stuff, private parties or collective outdoor countdowns and firework extravaganza, Bangkok doesn't fall short of world-class attractions on New Year's Eve. The major countdown takes place in front of Central World Square, with several hundred thousand people greeting the New Year, dazzled with fabulous light shows and accompanied by live on-stage performances by popular local artists.

If outdoor gatherings don't appeal to you, go a little more intimate and splash out on a candle-lit dinner at one of the riverside hotel restaurants or posh rooftop venues. You'll get gourmet food, privacy and some of the best views of the firework displays. If you're on a tight budget and prefer a more dynamic locale, dance the night away in one of the clubs along the Khao San Road, but of course, there are hundreds of other venues around the city. This way or the other, you're not going to be bored in Bangkok at this time of year.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro. By Visit Brasil

Of course nothing compares to Carnival parades, but 2.5 million folks gathering on brightly illuminated Copacabana know how to turn Rio into a world's greatest New Year's Eve party under the open sky. The celebrations fall smack in the middle of the summer season in Brazil, which boils down to skimpy outfits, amazingly shaped bodies, high temperatures and sizzling beach life. On that special night, stages are set along the beach with live music shows and the stroke of midnight sets off a spectacular fireworks display launched from boats anchored in a safe distance from the beach.

If you want to stick to Cariocas' tradition, wear white to symbolically undergo a spiritual renewal and leave your problems behind. As part of an offering to Yemanja, the deity of the seas, a lot of people throw flowers into the water or buy specially prepared miniature beauty kits and put it on the surf in a little wooden boat. Most of all, forget designer clothes and open shoes. You wouldn't want your Gucci dress sprinkled with champagne and your feet hurt with broken glass.

New York City, USA

New York City. By showtimeyoung

The list wouldn't be complete without the all-time classic and the largest New Year's Eve celebration in the United States – the party on Times Square. A million of revelers flock to New York City's most dazzling district to watch the famous ball drop from One Times Square skyscraper and be showered with a ton of confetti released once the ball touches the floor. Star-studded musical performances, balloons, spectacular pyrotechnic displays and thousands of parties going on in the entire city – New York knows how to make things right at the turn of the year.

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So where are you partying this year?