If you’re headed to New York City for New Year’s this year, then this post will be full of suggestions for you. Check out these tips to help you save money and time on your trip to have a great New Year’s Eve in New York City!
I’ve had the privilege of spending two different New Years’ Eve in New York City. There’s definitely a right and a wrong way of doing it, and I’ve done both. I had a blast both times, but there are some things that are important to know before going. Hopefully, you’ll be able to have a more successful first time than I did with these tips I learned the hard way.
Below I’ll share the do’s and don’ts for your New Year’s Eve in New York City.
Will this be your first time in New York? Here are some tips for visiting New York City for the first time.
Don’t stand all day in Times Square for the Ball Drop.
The ball drop in Times Square is something those of us from the US grow up watching, but I did it four years ago, and while I wouldn’t trade it for anything… it actually was a nightmare.
That said, I get wanting to do it one. I sure did! If you’re set on doing it, keep reading for tips for the ball drop in Times Square.
If only we had only known…
- It’s beyond crowded — we could lift our feet and not move (and this was on side streets).
- If you leave your spot, you can’t come back.
- They set up barricades around 4 pm, but don’t tell you where they will go — when you ask, it seems as if no one can give clear answers.
We spent all day standing in this one spot to see the ball drop, then at 4 pm when they closed the barricades, we were outside and lost our spot. The night was still crazy fun, if we ever meet I’ll share the story while we laugh over our third drink… but we didn’t see the ball drop.
We walked around for hours and eventually stood on the steps of the New York City Public Library, where we could see part of the ball. Made for great memories, but not recommended.
Instead… Opt for something with a view or away from Times Square with just as good a view.
There are lots of great ways to still see the amazing fireworks or even the ball drop in NYC beyond standing in Times Square all day.
Hotels and restaurants offer deals in Times Square, but you will pay a premium for a view. You can opt for a hotel room with a view too. These are hard to find last minute, but you may get a chance with some luck or by laying down a decent amount of cash.
The other option is to find a great event happening on a rooftop or cruise. These events can still be pricy, but they’ll also offer great views of NYC and the fireworks at midnight.
We went on a cruise on the Hudson River (it was $100 for the night, and yes this is a good deal for NYC on NYE). There are many different options ranging in price from $50 – 300.
We chose the cruise because it had a view and was under $150. You don’t have to spend a lot to go to a good event. It can also be a pretty great activity for couples!
- Beautiful views.
- Fireworks at midnight by the Statue of Liberty.
- Open bar.
- Dinner included (although, it was not very good).
- A bathroom we could use.
- The Knickerbocker Hotel: The hotel’s rooftop is just 150 feet below the Times Square ball drop, giving guests a perfect view of the annual celebration.
- New York Marriott Marquis: This is a great option for families. Many of the rooms include a view of Times Square and they host an all ages event on NYE.
- Tempo by Hilton Times Square: Many suites and rooms with direct views of the ball drop and the square just below.
All of these hotels have events exclusive for their guests with amazing views of the ball drop too!
If you MUST do Times Square…
- Get there early, like 10 am early — we got there at 11 am, and people were already standing around
- Stand in front of a stage so you will be inside barricades
- Pack water, food, and dress warm — we wore coats, gloves, multiple layers, hats
- Go to the bathroom before — you won’t be allowed to leave
- Watch where barricades are located — it may change from year to year.
- Don’t expect much help from others — we asked people for help, and they would walk away or say “I don’t know”
Pro-tip: If you live close enough, you don’t even have to get a hotel. We took an early morning train to and from New York, so we never even stayed in a hotel. We were exhausted but barely spent money on anything but our train ticket.
Don’t spend all your time in taxis.
It’s easy if you’re new to New York to want to just hop in an Uber or taxi to get somewhere, but during a busy time like New Year’s Eve, you’ll be spending way too much time in the car. This is especially true after midnight.
- Traffic on New Year’s is terrible.
- Expect major delays.
- Everyone will be trying to catch a taxi around 1 am, and Uber will be expensive.
Instead…. Stay near your hotel so you can walk.
- Public transit is closed around Manhattan.
- You won’t waste money on taxis or Uber.
- Waiting for a taxi can be stressful (we waited in the cold for 45 minutes).
Pro-tip: Uber is expensive when demand is up, and demand is probably the highest on New Year’s Eve in New York… if you need a ride, call a regular cab, they will most likely have a lower price.
Don’t waste time looking for places to eat.
- Everywhere is crowded downtown.
- You will probably have to wait a long time for a table.
- Things will be pricey — plan ahead and save by booking a restaurant you’ve already looked into.
Instead… Make reservations and avoid the wait.
- There are so many good restaurants in New York City.
- Research and pick one in your budget — the hot pot place below cost us like $15 a person for a really good dinner!
- Spend your time seeing things and going places.
Don’t skip walking around
Don’t skip walking around- Yes, it’s cold out.
- No, you don’t want to miss out.
- Buy a sightseeing pass like the Go City Sightseeing Pass for the day so you don’t spend your whole day in line. You can read my review of Go City here.
Pro-tip: Most of the outdoor things in New York City are free – the 9/11 memorial, Central Park, the Rockefeller Center, so many museums, and much more. Lonely Planet has a great full list of free things to do!
Instead… Dress warm and make stops inside so you can still see all you want to.
- So many great things are free and beautiful outdoors in New York.
- Stopping to go inside shops can be free or cheap — go into a gift shop, a coffee shop, or a fun store in Times Square.
- No touristy trip to New York is complete without Central Park.
- Cafes and shops are everywhere. Getting cold? Pop inside!
We had to buy extra scarves, gloves, and hats — plan ahead!
Don’t wear brand new shoes, even on NYE.
- You will be walking, dancing, and standing a lot.
- You don’t want to make your date carry you home.
- Those shoes probably cost a lot and will get dirty and sticky — save your money.
Instead… pack a pair of trusty flats or your go-to heels.
- Spend the night worried about having fun.
- Still, look cute and dance the night away!
Don’t go right when the event is supposed to start.
- You will wait in line — we ended up in so many lines when we did Times Square and never ended up getting in. We ended up frustrated and wishing we had just been there earlier.
- It is cold outside, and you will probably want to wear fancy clothes that are not made for the cold.
Instead… go early or late so you skip the lines.
- Less waiting in line.
- More drinks and food.
- Your feet and body will thank you!
So there are my tips for New Year’s Eve in New York City. It can seriously be a blast or a HUGE bummer. Take time to research and prepare yourself for a long night. I’ve spent NYE in Nashville, Panama, West Virginia, Austin, and more, but there’s something truly special about New Year’s Eve in New York City. Want to know more about New York City? Here’s how to spend 48 hours in New York.
Spending New Year in New York is on my bucket list – I’d love to see the ball drop in Times Square – what a great atmosphere.
It is worth doing at least once! Such a unique experience.
I visited NYC with my husband (a native) and he said he only once went to Times Square on NYE. He always watched the ball drop on TV (said it was a better angle and he didn’t have to miss parties)
Yes! I understand why people want to go, but there’s a lot of cool stuff happening in NYC and ways to enjoy it without the hassle!
Love this guide!! This is so so helpful, exactly what I was looking for! Thank you for sharing all these tips!!!
I’m so glad it was helpful! Hope you have a great trip.
Great tips! I usually end up watching the ball drop on TV, and I’ve always wondered what it’s like to actually be there. It does not sound like a good time! But a cruise on the Hudson River sounds perfect, that’s a great idea.
I think it is fun to do Time Square at least once, but not to expect it to go well HA the river cruise was way more fun in general!
Looks like you have to be super organised to enjoy NYE in NYC! THank you for all the useful tips!
Some planning ahead will definitely save you some headaches!
I would love to experience New Years Eve just once in NYC. Good to know information here. Thanks for sharing.
It’s definitely worth experiencing at least one time. Even if it is crowded and cold!
Super helpful guide!
So glad this was helpful!