What to do in NYC on New Years Eve????

[chazha]

Hi folks. Im gonna hit NYC for the first time in my life. Landing in JFK 6pm on 31st December. My plan is I wanna stay up whole night and next morning to catch all the big attractions. My problem is I have no clue what to do!!!!! Anyone can share some good tips for a poor fellow? I am not looking for any fancy clubs :)

[conrail]

They drop a big fancy ball in Times Sq. if you can get close enough to see it! I personally would avoid Times Sq and see the other neighborhoods of NYC such as Chelsea, or check out The High Line. But if you've never been def check out midtown and Central Park (too bad there is no snow :(

[Art 1]

Lucky you, have fun.

[eman1200]

I would say stay away from times square, but other than that, go ANYWHERE and you'll have a blast. man I miss NYC. have fun!

[unclesallie]

there's lots to do in NY on New Year's Eve...just do NOT go to Times Square, because there's always at least one million people there, pushing, and then there are the drunks, and police on horseback, and huge metal barriers and the cold........on the other hand, here's a very exclusive, pricey option:



Café Carlyle


Saturday, Dec. 31
NEW YEAR'S EVE AT CAFE CARLYLE
Begin the festivities with a complimentary glassof champagne, hors d’oeurves and a performance from Steve Tyrell performing “This Time of Year.” Seating at 5:30 p.m. $175 per person excluding tax/gratuity

NEW YEAR'S EVE BLACK TIE GALA DINNER AT CAFE CARLYLE
Ring in the New Year with Steve Tyrell. Enjoy a special performance from Mr. Tyrell while dining on a four-course prix fixe menu from Executive Chef Jacques Sorci and toast at midnight with a complimentary glass of champagne. Seating at 9:30 p.m. $600 per person excluding tax/gratuity

Jan. 9-June 18
WOODY ALLEN & THE EDDY DAVIS NEW ORLEANS JAZZ BAND ~ Every Monday at 8:45 p.m.
Cover $135 per person ($95 bar + $25 drink min., $185 premium)

but there's lots more, including great cafes, bars........:)

good luck !

[NYC6]

Born and raised NY'er here. Everyone has to been at Times Sq for New Years once in their lives. Get there early because now they close access at a designated time and you will have fun. After the ball drop there are many places to go. All will be packed to the rafters though. Dont miss it, you'll likely regret it if you do.

[mtrunner]

Originally Posted by NYC6

Born and raised NY'er here. Everyone has to been at Times Sq for New Years once in their lives. Get there early because now they close access at a designated time and you will have fun. After the ball drop there are many places to go. All will be packed to the rafters though. Don't miss it, you'll likely regret it if you do.

Not sure if he will be able to get close if he lands at 6pm though! It is already packed to the rafters by that point! There are plenty of options in NYC though. If you cannot do Times Square you will most likely have to wander around to find a bar without a cover charge or one that hasn't already sold out for the night. Most places sell tickets for NYE. Where in the city are you staying?

[chazha]

I got hotel booked in Lexington Ave on 49th street. :) no clue about the area..

[Rockrolex]

Sorry I can't help you. We don't go out on NYE. We'll be babysitting while our daughter, her best friend and their spouses go out that night. I have no idea what they'll be doing. Most likely we'll order in Japanese from Haru, which is in our neighborhood (UES).

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by chazha

I got hotel booked in Lexington Ave on 49th street. :) no clue about the area..

Just walk 3 or 4 blocks west.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by NYC6

Born and raised NY'er here. Everyone has to been at Times Sq for New Years once in their lives. Get there early because now they close access at a designated time and you will have fun. After the ball drop there are many places to go. All will be packed to the rafters though. Dont miss it, you'll likely regret it if you do.

x2!

times square is a great experience if you decide to do that...bring your party hat.... bring warm clothes.

most bars and restaraunts may be having a New Year party, so you want to book something asap if you intend on eating and having the experience.

Originally Posted by chazha

I got hotel booked in Lexington Ave on 49th street. :) no clue about the area..

lots of bars only a few blocks aways on 2 ave from 42st and north, good mix of people.
or:
if your 20something and want to spend less money, go to the Lower East Side.
if your 30something and want to burns some cash, go to Meat Packing (14st on the West side).

there both really hot areas but meat packing can be a bit more challenging to gain access to a lot of places, unless your traveling with some very hot scantily clad women and a fat wallet.

My personal choice for the best time (after growing up here and winging it for so many years), Make a reservation for dinner that takes you through midnight...after that you can go bar hopping in the above areas.

have a great New Year and enjoy a great city

[Rags]

As a retired NYC Police Officer who has worked the New Years Eve detail many times during my 20yr career I would avoid it. The police dept pens you in like cattle & once you're in there's no getting out. It's no place for children, no booze allowed anywhere. If the temp is below freezing it makes for a miserable night. Unless you are prepared to secure a spot close to times square very early(like 8 hrs prior) you'd be better off watching it on TV at home where you have access to wonderful food, drinks & a bathroom.

[Darlinboy]

I'd go to Times Square for the big event. It was on my bucket list - checked that box a while back, but would do it again. Awesome energy!

[bradiowausa]

Get a private tour of Rolex USA!

[crew]

Originally Posted by Rags

As a retired NYC Police Officer who has worked the New Years Eve detail many times during my 20yr career I would avoid it. The police dept pens you in like cattle & once you're in there's no getting out. It's no place for children, no booze allowed anywhere. If the temp is below freezing it makes for a miserable night. Unless you are prepared to secure a spot close to times square very early(like 8 hrs prior) you'd be better off watching it on TV at home where you have access to wonderful food, drinks & a bathroom.

X2!
If you're a 20-something, go for it. Older than that, find a nice bar or restaurant and enjoy being warm with bathroom access.

[chazha]

well im turning 28 that day :) but I think I better take Officer's advice to stay outside the barrier to take some nice photos :D just gonna find some nice bars to hang until midday

[Mikel212]

Born and grew up in NYC. Lived on 46 and Lex for 10yrs. I have never spent nye in times square. The closest was my old apt on 54th and 7th ave. Just never thought it would be fun to stand hours in the freezing cold for a 10sec countdown. The crowd then dispurses. Just because I wouldnt do it, doesnt mean that I wouldnt recommend it.

Its your 1st time in NYC, its going to be a relatively warm, and its a tradition. But honestly , dont know if your going to make it in time. I use to work by 49th and 7th and new yrs eve in times square gets pretty packed by 5pm.

There is no reason why a single 28yr old guy in NYC with a Rolex cant find a party in New yrs eve. Get on the web or read TIME OUT NYC to get some ideas ahead of time. Happy Birthday and Happy New yr.

[Rbdport]

I did Times Square years ago and it was great and hell. If you plan to do that go with an empty bladder...no public loos and restaurants/bars loos are only for their customers...but they're packed by noon. Check into your hotel and then just start wandering. NYC is great fun at the holidays.

[rr-nyc]

Contrary to the concensus here, I WOULD suggest times square. Everybody needs to be there once in their life if they can. Unfortunately, you won't stand a chance once you get through customs and catch a cab to the city. 49th and Lex should have a few good parties around but they might be booked. The W is not too far away. Contact your concierge ASAP and see if they can get you into a decent party.

Other than that, you can walk and pop into any bar you see and if you like the vibe, stay. If not, leave. Many bars charge a cover so it might be a pricey adventure.

[77T]

Originally Posted by chazha

I got hotel booked in Lexington Ave on 49th street. :) no clue about the area..

Ummm...how will you get to the hotel? With traffic on New Year's Eve snarled for miles you have a challenge ahead.

[Oyster1982]

Im doing the smart thing, staying home New Years Eve, and driving into NYC on Jan. 1 and staying until the 3rd. If your a cigar smoker go to 42nd and 5th to Nat Sherman.

[Kringkily]

I'm just throwing a house party with 30 people at a condo cause NYC clubs last year ran me 200 a person and it sucked

[onkyo]

New Year's is a great time to just walk around and explore..... personally I would stay away from Times Square... just too many people.

Check out the high line if you have time later on.

[mtrunner]

The news this morning was showing people who have already started to secure their spots in Time Square over 24 hours before the ball drops! That is a long time for a 10 second event!

[Kayaker52]

Avoid Times Square,It`s a cesspool of dirty drunken people!

[subtona]

Originally Posted by Kayaker52

Avoid Times Square,It`s a cesspool of dirty drunken people!

you make it sound like so much fun

actually went there only once...
in 2000 I got on a train from brooklyn @ 11:35, made it there to see the ball drop and got back on the train at 12:15 it was perfect.

[Mickey®]

Originally Posted by chazha

Hi folks. Im gonna hit NYC for the first time in my life. Landing in JFK 6pm on 31st December. My plan is I wanna stay up whole night and next morning to catch all the big attractions. My problem is I have no clue what to do!!!!! Anyone can share some good tips for a poor fellow? I am not looking for any fancy clubs :)

What did you do?
How'd it go?

Post some pics!!!!