What to do in NYC on New Year's Eve: Viewnary's top 3 ideas

New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest events on the global calendar and takes place each year on December 31st. Every year, millions of people travel to one of the world’s most popular cities in order to celebrate in style, with New York City being home to some of the most extravagant parties and events on the planet.

To get around the city on this day, you can use the subway or taxi. The subway is inexpensive and convenient, but can be crowded at peak hours. Taxis are more expensive, but they're a great way to avoid the subway during rush hour.

As New York City continues to get even bigger as one of the world’s major tourist destinations, there are some things to do in NYC on New Year’s Eve that can make it truly memorable. Popular activities include taking a carriage ride through Central Park, attending the First Night Celebration at the Empire State Building (hosted by The Rockettes), and watching a Broadway show. Watching the ball drop at Times Square with Dick Clark’s famous countdown is another big one.

If you’ve been there and done that, there are some new and unique alternatives offered by Viewnary that are definitely worth trying.

Spend a memorable NYE at a stunning New York penthouse

How to spend NYE in NYC, you may ask. Well, hanging out at one of the best rooftop bars in NYC is certainly an option. It’s actually one of the more popular picks – not surprising given the sweeping Manhattan skyline views that many of them offer.

One such place to check out is The Skylark NYC. The vistas alone make it one of the best places to have a drink in NYC. Should you choose Skylark as one of your New Year’s Eve NYC bars, you’ll find yourself in an impressive, multi-story venue featuring an outdoor and indoor rooftop bar and lounge. The property also houses beautiful stone tables and an outdoor fireplace.

A perk of being here is that it’s centrally located by Times Square, making it easy to move around this bustling part of the city. The indoor spaces span multiple floors and include private rooms as well as larger open areas. Something else to look out for are the floor-to-ceiling windows, which give the place an exquisite feel.

Is that not your cup of tea, and still wondering what to do in NYC on New Year’s Eve? Why not try private experiences in NYC? That’s possible with Viewnary, even on the hectic 31st of December. The concept is simple: you reserve a private space for you and your friends and arrange any requests you have, such as catering or BYO, with the Host before the booking starts.

A perfect location to bring in the new year in style is this modern penthouse in the heart of SoHo that offers panoramic views of Manhattan. The plush penthouse is spacious both inside and out, boasting 3,000 square feet of space. On the inside, the floor is lined with beautiful, dark and waxed wood and the walls hold contemporary artworks. The outdoor rooftop area is equally grand; airy, plenty of lounge-seating and has some of the best views in New York.

A private rooftop dinner in New York was virtually impossible to get, but not anymore. If you’d like to learn more about the penthouse and what you can organize for the big night, send the Host a message on Viewnary Chat or reach out to us.

Watch the fireworks over New York from a private, panoramic terrace overlooking the Empire State Building

When the clock strikes 12, the sky above the Hudson is sparkling with fireworks. To enjoy a wider view of the spectacle, many head across the river to Hoboken, New Jersey. So if you’re asking yourself “where are New Year’s Eve fireworks in NYC”, just head across to Hoboken instead!

The sight of colorful fireworks against the backdrop of NYC skyline views is really something to behold. It may surprise you to know that you don’t even have to be on land to witness the event…you can hop aboard the Cornucopia Horizons Edge Yacht for the Hoboken New Year's Eve Fireworks Cruise and see it while floating on the Hudson itself.

Not all the firework-fun is in Hoboken, though. Should you prefer seeing the New Year’s Eve fireworks in New York City, you can do so from this private terrace overlooking the Empire State Building and Midtown West. A big bonus of this spot is that you’ll get a rare, sky-high glimpse of the Empire State Building by night.

The outdoor terrace is on the 22nd floor of a high-rise in the quaint Union Square neighborhood, right by the Flatiron. Its central location is ideal and you can combine a visit here with anything else you may wish to do on this special night. If you have the patience and want to savor the best skyline views in New York for a while, come during the golden hour for a lovely sundowner.

This has to be one of the best places in New York to take pictures, be it day or night, fireworks or no fireworks.

Relish a New Year’s Day brunch at a sun-drenched loft with sweeping views in Brooklyn

Now that you have some ideas for what to do for NYE in NYC, it’s time to think of the first day of 2023. For some, it’s the kind of day to recover from the night before. For others, it’s straight on to the next celebration. Arguably one of the best things to do in NYC on New Year’s Day is going for an amazing brunch with friends and family.

Since we’re in NYC, a great skyline view is essential. That’s why it’s worth trying out the New Year’s Day Brunch at Upstairs at The Kimberly Hotel. This well-known venue has a laid-back, yet stylish atmosphere that encapsulates the New Year’s Day vibe. Not to mention a direct view of the Chrysler Building. It’s one of the better places to eat and drink in NYC – but there’s a hidden gem you haven’t yet discovered.

Ditch the mainstream, public venues and check out this sun-drenched, artsy loft in Williamsburg that has been reserved for private events by no less than Nike, Adidas, and Spotify. The so-called “Casa Bklyn” is tucked away in a private, European-styled courtyard in the heart of Williamsburg. With over 750 square feet of space, 20 foot ceilings, and an impressive skylight overhead, this property will elevate your brunch-game to another level.

To find out more, simply contact the Host on Viewnary Chat or reach out to us – we’re more than happy to share our tips on how to get the most out of this one-of-a-kind brunch. Now you know what to do in NYC on New Year’s Day, too.

Wishing you a happy and healthy new year in advance!