Where to watch the fireworks on New Year's Eve in London

The official London New Year's Eve celebration encompasses the riverside areas between Westminster, The Strand, Blackfriars, and Waterloo. Tickets are required to access, usually selling out quickly whenever they're released. If you do manage to get a spot, remember to dress warm, plan your route to and from the area, and be ready for big crowds.

North London's Alexandra Palace offers a great vantage point for watching fireworks springing up all over the city, as well as the main event by the Thames. There are fantastic views standing in front of the palace and looking down over London, and the park attracts a lively crowd on New Year's Eve.

If you can get close to the Palace of Westminster, best known as the home of the UK parliament, you'll be in prime position for taking in views of the fireworks – the ticketed viewing platforms are just across the river. This is also where Big Ben is located, meaning you're in the perfect place to hear the famous bell ring in the new year.

Moored on the Thames, Tamesis Dock is a colourful and lively floating pub. Its location promises fantastic views, especially on the upper deck. With a fully-stocked bar, live music, and a tempting food menu, there's lots to attract a crowd. For New Year's Eve, the venue is having a party with DJs.

Head to Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath, and you'll be greeted with clear views of Central London and the New Year's Eve fireworks. The entrance to this part of the Heath is next to Gospel Oak station – the entire space covers 800 acres, so ensure you're in the right area before midnight.

Moored on the Thames, Battersea Barge is a unique modern bar and events venue that hosts a huge range of different occasions. It's a modern space despite the historic setting of a converted Dutch barge. Celebrate New Year's Eve here with live music, complimentary grazing platters and champagne on arrival, and partial views of the London fireworks. The dress code is sparkle and glitter.

Set on the 31st floor of The Shard, Aqua Shard offers views you can't get anywhere else. The views aren't all that's impressive about this modern restaurant – the contemporary British cooking here has won awards. A decadent seasonal menu is available on 31 December as you enjoy a live band and great views of the London New Year's Eve fireworks.

Thanks to its location right next to St Paul's Cathedral, you're always promised fab city views at Madison. This classy rooftop bar and restaurant takes inspiration from NYC, and it's hosting a fun event for NYE. Expect an early dinner service followed by a party with bubbles, canapés, top live entertainers, and unobstructed views of the fireworks.

The Monument is a noteworthy landmark in London commemorating the Great Fire of London. You don't need to climb its 311 steps to get a fab view of the London New Year fireworks. Being in the proximity of the Monument and Cannon Street means you're guaranteed a great view of all the action.

You're guaranteed great views at Oblix – it's on the 32nd floor of The Shard. The modern and sophisticated venue combines a relaxed bar and lounge with a restaurant, but every space offers fantastic views. They're hosting an exclusive NYE dinner party on 31 December, with the windows meaning the London fireworks are a guaranteed part of the programme.

Telegraph Hill Park sits between Lewisham and Brockley. This popular local park is an ideal place for watching the fireworks without leaving South London. The park's upper section offers attractive and uninterrupted views of Central London and all the action in the sky. There are great photo opportunities from this area.

London’s highest public garden, Sky Garden, offers fantastic views of the city and the fireworks and is a unique venue for a New Year’s Eve party. Surrounded by luscious green plants, you can enjoy a glamorous night out with dining, drinks, and music, as well as those impressive views.

8 at The Londoner offers a refined Japanese drinking and dining experience, complete with a rooftop garden offering stunning city views. You'll get sight of the London fireworks as you sample exquisite cocktails, whisky, and Japanese small plates – a special menu with drinks packages is on offer for New Year's Eve.

Set on The Shard's 33rd floor, Hutong gives diners impressive panoramas of the city from every table. This is an upmarket destination for Chinese cuisine, with dim sum on the menu and roast duck carved at the table. For NYE, there's an opulent special menu, entertainment, and a great view of the London skyline as the midnight celebrations kick off.

Skylon's floor-to-ceiling windows and prime location on the South Bank make it a great place to view the fireworks and see in the new year. This modern European restaurant has a luxury feel, and dazzling decor gives the place a seasonal look. On New Year's Eve, you can sample an indulgent tasting menu.

Some bridges across the Thames are within the event's ticketed areas, but many of the ones that aren't still give you a great vantage point. One option is Tower Bridge, which is itself picturesque and full of history. Stand on this world-famous landmark and take in the magnificent views – not just of the New Year's Eve fireworks but the bridge itself as well.

Finish off the year with French haute cuisine at Coq d'Argent. This stylish venue has a smart interior and a rooftop garden that's a prime spot for seeing the sky light up at midnight. For NYE, there's a special six-course menu and a party with a DJ until late, and they put on thei own fireworks show as well.

For vibrant cocktails, dancing, and a South American theme, Salsa is the ideal lively destination. The colourful location in Temple has plenty of space and it's hosting a glamorous NYE party. You get great views of the fireworks at midnight plus live music and entertainment, salsa dancing, and a glass of prosecco to toast at midnight. Dinner is also available.

Dim sum lovers can see in the new year at Ping Pong at the Southbank Centre. This quirky and fun restaurant hosts its own NYE celebration and has a heated terrace so you won't miss a moment of the fireworks. Celebrate the new year with dim sum, drinks, DJs, and a glass of bubbly as you watch the fireworks illuminate the skyline.

See in the new year in Vauxhall at The Riverside. This pub and restaurant offers views of some of London's most famous landmarks, as well as the New Year's Eve fireworks from the outdoor terrace. Celebrate with a three-course meal followed by drinks and a DJ set. You can also book tickets without dinner included.

Spanish restaurant La Gamba is located within the area that has restricted access to ticket holders for the London New Year's Eve Fireworks Show, making for an excellent workaround. You get to see the dazzling display from the front-row terrace while enjoying tasty tapas, a lively ambiance, and an after party with a DJ. With the London Eye fireworks display right on its doorstep, this is a great choice for those looking to enjoy the show, not the crowds.