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

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

2024 is fast approaching and the official London New Year's Eve Fireworks are back with a literal bang to welcome in the new year. Scoring a spot in the ticketed area can be tough but luckily there are plenty of places you can go if you don't manage to get one. Whether you're partying the night away somewhere central or you want to watch from another corner of the city, you don't have to see the fireworks through a TV screen. This is our guide to where to watch the fireworks on New Year's Eve in London.

Tamsin Spargo, Thatsup
Tamsin Spargo

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London fireworks on New Year's Eve 2023

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

The Monument

Sky-high monument

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 fireworks. Being in the proximity of The Monument and Cannon Street means you're guaranteed a great view of all the action.

Alexandra Park & Palace – NYE fireworks
Alexandra Park & Palace
Alexandra Park & Palace – NYE fireworks
Alexandra Park & Palace
Alexandra Park & Palace – NYE fireworks
Alexandra Park & Palace
Alexandra Park & Palace – NYE fireworks
Alexandra Park & Palace
Alexandra Park & Palace – NYE fireworks
Alexandra Park & Palace
Alexandra Park & Palace – NYE fireworks
Alexandra Park & Palace

Alexandra Park & Palace

Views from North London

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.

Oblix

Modern and luxurious

You're guaranteed great views at Oblix - it's the 32nd floor of The Shard. It's a modern and sophisticated venue combining a relaxed bar and lounge with a restaurant, but every space offers fantastic views. Special events promise a fun NYE party, but the windows mean you'll also see the fireworks with ease.

Tamesis Dock – NYE fireworks
Tamesis Dock
Tamesis Dock – NYE fireworks
Tamesis Dock
Tamesis Dock – NYE fireworks
Tamesis Dock
Tamesis Dock – NYE fireworks
Tamesis Dock
Tamesis Dock – NYE fireworks
Tamesis Dock
Tamesis Dock – NYE fireworks
Tamesis Dock
Tamesis Dock – NYE fireworks
Tamesis Dock
Tamesis Dock – NYE fireworks
Tamesis Dock

Tamesis Dock

Vibrant floating pub

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, the venue is having a party with DJs.

Telegraph Hill Park

See the fireworks from Lewisham

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.

Sky Garden

The city's highest public garden

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.

Palace of Westminster – NYE fireworks
Palace of Westminster
Palace of Westminster – NYE fireworks
Palace of Westminster
Palace of Westminster – NYE fireworks
Palace of Westminster
Palace of Westminster – NYE fireworks
Palace of Westminster
Palace of Westminster – NYE fireworks
Palace of Westminster
Palace of Westminster – NYE fireworks
Palace of Westminster

Palace of Westminster

Get close to Big Ben

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.

8 at The Londoner

Upscale Japanese experience

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 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.

Hampstead Heath – NYE fireworks
Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath – NYE fireworks
Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath – NYE fireworks
Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath – NYE fireworks
Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath – NYE fireworks
Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath – NYE fireworks
Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath

Clear views from Parliament Hill

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.

Hutong

Luxury Chinese dining

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 celebrations.

Skylon

Ideal viewing spot on the South Bank

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.

Aqua Shard – NYE fireworks
Aqua Shard
Aqua Shard – NYE fireworks
Aqua Shard
Aqua Shard – NYE fireworks
Aqua Shard
Aqua Shard – NYE fireworks
Aqua Shard
Aqua Shard – NYE fireworks
Aqua Shard
Aqua Shard – NYE fireworks
Aqua Shard
Aqua Shard – NYE fireworks
Aqua Shard
Aqua Shard – NYE fireworks
Aqua Shard

Aqua Shard

British tasting menu and views

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 New Year's Eve as you enjoy a live band and great views of the fireworks.

Tower Bridge

Famous London landmark

Some bridges across the Thames are within the event's ticketed areas, but many of the ones that don'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 at the same time as taking in magnificent views.

Coq d'Argent

French fine dining

Finish off 2023 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.

Battersea Barge – NYE fireworks
Battersea Barge
Battersea Barge – NYE fireworks
Battersea Barge
Battersea Barge – NYE fireworks
Battersea Barge
Battersea Barge – NYE fireworks
Battersea Barge
Battersea Barge – NYE fireworks
Battersea Barge
Battersea Barge – NYE fireworks
Battersea Barge
Battersea Barge – NYE fireworks
Battersea Barge
Battersea Barge – NYE fireworks
Battersea Barge

Battersea Barge

NYE boat party

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 NYE here with live music, complimentary grazing platters and champagne on arrival, and partial views of the fireworks. The dress code is sparkle and glitter.

Madison – NYE fireworks
Madison
Madison – NYE fireworks
Madison
Madison – NYE fireworks
Madison
Madison – NYE fireworks
Madison
Madison – NYE fireworks
Madison
Madison – NYE fireworks
Madison
Madison – NYE fireworks
Madison
Madison – NYE fireworks
Madison

Madison

Great views all year round

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.

Salsa!

1920s Latin theme

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 1920s-themed NYE party. You get great views of the fireworks at midnight plus live music and entertainment, salsa dancing, and a glass of prosecco to kickstart your night.

LSQ Rooftop

Views from the ninth floor

In the heart of the capital in Leicester Square, LSQ Rooftop is a lively all-day venue in a ninth floor location that offers impressive views. Floor-to-ceiling windows promise you uninterrupted views of the fireworks as you enjoy entertainment all night long, a welcome glass of bubbly, plus canapés and limitless house drinks.

Ping Pong

Dim sum and drinks

Dim sum lovers can see in the new year at Ping Pong on the South Bank. This quirky and fun restaurant 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.

The Riverside

Pub and restaurant by the river

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 views of the 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.

NYE fireworks – About the guide

Where to watch the fireworks on New Year's Eve - Our guide to where to watch the fireworks on New Year's Eve in London is updated regularly. If you know of a great spot for the NYE fireworks in London that we haven't featured in our guide, feel free to get in touch. Please let us know if you see any mistakes in our guide to the places to see the fireworks on NYE in London. Have you visited any of the places mentioned in the guide? Don't forget to write a review on Thatsup.

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FAQ

How long is the London New Year fireworks show?

The duration of London's New Year's Eve fireworks varies, but they typically last for around 10 to 15 minutes. The display is a dazzling spectacle of lights, colours, and music, marking the transition into the new year with a spectacular celebration.

How can I see New Year fireworks in London for free?

For a budget-friendly option, you can watch the London New Year's Eve fireworks for free from various public vantage points. Bear in mind that popular spots fill up quickly, so plan to arrive early. Some areas may have limited visibility, but the festive atmosphere is still worth experiencing.

Do you need tickets for the London New Year's Eve fireworks?

Yes, tickets are usually required for attending the official New Year's Eve fireworks display in London. These tickets are limited and often go on sale in advance. Keep an eye on official announcements and the official event website for ticket information, as the process may vary each year.

Where can I watch the London fireworks?

The iconic London fireworks are typically launched from the River Thames, making viewing spots along the riverbanks ideal. Popular locations include Westminster Bridge, Victoria Embankment, and South Bank. Some areas may have restricted access, so plan ahead and arrive early to secure a great vantage point.