New Year’s Eve is one of the most magical nights of the year in the ever-iconic city of London.
At the stroke of midnight, the famous bongs of the stunningly refurbished Big Ben can be heard across Great Britain’s capital city as more than 12,000 fireworks launch into the night sky.
London offers numerous vantage points to witness its spectacular fireworks display, so read on to discover our best spots – some ticketed, some not – so you too can ring in 2024 in style.
Your guide to watching London’s 2023 New Year’s Eve fireworks
If in doubt, plan ahead
It goes without saying that London’s New Year’s Eve 2023 is going to be busy, attracting a huge number of spectators in this city of approximately 9 million people.
Wherever you choose to bask in the city’s glorious fireworks, it is highly advisable to arrive early to secure a good vantage point. Circumstances, access, or viewing restrictions can also change. The official London.gov.uk website is your best bet for any entry requirements or changes to the viewing locations for the New Year’s Eve fireworks in London in 2023.
Make use of London’s excellent public transport system
London has a staggering 400 or so train stations and an intricate, meandering subway system in the tube. Wherever you choose to watch the fireworks in the city, there will be a station nearby.
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Best place to see fireworks in London for New Year’s Eve 2023
London’s official New Year’s Eve fireworks
South Bank
This area, on the banks of the River Thames near the London Eye and Big Ben, is a popular choice for viewing the fireworks – and is the site for London’s official New Year’s Eve fireworks display. A ticketed event, it costs £20 (or around $25) per person and attracts significant crowds – some 100,000 – for its proximity to the fireworks and Big Ben’s bongs.
Closest station: Waterloo
Best viewing spots on a budget
Primrose Hill
While not in the immediate vicinity of the central fireworks, Primrose Hill offers a more distant yet stunning panoramic view of the city skyline. With its higher elevation, you can see the fireworks explode and cascade across the London horizon. It’s a less crowded spot, but we’d still advise going early before it starts to fill up.
Closest station: Chalk Farm
Parliament Hill
Situated in Hampstead Heath, this area of open parkland offers another incredible elevated position with a more distant view of London’s impressive skyline. Not the closest view, but one of the more panoramic to fully take in the city’s fireworks.
Closest station: Gospel Oak
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New Year’s Eve London 2023: venues to watch fireworks
London has over 3,500 pubs and approximately 15,000 restaurants, so if you’re looking to drink, eat, and be merry as you bring in 2024 – then you’re in luck.
Aqua Shard
This one isn’t budget-friendly, but with a 360-degree view of London, Aqua Shard – in the UK’s tallest building – offers an unbeatable experience for watching New Year’s Eve fireworks. The floor-to-ceiling windows ensure guests enjoy a jaw-dropping view of the fireworks while enjoying a five-course dinner, drinks, live music, and a DJ from midnight until the early hours.
Closest station: London Bridge
Battersea Barge
Hop on board the floating Battersea Barge for its epic New Year’s Eve party, with views of the skyline and the iconic Battersea Power Station.
Closest station: Vauxhall
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, franckreporter