New Year’s Eve Open Bar and Ball Drop View NYC

If you’re dreaming of ringing in the New Year in New York City, this New Year’s Eve Open Bar and Ball Drop View offers a unique blend of history, celebration, and exclusive access. While it might not be the most lavish or elaborate party around, it promises a memorable night with a touch of vintage charm and the iconic Times Square experience.

What we like about this tour is the chance to visit one of the last-standing 1920s speakeasies, enjoy a full five-hour open bar, and get a special vantage point for the ball drop—all within a reasonable price point for such a prime location. The experience also combines a walk through Broadway’s vibrant streets and provides a chance to soak in the New York skyline.

However, some might find the focus on drinking slightly overpowering, especially if their priority is catching the ball drop or enjoying the NYE fireworks without too many distractions. This tour suits those who appreciate a lively, sociable celebration with a bit of historic flair rather than a purely formal or peaceful evening.

If you’re looking for a lively, historic, and exclusive way to welcome the New Year, this experience could be a fit — just keep in mind the emphasis on partying over sightseeing.

Good To Know

• Historic Venue: Visit a genuine Prohibition-era speakeasy with authentic ambiance.
• All-Inclusive: Five hours of open bar with heavy appetizers and a champagne toast.
• Exclusive View: Prime spot just 12 blocks from Times Square for the midnight ball drop.
• Guided Walk: Explore Broadway and other landmarks during the evening.
• Group Size: Small groups of up to 30 travelers, ensuring a more intimate vibe.
• Price Point: At $300, it offers a decent balance of access, drinks, and atmosphere, though it leans toward a lively party rather than a serene celebration.

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

The Itinerary — What’s Included and What to Expect

This NYE tour kicks off at 8:00 pm from 210 W 54th St, right in the heart of Manhattan. From there, it’s a carefully curated journey through some of New York’s most iconic areas, with a notable highlight being the visit to Flute Bar, an original speakeasy from the 1920s. Here, you’ll have the chance to step back in time and experience an atmosphere that echoes the Prohibition era. The bar itself is an authentic relic, still operating in the same space as it did nearly a century ago, which many reviewers find adds significant historical charm to the night.

The tour includes heavy appetizers served throughout, complementing the open bar, which runs from 8:00 pm to midnight. The emphasis on drinks means you’ll likely spend much of the evening socializing, dancing, and enjoying the lively NYC nightlife.

Broadway and Landmark Walks

Expect a walk through Broadway, where the juxtaposition of old and new theater scenes is palpable. This part of the evening offers a chance to appreciate the city’s cultural richness and see some of the famed landmarks, albeit mostly from the outside as the group moves within the security parameters of Times Square.

The Main Event — Times Square View

As midnight approaches, guests head outside to a reserved outdoor area for an unobstructed view of the famous ball drop. The tour claims this is an exclusive section, away from the throngs of general public viewers. This means more space, less pushing, and a clearer shot at the iconic moment. According to one review, “the last bar was one of NYC’s few original speakeasies still operating in the same space,” a delight for those interested in authentic history—though some might find the focus more on drinking than the countdown itself.

Post-Midnight Festivities

After the ball drop, the party continues inside with a DJ and dancing into the early hours. This is ideal for those who want to keep celebrating rather than rushing home after midnight.

Practical Details and Considerations

Duration and Group Size

The entire experience lasts approximately five hours, giving plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere, enjoy drinks, and celebrate comfortably. The group size is limited to 30 travelers, fostering a more personalized experience, though that also means you should book well in advance—on average, this experience is booked 162 days ahead.

Price and Value

At $300 per person, this tour is priced competitively given the included amenities—open bar, appetizers, exclusive view, and guided experience. While it’s not cheap, many would consider it a fair value considering the prime location and historical venues.

Accessibility and Transportation

Meeting points are near public transportation, making it relatively easy to access for most travelers. The tour requires a moderate physical fitness level, mainly for walking around the city and navigating security checks.

Reviews and Authentic Feedback

The single review available gives a 3-star rating, mentioning that the experience was enjoyable but could be improved. The reviewer, Sonya, noted that “the emphasis was on drinking and not the ball drop,” which might be a point of concern for those mainly interested in watching the countdown. She appreciated visiting the speakeasy’s authenticity but found the focus on alcohol somewhat overwhelming.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for party-goers who love a lively atmosphere and are eager to combine history with celebration. It’s perfect if you want to enjoy an exclusive spot for the ball drop without fighting crowds, especially if you appreciate historic venues and an open bar ambiance. However, those seeking a quieter or more sightseeing-focused NYE might prefer other options.

Final Thoughts

This New Year’s Eve tour offers a mix of history, celebration, and exclusivity. You’ll love the chance to visit a real Prohibition-era speakeasy, sip drinks for hours, and get a prime view of the ball drop from a private section. The inclusion of dancing and DJ music means the party doesn’t stop at midnight, making for a fun, energetic way to ring in the new year.

The price reflects the unique access, drinks, and atmosphere, but keep in mind that the emphasis is more on celebration than sightseeing. If you’re after a lively, sociable, and historic NYE experience with a special view, this tour could be a great choice. For travelers wanting a more subdued or sightseeing-oriented experience, other options might suit better.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a five-hour open bar, heavy appetizers, a champagne toast at midnight, guided walking through Broadway, and an exclusive view of the Times Square ball drop.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at 210 W 54th St, New York, NY, at 8:00 pm, near public transportation.

How long does the experience last?
Approximately five hours, wrapping up after dancing into the early hours of the New Year.

Is the view of the ball drop truly exclusive?
Yes, the tour claims to end at a reserved section just 12 blocks from Times Square, away from general crowds.

What is the dress code?
While not explicitly stated, expect a lively NYE attire — dress comfortably yet festive, especially if you plan to dance afterward.

Can the tour accommodate special needs?
It requires a moderate physical fitness level, but specific accessibility details aren’t provided, so check directly with the provider if needed.

What if I want to see the fireworks?
This tour focuses primarily on the ball drop view and celebration. Fireworks are generally not part of this experience.

Is there a refund if I cancel?
No, cancellations are non-refundable and cannot be changed.

How many people will be on the tour?
The maximum group size is 30 travelers, making for a more intimate experience.

Would this be a good option for families?
Given the emphasis on drinking and late-night festivities, it’s likely better suited for adults rather than families with young children.

To sum it up, this New Year’s Eve experience offers a spirited, historic, and exclusive way to celebrate in New York City. It’s perfect for those who want a lively atmosphere, a historic backdrop, and a prime view of the iconic ball drop—just keep your expectations balanced regarding the emphasis on partying over sightseeing.