Seasonal

New Year’s Eve in London

Fireworks, grand dinners and rooftop parties: how to see in the New Year in London, done well.

In short: our top picks are Aqua Shard, Oblix and The View from The Shard. 4 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.

New Year’s Eve in London can be magical or a cold scrum, and the difference is in the planning. Between the riverside fireworks, grand hotel dinners and rooftop parties, there is a way to see in the year that suits you. These are the best ways to spend New Year’s Eve in London, from the spectacular to the civilised.

Place Area Price
Aqua Shard London Bridge ££££
Oblix London Bridge ££££
The View from The Shard London Bridge £££
Coppa Club Tower Bridge Tower Hill £££
  1. Editor’s choice

    Aqua Shard

    • London Bridge
    • ££££

    Why we pick itNew Year dinner on level 31 with the fireworks at your feet; book the big night months ahead.

    Worth knowingThe cooking does not match the setting and portions read small for the price; without a window table booked well ahead, the point of coming is lost.

  2. Oblix

    • London Bridge
    • ££££

    Why we pick itA high-up grill and terrace in The Shard; one of the best skyline spots to see in the year.

  3. The View from The Shard

    • London Bridge
    • £££

    Why we pick itThe highest viewpoint in the city; a special-ticket New Year vantage above the whole skyline.

  4. Coppa Club Tower Bridge

    • Tower Hill
    • £££

    Why we pick itRiverside igloos with views of the fireworks.

No longer open

These appeared in earlier versions of this guide. We have left them here, marked, because readers still search for them.

  • Searcys at the Gherkin Closed

    Permanently closed in early January 2026. Searcys still operates its other London venues.

    Dining under the dome at the top of the Gherkin; a glamorous, high-altitude New Year's Eve.

Before you book

The big-ticket dinners and parties sell out months ahead, so book early. If you want the fireworks, you need a ticket for the official viewing areas; otherwise pick a rooftop or a restaurant with a view. And plan your way home in advance; transport is the part everyone forgets.