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

New Year’s Eve Open Bar and Ball Drop View NYC – A Blend of History, Festivity, and Exclusive Access

When ringing in the New Year in New York City, a lot of us dream of a memorable, lively experience that captures both the city’s spirit and the iconic ball drop. This tour offers a 5-hour journey through historic speakeasies, Broadway, and Times Square, with a $300 price tag per person. Led by guides who take you through Prohibition-era tales and NYC’s famous landmarks, it promises a combination of drinks, history, and a prime view of the midnight celebration.

What we find appealing are the unique visit to a 1920s speakeasy—one of the last original Prohibition-era bars—and the exclusive vantage point for the Times Square ball drop, far from the crowds. Plus, the heavy appetizers and open bar from 8 pm to midnight make this a lively, social evening.

However, one potential drawback is that the emphasis appears to lean heavily on drinking and socializing rather than the actual ball drop itself, which might disappoint those mainly wanting a front-row view. The tour’s pricing is on the higher side, but the group size capped at 30 ensures a somewhat intimate experience.

This experience suits travelers who are looking for a mix of NYC history, festive merrymaking, and a bit of exclusivity. If you enjoy learning about the city’s Prohibition past while celebrating New Year’s, this could be a fun, memorable choice. But if your main goal is to stand in Times Square amidst the crowds, you might want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Historical focus: Tour includes a visit to a real 1920s speakeasy with authentic Prohibition-era ambiance.
• Exclusive view: Ends with a private section outside Times Square for the midnight ball drop, away from the crowds.
• All-inclusive: 5 hours of open bar, heavy appetizers, and a champagne toast at midnight.
• Limited group size: A maximum of 30 travelers, making for a more intimate experience.
• Location & timing: Starts at 8:00 PM near 210 W 54th St and moves within Times Square security zones.
• Potential downside: Heavy emphasis on drinking might overshadow the main event—the ball drop.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at the Flute Bar – The journey begins at a genuine speakeasy that echoes 1920s NYC. Here, you’ll enjoy five hours of unlimited drinks, served alongside hearty appetizers. The emphasis on the Prohibition era adds an intriguing historical flavor, giving you a sense of what nightlife was like during those clandestine days. The champagne toast at midnight is a traditional highlight, and the atmosphere is lively, with a palpable sense of celebration.

Exploring Broadway and Historic Landmarks – Moving through the theater district, the tour guides take you on a walk that merges classic and contemporary NYC. While not a full Broadway experience, this segment offers a quick glimpse into the vibrant heart of the city’s entertainment scene.

Exclusive Times Square Viewing – The most coveted part of this tour is the outdoor viewing area within Times Square, but in a special section that the general public doesn’t access. This vantage point, about 12 blocks away from the ball, provides the best of both worlds—a clear view of the countdown while avoiding the chaos of the crowds. As Sonya noted in her review, “the focus was on drinking and not the ball drop,” but she appreciated navigating Times Square without waiting in long lines.

What to Expect at Each Stop

At the speakeasy, you’ll experience authentic decor and ambiance, with an open bar flowing freely. The heavy appetizers are served throughout the evening, adding to the relaxed, festive atmosphere. Expect socializing and music—some with DJ sets—maintaining a lively vibe until early morning.

During the walk around Broadway, you’ll see theaters and historic sites, offering a taste of NYC’s entertainment history. This part is more about the sights than detailed tours, but it adds a layer of cultural depth.

Finally, the Times Square finale promises a prime, secure location for the midnight countdown, with a view of the famous ball drop. Afterward, the party continues with dancing and music inside, giving you a full-fledged celebration experience.

Authentic Perspectives from Travelers

Sonya’s review highlights a common experience: “The experience was good. It does need a little improvement to be great. I enjoyed the restaurants/bars visited, but the emphasis was on drinking and not the ball drop.” Her comment underscores that the main draw—the ball drop—might not be the central focus for everyone, with more attention on socializing and drinking.

Conversely, the uniqueness of visiting one of NYC’s original Prohibition-era bars is appreciated, especially by those interested in history and authentic venues. The tour’s design caters more to party-goers and history buffs than to travelers solely seeking a front-row Times Square experience.

Practical Considerations: Price, Duration, and Group Size

At $300 per person, the tour is priced on the higher end, particularly when factoring in drinks and food. However, it includes five hours of entertainment, drinks, appetizers, and a special view—which can be a good value if you’re after a comprehensive, festive experience.

The duration of about five hours means you’ll start in the evening and carry the celebration into the early hours, making it suitable for those who want an all-in-one experience without the hassle of coordinating multiple venues.

The group size capped at 30 travelers helps maintain a sense of intimacy, avoiding the overwhelming crowds typical of NYC NYE celebrations. This smaller size enhances the opportunity for interaction and easier movement through security zones.

Transportation and Accessibility

The meeting point is conveniently near public transportation, which is crucial in a city like NYC. The tour itself involves some walking through busy areas, so travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level. If mobility is a concern, it’s worth noting that access to certain zones within Times Square is regulated for security, but the tour’s setup should accommodate most.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is best suited for history enthusiasts interested in the Prohibition era, those who enjoy social drinking in an authentic setting, and people looking for an exclusive, guided view of NYC’s biggest night. If your primary goal is to see the ball drop from the best possible spot, and you prefer a less party-focused experience, this might not be your ideal choice.

Travelers eager to combine nightlife with a taste of NYC’s past will find this tour engaging. It’s perfect for couples, small groups of friends, or anyone who appreciates a lively, festive atmosphere with an educational twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include transportation?
No, the tour begins at the meeting point near public transportation. You’re responsible for getting to and from the starting location.

Is the view of the ball drop guaranteed?
Yes, the tour provides an exclusive outdoor viewing area within Times Square, about 12 blocks away from the ball, offering a good vantage point and security.

What’s the focus of the experience — drinking or sightseeing?
The tour emphasizes drinking and socializing with an open bar from 8 pm to midnight, along with a historic speakeasy visit. The ball drop view is a highlight but not the sole focus.

Can I expect a quiet, romantic New Year’s celebration?
Not necessarily. The environment is lively, with DJ music and dancing afterward, making it more suitable for those who enjoy festive, energetic celebrations.

Are there any age restrictions?
While not explicitly stated, the emphasis on alcohol consumption suggests this is an adults-only experience.

What’s the cancellation policy?
The booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed once confirmed, so plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

The New Year’s Eve Open Bar and Ball Drop View NYC tour offers a unique blend of history, celebration, and exclusivity. If you’re drawn to dive into NYC’s Prohibition past while ringing in the new year away from the masses, this tour could be just what you’re looking for. The combination of authentic venues, a prime view of Times Square, and lively entertainment makes it a memorable choice.

However, if your main aim is a front-row, crowd-packed ball drop experience, or if you prefer a quieter, more intimate celebration, you might want to explore other options. The emphasis on drinks and socializing makes this a fun, energetic way to welcome 2024, especially for those who enjoy a party atmosphere with a historic twist.

In the end, this tour is about combining the best of NYC’s history and nightlife into one vibrant celebration—an experience that’s lively, memorable, and decidedly unique to New York City’s New Year’s Eve.