Oh, how this year has flown by. New Year’s Eve is just around the corner so it’s time to start thinking about how to spend it. If you’re going to be in London on 31st December, you’re in for one hell of a good time. Party season in the British capital can’t be beaten; think crazy firework displays, the electric West End and some of the best nightclubs and bars in the world. London’s is known for being pretty expensive, but here’s how to enjoy New Year’s Eve without breaking the bank. See 2019 in with a bang (literally) with the 7 best things to do in London for New Year’s Eve on a Budget...
1 SEE THE SPECTACULAR LONDON FIREWORKS FOR FREE
The biggest event in London on New Year’s Eve is the Mayor of London’s Firework Show. The tickets to see the incredible firework display and the official New Year countdown costs £10 - and tickets have already sold out. But not to worry. If you’re in the know, there are places you can go where you can still see the fireworks for free and avoid the £10 charge. Wherever you are in the city, if you can see the London Eye then you’ll be able to see the fireworks. You’ll be able to get a good view of the show from The Millennium Bridge, Cannon Street (close to St Paul’s Cathedral), Tower Bridge or Parliament Hill (which is a little further away but it will be less crowded). Beat the crowds, set up somewhere a bit quieter and watch the incredible fireworks show from a little further back.
2 PARTY IN STYLE AT BELUSHI’S. AFFORDABLE BUT EPIC
Looking to party hard on New Year’s Eve but don’t want to spend a fortune? London’s nightclubs will cost hundreds of pounds, especially if you want to book a table to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style. There are some awesome bars in London where you can party for a lot cheaper but still have a epic time amongst a glamorous setting.
Belushi’s Bars has you covered for the best affordable NYE party in London. Belushi’s will have dancers, live music and guest DJs getting everyone up on the dancefloor, beer pong until 10pm, plus champagne and cocktails flowing all night long. At the stroke of midnight, expect confetti showers plus a complimentary glass of bubbles for your first drink of the New Year. General admission is free before 10pm if you’re on the guestlist, or £5 from 10pm. You can book a VIP booth from £25 per person if you really want to celebrate in style without having to pay a fortune at a swanky London nightclub.
Belushi’s parties are legendary, so say hello to 2019 the right way for a night you’ll never forget! There are 5 Belushi’s bars dotted all around London; you can find the in Hammersmith, Shepherd’s Bush, Camden, Greenwich and London Bridge.
3 GO ICE SKATING
If you’re looking for a fun activity to do during the day on 31st December, head to London’s best ice rinks and enjoy a skate with your friends. Whether you want to glide around on the grounds of the Natural History Museum, enjoy some skate and apres-skate at Somerset House or hang high up in the sky at the Skylight Tobacco Dock rooftop, London has some pretty awesome ice rinks that will be open on New Year’s Eve. A lovely way to spend your last day of 2018 that won’t cost you too much money. You can skate at the Natural History Museum for £12.65.
4 WATCH A THEATRE SHOW IN LONDON’S WEST END
Do something extra special this New Year’s Eve and catch a matinee performance of a theatre show in London’s iconic West End. Whether you’re after a musical or a comedy, London’s stages host some of the best talent from around the world to suit everybody’s tastes. There are plenty of London shows to see on New Year’s Eve; catch Aladdin, Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Matilda, School of Rock, Mamma Mia, Thriller Live and much much more. Matinee performances are cheaper than evening performances but keep in mind that ticket prices will be a little more expensive on New Year’s Eve.
5 WINTER WONDERLAND
Get your electric New Year buzz at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, London’s biggest and best festive event. Embrace the fantastic joyous atmosphere anytime from 10am - 10pm, and be done and dusted in time for the official New Year countdown to 12am. Entry to Winter Wonderland is free which is amazing; inside you have to pay for drinks, attractions and rides but it’s so worth it. There is so much to do whether it’s browsing the Christmas markets, enjoying the thrill-seeking rides, tasting the yummy German food and taking a turn on the ice. For New Year’s Eve, get a group of friends together and have a few drinks in the Bavarian Bar, join in with some festive karaoke or grab a cocktail from the Ice Bar. Winter Wonderland won’t let you down for a fun-packed evening, the perfect way to celebrate the end of 2018 and welcome in 2019.
6 MAKE THE MOST OF HAPPY HOURS AND EARLY BIRD FREE ENTRY
If you’re anything like us, you’ll want to have quite a few drinks on New Year’s Eve but this can get very expensive, especially in London. To save some money, make the most of London’s best and longest Happy Hours and get more drinks for less! Belushi’s Bars in London has extended its Happy Hour for New Year’s Eve from 5pm to 9pm! Get 2 for 1 drinks deals and other cool offers during Happy Hour. Other bars in London also offer good Happy Hours.
While you’re out on New Years Eve, save money by going to a bar/club as early as you can to make sure you get in when it’s free entry. Many bars offer free entry until a certain time so keep an eye out for that on their websites. Entry to clubs can get pretty expensive the later you turn up!
7 TREAT YOURSELF TO A NICE MEAL
Want to avoid all the firework crowds? Not so much of a party animal? Celebrate the last day of the year at a up-and-coming London restaurant and enjoy a lovely meal with loved ones that you’ll never forget. If you’re looking to do something a little more relaxing on New Year’s Eve but still want to experience the exciting buzz, the pubs of London are the places to head. Sit in a cosy quaint British pub and enjoy sophisticated comfort food and delicious New Year’s Eve menus. We recommend the Hercules Pillars in Holborn and the St Christopher’s Pub in London Bridge for an affordable but fun New Year’s Eve meal with plenty of fun atmosphere and extra NYE perks.
The St Christopher’s Pub on Borough High Street is hosting a Great Gatsby themed New Year’s Eve party. Dress to the nines and you could win a £100 bar tab to start as you mean to go on in 2019. Expect incredible live music, canapés platters, an ALL NIGHT happy hour including bottles of Prosecco for just £15 and the London fireworks live on our projector screens. Book your table now for just £10 per person and enjoy the final night of 2018 in 1920’s style!
Or try The Little Blue Door in Fulham and enjoy 4 course meal, DJ’s and House Party from £10-£55.