Bid Farewell to 2016 in London this New Year's Eve

(Source: London & Partners)

Get ready to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the capital with a whole host of parties, packages, spectacular views, and of course – London’s world famous fireworks.

2016 has been an exciting and eventful year for the city with the capital welcoming a record 8.8 million overseas visitors in the first half of the year. While notable events and openings included the commemoration of the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of London and the Design Museum opening its new home in Kensington.

There are hundreds of great places to see in the New Year but these are some of our favourite places to raise a glass to 2017!

The sky’s the limit

New Year's celebrations are set to reach new heights! The View from the Shard is throwing a special New Year's Eve party atop Europe's tallest building. Enjoy a welcome cocktail on arrival, before hitting the dancefloor, and catch the famous firework display from above as you enjoy 360 degree views of the city. Across the river, London's Sky Garden are throwing a 1920s themed party, complete with a four-course dinner among the glamour of the Gatsby decade.

Searcy's The Gherkin will also be hosting an evening of luxury canapés, a five-course tasting menu with champagne, and live music throughout the evening. Just around the corner, London’s tallest restaurant, Duck & Waffle in the Heron Tower, will offer a six-course tasting menu, with champagne, canapés, and live music provided by a five-piece band. Downstairs, revellers can ignite their Latin spirit at SushiSamba's party, inspired by Brazil's Réveillon. With samba dancers, DJ sets and live music to set the scene, you can also enjoy a selection of the chef's best dishes on the 38th and 39th floors.

Fun on the Thames

Party-goers can also take to the river to enjoy fantastic views of the fireworks. A special package from Golden Tours' Hurrican Clipper includes a three-couse meal at Minster Exchange before setting sail, with live music all night. Elsewhere, the Harmony vessel from Bateaux London boasts the largest open deck vessel on the Thames, giving party guests plenty of space on the dancefloor after a five-course set menu and drinks.

Those seeking a faster-paced speed boat ride will not be disappointed...Thames Rockets are offering a three course meal at Tom’s Kitchen, before speeding down the river to watch the fireworks. Just along the river, the Thames RIB experience will also be getting into the spirit with speedboat rides complete with champagne and warm coats for partying sailors, as they sing along to party classics and countdown with Big Ben’s famous chimes.

Dinner and Parties

Top venues across the rest of the capital are also pulling out all the stops to give partygoers the best night of the year. American steakhouse Smith & Wollensky are transporting the crowd to Las Vegas for Frank Sinatra & Dean Martin’s New Year’s Eve party. An eight-piece band will play the greatest hits of the Rat Pack while guests enjoy a sumptuous three-course menu. Serving an extravagant four-course menu, The Arch London hotel will ensure the celebrations are as indulgent as possible, with tempting treats such as truffle brioche and beef fillet, washed down with champagne.

For something completely different, count down the final hours of the year in the famous Hintze Hall at the Natural History Museum. Revellers can raise a glass to Dippy the Dinosaur before he goes on roue, capture the fun in a photo booth, and enjoy a three-course dinner. There is also a 'happy hour' to kick things off at any of Dirty Martini's eight London venues and a DJ on decks until the early hours.

If you can't be there...

Tickets to London New Year's Eve Fireworks 2016 have sold out, but those wanting to watch the spectacle can tune in with the BBC’s 360-degree live view available on smartphones, tablets, laptops or desktops or alternatively watch it live on television on BBC One.