Hi! The most advisable thing is stay near the event in one of those hotels. In our case we arrived at 9am to see the ball in a good place. Although it is very sacrificed by cold, I have to say that I loved the experience.

Went to NYC for new years last year. I really wouldn't recommend going but if you're set on it the best place to view the ball is around 45th and Broadway ave. There's hotels like the Double Tree at 47th and 7th or the Renaissance between 47th/48th and Broadway and 7th ave. I'm not sure about the price but my guess would be at least five hundred a night. Contact the hotel because the policy on traveling around the area is very strict and they might not even allow guests to leave without having a medical emergency. If you're all about having a view and want to spend less than a hotel contact the Olive Garden near 47th and Broadway. They had tickets for around 300 which include dinner, drinks and obviously bathrooms. I stood around there to watch the ball drop and if it's cold out that would be a nice place to be.

Hi, You're not given a place to stand per se, rather they have "pens" set up where people are let into. If you want a good spot, which would be 43rd or 45th and Broadway, prepare to be there early..by early I mean like 7 or 8 in the morning. I got there at noon and they were already backed up to 47th. If you get out of one of these pens you're out for good. There are no public bathrooms, though you might have some luck at say starbucks after of course purchasing something because that's the only way they let you in. Personally I wouldn't recommend going but if you're set on it you'll probably be better off flipping for a hotel, expect to spend at least 500 or buying a new years eve ticket for say olive garden on 47th and broadway, i think they are 300 dollars and include dinner, drinks, bathrooms and a good view of the ball.