Yes, I have a great suggestion. I love this question because I know you've got to try this at least once in your lifetime! From my experience, I really enjoyed this last year, and did it with an old friend who I haven't seen in years. Your first thought might be, that I'm crazy to stand out in the cold for 12 hours, but on another thought, it was totally worth it to watch a glowing ball drop from the sky.

I will probably only do this once in my whole entire life, but wouldn't mind doing it again if I ever get married (I'm hoping to get married one day, and if my wife wants to do it with me). You must see the ball drop in Times Square. I stood out there a half a day with nothing to eat, and I had nowhere to even pee. I couldn't even sit down, just to see the ball drop in the front of the line on New Years Eve.

It was better than any party I've ever went to over the past 5 years, simply because it was a challenge standing up for 12 hours in the cold, and I really enjoyed all the hype into watching the ball drop. Moreover, it was great to watch all the people in the crowd, as well to talk to people, and just be there.

So, my recommendation for you is to go to Times Square and watch the ball drop. Do not go to any parties, as this is the ultimate party. There are crowds and crowds of people to see and meet. Bring your camera, and your friends, and just have a great time!

You won't have to worry about drinking expensive alcoholic beverages. You can let everyone else get drunk, and have to deal with the hangover the next day. You don't have to worry about that, be sober, and spend a fun

What I also recommend you bring with you:

1. A few friends (or a special someone)
2. A few snacks and food (granola bars work well)
3. Gloves (It's very cold)
4. A few bottles of water or fluid
5. A camera that is full of battery power

You will have the best time of your life, and you're in for the best New Years in New York City!

Okay, so hopefully this helps you with your decision. It's fun, entertaining, and inexpensive. It's just what you will enjoy. Oh, and you don't have to wait in line for 12 hours, unless you want to be in the very front of the ball drop zone.

If you want to do something else, go to the Empire State Building or the Top of the Rock in Rockefeller Center to see great views of the city. Other things to check out include South Street Seaport and Central Park. If you like fun museums and history, be sure to check out Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum. There are plenty of other museums to see, such as the Museum of Modern Art or the American Museum of Natural History to name a few. If you want to go skating or watch skaters, be sure to check out Rockefeller Center's skating rink. One thing about New York, it's not always inexpensive, but there are fun things you can do on a budget. BTW the ball drop is free to watch :)

New York City is amazing! I would recommend checking out Central Park, Times Square (for New Years Eve or at least at night to see the lights!), Ground Zero memorial, Empire State Building and have lunch in Little Italy.

This is not inexpensive, but I would also recommend seeing a broadway show. We saw Rent and it was fabulous. I have seen shows in Toronto, but they don't compare the the ones on Broadway in NYC! You can actually get cheaper tickets by going to the theatre the day of the show and get 'rush tickets' or lottery tickets. If you want to buy online look for a promo code, which can save you some money. Here's a link to some more info for getting broadway tickets cheap:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/traveltips/02/19/broadway.tickets/index.html

It's also fun to check out the shops along Fifth avenue even if you are just window shopping. If you are looking for discounted shopping check out Century 21. It has brand names for much cheaper than the stores. Here's the link:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/traveltips/02/19/broadway.tickets/index.html

Have a great time!

Visit the Cloisters you'll see great Medieval European art from A.D. 800, a series of special programs, and fantastic views of the Hudson.
www.metmuseum.org/Works_of_Art/the_cloisters

Miss Wrg1985, Time Square on New Year's Eve is something worth seeing as Easyeboy said and the other places such as Rockefeller Center and The Empire State Building are musts.
Some other places that are well worth the trip are these:

The world famous Guggenheim Museum. I am not sure how much it costs but it is a historic and very well known museum which I am sure will be lots of fun to explore.

Central Park and its zoo. The park is free and a work of art in itself. The landscape is massive and completely surrounded by city. There is nothing else quite like it. The zoo I am sure would be great fun as well and costs $10 for an adult general admission ticket.

The Statue Of Liberty and Ellis Island. This is a symbol of our country and every citizen should get to see and experience its wonder. There are various options for the tickets and prices range, some being $12 per adult person other $20. You would have to check which best fits you.

I hope you have a wonderful time on your trip and get to have lots of great memories there! Have a nice day!

why not go for a nice swim in the east river! lol!!! :>) or maybe watch the ball drop...in the cold...for hours...either one is about as much fun. no seriously go to the museum of natural history, very cool!