Where to watch 4th of July fireworks in NYC: Best views and bites (2024)

There’s no better place to spark fun on July 4th than New York City.

As their Independence Day fireworks showcase returns to the Hudson River for the first time in a decade, New Yorkers are scrambling to secure the best spot to enjoy the show, as the city has changed a lot in the past decade since the display was last on the west side.

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The Macy’s Fireworks display, scheduled to begin at 9:25 p.m. on Thursday, will take place up the river from Jersey City’s display by the world-famous Fireworks by Grucci, which starts at 9:30 p.m.

The city has announced official public entry points along the west side, beginning at Christopher Street and Washington Street and all the way up to West 40th Street and 11th Avenue.

But most would agree that fireworks are best enjoyed with a delicious drink and bite in hand.

For those hoping to guarantee a perfect view and a fun party, The Post put together a list of some of the best venues to spend the Fourth of July.

Arlo ART Midtown

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The Arlo Midtown hotel has a July cookout buffet from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. along with an open bar until 10 p.m. — then transitions to a cash bar — on their rooftop bar ART Midtown.

For a $117 ticket, those aged 21 and up are guaranteed a spot on the open-air garden oasis, 26 stories above Times Square.

The roof offers limited seating but plenty of standing room to view the iconic colorful display.

351 W. 38th St., New York, NY 10018

Empire State Building

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Why not watch the world-famous fireworks show from the world’s most famous building?

The 86th-floor observatory at the top of the Empire State Building will be closed to the public from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the 4th of July to welcome 200 VIP ticket purchasers.

For $550 a pop, guests can enjoy a premium open bar from 7:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. and NYC staples — such as mini Coney Island hot dogs and mini Reuben sandwiches — catered by in-house restaurantSTATE Grill and Bar as they dance along to the DJ on the 80th floor.

20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001

Pier 57

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Pier 57 is perfect for peering fireworks. The Meatpacking District attraction is one of NYC’s largest rooftop parks and is ideal for casual viewers of all ages.

The public park will welcome free ticket holders from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Thursday to enjoy unobstructed views of the Hudson River, bites and drinks from theMarket 57 food hall, and music from DJ Viper.

However, there are a few rules. No outside food, beverages, coolers, backpacks, umbrellas, packaging, chairs or animals will be permitted and everyone must enter by 7:30 p.m.

25 11th Avenue New York, NY 10011

City Winery Pier 57

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For a more exclusive experience at Pier 57, City Winery has plans to pop bottles for 21+ patriots.

The $150 General Admission tickets will include food while the $350 VIP All-Inclusive tickets will get you unlimited food and drinks.

The family-friendly event will have games, live entertainment and lots of food options in the main venue along with front-row panoramic views of the fireworks show on the Pier 57 Rooftop.

25 11th Avenue (Pier 57), New York, NY 10011

Le Bain

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Popular nightclub Le Bain is throwing a party on the 4th of July from 4 p.m. until 4 a.m. in honor of their address.

The 12-hour party at the top of The Standard Hotel is expected to be a marathon of music, dancing and great views of the west side of Manhattan and New Jersey.

Entry will be free but tables can be reserved for $175 or $250 per person to guarantee you’ll make it upstairs.

444 W 13th Street, New York, New York 10014

Hotel Hugo

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This downtown hotel features two roof terraces with 360 views of Lower Manhattan — including the Hudson River — with AZUL, an open-air Cuban-themed cantina and BAR HUGO, a glittering glass-enclosed lounge and an outdoor balcony, right below.

The party at Hotel Hugo will openly welcome guests on both floors from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. but will require a reservation after that for prime placement until they close their doors at 11:30 p.m.

525 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013

City Vineyard at Pier 26

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City Vineyard at Pier 26 will start the party for those 21+ at 3 p.m. on Thursday with DJs, food, drinks and of course lots of wine. Entry will stop at 8 p.m. regardless of having a ticket.

The $100 ticket will get you one complimentary co*cktail and access to the food stations. For those who want to keep the wine flowing, the regular bar menu will be available for purchase along with VIP experiences including bottle service.

233 West St, New York, NY 10013, USA

Grand Banks

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For those who want to be on the water during the fireworks show, you’ll want to snag a reservation at Grand Banks.

The eatery on the deck of a historic fishing boat is selling tiers of tickets — $300 for bar seating and $350 for dock seating but the $450 tickets for waterfront seating have already sold out.

Step aboard the docked boat turned restaurant for a celebratory three-course prix fixe menu of champagne, an amuse bouche, lobster roll or scallops, french fries and key lime pie paired with unparalleled front-row seating. A full bar menu is available separately.

Pier 25, 225 West Street, New York, NY 10013

Mezze on the River

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The flower-covered restaurant along the bottom of the Hudson River boasts beautiful views of the water that will sparkle a little extra when the 4th of July fireworks burst.

Mezze on the River will be serving curated specials all day long with brunch going from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. followed by dinner from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The Mediterranean-inspired restaurant will have three dinner seating options at 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and prime time prix fixe at 8:30 p.m. with mouthwatering options.

375 S End Ave, New York, NY 10280

Exchange Place RoofTop

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A true New Yorker knows the best part of leaving the city is being able to see it.

The RoofTop at Exchange Place in Jersey City promises breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline that is sure to be a great backdrop for the fireworks show as the Jersey City display will be set right downstairs.

Reservations will be required on the 4th of July whether you want to hang out at the standard tables, cabanas/ red couches or VIP section.

Each spot can be reserved in 90-minute increments from 4 p.m. until midnight with additional time on tables ringing in at a $75 minimum per person per hour.

1ExchangePlace, Jersey City, NJ 07302

Metropolis

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Metropolis, an American eatery, will have its Independence Day celebrations in full swing from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

The Hoboken hotspot will charge a $45 admittance to the roof to secure a spot to watch the fireworks with a cash bar with drink specials and their full food menu.

The roof will be bumping music from a DJ and offering several giveaways. Those without tickets can bounce between the indoor parties on the two main floors to observe the holiday festivities.

96 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey, 07030

Where to watch 4th of July fireworks in NYC: Best views and bites (2024)

FAQs

Where to watch 4th of July fireworks in NYC: Best views and bites? ›

Fireworks at SUMMIT

Where is the best view for fireworks in NYC? ›

Best places to watch NYC 4th of July fireworks
  • Christopher Street & Washington Street (ADA access available)
  • West 11th Street & Washington Street.
  • West 12th Street & Washington Street.
  • West 29th Street & 11th Avenue.
  • West 40th Street & 11th Avenue (ADA access available at West 41st St.)
5 days ago

Where can I watch the July 4th fireworks in NYC? ›

Best places to watch fireworks NYC

Christopher Street and Washington Street. West 11th Street and Washington Street. West 12th Street and Washington Street. West 29th Street and 11th Avenue.

Where is the biggest 4th of July fireworks display? ›

New York City. The annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks celebration in New York City is the country's largest pyrotechnic show, with fireworks shot from multiple barges along the East River near the Brooklyn Bridge. In addition to fireworks, the event features performances by A-list artists.

Where to see fireworks in NYC in 2024? ›

Official viewing points

In Manhattan, viewing points include West 40th Street & 11th Avenue, West 29th Street & 11th Avenue, Washington Street between West 11th & West 12th Street, and Christopher Street & Washington Street (this last spot has ADA access.)

Where can I watch fireworks in NYC for free? ›

The fireworks show will be held along the Hudson River between West 14th and West 34th Streets. The fireworks will begin around 9:25 p.m. and are free to attend. The fireworks can be seen with an unobstructed view above the Hudson River.

Can you see NYC fireworks from Central Park? ›

Catch the Fireworks

The show is visible from anywhere in the park. It's best to arrive early, bring hot chocolate and coffee, and settle in all cozy to enjoy the show. Note that some entrances to the park are closed early for safety reasons as the fireworks celebration is prepared.

How much are Macy's fourth of July fireworks? ›

No ticket? No problem. The Macy's 4th of July fireworks show is a free public event, so there are plenty of ways to witness the fireworks display.

Where do Macy's 4th of July fireworks take place? ›

To clarify, the credits roll over a replay of the fireworks, not the finale. For the first time in over a decade, Macy's 4th of July Fireworks moved to the west side of Manhattan, launching from barges along the Hudson River. For the past 9 years, the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks launched out of the East River.

How long are the 4th of July fireworks in NYC? ›

The Macy's Fourth of July fireworks show is scheduled to begin around 9:25 PM and last for about 30 minutes. The show will take place on the Hudson River. You can view the fireworks from any area with an unobstructed view of the sky above the Hudson River. Learn more about the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks event.

Where is the best place to spend 4th July? ›

Here are the best places to be in the United States on July 4 that double as great weekend trip destinations.
  1. New York City, New York. ...
  2. Bristol, Rhode Island. ...
  3. San Francisco, California. ...
  4. Washington, D.C. ...
  5. Nashville, Tennessee. ...
  6. Boston, Massachusetts. ...
  7. St.
Feb 29, 2024

What state has the best 4th of July fireworks? ›

New York, New York. The largest display in the USA is the iconic Macy's 4th of July Fireworks which is taking place on the Hudson River this year for the first time in a decade. Check out their website as the date gets closer for information on good vantage points.

Can you see fireworks from Hudson Yards? ›

Easily accessible via The Highline, the 7 train subway line, and the West Side Highway, the Public Square and Gardens at Hudson Yards provide a wide-open space to view the fireworks on The Hudson River. Before or after the fireworks, visit The Shops & Restaurants to enjoy special July 4th offers and menus.

Who is performing at Macy's fireworks 2024? ›

Who is performing at the NBC 'Macy's 4th of July Fireworks' 2024 special? Performers Lainey Wilson, Luis Fonsi, Tanner Adell, Bell Biv DeVoe and Shaboozey and The War And Treaty will hit the stage before the fireworks display.

Where is the 4th of July parade in NYC? ›

The Lower Manhattan Historical Association hosts this Independence Day commemoration at Castle Clinton—near some of the City's most venerable locations.

How long is the Macy's fireworks show? ›

What is the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show? Every year, the spectacular show launches 60,000 shells off of barges in the river. The extravaganza typically lasts 25 minutes and features numerous effects in 30 colors and shapes.

Can you see the fireworks from Coney Island? ›

The fireworks can be seen from any part of the Coney Island boardwalk, and they will be launched from the pier at West 19th Street, according to Cindy Vourderis, a spokeswoman for the Alliance for Coney Island.

Where is the best place to watch Hollywood Studios fireworks? ›

Tips for Viewing Fireworks at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Scope out your viewing spot. Due to both shows being primarily projections, the only place to truly watch is in front of the Chinese Theatre or down Hollywood Boulevard.

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