20 spots to watch 4th of July fireworks in NYC

June 27, 2024

Image courtesy of Circle Line

Nowhere does the Fourth of July like New York City. For the first time in over a decade, the spectacular Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show will return to the Hudson River, sharing the stage with Jersey City’s celebration and illuminating the sky in red, white, and blue. Ahead, discover a selection of the best-ticketed events across NYC to enjoy this year’s Independence Day fireworks celebrations, from rooftop bars with prime views of the Hudson River to boat cruises that offer a front-row seat to the action.

Rooftop parties

Summit One Vanderbilt
45 East 42nd Street, Manhattan
Enjoy the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks at 1,100 feet above the center of Manhattan at Summit One Vanderbilt, one of the city’s highest observation decks. Admission includes access to all three levels of Summit from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., two premium drinks and one food package, access to festive games, and more. Tickets cost $350 per person and can be purchased here.

One World Observatory
One World Trade Center, 117 West Street
Experience an unforgettable 4th of July at One World Observatory. The observatory is offering two all-inclusive packages for the festive night. The $295 dining package gives patrons exclusive access to ONE Dine, located on the 101st floor of One World Trade Center, starting at 8 p.m. For $69, the other experience provides access to the observatory from 8 p.m. through 11 p.m., and a $15 voucher to eat, drink, or shop. Get more details here.

Edge at Hudson Yards
30 Hudson Yards, Hudson Yards
Edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in New York City, is welcoming guests back for another breathtaking 4th of July celebration. At 1,100 feet in the air, the sky deck offers an unparalleled view of the Macy’s fireworks spectacle. Tickets are priced at $400 per person and include admission to Edge, access to an open bar, and appetizers from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The evening will also feature a live DJ set from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.

Pier 57
25 11th Avenue, Manhattan
View the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks from one of NYC’s largest public rooftop parks, Pier 57 on the Hudson River. Indulge in food from the food hall Market 57, listen to a live set by DJ Viper, and sit back and enjoy striking views of the fireworks above the river. Register for the free event here.

The Highlight Room
145 Bowery, Manhattan
The Lower East Side’s Highlight Room offers a great spot for fireworks viewing. Located 16 stories up, the rooftop destination features a glass wall spanning the entire width of the bar that folds out onto an outdoor terrace, allowing guests to easily take in the view from any point inside or outside. You can make a reservation here.

Image courtesy of Amanda Stevens Photography

The Empire State Building
20 West 34th Street, Manhattan
Here’s a chance to be one of just 200 people to experience Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks from the top of NYC’s most iconic skyscraper. Taking place from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the building’s observatory deck provides stunning panoramic views of the city skyline, and of course, the fireworks show. Tickets are priced at $550 per person and include hors d’oeuvres, unlimited beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages, and full access to the open-air 86th-floor observatory.

Gansevoort Rooftop
West 13th Street, Manhattan
Celebrate the 4th of July at the Meatpacking District’s Gansevoort Rooftop, which offers some of the best panoramic views of the city. Enjoy delicious cocktails, food, and live music as the Macy’s fireworks illuminate the sky above the Hudson River. Tickets start at $130 and can be purchased here.

Image courtesy of RoofTop at Exchange Place

RoofTop at Exchange Place
1 Exchange Place, Jersey City
Jersey City’s RoofTop at Exchange Place, known for its otherworldly sweeping views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline, is hosting an exciting 4th of July extravaganza. Guests can take in the grandeur of Macy’s show and Jersey City’s fireworks display while enjoying new items from RoofTop’s summer menu. Reservations are required.

Kin Gin
Hotel on Rivington Penthouse, 107 Rivington Street, Manhattan
Dine, dance, and celebrate the 4th at an exclusive rooftop BBQ on the Lower East Side. Hosted by Kin Gin, a contemporary izakaya that recently opened in the neighborhood, the event features an open bar, a DJ set by DJ Mikey Valid, and an American comfort food-themed menu curated by Executive Chef Tony Inn. Menu highlights include brisket, ribs, chicken wings, wagyu burgers, mac n’ cheese, corn ribs, mustard greens, and more. Tickets cost $150 per person and can be purchased here.

Image courtesy of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

Harriet’s Rooftop
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, 60 Furman Street, Brooklyn
Celebrate the 4th of July from the top of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. Enjoy live DJ sets by Arianna Danae, Blu DeTiger, and TYLERFROMWHERE while taking in panoramic views, sipping exquisite cocktails, and mingling with other guests. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased here.

Virgin Hotels NYC
1227 Broadway, Manhattan
Get a prime view of the fireworks show from the 38th floor of Virgin Hotels NYC. The night will feature a live DJ set by DJ Select, along with food specials and games from Montauk Brewing Co., Sweet Chick, and more. Admission includes one free drink. Tickets are $40 plus tax and can be purchased here.

Image courtesy of Steve Visual for El Grupo SN

Somewhere Nowhere
112 West 25th Street, Manhattan
Experience Macy’s 4th of July fireworks above the Hudson River for the first time in over a decade at Chelsea’s Somewhere Nowhere. The two-level venue, spanning the 38th and 39th floors, features a rooftop pool and lounge, offering an incredible vantage point for the spectacle. DJs Stoon and MZKT will provide the night’s soundtrack, while guests can enjoy delicious BBQ bites and specialty cocktails. Tickets start at $198 per person and can be purchased here.

City Winery NYC
Pier 57, 25 11th Avenue, Manhattan
For Independence Day, Pier 57’s City Winery is hosting the party of the summer. The festivities begin indoors with games, live entertainment, and unlimited food stations, followed by a rooftop fireworks viewing. General admission costs $150, while the VIP All-Inclusive package, which includes unlimited food and drinks, costs $350. Both ticket options can be purchased here.

River cruises

Event Cruises 4th of July Cruise
Pier 40 at Hudson River Park, 353 West Street, Manhattan
Witness the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks from the middle of New York Harbor aboard a leisurely cruise. The cruise leaves from Pier 40 at Hudson River Park and passes by iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty before settling in a prime spot to watch as the city sky is illuminated in patriotic colors. Admission starts at $179 and features a live DJ, open bar, a glass of complimentary sparkling wine, and food. Tickets can be purchased here.

Circle Line 4th of July Cruise
Pier 83, West 42nd Street & West Side Highway, Manhattan
Circle Line invites you to a serene cruise along the Hudson River and around the tip of Manhattan, offering views of iconic NYC landmarks such as One World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty. After sightseeing, the boat anchors in the East River, offering guests with a spectacular view of the fireworks show. The experience includes a summer buffet with 4th of July favorites like fried chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, mac and cheese, and more. Admission also includes unlimited beer, wine, and soda, with spirits and cocktails available for purchase. Tickets start at $179 for adults and $169 for children and can be purchased here.

Clipper City Tall Ship
Pier 17, 89 South Street, Manhattan
Enjoy a private front-row seat to the world’s most spectacular 4th of July celebration aboard the Clipper City Tall Ship! This 4.5-hour outing features a live DJ, a full bar, and a gourmet BBQ dinner. You’ll have unbeatable views of landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and an unparalleled view of the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show. Tickets are $550 per person and can be purchased here.

La Barca Fireworks Fiesta
81 North River Piers, Manhattan
Pier 81’s La Barca, NYC’s only floating Mexican restaurant, is hosting a 4th of July fiesta cruise, offering prime views of the festivities. The four-hour cruise features a Mexican buffet dinner, an open bar, and live music from a DJ. Tickets are priced at $369 and can be purchased here.

Waterfront views

Grand Banks
Pier 25, 225 West Street, Manhattan
Climb aboard the luxurious Grand Banks for a 4th of July to remember. The ship sets off from Hudson River Park in Tribeca, offering guests a celebratory three-course prix fixe menu paired with unparalleled views of both the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show and the Liberty State Park Fireworks. Tickets start at $300 per person for bar seating, with admission including a front-row seat to view the fireworks, access to a full bar, a prix fixe dinner, complimentary drinks, and more. Tickets can be purchased here.

Watermark
Pier 15, 78 South Street, Manhattan
Experience a one-of-a-kind 4th of July celebration with unobstructed views of the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg bridges. Hosted at Watermark on Pier 15, the event is an all-day BBQ beach bash, featuring an outdoor bar, delicious food, and live DJ sets by DJ Anthony Vera and Miss Saigon. General admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis, and VIP tables can be reserved starting at $25.

The Frying Pan NYC
Pier 66a, Hudson River Park, West 26th Street, Manhattan
Raise a toast to freedom and fireworks aboard the Frying Pan, a floating vessel docked at Pier 66a in Hudson River Park. The ship gives guests the closest seats on the Hudson River the Macy’s fireworks barges, ensuring an unforgettable 4th of July experience. The celebration includes a live DJ, a BBQ buffet dinner, incredible drinks, and more. Tickets start at $350 and can be purchased here.

In addition to ticketed events, there are several free public viewing locations. According to Macy’s, best spots that don’t require a ticket include:

Manhattan West Side Highway