18 best places to see 4th of July fireworks in NYC

On the Fourth of July, Americans all across the nation will be celebrating the country’s independence alongside friends and family with good food, cold drinks, and of course, fireworks. Luckily enough for New Yorkers, New York City offers the country’s most awe-inspiring Independence Day celebrations, featuring the 47th annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show over the East River and Jersey City’s display over the Hudson River. Ahead, find a selection of some of the best-ticketed events across the five boroughs to enjoy this year’s July 4th fireworks celebrations, from the top of observation decks soaring 1,000 feet above Manhattan to luxury yachts parked in the East River.

Fourth of July at the Empire State Building
20 West 34th Street, Manhattan
Take part in an unforgettable Independence Day celebration on top of New York City’s most renowned skyscraper. This incredible event will take place from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., offering a select few the opportunity to witness the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks from the top of the Empire State Building as they light up the sky above Manhattan. Tickets are priced at $525 per person, granting guests access to breathtaking panoramic views of the fireworks from the Observation Deck, hors d’oeuvres from the STATE Grill and Bar, a two-hour open bar serving beer, wine, and other beverages, and a live DJ performance.

Image courtesy of Max Touhey

4th of July at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
45 East 42nd Street, Manhattan
Immerse yourself in the 4th of July fireworks show from one of the highest observation decks in New York City. The unique experience invites guests to see all that SUMMIT One Vanderbilt has to offer, with free access to all three floors of the observation deck between 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., two premium drinks, and access to SUMMIT’s sky boxes for an even better view of the sunset and the fireworks that follow shortly after. Tickets cost $325 per person and can be purchased here.

One World Observatory 4th of July Fireworks
One World Trade Center, 117 West Street
One World Observatory is inviting New Yorkers for a one-of-a-kind 4th of July experience. The observatory is offering two all-inclusive packages to cater to each guest’s preferences. The all-inclusive dining package includes exclusive access to ONE Dine, One World Trade Center’s restaurant located on the skyscraper’s 101st floor. The package also includes two drinks and small bites like sliders, fish and chips, and more. Tickets for the dining experience cost $275 per person and can be purchased here, and regular inclusive tickets are $64 for adults and be purchased here.

Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Edge at Hudson Yards

Edge at Hudson Yards
30 Hudson Yards, Hudson Yards
Take in the spectacular 4th of July Fireworks from Edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in NYC and the Western Hemisphere. Situated at a soaring 1,000 feet in the air, Edge provides guests with an unparalleled viewing experience. Tickets, which cost $250 per person, grant you access to Edge for the duration of the night, as well as one glass of champagne for visitors 21 and over. Admission also includes barbecue food, live music, a DJ set, and a performance by Grammy-winning trumpeter, songwriter, and artist Spencer Ludwig. Tickets can be purchased here.

Image courtesy of Slate

Slate Rooftop
247 Metropolitan Avenue, Williamsburg
Brooklyn’s Slate is hosting its first-ever 4th of July event this year. Located above the POD Hotel in Williamsburg, Slate Rooftop offers gorgeous views of the city skyline and an exceptional view of the fireworks display. Join Slate for an exciting celebration that includes live music, fun games, a photo booth, and a wide selection of delectable food and drinks. Tickets start at $75 and can be purchased here.

Serenity NYC Yacht Fourth of July Cruise
Pier 40, 353 West Street, Manhattan
Embark on an unforgettable fireworks experience aboard a luxury yacht anchored in the East River, offering guests views of the skyline, NYC landmarks, and a prime spot of the fireworks as they light up the sky. Tickets start at $269 and include reserved seating, access to a premium open bar, a three-course dinner buffet, and a live DJ with a dance floor.

Roof at Park South
125 East 27th Street, Manhattan
Gaze up at the beautiful array of dazzling fireworks on a rooftop just a few blocks from the East River. Located at the Roof at Park South, this Independence Day celebration will begin with an hour of hors d’oevres, readying guests’ palates for delectable food prepared by James Beard-nominated chef Bryce Shuman. Guests will also have access to an open bar from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets cost $250 per person and can be purchased here.

Image courtesy of Darren Harman

Somewhere Nowhere
112 West 25th Street, Chelsea
Chelsea’s Somewhere Nowhere is inviting New Yorkers to enjoy the 4th of July from its outdoor lounge and open-air rooftop pool, with spectacular views of the fireworks show. The bi-level lounge, spanning across the 38th and 39th floors, boasts 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline and provides plenty of space for guests. DJs Rick Wonder and Michael Simpson will provide a soundtrack for the night, and attendees will be able to enjoy delicious BBQ food and incredible cocktails. The event will kick off at 3:00 p.m. Tickets start at $100 and can be purchased here.

Panorama Room
22 North Loop Road, Roosevelt Island
Celebrate the 4th of July at the Panorama Room, a rooftop bar on Roosevelt Island. The entire experience includes a three-hour open bar and hors d’oeuvres from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., a live DJ performance, and an excellent spot to watch the fireworks show from the center of the East River. Please note that the night’s dress attire is elevated and chic, meaning no sweatpants, cargo shorts, flip-flops, tank tops, and athletic wear. General admission presale tickets start at $216 and can be purchased here.

Image courtesy of Circle Line

Circle Line July 4th Fireworks Cruise
Pier 83, West 42nd Street & West Side Highway, Midtown
Circle Line offers guests a serene cruise down the Hudson River and around the tip of Manhattan, with views of iconic NYC landmarks like the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and the Statue of Liberty. After the sightseeing tour, the boat parks in the East River and gives guests a spectacular view of the fireworks show. Circle Line also offers attendees a summer buffet, featuring 4th of July favorites like fried chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, mac n’ cheese, and more. Admission also includes unlimited beer, wine, and soda, with spirits and cocktails available for purchase. Tickets start at $269 for adults and $199 for children and can be purchased here.

Observation Deck at Ravel Hotel
The Penthouse at Ravel Hotel, 8-08 Queens Plaza South, Long Island City
Long Island City’s Ravel Hotel is inviting guests to an unforgettable fireworks experience atop its 9,500-square-foot rooftop restaurant, lounge, and event space. Kicking off at 6:30 p.m. and ending at 10 p.m., attendees can enjoy a buffet offering a wide selection of bites, including sliders, hot dogs, french fries, onion rings, pasta, tacos, and more. Guests will also be able to take advantage of an open bar, with a variety of liquors, wines, and beers. Tickets start at $149 per person and include reserved seating.

Image courtesy of Watermark

Watermark
Pier 15, 78 South Street, Manhattan
With unobstructed views of the Brooklyn skyline and the fireworks celebration, Watermark’s waterfront location is an ideal location to spend your Independence Day. There will be a wide selection of food available for purchase, including burgers, hot dogs, tacos, fries, chips & guacamole, lobster rolls, empanadas, and more. A lineup of DJs will be providing live music for the all-day celebration, including DJs Anthony Vera, Dune, and RIA. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased here. Private cabanas and VIP tables are also available for purchase.

Image courtesy of Industry Kitchen

Industry Kitchen
70 South Street at Maiden Lane, Manhattan
Industry Kitchen, a restaurant nestled alongside the East River’s waterfront, offers completely unobstructed views of the Brooklyn skyline and 4th of July fireworks. Chef Jonathan Haffmans has prepared a special grill menu for Independence Day, featuring delicious items like Mexican street cor, wagyu beef burgers, and red, white & blue cake. The restaurant is sure to fill up on the 4th, so be sure to make a reservation here.

Image courtesy of Daintree

Daintree Rooftop NYC
25 West 38th Street, 29th Floor, Manhattan
Celebrate the 4th of July at one of NYC’s most popular rooftop venues. Daintree Rooftop NYC is welcoming guests to take in views of the fireworks from its spacious terrace with impressive views of the skyline and the East River. Live DJs will be spinning a mix of top 40, hip-hop, and house songs all night long. Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased here.

Manhatta: Sky-High 4th of July
28 Liberty Street, Manhattan
Come and take part in this special fireworks viewing party 60 stories up. From 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., celebrate Independence Day at Manhatta with sweeping views of the 4th of July fireworks, barbecue food, and great drinks. Tickets start at $295 per person and include front row, floor-to-ceiling views of the fireworks above the East River, an open bar with spirits, beers, and wine, and a 4th of July barbecue spread with passed canapes and desert. This event is exclusively for guests ages 21 and over.

Image courtesy of Front Row Fireworks

Front Row Fireworks
Atlantic Aviation, 499 East 34th Street, Manhattan
Front Row Fireworks is offering New Yorkers a prime vantage point to witness the 47th annual Macy’s fireworks spectacle. From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., guests will have an unobstructed view of the fireworks right from the edge of the East River, with live music provided by DJ Alo Wiza, delicious food, and ice-cold beverages. Visitors can also partake in fun games like life-sized versions of Jenga, chess, ping-pong, and more. The event will also include kid-friendly activities like face painting and balloon animals. Tickets start at $85 and can be purchased here.

Elsie Rooftop
1412 Broadway, 25th Floor, Manhattan
Celebrate the 4th of July at Elsie Rooftop, a luxury penthouse in Midtown boasting sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline. Attendees ages 21 and over are welcome to come for an exciting night out, with a live DJ, lots of dancing, and a cash bar serving cocktails. Tickets start at $30 per person and can be purchased here.

Solar One Freedom Fest
Stuyvesant Cove Park, 24-20 FDR Drive, Manhattan
The Solar One Freedom Fest gives guests a prime spot right on the bank of the East River to enjoy the fireworks spectacle. The event will include food, beer, and wine available for purchase, a live DJ, and take place from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Tickets start at $69 and can be purchased here.