NYC Fireworks Boat Cruises, Hotels, Yankees+
July 4th in New York City is amazing! The weather is almost always wonderful and our 4th of July celebrations in New York City, especially the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks®, are second to none! Choose from July 4th Fireworks Cruises, Hotels with July 4th Fireworks views, Yankees game & Fireworks, July 4th Broadway Shows and more.
July 4th in NYC Fireworks
July 4th Fireworks in NYC
The July 4th Fireworks in NYC locations and viewing points vary each year. The official announcement of the exact fireworks launch points can be released anytime from April to June, but they have been over the East River the last 8 years, and the recent viewing points have been between 26th & 40th Streets.
If you want to book your July 4th fireworks viewing before the official announcement arrives, then a July 4th NYC Fireworks Cruise is your best bet and guarantees you a prime viewing spot, regardless of the location of the fireworks. If you want to see the fireworks from your hotel, then feel free to make a fully refundable reservation at one of our top NYC July 4th Fireworks Hotel choices below and wait for the official announcement to confirm or cancel.
NYC Insider Tip – Best Place to See Fireworks?
I always think the BEST view of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® is from a boat cruise on the water. Here’s why…
If you want to watch them from land, be prepared for crowds, long waits, packing your food and drinks, carrying your stuff and umm…restrooms? Good luck.
Not sure if the fireworks will be on the East Side or West Side? Over the Brooklyn Bridge or not? A cruise has a view of the fireworks no matter what changes the city makes at the last minute.
A hotel with a roof deck is also a great option, once we know the location of the fireworks.
Make sure to check sightseeing and holiday hours for Thursday, July 4th. We’d love to hear about your July 4th in NYC Event.
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July 4th Fireworks Boat Cruises
More Cruises: July 4th NYC Cruises
Rooftops, Hotels, Restaurants with Views of 4th of July NYC Fireworks
Photo: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
July 4th Hotels With Views of Fireworks Over East River in NYC
Some hotels have private parties with separate tickets required and a hotel reservation does not guarantee entry to the private parties.
Family-Friendly July 4th Party
@ The Penthouse @ Ravel Hotel
Located on the 6th Floor of The Ravel Hotel, The Penthouse has expansive and spectacular views of the East River and NYC skyline, both indoors and outside, and will most definitely have prime views of the East River July 4th Fireworks. At this private party, you will enjoy a buffet dinner, open bar, reserved seating and a live DJ and dance floor. All Ages.
8-08 Queens Plaza South at Vernon Boulevard. From $85 (A hotel reservation will not get you into this private party. Separate ticket purchase required.)
Tickets: July 4th Fireworks Party @ The Penthouse @ Ravel Hotel.
Want to stay overnight? Discount hotel rates @ Ravel Hotel
21+ July 4th Fireworks Party @ Elsie Rooftop
Located on the 25th floor penthouse, Elsie Rooftop, right near Bryant Park with views of the Empire State Building fireworks, has stylish indoor & outdoor seating and is known for their cocktails, ambiance and views.
1412 Broadway, 25th floor b/w 39th & 40th Streets. From $20 (ticket does not include drink or food, available for separate price at the venue)
Tickets: July 4th Fireworks Party @ Elsie Rooftop
Freedom Fest @ Solar One NYC
Gather the family for PRIME FRONT ROW views of the fireworks waterfront on the East River. Solar One is an outdoor park along the East River off 23rd & The FDR (next to StuyTown). This family-friendly party will have a live DJ with cash bar and food for purchase at the event. Ticket prices are for admission only and Ticket Options are General Admission (standing) or Seated Admission (chair with auditorium seating). All Ages.
24-20 FDR Drive, Service Road East, @ East 23rd St. From $55 (ticket does not include drink or food, available for separate price at the venue)
Tickets: July 4th Fireworks Party @ Solar One NYC
July 4th NYC Fireworks Hotel Views
Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Central Park – ‘we were given a room on the 64th floor! Looking out of the window the Rockefeller building was in front of us, Times Square to the right and Central Park to the left. We even watched the 4th of July fireworks from our room’
Hotel 50 Bowery – The Crown Rooftop at Hotel 50 Bowery, one of NYC’s newest hotels, is Lower East Manhattan’s most spectacular 360-degree view to celebrate and watch the fireworks with a clear view of the fireworks and city, downtown to Brooklyn to Midtown.
The Box House Hotel Rooftop – Private Party- Separate ticket purchase is not included in hotel reservation. Join us on our rooftop for the perfect view of the Macy’s fireworks!! Live DJ, Games, Local Food Vendors, Drinks.
Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza -“Views from the 33rd floor over the East River are spectacular. For a spectacular view of the 4th July fireworks, chose an E 44th Street facing room”
Celebrate July 4th with a high-rise view of the Macy’s Fireworks Show! Our Red, White & View Package includes an East River facing room or suite, $25 food & beverage credit (per person for up to 2 adults), and complimentary WiFi.
ART Rooftop @ Arlo Nomad – Come munch on some American favorites and get a premium view of the fireworks on the nearby East River! Tickets include: 3hr OPEN BAR + BBQ Buffet.
Daintree Rooftop @ Hotel Hendricks – Views from the 29th floor over the East River are spectacular. One of the least expensive tickets available on this list. Cash Bar.
Refinery Rooftop – “If you’d like to take in the glare of the fireworks perched above the streets (and crowd) of NYC, with the Empire State Building as your backdrop, do yourself a favor and head to Refinery Rooftop. We’ll be taking in the celebration of independence from our rooftop, and you should too! Be sure to make a reservation if you’d like to secure your spot for the evening.”
The Williamsburg Hotel – Separate ticket purchase is not included in hotel reservation. All-American BBQ, 2 Stage Event located on our Rooftop Terrace & The Water Tower, Music by: Armen Miran, Newman (I love), Daniel Cowel, Oktave++.
LilliStar @ Moxy Brooklyn Williamsburg – Separate ticket purchase is not included in hotel reservation. Enjoy the sounds of Hot Honey Sunday’s resident DJ’s Deo’Jorge, JKRiv + Anna Collecta + special guest Will Buck spinning on the rooftop decks and the open air! Dance to the music, soak in the sun, and experience unparalleled views of NYC’s biggest fireworks display.
Slate @ Pod Brooklyn – Join us at Slate Rooftop for our first annual 4th of July event and viewing! Enjoy our newly decorated event space on our rooftop, with stunning views of the NYC fireworks show.
Renaissance New York Chelsea – The top two floors of the hotel, named Somewhere Nowhere, showcase the pool, sundeck and lounge area, with views of the Empire State Building Fireworks. They have a pool party every year on July 4th in NYC.
Park South Hotel – July 4th reviews, ‘The rooftop patio was an amazing bonus and we had a great view of the fireworks’ and ‘…for added pleasure the Roof bar was fabulous we watched the fireworks’
- Discount Rates: Park South Hotel
- A hotel reservation will not get you into this private party. Separate ticket purchase required.
The William Vale – The 22nd floor rooftop deck, Westlight Rooftop, hosts an annual July 4th party (separate ticket required) and they have views of the fireworks over the East River & Brooklyn Bridge.
The Graduate Hotel – On Roosevelt Island, the Panorama Room, on the 18th Floor of the Graduate Hotel, is right on top of the East River Fireworks.
- Discount Rates: Graduate Hotel
- A hotel reservation will not get you into this private party. Separate ticket purchase required.
The Ides Rooftop Bar at the Wythe Hotel – The Ides will open at 7:30pm for a ticketed entry ($25) for access to the bar and fireworks display at 9:00pm. Fill up while they grill house-made sausages, along with german potato salad which will be available to accompany cold beers and sparkling rosé (all for purchase).
- Discount Rates: Wythe Hotel
- 80 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249 (Williamsburg)
2023 Update – The following hotels provided views of the Brooklyn Bridge Fireworks and we are not sure if they provide Midtown East fireworks views in 2023, except as noted below:
Hotel Indigo – ‘The room was large, and had a great view towards the east and the south, giving wonderful views of the July 4th fireworks. The hotel is in the heart of things, with the bars and restaurants of the LES all a short walk way.’
- Discount Rates: Hotel Indigo
- 171 Ludlow Street, NY, NY 10002 (Lower East Side)
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge (photo above)
Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, which offers unparalleled views of the New York City skyline, is hosting a Macy’s Fireworks viewing party on July 4th. Guests can book tables at Harriet’s Rooftop or Lounge for prime views of the Brooklyn Bridge, but there is not a view of the fireworks from the rooftop if they are in Midtown.
Millenium Hilton – Here’s what one reviewer had to say about his July 4th stay: ‘The hotel is right across from the Macy’s July 4th Fireworks…We were on a higher floor (40+) in an “01” corner room… and out our east windows, we had a fabulous view of the Brooklyn Bridge, the East River and Long Island.’
- Discount Rates: Millenium Hilton
- 55 Church Street, NY, NY 10007 (Financial District)
New York Marriott Downtown – July 4th reviews, ‘Came to see the Macy’s fireworks display on July 4th….short walk from this hotel to the Brooklyn Bridge… I had a corner room with an awesome view of Ellis Island’ and ‘We braved the crowds at the fireworks but if your room faces the bridge and is high enough up, you could see them right from your room!’
The Dominick Hotel – “They made sure I had a view of the east river so we could see the Fourth of July fireworks. I will definitely be staying there again.” and “so very helpful in situating us in the best room possible to view the 4th of july fireworks and a tremendous view of the Empire State Building”
- Discount Rates: The Dominick Hotel (formerly Trump SoHo)
- 246 Spring St, (at Varick St) (SoHo)
Mr C Seaport – ‘balcony has an excellent view of the city and we had a good spot to watch the fireworks’ and ‘location was perfect for celebrating the 4th of July! There were bands and a street fair all around the hotel and the view of the fireworks was great! We were in room 308 and could see the show and hear the music!’ and ‘All good, especially the nice view facing Brooklyn bridge from the 7th floor terrace’
- Discount Rates: Mr C Seaport (formerly Best Western Plus Seaport Inn)
- 33 Peck Slip, NY, NY 10038 (South Street Seaport)
- Note: This hotel has very mixed reviews – read carefully.
The Standard, East Village – July 4th reviews, ‘The Hotel itself is a gem with wonderful views of south Manhattan. July 4th fireworks were easily seen. The Restaurants are excellent – a definite NY vibe less pretentious than Standard Highline. I gladly recommend this gem’ and “wanted a room with a view of the East River, so we could see fireworks. She went beyond to find us the PERFECT room”
- Discount Rates: The Standard East Village
- 25 Cooper Square, NY, NY 10003 (East Village)
- 4th of July Crab Boil – Celebrate the 4th of July with us at Narcissa with a festive Blue Crab Boil on the terrace! 12-9pm. For an additional $50, guests can head to the hotel’s rooftop for drinks and views of the fireworks.
Pod 39 Hotel – Now the Freehold Rooftop, unclear if they are having a July 4th party in 2023. Join us for a fireworks watch party at our rooftop bar on the 17th floor of the Pod 39 Hotel. Armed with some of the best views of the city and some of the best margaritas, the only thing missing from this party is you.
Hotel on Rivington – offers panoramic city and East River views from their spectacular Penthouse roofdeck. Their Fireworks Party offers a luxurious July 4th experience with live DJ, open bar and a prime view of the East River fireworks in one of NYC’s hippest neighborhoods! Enjoy 360 degree breathtaking panoramic views of downtown, midtown, uptown Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond!
Hotels Near the Brooklyn Bridge
- In the box below that says, “Where Are You Going,” copy and paste this: Brooklyn Bridge
- The Yellow Map Marker that says “Jane’s Carousel” is the Brooklyn Bridge
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Top Picks for July 4th NYC Activities and Events
Yankees vs Cincinnati Reds
Yankees vs Reds (July 2-4)
July 4th is always a blast at Yankee Stadium and a super fun way to spend July 4th in NYC. There are July 4th Fireworks at Yankee Stadium and if you get a special event ticket, you’ll get a New York Yankees hat with the American flag, a regular sized hot dog and a drink.
July 4th Fireworks at the Empire State Building
NYC Insider Tip: When the fireworks were launched from barges similar to those in recent years, I worked on the 71st Floor of the Empire State Building, and we had FANTASTIC VIEWS of the fireworks. You can book this Empire State Building 4th of July Celebration with exclusive access to the 80th and 86th floors of the Empire State Building Observatory, 7:30-9:30pm, for an unmatched Independence Day experience. Edge, Summit One Vanderbilt and One World Observatory are also hosting July 4th Fireworks parties.
July 4th Broadway Shows NYC
July 4th is a great time to catch a Broadway show, stay out of the heat and beat the crowds. 2023 Broadway Show highlights on July 4th include: Hamilton, Moulin Rouge, Harry Potter and more.
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Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest
Every July 4th in NYC, thousands of fans head to the corner of Surf and Stillwell avenues in Coney Island to watch the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest, also broadcast on ESPN. The ‘Mustard Belt’ is awarded to the man and woman who eat the most hot dogs in 10 minutes. The current Men’s Mustard Belt hold’s the world championship record @ 76 hot dogs and buns and the current Women’s world champion ate 48.5.
July 4th in New York City – Attractions
Many New York City Tourist Attractions are open 365 days per year, although some with limited hours. July 4th may be a great day to try and see some of the more popular attractions as many people will be celebrating the holiday.
July 4th in New York City – Open Attractions
Save BIG on July 4th with a NYC Discount Attractions Pass! (Not a CityPASS!)
Best Discount Card for NYC Attractions
|
Sightseeing Pass |
New York Pass |
Go City New York |
CityPASS |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Central Park |
✔ Bike Tour |
✔ Bike Tour ✔ Victorian Gardens (summer) ✔ Walking Tours |
✔ Bike Tour ✔ Victorian Gardens (summer) ✔ Walking Tour |
|
| Empire State Building | X $40 Credit to Use | ✔ 86th Floor | ✔ 86th Floor | ✔ 86th Floor ✔ Same Night Re-entry |
| Madame Tussauds | ✔ Included | ✔ Included | ✔Included | |
| One World Observatory | ✔ Included | ✔ Included | ✔ Included | |
| Rockefeller Center | ✔TOTR | ✔Rock Center Tour ✔TOTR |
✔ Rock Center Tour ✔ TOTR |
✔TOTR or Guggenheim |
| Liberty/ Ellis | ✔ Cruise ✔ Grounds ✔ Ellis Island/Immigration ✔ Secret Tour |
✔ Cruise ✔ Grounds ✔ Ellis Island/Immigration |
✔ Cruise ✔ Grounds ✔ Ellis Island/Immigration ✔ Secret Tour |
✔Ferry/Grounds/Ellis or Circle Line |
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47th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks (2023)
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Per Macy’s, “New effects that will enthrall revelers include a mile wide waving flag created by a combination of red, white, and blue palm and strobing shells, sunflower ring with crackling pistil shells, red stop sign shaped effects, and new Ghost pyro that turn from one color to another in an on/off design featuring four different hues.” The fireworks should also be viewable from Gantry Plaza State Park, Transmitter Park, Newton Barge Park and Marsha P. Johnson State Park.
Per Macy’s Press Release: “On July 4th at approximately 9:25 p.m., Macy’s will begin its signature pyrotechnic salute to America, featuring an array of dazzling shells and effects that will captivate spectators live in New York City and on television from sea to shining sea. This year’s revelry will launch 60,000 shells and effects from five barges positioned between E. 26th and E. 40th Streets along the East River with prime viewing from three boroughs in New York City.”
Television Perfomances:
Get ready to rock with Ray Chew, one of showbiz’s most respected music directors, who conducts our orchestra through a rousing set of patriotic standards & of-the-moment pop sounds for the perfect sonic backdrop to our Fireworks show. Plus, catch amazing vocalists, a military band & more stars.
Macy’s incredible lineup of performers can be enjoyed by tuning in to our one-night-only NBC broadcast special or Peacock, Macy’s 4th Of July Fireworks Spectacular, on July 4th from 8pm-10pm ET/PT, 7pm-9pm CT/MT.
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Macy’s 4th of July NYC Fireworks Viewing Spots and Barges
Public viewing locations will be set up & managed by the NYPD. Viewing will be available spectators on elevated portions of the FDR Drive in Manhattan with entry points at East 23rd, East 34th & East 42nd Streets.
ADA/Special Needs public viewing for spectators will be accessible at the East 34th Street entry point.
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More July 4th Family-Friendly & Adult Fireworks Cruises
Please make sure to confirm what food/beverage is included in your ticket price. Many people are often shocked to find they’ve spent $200+ on a ticket that does not include a meal or an open bar.
- Circle Line: 4th of July All-Inclusive Fireworks Cruise – DJ, food and open bar. Always the most popular cruise and the first to sell out every year. 4.5 hrs, Boarding @ 6:15pm. Leaves from 83 North River Piers, W 43rd & 12th Ave. Max 250 passengers. From $269.
- July 4th Fireworks Party Cruise with Open Bar DJ, Dancing & Food – Finger food buffet dinner with open bar (including mixed drinks, beer, wine, soda & juices), a live DJ, dancing. 3-3.5 hours, leaves from Pier 36, 299 South St (The Seaport). From $299.
- 4th of July Fireworks on Clipper City Tall Ship – This is the most intimate of the July 4th fireworks cruises, with a max of 149 passengers. Dinner, open bar, dancing. 4.5 hours, leaves from The Seaport at Pier 17, 89 South St. From $550.
NYC Insider Printable Guides
“The guides are exactly what we were looking for to help us navigate NYC and the highlights of each area.
THANK YOU for taking the time to put this together.”
“Amazing, Melissa. This is my second copy! Congratulations for this always excellent guide. I have been living in this area for 18 years, but I still leave the guide as a treat when people come to visit me by their bed. So comprehensive!”
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New York City Hotels with Pools
While a few of our hotels with pools are family-friendly, most are adult party zones with skyline views, cocktails, private cabanas and summer long pool parties. We highlight more than 10 family-friendly and adults-only hotel pools, many with day-pass availability for NYC locals.
Since most are indoor/outoor and heated, anytime of year is a great time to check into one of our New York City Hotels with Pools.
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NYC Hotels with Free Bicycles
If had to pick my FAVORITE way to explore NYC, it would be on bicycle! Don’t miss out on your choice of NYC hotels with free bicycles, allowing you to explore hidden nooks of NYC you can’t see any other way. Some of our top value picks include:
See the Insider Guide for dozens more NYC Hotels with Free Bicycles.
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July 4th NYC Visitor Questions
Can I watch the fireworks from Central Park?
Not that I know of. There is no vantage point high enough from which to view the fireworks over the East River.
Can Trump SoHo (Dominick Hotel) see the see 4th of July fireworks?
Possibly, the Dominick (formerly Trump SoHo) hotel offers some rooms with fireworks views. I’m not sure if you can see them from the rooftop pool, so please check with the hotel. See Dominick Reviews above.
Can You See the Macy’s fireworks from Weehawken?
No. Our previous Mayor, DeBlasio, moved the Fireworks back to the East Side of NY, so more New Yorkers can see them, including those in Queens and Brooklyn. I’ve heard “the fireworks are for New York, not Jersey.” However, I hear New Jersey does have their own fireworks display which may be an option.
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Restaurants with July 4th Fireworks Parties:
- Riverview Restaurant & Lounge – Long Island City
Riverview, which has one the best Manhattan skyline views, especially of the Brooklyn Bridge and East River (probably all of the fireworks), is offering standard open bar and a four-star buffet from 6-9 pm and top-shelf open bar 6-10pm for $170 per guest (plus tax & tip). After the fireworks, at 10 pm, get dancing with a DJ and cash bar. More info: www.riverviewny.com - Edge is also throwing a Private July 4th Party and say they have views of the the Macy’s, Coney Island and Jersey City fireworks.
- Fourth of July Fireworks at Brooklyn Grange
- Riverpark’s 4th of July BBQ Bash
Who Does NOT Have a View of the Fireworks?
In researching some other posts online, I was wary of the information NON New Yorkers were providing, such as, “to see NYC fireworks this year, the restaurant or upper floors of the Andaz Wall Street would be a good option.” – thepointsguy
This is completely incorrect as the Andaz Hotel Rooms do NOT have views of the Brooklyn Bridge (BB), and the restaurant is on the ground floor, with about 100 buildings between it and the BB. The hotel is about a 15 minute walk from the BB, but you will not see the fireworks from the hotel.
Another old (and now incorrect) article – Best Hotels to View New York City Fireworks. I’ve tried to email USA Today to tell them, but their form doesn’t work.
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Prior Years July 4th Fireworks NYC Locations
- 2023 – same as 2022
- 2022 – launched from 5 barges in the East River with entry points at East 23rd, East 34th & East 42nd Streets. Viewing also from Gantry Plaza State Park, Transmitter Park, Bushwick Inlet Park and Marsha P. Johnson State Park.
- 2021 – launched from 5 barges in the East River between East 23rd and East 40th Streets.
- 2020 – several short displays in the 5 boroughs June 29-July 1 and Grand Finale @ the Empire State Building broadcast on NBC on July 4th (CoVid)
- 2019 – launched from the Brooklyn Bridge and Pier 17
- 2018 – launched from seven barges stationed along the East River between East 23rd and East 40th Streets.
- 2017 – launched from 5 barges placed from 24th to 41st Streets. No fireworks over Brooklyn Bridge.
- 2016 – fireworks launched over the Brooklyn Bridge and from 23rd to 37th Streets
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