The Absolute Best Places to Watch the Fireworks in NYC

Light those sparklers and get in the patriotic spirit because the Fourth of July is here and ready to be celebrated. In New York City, the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show on the East River is one of the best ways to gather with your friends and family. With plenty of places in Brooklyn, Long Island City and Manhattan to watch the show, we’ve rounded up a few spots that you’ll definitely want to check out. Pick from a casual and relaxing day at the park, dinner at a waterfront restaurant or an extravagant hotel stay—there’s an option here for everyone.

The 47th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will launch more than 48,000 shells from five barges on the East River (that’s over than 1,900 shells and effects per minute). There are seven official public viewing areas along the East River. No tickets are needed, but we suggest if you want to be at one of these locations to get there early! Any official viewing areas that made our list are noted with an asterisk, but we’ve also included plenty of other lessen-known spots to take in the show.

This year, the fireworks display will start around 9:25 p.m. EST on Tuesday, July 4th and will last for about 25 minutes. Coverage on NBC will begin at 8 p.m. EST.

If you prefer a view from the couch, the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular can be streamed on Peacock from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST. There will be events leading up to the big show with performances by the United States Army Field Band and Soldier’s Chorus, the Young People’s Chorus of NYC and many more. A tribute to Tina Turner is also planned with “thousands of golden-hued shells” creating a “dramatic cascade effect stretching for more than a mile across the East River” all times to to Turner’s hit song “The Best.”

4. Gantry Plaza State Park*

Located in Long Island City, Gantry Plaza State Park is most known for its large and recognizable Pepsi-Cola sign. The park has great views of Midtown Manhattan and the East River and features four different piers, a mist garden and riverside benches and chairs making it the perfect spot to catch the fireworks display. Gather your friends, a cooler and some snacks and head to one of the piers early to grab a spot close to the river since it’s an official viewing location of the Macy’s show.

4-09 47^th Road, Long Island City; parks.ny.gov/parks/149; 718-786-6385

6. FDR Four Freedoms Park

Is riding the famed Roosevelt Island tram on your New York City bucket list? If so, head to FDR Four Freedoms Park this Independence Day to explore the island and watch the fireworks show. The island is easily accessible via subway, car and ferry so the tram isn’t your only transportation option.

1 FDR Four Freedoms Park; fdrfourfreedomspark.org; 212-308-3351

7. Fornino Brooklyn Bridge Park

Calling all pizza lovers. Fornino in Brooklyn Bridge Park is the perfect place to watch the Fourth of July fireworks if you want wood-fired pizza at your fingertips. With a stunning rooftop and terrace, the restaurant overlooks the East River with a menu structured as a historical investigation into pizza. There are also other menu favorites including meatballs, Italian hero sandwiches and fun cocktails. Be sure to make a reservation in advance for your party to get in on all the action.

Pier 6 Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn; fornino.com; 718-422-1107

9. Marsha P. Johnson State Park*

Marsha P. Johnson State Park is a seven-acre waterfront park located along the East River in Brooklyn where you will find unobstructed views of the fireworks this Fourth of July. Formerly known as East River State Park, this space offers barbeques, a play area and green space for a more secluded and calmer holiday. You can easily spend the day here while waiting for the show to start and exploring the park’s native plants—and that might just be your best bet for scoring a spot for your lawn chairs.

10. The Greens At Pier 17

Grab your friends and head to the Greens at Pier 17. This fun and unique rooftop offers amazing views of the East River and is located on the South Street Seaport. Guests can reserve a “mini lawn” that fits up to eight people that is perfect for social distancing, or a spot at the restaurant’s patio and bar area. The menu includes classic American fare and a drink menu with endless cocktail and beer options.

89 South Street; thegreens.pier17ny.com; 917-512-7540

11. The Water Club

Those in search of a lavish holiday celebration should make reservations at The Water Club in Manhattan. For a set price, guests can enjoy a top-shelf open bar, buffet, live music and entertainment and of course, spectacular views of the fireworks. Be sure to head over to the restaurant’s website to book your table and choose between outdoor or indoor seating.

500 East 30^th Street; thewaterclub.com; 212-683-3333

12. WNYC Transmitter Park*

A quaint waterfront destination, WNYC Transmitter Park in Brooklyn is the ideal spot to watch the fireworks with a waterfront esplanade, pier, a large open lawn, a separate children’s play area and plenty of seating. Pack your beach blankets, coolers and sunscreen and plan to spend the day taking in all that the park has to offer since this Greenpoint, Brooklyn haven is an official viewing location for the show. In other words, show up early.

Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn; nycgovparks.org/parks/transmitter-park; 212-639-9675