Where are the best places to watch fireworks in NYC for 4th of July? We have so many visitors who are anxiously awaiting the 4th of July celebrations around New York City. Our lobby is already buzzing with excitement so we thought we would put together some of our favorite spots for our guests and friends (yes, that includes you!). Below you’ll see a list of the best places to watch fireworks in NYC for the 4th of July, complete with addresses you can instantly plug into your phone for your convenience. We hope you enjoy one of the most exciting celebrations of the summer that NYC has to offer!

About the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Display:

The show begins at 9:25pm on Tuesday, July 4th, and will last for 25-30 minutes. The fireworks will be set off from a barge in the East River near Midtown, between East 24th and East 41st Streets, but will be visible from many neighborhoods in Midtown Manhattan, as well as parts of Brooklyn and Queens.

For a front-row seat to the display, you should head to Midtown, the East Village, Long Island City, Greenpoint, or Williamsburg. Official fireworks viewing points will be crowded and difficult to navigate so we are offering you with alternative viewing spots in the guide below. Official viewing points are located at 42nd Street and FDR Drive, 34th Street and FDR Drive, 23rd Street and FDR Drive, 18th Street and Avenue C, and Houston Street and FDR Drive.

Best Places to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in Brooklyn:

• Grand Ferry Park – Grand Ferry Park, 1 Grand St., Brooklyn, NY 11249
  A public park where you can relax on the grass. Bring your own beach chair and picnic basket.
• Brooklyn Grange Farm – Brooklyn Grange Farm, 63 Flushing Ave., Building #3, Brooklyn, NY 11205
  A rooftop farm at the top of the Brooklyn Navy Yard that serves worldwide cuisine.
• East River State Park – East River State Park, 90 Kent Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211
  Beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline, a play area for the children, and historical remnants abound as a former 19th century shipping dock.
• WNYC Transmitter Park – WNYC Transmitter Park, West St. between Kent St. and Greenpoint Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11222
  Another public park with beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline with a play area for the children.

Best Places to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in Queens:

• Gantry Plaza State Park – Gantry Plaza State Park, 4-09 47th Road, Long Island City, NY 11101
  A public park with prime waterfront views. Get there early to reserve a spot and don’t forget your blanket and chairs!
• Hunters Point South Park – Hunters Point South Park, Center Blvd. between 50 Ave. and 54 Ave. Long Island City, NY 11101

Best Places to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in Manhattan:

• East River Park – John V. Lindsay East River Park, East River Promenade, New York City, NY.
  A public park on the lower east side of Manhattan, another great picnic spot but you can stay in Manhattan.

Best Places to Watch 4th of July Fireworks by Boat:

• Multiple Cruiselines – See a list of cruiselines offering 4th of July trips – There are many cruiselines that leave out of NYC and surrounding areas that offer the ability to see the fireworks display without the hassle of a large crowd. It is a most enjoyable way to see the beautiful fireworks display, but it can get pricey if you’re bringing a large crowd with you. Book as early as possible to avoid losing your seat!

Additional NYC Guides to the 4th of July Fireworks Display:

TimeOutNY- Where to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in NYC

Refinery29 – Best Places to Watch Fireworks in NYC This 4th of July

NYC Insider Guide – July 4th in New York City 2017

Be sure to check Macy’s website before heading out the door, or call the store’s dedicated fireworks hotline at 212-494-4495, for any changes in the fireworks display schedule. Many streets will be closed to traffic, so use public transportation instead of driving!