The July 4th fireworks show in NYC is the largest Independence Day celebration in the country and one of the greatest events of the year in New York.
After last year’s Hudson River fireworks, the location of Macy’s 4th of July fireworks 2025 will return to the East River again!
In 2025 Macy’s famous 4th of July fireworks will take place for the 49th time! More than 60,000 shells and effects will be launched to fascinate the audience.
Where will the fireworks be set off?
When will the fireworks start?
Looking for the best places to see the 4th of July Fireworks in NYC this year? Read on for a full breakdown of the streets, parks, and cruises to watch fireworks in New York City.
For everyone who’s planning their trip now and wants to know the best places to see 4th of July Fireworks in NYC, the list below will give you a start on where to see 4th of July fireworks in NYC.
As we get more information on official events, we will be updating these lists to make sure your trip to NYC for the 4th of July is as enjoyable as possible.
Note: The official viewing locations for 2025 will be announced soon on Macy’s official website!
If you’re planning to go to an official viewing area, note that, typically, backpacks are permitted but coolers, lounge chairs, blankets, and umbrellas are not.
Should you not be able to be in the city to see the fireworks, then be sure to turn on NBC at 8 pm to see the live broadcasting.
We’ll start with the official recommendations that Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show has shared over the past few years. In addition to the elevated platforms you can enjoy for free (just be sure to arrive early), these are great areas to set up and take in the East River fireworks display.
Since they are popular spots for both New Yorkers and those visiting New York alike, there are sure to be crowds. Our advice? Only bring the essentials and try to get there as early as your schedule allows.
Gantry Plaza State Park is a beautiful escape right on the East River in Long Island City. The park is very beautifully laid out, with many wooden benches (also with ergonomic design) and dunes with sand and a small green space. There are apartments and small restaurants and cafes lined up on the back of the park. The piers also add a nice touch to the park as well. It’s the perfect place to take a stroll while enjoying the Manhattan skyline across the river. Also in sight is the beautiful 59th street bridge that connects Manhattan and Queens.
Be sure to check out the 1 Hotel Rooftop and Garden Bar, even if you don’t decide to stay there. You can enjoy a fantastic view of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridge. The bar serves great drinks and finger food.
Sometimes the best place to see the 4th of July fireworks in NYC is the place you’ll enjoy the most. One of our favorite places is the 6-acre Domino Park in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood.
Especially if you happen to be sightseeing in that part of the city, this open park on the Brooklyn side is a great place to wrap up your day and take in the fireworks show. With its large lawns and ideal location facing the NYC skyline, you’re sure to enjoy the spectacle.
The Panorama Room is a rooftop bar & lounge and belongs to the Graduate New York Hotel on Roosevelt Island. Located on the 18th floor, it offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of New York City. At the Panorama Room you can get fresh seafood dishes and a delicious brunch, but also various alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails.
Instead of getting ready to view the fireworks with the crowds and lining up early, why not reserve your spot on a fireworks cruise?
This is a great chance to spend time with the family and get a unique view of the NYC skyline as it gets let up by Independence Day fireworks. Plus, you’ll enjoy live DJ music, food, and drinks to celebrate America’s birthday.
Many 4th of July fireworks cruise board between 5:30pm to 6:30pm, giving you a three-and-a-half hour experience around the city and putting you in prime position to catch the fireworks just after 9pm.
My tip: Here you find the best 4th of July cruises in NYC.
Given its spacious lawn positioned with a view of the river, the East River State Park is one of our favorite spots to sit back and enjoy the NYC fireworks.
A great spot for families, you’ll want to bring a picnic and a blanket so you can make the most of the warm New York summer evening.
Another spot with a view that’s tough to beat, the South Street Seaport in Manhattan is conveniently located where the firework barges are generally positioned.
Imagine the scene: not only are you in one of the best places to see the 4th of July fireworks in NYC with them taking off in front of you, but you also have a background complete with historic ships and the picturesque Brooklyn Bridge.
As is the case with the more popular spots, you’ll want to arrive early to the area. The elevated viewing spots can be accessed via Broad Street, Pearl Street, and Frankfort Street.
The next-best thing to being on the Brooklyn Bridge to watch the fireworks? Brooklyn Bridge Park and Promenade. With its placement right on the East River, this waterfront park shares incredible views of Manhattan.
For those of you looking for an iconic New York City skyline photo framed by fireworks, this could just be the best spot. In particular, the intersection of Water Street & Washington Street will give you the just-right angle of the Empire State Building and the Manhattan Bridge.
Unfortunately, the Brooklyn Bridge Park is no hidden secret, so it tends to get crowded. If you’re planning on staking out your spot, you’ll want to arrive early.
For a more industrial setting for your 4th of July NYC fireworks viewing, try the hip DUMBO (which stands for Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass). Despite having plenty of shops and restaurants, this spot tends to be less crowded for fireworks.
While that’s partially because the view can be a little blocked by buildings, it’s also lesser-known by tourists. So if you’re looking for a more low-key way to celebrate and you don’t mind not having the perfect Instagram photo, this could be a great option for you to catch the show.
Located directly on the East River, Bushwick Inlet Park offers spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline. The park is ideal for a relaxing break with spacious green areas, walking paths and a cool community vibe.
Whether you’re there for a picnic or just to soak up the atmosphere, this spot is a must for your to-do list in Williamsburg!
The WNYC Transmitter Park in Greenpoint is a small green oasis on the East River with spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline. The park is located on the site of a former radio transmitter and offers walking paths, seating areas and a quiet retreat by the water.
My tip: the view is especially beautiful at sunset!
The Westlight in Brooklyn is considered one of the most beautiful rooftop bars in New York – and rightly so! It belongs to The William Vale Hotel and has a rooftop bar, a lounge area, a bar and a restaurant. What distinguishes the Westlight from many other spots is the unspoilt panoramic view of Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan.
The New York City skyline is one of the most famous and recognizable skylines in the world. It’s a city filled with skyscrapers and tall buildings. In most recent years, it has been expanding which made way for new observation decks. The newest observation deck is located at the top of the One Vanderbilt Building and is called The Summit. This deck is the second-highest outdoor deck in NYC which follows the Edge and has been open since October 2021.
The Empire State Building is the most famous attraction in New York City. When most people think of NYC, this landmark is usually the first thing that pops into their head. It’s an iconic skyscraper and has been arguably the face of the city. It should definitely be a part of every trip to the city since it features two observation decks! Here’s a fun fact: The Empire State Building even has its own zip code! (NY 10118)
Der Beitrag 4th of July Fireworks in NYC 2025 erschien zuerst auf Loving New York.
