Every year thousands of people crowd near New York’s East River to watch the Macy’s 4th of July firework show. It has always been a fun, colorful night of American pride and celebration. This year the fireworks will be launched from a barge near the Brooklyn Bridge and will kick off around 9:20 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, 2019.
Since there will be so many people there, I recommend planning your viewing spot in advance and getting reservations, if possible. There are many great spots to watch the show for free, however, it may not be a very enjoyable experience because everyone goes there. None the less, if you do want to see the show for free head to the South Street Seaport, DUMBO, and Brooklyn Heights areas.
The best place to view the fireworks near South Street Seaport will be Pier 17. In DUMBO, it will be Pebble Beach, Brooklyn Bridge Park, or Fulton Ferry Park. In Brooklyn Heights, the best viewing location is the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. These are the best spots to watch the show for free, but it will be very crowded so if you are looking for a more private experience here are my top picks for where to watch the fireworks show this year.
Check out my map below for more detailed information on where to view the show. Click on the rectangle icon with the small arrow in the top left corner to filter by free or private viewing spots. Pink spots are private, blue are free to the public. The yellow icon is where the fireworks will be launched from. To view this map on your phone easily, click here.
FIREWORK VIEWING LOCATIONS
SARAH’S TOP PICK:
CLASSIC HARBOR LINE’S FOURTH OF JULY ON A YACHT
Price: $428 – $598 per person depending on the boat you choose
Use online promo code: 1776 and receive $177.60 off EACH of your tickets for the 4th of July Fireworks Cruise
Location: Boat takes off from Chelsea Piers, near 22nd St on the Hudson River (Manhattan, NY)
Step aboard a classic 1920’s style luxury yacht for a NYC 4th of July Fireworks Cruise. This is the best NYC cruise to have upfront seats for the beautiful display of 4th of July fireworks. Bring your family and friends on one of their elegant boats and get an up close view of both the Statue of Liberty and the beautiful display of the Macy’s Fireworks! This cruise includes and open bar, live music, and hors d oeuvres.CLICK FOR TICKETS
OTHER GREAT OPTIONS
HARRIET’S ROOFTOP & BAR
Price: $250
Location: Rooftop of 1 Brooklyn Bridge Hotel | 60 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Nestled in a green oasis on the 10th floor and rooftop of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, against a backdrop of panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge is the perfect escape for a craft cocktail. Live DJs spin custom playlists in this rich yet refined ambiance. Enjoy a premium open bar in Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge.
MIXX CRUISES FOR 4TH OF JULY
Price: $159
Location: East River
Experience Views of The 43rd Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks with Mixx Cruise!
Aboard the observation deck of the luxury Jewel with a buffet dinner, standard/premium open bar, onboard DJ, LED lit dance floor, surround sound and the best seat in the house! Eat, drink, dance and view the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks backdropped on the Brooklyn Bridge with family and friends!
General Admission include:
- 4 hour cruise event
- Prime views of fireworks abroad The Jewel
- Live DJ Entertainment
- Standard 3hr Open Bar
- Buffet
CLIPPER CITY SAIL BOATS
Price: $450
Location: Boarding location revealed upon ticket purchase
See the awe-inspiring Macy’s July 4th, fireworks display light up the sky over the East River aboard the massive Clipper City sailboat for a front row seat to the festivities. Learn the ropes as you join the crew to help raise the sails or sit back and take in the sights from the serene vantage point of two of America’s most beautiful and historic operating sailing ships. The show will feature more than 40,000 shells exploding at a rate of more than 1,500 per minute and fireworks reaching heights of 1,000 feet in the air. Feast on an all-you-can-eat buffet of tasty American BBQ. You will cruise past the Brooklyn Bridge, Governors Island, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty up the Hudson River.
WESTLIGHT
Price: $95 – $125
Location: Rooftop of The William Vale Hotel | 111 N. 12TH ST, BROOKLYN, NY 11249 22ND FLOOR
Westlight is a 22nd-floor rooftop bar from Chef Andrew Carmellini’s NoHo Hospitality Group featuring sweeping views of New York City from atop The William Vale in Williamsburg. The bar program presents a dynamic menu of original and classic cocktails alongside rare spirits, craft beer and wine, while Carmellini’s menu of small plates reflects inspiration from global street food.CLICK FOR TICKETS
WATERMARK BAR AT PIER 15
Price: $179 +
Location: 78 South St Pier 15, New York, NY 10038
A stunning 10,000 square foot venue perched at the end of the beautifully proportioned double level Pier 15, Watermark offers an exceptional panorama of the Brooklyn and Williamsburg bridges and Brooklyn skyline. This year Freedom Fest at Watermark returns for an All-American pier side birthday bash filled with tasty eats, great tunes, and last but not least, unmatched views of The 43rd Annual Macy’s July Fourth Fireworks show. An All-American feast with all the favorites awaits you, so dig in. They’ll also have plenty of refreshments at the fully stocked open bar. CLICK FOR TICKETS
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