The greatest city in the world is set for the greatest Fourth of July celebration in the country.
The annual Macy’s fireworks spectacular will illuminate the sky over New York City with an exuberant display of color, shapes and sounds. Starting at 9:25 p.m. Monday, the multi-sensorial feast will erupt from five barges on the East River — between E. 23rd and E. 42nd Sts. — launching nearly 2,000 shells and effects per minute.
The rest of the country can watch — in envy — on NBC and Peacock beginning at 8 p.m. But those lucky enough to be in the city can get a front-row seat in these prime spots.
Manhattan
FDR Drive
Three elevated public viewing areas in Manhattan along the FDR Drive will be set up and managed by the NYPD: E. 42nd St., E. 34th St., and E. 23rd St. Spectators should enter through security checkpoints on First Ave. People are strongly advised to check the NYPD’s social media platforms for the latest updates, as all three areas have limited capacity and access points and locations are subject to change. The E. 34th St. spot will accommodate people with special needs/access requirements. Free.
Summit at One Vanderbilt
The recently-opened Summit One Vanderbilt, a 65,000 square foot, three-level entertainment space will offer guests the opportunity to enjoy the fireworks at eye level. Ticket holders will have access to an open bar between 7:30 and 10 p.m., and panoramic views with simulcast audio. $300. 45 E. 42nd St.
Sentry Rooftop Flatiron
Located on the 18th-floor penthouse of Hotel Henri, a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of the Flatiron District, Sentry Penthouse & Lounge has stunning views of the city, where guests will be able to watch the fireworks while enjoying a creative menu of light bites and craft cocktails. Doors open at 4 p.m. Tickets start at $15. 37 W. 24th St.
Somewhere Nowhere
Watch the fireworks and dance the day and night away to a live set of superstar DJ Walshy Fire, the Grammy-nominated musician and producer better known as part of the group Major Lazer. Somewhere Nowhere is a two-level indoor lounge and open-air rooftop pool venue, atop the Renaissance NY Chelsea Hotel. Reservations start at $50. 112 W. 25th St.
Edge at Hudson Yards
The highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere is inviting guests to celebrate 100 floors above the ground. That height also allows people to watch fireworks in surrounding areas, including Coney Island and Jersey City. $250. 30 Hudson Yards
Front Row Fireworks at E. 34th St. heliport
Guests will get unobstructed views of the skies, topping off an evening of fun and games the whole family can enjoy. Starting at 6 p.m., this all-ages event will offer face-painting and balloon artists for kids, as well as life-size versions of Jenga, ping pong, and chess for the kids at heart.Tickets start at $55. 499 E. 34th St.
Brooklyn
Newtown Barge Park
One of the three official viewing areas in Brooklyn, Newtown Barge Park is at the triangular tip intersection of Commercial and Dupont Sts. in Greenpoint. The area was recently revamped and now has a small sports field, an open lawn area, and a shoreline walkway. Spectators should enter through a security checkpoint located at 3 Commercial St. Free.
WNYC Transmitter Park
Once home to the WNYC radio transmission towers, the WNYC Transmitter Park opened to the public as a waterfront destination in 2012. The 6.6-acre green space has a playground for kids, a spray shower, stunning views of Manhattan and a pier for fishing. Spectators should plan to arrive early due to the park’s limited capacity. Access entry point on Greenpoint Ave. Free.
Marsha P. Johnson State Park
Williamsburg’s 7-acre waterfront park has prime views of the Manhattan skyline, a large play area, cobblestone streets, old railroad tracks and a large space for picnicking and barbecues. There is a security checkpoint at Kent Ave. and North 8th St. Free.
Westlight rooftop at the William Vale Hotel
The celebration at the hip Westlight rooftop bar in Williamsburg will take over the top two floors of the William Vale Hotel. The party is a collaboration between the swanky hotel and Gospel, a social club in SoHo. Tickets start at $180. Tables from $1,300 to $2,950. 111 N. 12th St.
Queens
Gantry Plaza State Park
Gantry Plaza is a 12-acre state park in Hunters Point, and the only official viewing area in Queens. The park has supreme views of Manhattan — including the Empire State Building, the United Nations headquarters and the Queensboro Bridge.Enter at Vernon Blvd. at 48th Ave, 47th Road, 47th Ave., 46th Road and 46th Ave. Free.
Vista Sky Lounge
Vista Sky Lounge, a candlelit rooftop venue in the heart of Long Island City is hosting a firework-viewing party with an American summer holiday menu. Doors open at 6 p.m. $135 adults, $65 kids. 27-05 39th. Ave., Long Island City.
Cruises
Classic Harbor Line
Classic Harbor Line is offering six cruises, with hors d’oeuvres and an open bar as well as up-close views of the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. Cruises will depart before sunset. Prices start at $428. Most depart from Chelsea Piers, at Pier 62, at 23rd. St and West Side Highway. One of them, the Yacht Full Moon, will depart from North Cove Marina, at 250 Vesey St.
Circle Line
The boat-based sightseeing business is offering a 41/2-hour cruise with a photo opportunity at the Statue of Liberty. The cruise will sail down the Hudson River around the tip of Manhattan. Tickets include a buffet as well as unlimited wine, beer and soda. $249 adults, $199 kids. Boarding at 6:15 p.m. from Pier 83 at W. 42nd St. and West Side Highway
SeaStreak
If you are coming from New Jersey, hop on a SeaStreak ferry to watch the fireworks from its open-air top deck. . The ferry will depart Highlands, N.J., shortly before sunset, then cruise the East River. $99. 326 Shore Drive, Highlands, N.J.
The NYPD recommends drivers use public transportation starting at 2 p.m. on Monday. Visit the department’s website for a traffic advisory and a list of street closures, and check its Twitter account for the latest updates.
The following items are not allowed at official city viewing spots: large backpacks, large coolers, lawn chairs, lawn blankets, umbrellas and alcoholic beverages.
