July 4th in New York City 2021 Fireworks

Fireworks, Boat Cruise, Festivals, BBQ, Rooftops

July 4th in New York City is amazing! The weather is almost always wonderful and our July 4th celebrations, especially the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks®, are second to none! Definitely expect a huge fireworks display in 2021 on Sunday, July 4th.

July 4th in NYC 2021

• Macy’s announced, "This year’s Macy’s Fireworks show will launch more than 65,000 shells and effects from five barges positioned on the East River centered in midtown, delighting New York City spectators and a nationwide television audience." and "The 45th annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will light up the NYC skyline in a celebration of America’s heroes & the resilient spirit within us all!"
• The Yankees are hosting the Mets July 2, 3 & 4 in 2021!
• Five Adult-Only July 4th Fireworks Cruises
• Five family-friendly July 4th fireworks cruises on sale so far.
• Stay tuned and stay safe – we’ll update you with everything we know when we know it!

July 4th in NYC 2021

The fireworks locations and viewing points vary every year. The official announcement of the exact fireworks launch points can be released anytime from April to June. In the last 6 years fireworks locations have always been over the East River, but exact launches have varied from Brooklyn Bridge through Midtown, to just the Brooklyn Bridge or to just Midtown East. There is no way to know exactly where the 2021 Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® will be until Macy’s makes it’s announcement.

In 2021, Macy’s states there will be 5 barges in the East River and, "Public viewing locations will be set up & managed by the NYPD. Viewing will be available for verified, fully vaccinated spectators on elevated portions of the FDR Drive in Manhattan with entry points at East 23rd, East 34th & East 42nd Streets."

If you want to book your July 4th fireworks viewing before the official announcement arrives, then a July 4th NYC Fireworks Cruise is your best bet and guarantees you a prime viewing spot, regardless of the location of the 2021 fireworks. If you want to see the fireworks from your hotel, then feel free to make a fully refundable reservation at one of our top NYC July 4th Fireworks Hotel choices below and wait for the official announcement to confirm or cancel.

Make sure to check sightseeing and holiday hours for Sunday, July 4, 2021.

We’d love to hear about your July 4th in NYC Event.

Top Picks for July 4th NYC Activities and Events

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July 4th Fireworks Boat Cruises

Enjoy the fireworks over the East River with your choice of NYC Boat Cruises. As mentioned above, I think the BEST view of the fireworks is from the water. Plus, it doesn’t matter where the fireworks are – you’ll always have a front row spot! Book your seat on a variety of private, upscale and family-friendly parties, with on-board DJ’s to get you dancing the night away, plus food and drinks.

Classic Harbor July 4th Fireworks Cruises (Adults)

Classic Harbor cruises offers a choice of at least 5 different July 4th Fireworks cruises. All five of Classic Harbor’s cruises are Ages 21+ and generally range around $400-$700 per ticket. Each cruise or sail will have some light fare and an open bar for you to enjoy. Highlights of the 5 boat options:

• Manhattan II – largest, most spacious and luxurious vessel. The glassed in, climate-controlled cabin and open bow offers guests plenty of room to walk around and enjoy the different views of the harbor and fireworks show. This is the most elegant of the cruises and has the most food.
• Yacht Full Moon – 20 guest limit, vintage yacht, complimentary beer, wine, Champagne, soda and water, (cocktails are available for purchase) Three courses of passed hors d’ oeuvres, stationary displays and desserts.
• Schooner America 2.0 Sailboat – more laid back than the Yachts, heavy passed hors d’oeuvres. Guests tend to find a seat and hang out for the duration of the cruise, while the crew comes to them for beverage service.
• Schooner Adirondack Sailboat – similar to above, slightly lighter food fair.
• Yacht Kingston – smallest and most intimate of the vessels, an enclosed cabin with large windows as well as an open bow. Light hors d’ oeuvres served.

Reserve your Fourth of July Fireworks cruise soon, these sell out every single year before the end of June.

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4th of July Fireworks Harbor Lights Yacht Cruise

This Fourth of July, celebrate on our “4th of July Fireworks Sunset Yacht Cruise” aboard the multi-level Harbor Lights Yacht. Witness the Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks as we set sail from Skyport Marina.

Enjoy your Independence Day with a 3-Hour Premium Open Bar, Buffet, Views of the Breathtaking NY Skyline, and of course, the Spectacular Macy’s Fireworks Show. Tickets start at $175 and Group Discounts are available for this 21 & over event.

Visit https://www.nypartycruise.com/4thofjulycruise.html for tickets and info.

Sunday, July 4th, 2021, 6:30pm-10:30pm

Aboard the Harbor Lights Yacht
SkyPort Marina, 2430 FDR Drive @East 23rd Street New York, NY 10010
Directions: 6 Train to 23rd Street

July 4th Family-Friendly Fireworks Cruises

Please make sure to confirm what food/beverage is included in your ticket price. Many people are often shocked to find they’ve spent $200+ on a ticket that does not include a meal or an open bar.

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Subway Series – NY Mets @ NY Yankees

What better way to celebrate Independence Day than with America’s favorite pastime, an old-fashioned hot dog and beer? New Yorkers LOVE a subway series and after a long hiatus, it will be great to see some live baseball action at the stadium! The Yankees host the Mets July 2, 3 & 4 in 2021!

New York Yankees Schedule

Rooftops, Hotels, Restaurants with Views of 4th of July NYC Fireworks (2021)

July 4th NYC Hotels with East River Views

These hotels were all vetted for fireworks views in 2018 when they were in the same locations they will be in 2021. We are working on updating them for 2021, but please do your own due diligence. As you know, things are changing on a daily basis in NYC (and everywhere).

Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Central Park – ‘we were given a room on the 64th floor! Looking out of the window the Rockefeller building was in front of us, Times Square to the right and Central Park to the left. We even watched the 4th of July fireworks from our room’

Hotel Indigo – ‘The room was large, and had a great view towards the east and the south, giving wonderful views of the July 4th fireworks. The hotel is in the heart of things, with the bars and restaurants of the LES all a short walk way.’

• Discount Rates: Hotel Indigo
• 171 Ludlow Street, NY, NY 10002 (Lower East Side)

Hotel 50 Bowery – The Crown Rooftop at Hotel 50 Bowery, one of NYC’s newest hotels, is Lower East Manhattan’s most spectacular 360-degree view to celebrate and watch the fireworks with a clear view of the fireworks and city, downtown to Brooklyn to Midtown.

• Discount Rates: Hotel 50 Bowery
• 50 Bowery, NY, NY 10013
• Direct Site: The Crown Rooftop Fireworks Party

The Box House Hotel Rooftop – Join us on our rooftop for the perfect view of the Macy’s fireworks!! Live DJ, Games, Local Food Vendors, Drinks.

• Discount Rates: The Box House Hotel Rooftop, Brooklyn
• 50 Bowery, NY, NY 10013
• Direct Site: Fireworks at The Box House Hotel Rooftop

Park South Hotel – July 4th reviews, ‘The rooftop patio was an amazing bonus and we had a great view of the fireworks’ and ‘…for added pleasure the Roof bar was fabulous we watched the fireworks’ (photo above)

• Discount Rates: Park South Hotel
• 2021 Update: We are not sure at this time what Park South Hotel will do this year. Read about 2017 Fireworks here: July 4th Fireworks at Park South Hotel

2021 Update – The following hotels provided views of the Brooklyn Bridge Fireworks and we are not sure if they provide Midtown East fireworks views in 2021:

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge (photo above)

1 Hotel BB, which offers amazing views of the Brooklyn Bridge from their rooftop and some of their rooms, is hosting several fireworks viewing parties on July 4th. Parties can booked as part of a "Room to Roof" package, prime fireworks views from your room only or reservations at one of three different July 4th Fireworks parties.

• Discount Rates: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
• Direct Site: July 4th @ 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
• 60 Furman Street, Brooklyn, NY

Millenium Hilton – here’s what one reviewer had to say about his July 4th stay: ‘The hotel is right across from the Macy’s July 4th Fireworks…We were on a higher floor (40+) in an "01" corner room… and out our east windows, we had a fabulous view of the Brooklyn Bridge, the East River and Long Island.’

• Discount Rates: Millenium Hilton
• 55 Church Street, NY, NY 10007 (Financial District)

New York Marriott Downtown – July 4th reviews, ‘Came to see the Macy’s fireworks display on July 4th….short walk from this hotel to the Brooklyn Bridge… I had a corner room with an awesome view of Ellis Island’ and ‘We braved the crowds at the fireworks but if your room faces the bridge and is high enough up, you could see them right from your room!’

• Discount Rates: New York Marriott Downtown
• 85 West Street, NY, NY 10006 (Financial District)

The Dominick Hotel – "They made sure I had a view of the east river so we could see the Fourth of July fireworks. I will definitely be staying there again." and "so very helpful in situating us in the best room possible to view the 4th of july fireworks and a tremendous view of the Empire State Building"

• Discount Rates: The Dominick Hotel (formerly Trump SoHo)
• 246 Spring St, (at Varick St) (SoHo)

Mr C Seaport – ‘balcony has an excellent view of the city and we had a good spot to watch the fireworks’ and ‘location was perfect for celebrating the 4th of July! There were bands and a street fair all around the hotel and the view of the fireworks was great! We were in room 308 and could see the show and hear the music!’ and ‘All good, especially the nice view facing Brooklyn bridge from the 7th floor terrace’

• Discount Rates: Mr C Seaport (formerly Best Western Plus Seaport Inn)
• 33 Peck Slip, NY, NY 10038 (South Street Seaport)
• Note: This hotel has very mixed reviews – read carefully.

Hotel on Rivington – offers panoramic city and East River views from their spectacular Penthouse roofdeck. Their Fireworks Party offers a luxurious July 4th experience with live DJ, open bar and a prime view of the East River fireworks in one of NYC’s hippest neighborhoods! Enjoy 360 degree breathtaking panoramic views of downtown, midtown, uptown Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond!

• Discount Rates: Hotel on Rivington
• Direct Site: 4th of July at Penthouse on Rivington
• 107 Rivington Street, NY, NY 10002 (Lower East Side)

The Standard, East Village – July 4th reviews, ‘The Hotel itself is a gem with wonderful views of south Manhattan. July 4th fireworks were easily seen. The Restaurants are excellent – a definite NY vibe less pretentious than Standard Highline. I gladly recommend this gem’ and "wanted a room with a view of the East River, so we could see fireworks. She went beyond to find us the PERFECT room"

• Discount Rates: The Standard East Village
• 25 Cooper Square, NY, NY 10003 (East Village)
• 4th of July Crab Boil – Celebrate the 4th of July with us at Narcissa with a festive Blue Crab Boil on the terrace! 12-9pm. For an additional $50, guests can head to the hotel’s rooftop for drinks and views of the fireworks.

Pod 39 Hotel – Join us for a fireworks watch party at our rooftop bar on the 17th floor of the Pod 39 Hotel. Armed with some of the best views of the city and some of the best margaritas, the only thing missing from this party is you.

• Discount Rates: Pod 39 Hotel
• Direct Site: July 4th Rooftop Party Al Pastor
• 145 East 39th Street (Midtown East)

Z Hotel Long Island City – Join Z Hotel for their family-friendly all inclusive Red, White and View Package, including food, drinks with KILLER views of the Fireworks and Brooklyn Bridge!

• More Info: July 4th Fireworks at Z Hotel

The Ides Rooftop Bar at the Wythe Hotel -The Ides will open at 7:30pm for a ticketed entry ($25) for access to the bar and fireworks display at 9:00pm. Fill up while they grill house-made sausages, along with german potato salad which will be available to accompany cold beers and sparkling rosé (all for purchase).

• Discount Rates: Wythe Hotel
• 80 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249 (Williamsburg)

Hotels Near the Brooklyn Bridge

• In the box below that says, "Where Are You Going," copy and paste this: Brooklyn Bridge
• The Yellow Map Marker that says "Jane’s Carousel" is the Brooklyn Bridge

Booking.com

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July 4th in New York City – Attractions

Many New York City Tourist Attractions are open 365 days per year, although some with limited hours. July 4th may be a great day to try and see some of the more popular attractions as many people will be celebrating the holiday.

July 4th in New York City – Open Attractions

• Statue of Liberty
• Empire State Building (365 days)
• Top of the Rock and most of Rockefeller Center (365 days)
• Madame Tussauds Wax Museum (365 days)
• New York City Bus Tours
• Times Square – Hershey’s Store, M&M Store, Hard Rock Cafe and more
• Central Park – Zoo, Carousel
• Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)
• Guggenheim Museum (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)
• Museum of Modern Art (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)
• Metropolitan Museum of Art (Closed Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1)
• American Museum of Natural History (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)
• New York Botanical Garden (Closed most Mondays and Christmas Day)

Save BIG on July 4th with a Discount New York City Pass!

Best Discount Card for NYC Attractions

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NYC Insider Printable Guides

"The guides are exactly what we were looking for to help us navigate NYC and the highlights of each area.
THANK YOU for taking the time to put this together."

 

"Amazing, Melissa. This is my second copy! Congratulations for this always excellent guide. I have been living in this area for 18 years, but I still leave the guide as a treat when people come to visit me by their bed. So comprehensive!"

 

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New York City Hotels with Pools

While a few of our hotels with pools are family-friendly, most are adult party zones with skyline views, cocktails, private cabanas and summer long pool parties. We highlight more than 10 family-friendly and adults-only hotel pools, many with day-pass availability for NYC locals.

Since most are indoor/outoor and heated, anytime of year is a great time to check into one of our New York City Hotels with Pools.

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NYC Hotels with Free Bicycles

If had to pick my FAVORITE way to explore NYC, it would be on bicycle! Don't miss out on your choice of NYC hotels with free bicycles, allowing you to explore hidden nooks of NYC you can't see any other way. Some of our top value picks include:

See the Insider Guide for dozens more NYC Hotels with Free Bicycles.

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45th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks (2021)

Television Perfomances:

The musical score is the basis for the fireworks choreography and this year it salutes the hero within – the spirit of optimism and bravery of the American people. Patriotic classics such as “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful,” featuring guest performances from The United States Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus, mix with original instrumentals and a soaring rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Broadway Inspirational Voices; creating a moving musical showcase for the pyro in the sky.

The score for Macy’s Fireworks will also feature music superstar Tori Kelly singing a powerful rendition of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from the musical Carousel.

The nation’s No. 1 Independence Day special will also feature performances from some of music’s brightest stars including Black Pumas, Coldplay, OneRepublic, Reba McEntire, and more.

Macy’s incredible lineup of performers can be enjoyed by tuning in to our one-night-only NBC broadcast special, Macy’s 4th Of July Fireworks Spectacular, on Sunday, July 4, from 8pm-10pm ET/PT, 7pm-9pm CT/MT.

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Macy’s 4th of July NYC 2021 Fireworks Viewing Spots and Barges

Public viewing locations will be set up & managed by the NYPD. Viewing will be available for verified, fully vaccinated spectators on elevated portions of the FDR Drive in Manhattan with entry points at East 23rd, East 34th & East 42nd Streets.

ADA/Special Needs public viewing for verified fully vaccinated spectators will be accessible at the East 34th Street entry point. Public viewing for non-vaccinated spectators will be available along portions of the Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan waterfronts.

This map is from 2018, when the fireworks were launched over the same viewing points as they will be in 2021.

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July 4th NYC Visitor Questions

Can I watch the fireworks from Central Park?

Not that I know of. There is no vantage point high enough from which to view the fireworks on the East River.

Can Trump SoHo (Dominick Hotel) see the see 4th of July fireworks?

Possibly, the Dominick (formerly Trump SoHo) hotel offers some rooms with fireworks views. I’m not sure if you can see them from the rooftop pool, so please check with the hotel. See Dominick Reviews above.

Can You See the Macy’s fireworks from Weehawken?

No. The current Mayor, DeBlasio, has moved the Fireworks back to the East Side of NY, so more New Yorkers can see them, including those in Queens and Brooklyn. I’ve heard “the fireworks are for New York, not Jersey.” However, I hear New Jersey does have their own fireworks display which may be an option.

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Rooftop Restaurants with July 4th Fireworks Parties:

(pending 2021 updates)

• Riverview Restaurant & Lounge – Long Island City
  Riverview, which has one the best Manhattan skyline views, especially of the Brooklyn Bridge and East River (probably all of the fireworks), is offering standard open bar and a four-star buffet from 6-9 pm and top-shelf open bar 6-10pm for $170 per guest (plus tax & tip). After the fireworks, at 10 pm, get dancing with a DJ and cash bar. More info: www.riverviewny.com
• Fourth of July Fireworks at Brooklyn Grange
• Riverpark’s 4th of July BBQ Bash

NYC Insider Tip: Back in the 90s, when the fireworks were launched from the same barges as those that will be from 23rd to 37th Streets this year, I worked on the 71st Floor of the Empire State Building, and we had FANTASTIC VIEWS of the fireworks.

Who Does NOT Have a View of the Fireworks?

In researching some other posts online, I was wary of the information NON New Yorkers were providing, such as, "to see NYC fireworks this year, the restaurant or upper floors of the Andaz Wall Street would be a good option." – thepointsguy

This is completely incorrect as the Andaz Hotel Rooms do NOT have views of the Brooklyn Bridge (BB), and the restaurant is on the ground floor, with about 100 buildings between it and the BB. The hotel is about a 15 minute walk from the BB, but you will not see the fireworks from the hotel.

Another old (and now incorrect) article – Best Hotels to View New York City Fireworks. I’ve tried to email USA Today to tell them, but their form doesn’t work.

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Prior Year July 4th Fireworks NYC Locations

• 2021 –
• 2020 – several short displays in the 5 boroughs June 29-July 1 and Grand Finale @ the Empire State Building broadcast on NBC on July 4th (CoVid)
• 2019 – launched from the Brooklyn Bridge and Pier 17
• 2018 – launched from seven barges stationed along the East River between East 23rd and East 40th Streets.
• 2017 – launched from 5 barges placed from 24th to 41st Streets. No fireworks over Brooklyn Bridge.
• 2016 – fireworks launched over the Brooklyn Bridge and from 23rd to 37th Streets

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July 4th Broadway Shows NYC 2020

July 4th is a great time to catch a Broadway show, stay out of the heat and beat the crowds. 2020 Broadway Show highlights on July 4th include: West Side Story, Plaza Suite (Sarah Jessica Parker & Matthew Broderick), Hamilton, Book of Mormon, Phantom of the Opera, Diana, Jagged Little Pill, Mean Girls and many more.

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July 4th Fireworks BBQ, Boat Cruise and NYC Tour – FULL DAY!

Book your July 4th day as part of a Family Friendly July 4th Fireworks Hotel Package or separately. Fill your entire day with hosted July 4th festivities:

More Info: July 4th BBQ, Tour and Fireworks Cruise.

Start your 4th of July NYC with BBQ Over Broadway from 1pm until 3:30pm on the Supernova Restaurant’s outdoor terrace. Continue with a guided tour of historical Manhattan and finish your holiday with the World Yacht Duchess cruise with buffet dinner and open bar. The 4th of July NYC fireworks BBQ Day ALWAYS sells out, so don’t get left behind!

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