Seasonal & Holidays
Where To Watch The NYC Fireworks If You Hate Crowds
Enjoy the fireworks show while staying away from the jam-packed, humid, busiest viewing spots.
NEW YORK CITY, NY – Love to celebrate holidays, but not a fan of shoulder-to-shoulder crowds? You don’t have to suffer the masses this Fourth of July.
With more than 3 million viewers swarming to see the Macy's light show, you may not be quite as keen on being right in the middle of it all. Here are some places that might be just a *little* less crowded than, well... FDR Drive.
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These are your options, listed from least expensive (free, unticketed parks) to most expensive (luxurious all-you-can-eat-and-drink table service):
WNYC Transmitter Park
Where: Greenpoint Ave and West St., Greenpoint
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Price: FREE
Why go there?: It’s right on the shores of the East River, so it’ll still be busy, but if you go early enough you can stake out your space and hold down the fort. Bring a picnic and some friends, and wait for people to join you (and be jealous of your front-and-center picnic blanket).
Why go there?: If you want to be part of the day’s classic, summer-y festivities aside from just the fireworks show, Coney Island is the perfect place to satisfy your barbecue and ice cream cravings and not lose your mind in mad crowds. Here’s the catch, though-- you’ll be viewing Coney Island’s own fireworks, not the main Macy’s event over the East River. So as long as you aren’t dedicated to the Macy’s fireworks show, Coney Island is a great, slightly less chaotic fireworks viewing option.
Pulaski Bridge
Where: Newton Creek and the Long Island Expressway, Long Island City
Price: FREE
Why go there?: This spot is a little further away from the fireworks themselves, so you won’t feel the shaking of each explosion pulse through your body. The Pulaski Bridge gives you just enough elevation to see the entire incredible light show but is also just far away enough to not feel it.
230 Fifth Empire Room
Where: 230 Fifth Ave., NoMad
When: Noon to midnight
Price: $20
Why go there?: This cover fee includes a drink and entry to the rooftop to see the fireworks show. 230 Fifth is a classy venue for brunch regulars looking for prime skyline views, and a $20 cover isn’t actually much for this ultra chic venue.
808 Hotel Rooftop, LIC
Where: 8-08 Queens Plaza S, Long Island City
When: 4 p.m. to midnight
Price: $75
Why go there?: Indulge in a barbecue on a gorgeous, pristinely decorated patio. It has completely ideal views of the East River and skyline, so you can kick back at a table, scarf down some dinner and drinks, and enjoy the trendy balcony atmosphere.
Z NYC Hotel
Where: 11-01 43rd Avenue, Long Island City
When: 6 p.m.
Price: $255
Why go there?: The Z NYC Hotel is keeping its rooftop open for fireworks viewing-- but not only that, they’re selling packages that include a full service, 2-hour open bar and all you can eat buffet to provide everything you could possibly need.
Image credit: Evrymmnt / Shutterstock
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