4th July – Where to Celebrate in NYC

A national holiday and a chance to celebrate, Independence Day is the perfect opportunity to explore NYC and discover the different ways of celebrating within the city.

If you’re looking for the best spots to see fireworks, fun ways to bond with your family and friends, or for something a little bit different this year, check out our list of the top ways to celebrate in NYC.

Swingers NoMad

A great way to get together with your friends and celebrate the 4th of July is to instigate some fun competition with a round of mini golf at Swingers NoMad. The perfect place if you’re looking to beat the heat – and there’s plenty of delicious beverages to enjoy to help cool you down if the competition really heats up!

Plus, from July 1st – July 5th, all mini golf sessions are $20, with a $24 package of a session of mini golf plus a delicious frozen cocktail, perfect for accompanying you around the course.

Book a group package for your group of friends, and celebrate with a fun game of mini golf (or unlimited rounds if you’re up for the challenge!), street food and drinks vouchers, as well as the option to reserve a table. 

Macys Fireworks

Credit: Olga Subach 

Going to see the Macy’s Fireworks on 4th July is a staple in many a New Yorker’s calendar, but with lots of people all trying to see them, it can be hard to know the best spot to view them. We’ve listed a couple of ideas for prime viewing locations below.

Watch the fireworks from the Empire State Building

Credit: The Wrap

We’d recommend booking a ticket to see them from atop the Empire State Building – every Independence Day, the Empire State hosts a celebration from 7pm-10pm, available by ticket only. The rooftop event offers great views of the fireworks away from the crowds, as well as gourmet food, DJ music and a premium open bar. This iconic US landmark is the perfect spot to celebrate.

Watch the fireworks from One World Observatory

Credit: Chad Peltola

A whopping 101 stories above ground level, One World Observatory is a great spot for watching the fireworks. With panoramic views and decadent New American cuisine (if you’re staying for dinner), you can spend time celebrating Independence Day with your friends and family from atop the city. Check out their all-inclusive package which includes access to ONE Dine, two drinks and some light bites. 

Cruise around NYC

Credit: Jack Cohen 

Another picturesque way to see the fireworks is from the water. This year, the fireworks display has moved from the East River to the Hudson River, which can make it more difficult to find a place to watch them. By booking a cruise and being on the river, you’ll be in the ideal spot, as there won’t be any buildings or crowds in the way to block your view.

There are a number of cruises available for the 4th of July, some of which include food and drinks on board. Take a look at some of the ones we found below:

• Party Cruise on the Harmony
• Ultimate 4th July Cruise on the Hornblower
• Family Friendly Cruise on the Cornucopia

Book a meal overlooking the Manhattan skyline

Credit: Molos Restaurant

For a more low-key affair, why not have dinner overlooking the Manhattan skyline? You’ll enjoy all the benefits of watching the fireworks display from afar while enjoying some delicious food.

Manhatta are throwing a 4th of July rooftop BBQ, including full court pickleball, an open bar, and live music.

The Crown has a seasonal menu filled with a choice of snacks, platters, and cocktails – a great choice for enjoying the view without having to navigate crowds.

Take a trip to Coney Island

Credit: Julie Ricard

For a day of guaranteed fun for all the family, travel to Coney Island for the 4th of July. While it can sometimes be quite busy, it’s the perfect opportunity to get out of the city and enjoy the seaside. 

Whether you’re looking to spend the day at the Luna Amusement Park, enjoying the rides, partying on the beach, or taking part in the epic hot dog eating contest – there’s something for everyone.

Plus, there will be a firework show which you can enjoy from the beachfront or from atop a rollercoaster.

New York SummerStage

Credit: Loving New York 

This popular free NYC event is beloved by locals and visitors alike – those who know about it, that is. Taking place in Central Park, SummerStage offers a wide variety of music and dance performances that everyone will enjoy. On the weekends around the 4th of July this year, you can book a Pride Disco, featuring Trixie Mattel Djing, or Ezra collective, or the 25th anniversary of Federation Sound.

As there are no acts performing on the 4th of July, it frees up another day for celebrating!

BBQ or Picnic in the Park

Credit: Isabella Fischer

Why not celebrate on your own terms? Organize your own 4th July party by hosting a BBQ or picnic in the park. A full list of parks in NYC can be found here, so you can find one close by making it easier for you to bring all your snacks with you. 

If you’re planning on holding a BBQ, make sure you check out the rules about BBQing in your chosen park.

Of course burgers and hotdogs, as well as easily portable food like pasta salads and devilled eggs are staples. Go all in with Independence Day themed food and decorations – red, white, and blue, stars and stripes, are the theme of the day!

Delish has a fantastically patriotic selection of themed desserts and Food Network has a list of recipes for classic American dishes.

Freedom run

Credit: Miguel Amutio 

Speaking of keeping active during your celebration, you could choose to start your day with a fun 5K, 10K, or half-marathon, with 10% of the net proceeds + 100% of the fundraising going to Hope for the Warriors, a Non-Profit that provides comprehensive support programs for service members, veterans, and military families.

It’s the ideal to set you up for the day, and enables you to celebrate yourself as well as the 4th of July! There’s also a Saturday run if you can’t make Thursday.