NYC 4th of July Fireworks: Prime Viewing Spots & Hotels

Make the most of your 4th of July weekend: Grab a spot at a top city viewing spot for Macy's Fireworks Show or book a room at one of these hotels and enjoy the fireworks in style.

June 7, 2024

Our Guide to NYC's 4th of July Fireworks: Where to Stay & Watch

One of the most common questions we receive is: which New York City hotel should you book for July 4th? For those who know the importance of planning ahead and securing a hotel with the perfect location, you could snag a front-row seat to Macy’s July 4th fireworks show over the Hudson River. Macy’s announces their firework details a few weeks before the holiday. While we have a general idea of what to expect from past years, we also know this year is a brand new experience thanks to the location change (from the East River to the Hudson River). Be sure to check for further details on their website. If you're aiming to witness the fireworks in person, be sure to arrive early and secure a spot at your location of choice before 4 PM. Alternatively, if you prefer to relax in the comfort of your room, consider booking at one of the hotels on this list.

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Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Show Has a New Location for 2024

Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks show will relocate this year, launching across the Hudson River instead of the East River, marking the first time in over a decade. The display will feature thousands of shells and various effects from barges along the West Side of Midtown Manhattan (between the city and New Jersey).

For those without a hotel room that includes skyline views or a rooftop lounge, fret not! You can still catch an amazing show from one of the following locations if you arrive before 4 PM (the show starts at 9:30 PM but the crowd starts much earlier).

On the Manhattan side, there will be public viewing areas set up along West 14th Street in Chelsea near the Little Island and High Line, and West 34th Street in Midtown, near Macy's Herald Square and Hudson Yards. Based on these public viewing locations, it seems like the High Line, which connects the two streets, will also be a prime viewing spot this year.

If you're willing to cross the river into New Jersey for the show, there will also be (probably less crowded) viewing areas in Hoboken, Weehawken and West New York.

One final option for viewing, if you don't have access to a hotel with a skyline view, is to take one of the city's many July 4th Fireworks Cruises. Circle Line, a reliable cruise provider in the city, offers a special trip for the holiday with a focus on the fireworks show that hasn't sold out just yet. More information here.

Manhattan Hotels With Hudson River Views

Each of these hotels have great rooftop views and a bar, where you can relax with a drink and enjoy the fireworks like a VIP. Enjoy your Fourth Of July!

The Standard, High Line - Meatpacking District

848 Washington Street, New York, NY 10014

Rooms start at $462

No minimum stay requirement

Built atop the innovative High Line park and near attractions like Chelsea Market and Little Island, The Standard, High Line offers rooms with stunning Hudson River views, along with access to the rooftop terrace and club Le Bain.

Equinox Hotel New York - Hudson Yards

33 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001

Rooms start at $895

No minimum stay requirement

Located within Hudson Yards near 34th Street, Equinox Hotel features a rooftop pool for guests and local Equinox members. This trendy gym brand’s hotel also offers a spa with sweeping views of the Hudson River.

Soho House New York - Meatpacking District

27-30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY, 10001

Rooms start at $1,605

No minimum stay requirement

Another luxury hotel from the Soho House brand, this property is located next to the High Line near Chelsea Market and 14th Street. It features swanky accommodations and a rooftop pool and bar with Hudson River views, accessible to both hotel guests and Soho House members.

Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC - Meatpacking District

9 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014

Rooms start at $477

No minimum stay requirement

Beautifully renovated in 2021, the Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC is a modern hotel located in the trendy Meatpacking District. It offers rooms with riverside views and features a rooftop with a pool, bar, and lounge area, providing a luxurious retreat in the heart of the city.

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New Jersey Hotels With Hudson River Views

Hoboken, Weehawken, and West New York in New Jersey offer fantastic views of the new Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show and provide a more budget-friendly option for travelers. These locations will work well for those willing to take the ferry and train into Manhattan for their daily activities.

Envue, Autograph Collection - Weehawken 

200 Hudson St, Weehawken, NJ 07086

Rooms start at $328

No minimum stay requirement

Envue, Autograph Collection, from Marriott’s Autograph Collection, is situated on the edge of Weehawken and West New York, offering rooms with direct views of the Hudson River and NYC Skyline. The hotel boasts an indoor pool, the NoHu Rooftop Bar & Restaurant on its massive rooftop terrace and is conveniently located steps away from the ferry.

Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel - Weehawken 

700 Harbor Blvd, Weehawken, NJ 07086

Rooms start at $227

No minimum stay requirement

Another Marriott hotel, Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel is situated in south Weehawken, built on the riverside with easy ferry access. Rooms on the eastern side offer views of the Hudson River and Hudson Yards. While slightly less modern than others on this list, it offers spacious rooms at a more affordable price and features an indoor pool.

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