Where to watch 2023 4th of July fireworks in NYC

Free, festive and fun? It must be the Fourth of July in New York City.

Back for its 47th year, the Annual Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks will once again delight viewers with a stunning display of colors, shapes and patterns alongside the East River.

On Tuesday at approximately 9:25 p.m., 60,000 shells launched from five barges stationed on the river will light up New York City’s skyline for 25 minutes.

Aside from private events happening in ticket-only spaces such as rooftops and ferries, spectators can also experience one of the city’s favorite summer traditions from a free-of-charge, front-row seat.

There are seven official viewing points with elevated areas on both sides of the East River — three in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and one in Queens. Although most sites are ADA-accessible, note that they may not have a designated area for ADA viewing.

Here are some tips on where to go and how to grab a great spot, as well as ideas for those who want to spend a little — or a lot — to celebrate this year’s independence extravaganza.

First Ave.

Three elevated public viewing areas in Manhattan along First Ave. will be set up and managed by the NYPD — at E. 42nd St., E. 34th St., and E. 20th St. There will be an ADA-accessible entrance at 34th St. and accommodations for those with special needs. 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. Locations are also subject to change. Free. First Ave at E. 42nd St., E. 34th St., and E. 20th St.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

The selfie-favorite observation deck atop midtown’s tallest skyscraper is hosting a Fourth of July celebration that’s bound to reach new heights — 1,100 feet above Madison Ave., to be precise. Tickets include access to all three levels of SUMMIT, two premium drinks, skyline reflections across 1,215 mirrors, and of course panoramic views. 21+ only. $325. 45 E. 42nd St.

The Sentry Rooftop at Hotel Henri

Celebrate the holiday with a Bollywood-themed party at the Sentry Penthouse & Lounge. The evening will start off with a complimentary vodka bar from 5 to 6 p.m. Later, live DJs and a special cocktail menu will keep revelers entertained until way after the fireworks conclude. The Sentry is located on the 18th-floor penthouse of Hotel Henri, a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of the Flatiron District. Tickets start at $18.07. (Tax and gratuity not included and will be collected at the event.) 37 W. 24th St.

Edge at Hudson Yards

The highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere is inviting guests to celebrate the Fourth of July some 100 floors above the ground. Tickets include one glass of champagne (21+) or nonalcoholic drink and one barbecued food time, as well live music by Latin Grammy-winning composer and trumpeter Spencer Ludwig. $250, free for children 5 and under. 30 Hudson Yards.

Organizers say the following outdoor locations are not recommended: Roosevelt Island and the E. 34th Street Ferry Landing.

Newtown Barge Park

Newtown Barge Park, one of the three official viewing areas in Brooklyn, sits at the triangular tip where Commercial and Dupont Sts. meet in Greenpoint. The area was recently revamped and now has a small sports field, an open lawn area and a shoreline walkway. Free. 3 Commercial St.

WNYC Transmitter Park

Once home to the WNYC radio transmission towers, 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. Free. 10 Kent St.

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 — a perfect location for a firework-watching evening. Free. 90 Kent Ave.

Williamsburg Hotel

Celebrate the holiday in style — Brooklyn style. Madrid-based DJ duo Sparrow & Barbossa are bringing their signature Afro House sound to the trendy Williamsburg Hotel for a Fourth of July celebration like no other. Take a dip in the pool to beat the heat and enjoy the five-star hotel’s spectacular rooftop terrace while watching the fireworks. 21+ only. Tickets start at $55.49. 96 Wythe Avenue.

Organizers say the following outdoor locations are not recommended: Bushwick Inlet Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Grand Ferry Park and Domino Park.

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. Free. 4-44 47th Rd.

Vista Sky Lounge

Vista Sky Lounge, a candlelit rooftop venue in the heart of Long Island City, is hosting its 4th Annual Fourth of July Rooftop party. Tickets include a full buffet and a complimentary glass of wine or beer (21+). Doors open at 6 p.m. $135 for adults, $50 for children 12 and under. Includes tax and 18% gratuity. 27-05 39th. Ave., Long Island City.

Organizers say the following outdoor location is not recommended: Hunters Point South Park.

Classic Harbor Line

Classic Harbor Line is offering seven cruises for an unobstructed and stylish view of the fireworks. Options include a traditional yacht featuring wraparound seating, a vintage-style vessel with covered open-air aft deck observatory, and a 1920s-style luxury yacht. Prices start at $498. Most depart from Chelsea Piers, at Pier 62, located at 23rd. St and West Side Highway. The Yacht Full Moon departs from North Cove Marina, at 250 Vesey St.

Circle Line

Circle Line is offering a 4.5-hour cruise that includes a photo opportunity at the Statue of Liberty. The cruise will sail down the Hudson River around the tip of Manhattan. Tickets include unlimited beer, wine and soda as well as a buffet of Fourth of July classics including hamburgers, hot dogs and mac ‘n cheese. $269 adults, $199 kids. Boarding at 6:15 p.m. from Pier 83 at W. 42nd St. and West Side Highway.

The NYPD advises drivers to avoid the roads and instead use public transportation starting at 2 p.m. on the Fourth of July. Visit the department’s website for a traffic advisory and a list of street closures, or check its Twitter account for the latest updates.

Subways and buses will run on a Saturday schedule. Long Island Rail Road will operate on a weekend schedule, with Montauk Branch trains operating on a Sunday schedule. Metro-North will operate on a Sunday schedule with two extra trains on the New Haven line and one extra train on the Port Jervis line.

Officials say lawn chairs, blankets, umbrellas, and coolers, as well as backpacks or other large bags will not be permitted into the public viewing locations for security purposes.