Where To Watch 4th Of July Fireworks In NYC

Monday is the 4th of July! Get excited for BBQ,  drinks, a day off work, and of course, fireworks. Check out our list of the best viewing spots in the city.

This year the official fireworks are back on the west side, over the Hudson river. Brooklyn and Queens people need to trek back to the city to catch a sight. (Or New Jersey of course, but who wants to spend a night in New Jersey?). The fireworks will be launched from six barges between 20th and 55th streets at 9:20PM for a total of 26 minutes.

You can line up along the West Side Highway with the masses or go get some drinks on a roof and enjoy a great view...

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Le Bain at the Standard Hotel is offering open entry with no tickets or open bars, just come enjoy the hot tub and one of the finest views in the city, which will offer a very different angle to the fireworks show.

230 fifth is another great venue with a fun young crowd but bottle service is required for entry and seating.

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Other great NYC rooftops include the STK Rooftop Bar, the beautiful Glass Bar at Hotel Indigo, Rare View Chelsea, the Empire Hotel, the Jimmy Bar at the James Hotel, the chill rooftop Birreria Restaurant at Eataly, one of my personal favorites: the Hotel on Rivington (which is on the LES, so this one's not a guarantee), the freshly opened Ph-D Lounge at the Dream Hotel or finally the hidden gem Me Bar where you can even bring your own food.

The two official parties right on the edge of the river are at the Circle Line Pier and the historic Intrepid Warship, both going for about $100 a pop.

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As a more pricey and exciting alternative check out the Hudson Terrace, which offers great rooftop views, unlimited BBQ and a 4 hour open bar A.K.A. "what fireworks??"

Just a couple blocks away The Sky Room, which boasts to be the highest NYC rooftop with 360 degree views offers a 5 hour open bar and appetizers to all ticket holders with the most affordable tickets at $100. This one guarantees to be a packed house but a good time. The best choice by far but get your tix and come early.

Choose one of these great venues, head over to the tourist infested and uncomfortable west side highway, or maybe just wander around the shady parts of the city and finds some kids setting off their own fireworks for a private show. Either way, enjoy!