NYC Fireworks

[SoReady]

Hi,

We are traveling to NYC for the 4th of July fireworks. We will be staying at the Andaz Wall Street hotel (Water & Wall Street intersection). I'm wondering if anyone has advice on where to go in order to have the best view of the fireworks that are within walking distance of the hotel.

Bob

 

[tulak]

No advice, but I'd also be curious on recommendations. You look to be in a much better location than us for the fireworks show, since we're staying in Time Square. I haven't looked at it yet, but I suspect we'll need to take the subway to a better viewing location. If there's any locals with advice, then it would be much appreciated.

 

[mystang52]

I can't suggest WHERE, but almost certainly WHEN: get to wherever well in advance.

 

[Bamaman]

Last time we were there over July 4th, we went to the river in front of the UN. They were electronically launching rockets in unison from 3 different barges located up and down the river. They went crazy on John Phillip Souza's Colonel Bogey March.

 

[pb4uski]

That would be a good question for the concierge or the hotel staff.

 

[tulak]

That would be a good question for the concierge or the hotel staff.

Good point. I was going to use google, but figured I still have a few days to figure it out.

 

[SoReady]

Nice suggestion.

I tried google and apparently they are doing something a bit different this year so I guess getting any suggestions would just be a guess.

Happy 4th!

Bob

 

[Likes_to_Lurk]

Here's a link to Macy's website. Celebrate 4th of July with Macy's Firework Show
See the section for lower Manhattan. That is close to your hotel.

Plan to arrive in the afternoon and be prepared to stay in your spot. Restroom facilities are few and far between.

The FDR Drive (elevated roadway) is probably your best bet. But check with your hotel. They might have a view of the river from some rooms or public areas.

Enjoy the show.

 

[FUEGO]

We did this last year (with our 3 kids!). Kind of a bust. Not particularly impressive fireworks and it was crazy busy with people. We ended up on Fulton Street I think. We were a few blocks back from the river, and our view was partially obscured by buildings lining the street (might be why we didn't think it was that impressive).

We showed up maybe 30 minutes early, so didn't get a great spot. I just remember the stink. Sewage and marijuana. The guys around us kept marveling at how awesome the fireworks were, so we wonder if maybe we did get the real NYC fireworks experience.

As for exiting the fireworks, if you're taking the subway, I'd suggest hanging out at a city park or somewhere else for 30-45 minutes after the fireworks end. There were crushing crowds trying to jam all the financial district trains when we went so we tapped out, went to the City Hall park (or whatever it's called), ate snickers and doritos, watched a meth addled crazy get carted off in a wheelchair with restraints, and then caught the subway home after about 45 minutes (from a different line that didn't run along the east side of Manhattan where most of the crowds were). It wasn't crowded at all.

We were lucky to end up in Montreal a couple days later where the international fireworks competition is held. Truly amazing fireworks and not nearly as crowded (we walked down to the waterfront from our dirt cheap airbnb rental apartment). I think they have fireworks almost every Saturday in the summer and some Wednesdays.

 

[freebird5825]

I hate to be the one to say it, but the best place to watch the fireworks is on TV in your room, or the hotel bar big screen if they have one. The professional camera crews will be positioned exactly where they need to be for the best view. You'll have immediate access to a bathroom, no crowds, no pickpockets, and no buildings blocking your view.

Unless you know someone with a penthouse balcony, the tall buildings will be in your way from pretty much anywhere at ground level.

I grew up just north of NYC, and enjoyed all of the holiday events on TV. Except for Radio City Music Hall shows...those had to be seen live.

Whatever you decide, I hope it all works out for you.

 

[SoReady]

Thanks. We leave tomorrow.

Right now I'm thinking we just walk the 2 blocks from the Andaz hotel to get to the river and hope for the best. If we get a spot - great, then only 2 or so blocks back to a bathroom if needed!

If no spot to be found, then we will have to improvise!

Bob

 

[walkinwood]

The fireworks are spectacular! If you can, go early. However, since they go off so high in the air, it isn't like you need a riverside seat.