There’s no better place to have fun on the 4th of July than New York City.
As their Independence Day fireworks display returns to the Hudson River for the first time in a decade, New Yorkers are scrambling to find the best place to enjoy the spectacle, as the city has changed a lot in the past decade since the show was last held on the West Side.
The Macy’s fireworks, scheduled to begin at 9:25 p.m. Thursday, will take place upriver in Jersey City, with the world-famous Grucci fireworks set to begin at 9:30 p.m.
The city has announced official public entry points along the west side, starting at Christopher Street and Washington Street and extending to West 40th Street and 11th Avenue.
But most will agree that it’s best to enjoy the fireworks with a delicious drink and bite in hand.
For those hoping to secure a perfect view and a fun party, The Post has compiled a list of some of the best places to spend the Fourth of July.
Arlo ART Midtown
The Arlo Midtown Hotel is offering a barbecue buffet in July from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. as well as an open bar until 10 p.m. – then switching to a cash bar – at its ART Midtown rooftop bar.
For a $117 ticket, those 21 and older are guaranteed a spot in the open-air garden oasis, 26 stories above Times Square.
The roof offers limited seating, but plenty of standing room to admire the iconic, colorful display.
351 W. 38th St., New York, NY 10018
Empire State Building
Why not watch the world-famous fireworks from the world’s most famous building?
The 86th-floor observatory atop the Empire State Building will be closed to the public from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4 to accommodate 200 VIP ticket buyers.
For $550 each, guests can enjoy a premium open bar from 7:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. and NYC favorites like Coney Island sliders and Reuben sliders, prepared by in-house restaurant STATE Grill and Bar, while they dance to the DJ on the 80th floor.
20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001
Quay 57
Pier 57 is the perfect place to watch the fireworks. The Meatpacking District attraction is one of the largest rooftop parks in New York City and is great for casual spectators of all ages.
The public park will welcome free ticket holders from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Thursday to enjoy stunning views of the Hudson River, bites and drinks from food hall Market 57, and music from DJ Viper.
There are a few rules to follow, however. No outside food, drinks, coolers, backpacks, umbrellas, packaging, chairs or animals will be allowed and everyone must enter by 7:30 p.m.
25 11th Avenue New York, NY 10011
Pier 57 City Vineyard
For a more exclusive experience at Pier 57, City Winery plans to open bottles for patriots 21 and older.
General admission tickets at $150 will include food while all-inclusive VIP tickets at $350 will get you unlimited food and drinks.
This family-friendly event will feature games, live entertainment and plenty of dining options in the main venue as well as a front-row view of the fireworks show on the roof of Pier 57.
25 11th Avenue (Pier 57), New York, NY 10011
The bath
Popular nightclub Le Bain is hosting a party on July 4th from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. in honor of its address.
The 12-hour party atop the Standard Hotel is expected to be a marathon of music, dancing and stunning views of Manhattan’s West Side and New Jersey.
Admission will be free but tables can be reserved for $175 or $250 per person to guarantee you can get upstairs.
444 W 13th Street, New York, New York 10014
Hotel Hugo
This downtown hotel features two rooftop terraces with 360-degree views of Lower Manhattan, including the Hudson River, along with AZUL, a Cuban-themed open-air cantina, and BAR HUGO, a shimmering glass-enclosed lounge and outdoor balcony, just below.
The party at Hotel Hugo will openly welcome guests on both floors from 3pm to 7pm, but will require reservations after that for preferred seating until their doors close at 11:30pm.
525 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013
City Vineyard at Pier 26
City Vineyard at Pier 26 will kick off the 21+ party at 3pm on Thursday with DJs, food, drinks and of course, lots of wine. Admission will end at 8pm, whether you have a ticket or not.
The $100 ticket will get you a complimentary cocktail and access to the food and beverage booths. For those who want to keep the wine flowing, the regular bar menu will be available for purchase as well as VIP experiences including bottle service.
233 West Street, New York, NY 10013, United States
Grand Banks
For those who want to be on the water during the fireworks, you’ll want to book a room at Grand Banks.
The restaurant on the deck of a historic fishing boat is selling tickets at tiered prices: $300 for bar seats and $350 for dock seats, but the $450 waterfront tickets are already sold out.
Step aboard the docked boat-turned-restaurant for a three-course prix fixe party menu featuring Champagne, an amuse bouche, lobster roll or scallops, fries and key lime pie, all accompanied by unparalleled front-row seats. A full bar menu is available separately.
Pier 25, 225 West Street, New York, NY 10013
Mezze on the river
@mezzeontheriver//instagram
The flower-covered restaurant at the foot of the Hudson River offers a magnificent view of the water that will sparkle a little more when the Fourth of July fireworks go off.
Mezze on the River will serve select specialties all day with brunch from 11am to 3pm followed by dinner from 4pm to 11pm.
The Mediterranean-inspired restaurant will offer three dinner options at 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and a primetime prix fixe at 8:30 p.m. with tempting options.
375 S End Ave, New York, NY 10280
Roof of the exchange place
A true New Yorker knows that the best part about leaving the city is getting to see it.
The RoofTop at Exchange Place in Jersey City promises stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, which will certainly make a great backdrop for the fireworks show, as the Jersey City show will be taking place just below.
Reservations will be required on July 4, whether you want to sit at standard tables, red cabanas/sofas, or the VIP section.
Each seat can be reserved in 90-minute increments from 4 p.m. to midnight with additional table time for a minimum of $75 per person per hour.
1 Exchange Place, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Metropolis
@metropolishoboken/instagram
Metropolis, an American restaurant, will be celebrating Independence Day in style from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
The Hoboken hotspot will charge $45 rooftop admission to guarantee a spot to watch the fireworks with a cash bar featuring drink specials and their full food menu.
The rooftop will have a DJ and several giveaways. Those without tickets will be able to move from party to party on the two main floors to observe the holiday festivities.
96 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey, 07030