4th July Fireworks question
Apr 9, 2015, 7:10 pm
#1
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4th July Fireworks question
Looking at taking my 2 school-aged girls to New York for the first and last time for a week ending the 4th of July weekend.
If we want to be in town the evening of the fireworks it would mean a bit more minor inconvenience of flight scheduling, leaving early the next morning or arriving home late at night.
I'm wondering how worth it it is to watch the fireworks. I've read that to get decent viewing you need to camp out 5 hours ahead of time (we won't do that) or buy a $150.00 boat ticket (would probably do that if the fireworks are worth seeing).
So the question is, how good are the fireworks, compared to other run-of-the-mill fireworks, and if it is worthwhile going to see the fireworks, is there any half decent viewing are that doesn't involve a huge headache battling crowds to get a view?
If we want to be in town the evening of the fireworks it would mean a bit more minor inconvenience of flight scheduling, leaving early the next morning or arriving home late at night.
I'm wondering how worth it it is to watch the fireworks. I've read that to get decent viewing you need to camp out 5 hours ahead of time (we won't do that) or buy a $150.00 boat ticket (would probably do that if the fireworks are worth seeing).
So the question is, how good are the fireworks, compared to other run-of-the-mill fireworks, and if it is worthwhile going to see the fireworks, is there any half decent viewing are that doesn't involve a huge headache battling crowds to get a view?
Apr 9, 2015, 7:37 pm
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: NYC
Posts: 8,498
If you like fireworks, it's very hard to beat the NYC July 4th display.
Of the fireworks displays I've seen, the only ones that I'd consider in the same league were celebrating the 3000th anniversary of the founding of Jerusalem (launched from the walls of the Old City) and the anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong from the Brits to the Chinese (launched from Hong Kong harbor).
In addition to camping out for hours or buying an expensive boat ticket (which will also be a significant time commitment), there are tons of apartment buildings and probably quite a few hotels that have decent views if you can get access. Ideally you'd find one with a roof deck or some sort of outdoor terrace that's close enough to really feel the power of the explosions, because IMO feeling them really adds to the experience. But I'm afraid I don't have any specific suggestions.
Of the fireworks displays I've seen, the only ones that I'd consider in the same league were celebrating the 3000th anniversary of the founding of Jerusalem (launched from the walls of the Old City) and the anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong from the Brits to the Chinese (launched from Hong Kong harbor).
In addition to camping out for hours or buying an expensive boat ticket (which will also be a significant time commitment), there are tons of apartment buildings and probably quite a few hotels that have decent views if you can get access. Ideally you'd find one with a roof deck or some sort of outdoor terrace that's close enough to really feel the power of the explosions, because IMO feeling them really adds to the experience. But I'm afraid I don't have any specific suggestions.
Apr 9, 2015, 10:08 pm
#4
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Apr 10, 2015, 5:49 am
#5
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We've gotten great views from high floors of hotels facing the correct river, and from rooftop bars. For much less than $150. We've got two hotel reservations for that weekend in hand, will cancel the one that faces the "wrong" river when location is announced.
Apr 10, 2015, 6:38 am
#6
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We've gotten great views from high floors of hotels facing the correct river, and from rooftop bars. For much less than $150. We've got two hotel reservations for that weekend in hand, will cancel the one that faces the "wrong" river when location is announced.
Apr 10, 2015, 2:04 pm
#7
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West side of Manhattan is easy, lots of tall hotels to chose from. Just make sure you reserve a west facing, high floor room. We used to do this at the Westin, but in the past few years a new building has gone up between them and the river, blocking much of the view, so we've started staying at another property with a similar view and no block.
Apr 21, 2015, 7:50 am
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West side of Manhattan is easy, lots of tall hotels to chose from. Just make sure you reserve a west facing, high floor room. We used to do this at the Westin, but in the past few years a new building has gone up between them and the river, blocking much of the view, so we've started staying at another property with a similar view and no block.
Apr 21, 2015, 10:10 am
#10
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East Side hotels would not have a view of the Brooklyn Bridge area, anyway.
Apr 21, 2015, 10:50 am
#11
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OK. Then what hotels/area do you suggest to stay?
Apr 21, 2015, 11:26 am
#12
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Apr 21, 2015, 12:30 pm
#13
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Apr 29, 2015, 5:24 am
#15
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As the mayor is from Brooklyn, they will probably be on the East River for the remainder of his time in office. It looks like they will have a secondary display off of the Brooklyn Bridge again this year.
To the OP, they are worthwhile. If you are going to view to view them from ground level, I highly recommend going to Brooklyn and viewing them from Brooklyn Bridge Park, or the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. You'll see the fireworks in front of the skyline of lower Manhattan in the background. It's quite a view.
A quick note: If you do view the fireworks from the street plan on walking or taking the subway back to wherever you'll be spending the night. It's impossible to get a cab or car service after the event.
Enjoy!
To the OP, they are worthwhile. If you are going to view to view them from ground level, I highly recommend going to Brooklyn and viewing them from Brooklyn Bridge Park, or the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. You'll see the fireworks in front of the skyline of lower Manhattan in the background. It's quite a view.
A quick note: If you do view the fireworks from the street plan on walking or taking the subway back to wherever you'll be spending the night. It's impossible to get a cab or car service after the event.
Enjoy!