The Macy’s Fireworks Spectacular — the city’s biggest, best display — will light up the sky for the 4th of July once again this year. Broadcast live on 1010 WINS, the official radio station of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular, the show  promises more than 20 minutes and roughly 70,000 pounds of explosions. Taking place over the Hudson River, the fireworks show begins at 9:20 p.m. and brings out about 2 million spectators every year. Make this year one to remember at one of the best places to watch fireworks in New York.

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Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise
Pier 83, W. 42nd St.
New York, NY 10036
(212) 563-3200
circleline42.com/

Price: $89
Hours: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Board any number of the city’s beautiful cruise boats for a full night of drinks, dancing and perfect fireworks viewing. The Circle Line offers the cheapest option to cruise the Hudson during the city’s biggest fireworks show. A live DJ will bring the party onto the dance floor, and food and drinks will be available for purchase on board. Pick up tickets online before they sell out; this is one of the most popular ways to see the display.

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Classic Harbor Line Cruise
Chelsea Piers
(212) 209-3370
www.zerve.com/

Price: $425
Hours: 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

If you want to really party in style, board a 19th-century schooner — aptly named America 2.0 — and make a classy night of it with close friends and family. This is one of the more expensive cruises offered for Independence Day but if you’re looking to impress a date, it’s the activity for you. Hors d’oeuvres will be served alongside an open bar with champagne and other drinks. Be right on the water when fireworks are launched from six barges along the Hudson.

Related: New York City’s Best Little Known Parks

Photo Credit: Jennifer Eberhart

Empire State Building
350 5th Avenue
(212) 736-3100
esbny.com

Click here for tickets and pricing
Hours: 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

One of the most iconic images in the entire country, the Empire State Building can’t be beat for a patriotic fireworks viewing. You’ll need to plan ahead for this event because tickets are limited to only about 300 for the night. If you haven’t yet made it to the 86th floor of this historic building, now is your chance to see the Manhattan skyline lit up in celebration. Tickets will include admission to the observatory as well as light refreshments.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Eberhart

The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
Pier 86, West 46th Street and 12th Avenue
(212) 245-0072
www.intrepidmuseum.org

Click here for tickets and pricing
Hours: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Every year, this museum opens its doors to ticketholders for a perfect viewing party of the Macy’s fireworks display. This World War II aircraft carrier turned museum promises a pretty patriotic Independence day as well. A ticket to the event will include entrance to the museum, a live DJ and a simulcast of the fireworks musical score. Special VIP vieweing of the spectacular event from the museum’s flight deck is the main attraction of the night.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Eberhart

Hudson Terrace
621 West 46 Street
(212) 724-3900
hudsonterracenyc.com

Price: $150 rooftop general admission/$250 rooftop cabana
Hours: 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Rooftop bars are aplenty in New York, offering beautiful, sweeping views of the skyline. Perhaps the best known is Hudson Terrace. Grab a ticket now to the city’s premiere event, where you’ll enjoy a barbecue, open bar, live DJ and spectacular fireworks display. Find yourself a perfect spot on the dance floor, where you’ll be partying all night to the tune of “The Star Spangled Banner.”

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The Press Lounge
653 11th Avenue
(212) 757-2224
thepresslounge.com

Price: $325
Hours: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Another rooftop bar in NYC that offers great views of the Manhattan skyline is the Press Lounge, located at the top of the Ink48 Hotel downtown. Known as one of the hottest bars in the city, this lounge features comfortable seating, a glass-walled interior space and modern architectural touches such as a low pool lit by footlights at night. The July 4th celebration includes an open bar with signature cocktails and a buffet featuring organic foods from the hotel’s own restaurant, Print.

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West Side Highway
Price: free
Hours: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The fireworks show will be most visible from the West Side, from 22nd to 55th Street. The roadway can offer ideal viewing, as long as you’re willing to stand. Get there early to claim your spot. The northbound lanes of West Side Highway will be closed to traffic to allow visitors to watch the show from there. The highway opens to pedestrians at 4 p.m. 12th Avenue will also be open at the same time for more standing spots.

Related: Local Leaders Want Macy’s Fireworks Display To Return To East River

Jennifer Eberhart is currently an art history/museum studies graduate student at The City College in New York. She is an avid art enthusiast, and visits as many museums and galleries as she can in her free time. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.