Posted a question once before and got such helpful advice that you were the first I thought of when we (family of 2 adults and 3 teens) realised NYC on July 4th may not be its "normal" self! So..... could you please tell me (an overseas visitor) what there is to do and see on that holiday and what will or won't be available i.e.subway services,attractions, etc? Also, we've been told to see the fireworks display. Where would be the best vantage point and how do we get there? Sorry for so many questions but I like to be well prepared when we have so many different "tastes" to accommodate.

It's a federal holiday so banks, libraries and govt offices will be closed. Then again, I believe the holiday falls on a Sunday this year so those places would be closed anyway.

The biggest fireworks dispaly is put on by Macy's department store. To get an idea of viewing locations and public transport here is a link to last years event
http://www.nyc.gov/html/misc/html/2003a/july4_2003.html

Many boating outfits offer special viewing sails including the Pioneer that sails out of the South Street Seaport. The SS museum website did not have rates but instructs that you call 212.748.8786 for information and reservations.

For other holiday events you can check out the NYC Visitors calendar at http://www.nycvisit.com/calendar/

Have a great time here in NYC

do a search on central park summer stage for concerts. I believe Chaka Khan and Indie Ari are playing on July 5th. Subways are normal or extra schedules are added during on 4th of July , sometimes even free. too many people to keep track of.

the fireworks display is spectacular !
have fun

Just a note - if you plan to go to the fireworks display get there early - this event attracts more than a million people to the viewing area. Subway/walking are the only realistic ways of getting there and back to your hotel. If the weather is especially hot (one year I remember it was 95 even at 9pm) be sure to bring plenty of water with you.

If for some reason you decide not to go in person (ie bad weather) the event is fully televised, along with the events from Boston (Boston Pops traditional concert with fireworks - often including the 1812 overture with cannons and church bells) and Washington DC (national concert typically with marine corps band etc and fireworks).

Since this is a long holiday weekend the city will have many more tourists - and many fewer locals (many go to the beach or mountains for the weekend) than usual.

The 4th there are always lots of events all around the city. One of my favorites is the street fair Water ST, by the South St. Seaport all the way to the STaten Island Ferry. Lots of food and fun souviners to buy and bring home.

There are usually concerts at Battery Park as well as Central Park usually free.

The best place to see the fireworks are between 23rd st and 42nd St. There will be mobs of people so bring water as someone mentioned earlier and maybe something to sit on.

You might think about heading to the beach for one of the days you are here, and you can get there on the Long Island Railroad from Penn Station. You can spend the day at Jones Beach or if you want something a bit more fun and less people you should try Fire Island to the Sunken Forest. Again Long Island Railroad has combo tickets which include a train ride/taxi/ferry roundtrip. Fire Island is beautiful and a lovely way to spend a beautiful summer day.

Probably all the museums will be closed on the 4th, but there will be lots to see and do and all the restaurants will of course be open.

Hope this helps have a great time while you are here.

Many thanks for all the useful advice. I knew you would be the only reliable source of information! The tip about water is at the top of my "things to remember" list. Thanks once again.

FYI...NYC tap water is one of the best tasting water (and great quality as well). Better than bottled water. GOOD TO KNOW.