missypie

Thanks for the info. How does that change how hard or easy it is to get there?

mclaurie

Correct. So if you're looking for a hotel where you might have a view, the Westin in Times Square with rooms facing west or southwest would work. As I understand it, the fireworks will be set up in midtown not downtown.

doug_stallings

Hmmm... This is an annoying development for me since I live on the east side. For a tourist, however, it makes things infinitely easier as there are many more convenient spots to stand along the Hudson. There's a pedestrian/bicycle pathway virtually the entire length of the west side of Manhattan that will offer completely unobstructed views. Although crowds will be heavy, I am guessing that the entire West Side Highway will be blocked off for the evening, and that will accommodate many thousands more people in much more comfort than the FDR, which is raised and which requires you to climb up a steep vehicle entry ramp and then be trapped for the duration.

And I bet some enterprising folks will be selling expensive seats on the deck of the Intrepid. Now that would be fun.

missypie

I don't know the area well at all so please indulge my question: We are staying in the Times Square area. Would it work if we just walked west down 45th street until we got to the Hudson? Because the fireworks are in the sky, need we arrive early if all we want to do is stand there? Or will it be so crowded that we won't be able to even get close to the river?

ellenem

The six barges will be positioned on the Hudson River between 24th and 50th Sts.

http://www.macysinc.com/pressroom/ma...p?mediakit=318

jbarry5

I never saw the 4th of July fireworks, but I did get a chance to see a show last summer from the Brooklyn Promenade. It was the highlight of my week long trip to NYC: watching the fireworks in front of the Manhattan skyline was unbelievable.

Here's a view from Brooklyn so you have a better idea of what it might look like. I expect the 4th show to be more spectacular (and crowded).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jbarry5/2697292204/

mclaurie

The views from the Sheraton on the Hudson in Weehawken will be amazing.

doug_stallings

It will be exceptionally crowded, as in hundreds of thousands (if not over a million) people. Like Times Square on New Year's on steriods. However, if the West Side Highway is closed, then there will be plenty of room to stand.

Nevertheless, that many people do not move quickly, so I'd strongly recommend arriving at least an hour early to find a standing spot. I suspect you'll be herded into a relatively narrow corridor to get there, and I'd recommend going a bit downtown, perhaps between 34th and 42nd Street so you're not as close to the main subway/train funnels.

If you are willing to pay a fair amount, I suspect there were be some really excellent prime viewing space in Chelsea Piers, the Intrepid, or other noteworthy spots along the way. But these may be very expensive and will sell out quickly once announced.

yk

Oh no! I guess I won't be planning a July 4th trip to NYC this year (since my friends' apt has a great view of the East River).

missypie

Believe it or not, the issue still isn't settled. One D still wants to see fireworks and the other says she hates fireworks, crowds and heat. I thought I could make both hapy by finding a cruise, but the ones that cost what a Broadway show would cost are adults only and the others are around $300 per person.