New York City lights up with energy in July with the colors of summer and Independence Day. People travel all the way to the city to witness the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks, that has illuminated the city since 1976. In 2024, the display returned to the Hudson River for the first time in over a decade, providing a new angle for luxury seekers to boost their experience. July is not all about Independence Day; it offers some fun summer activities, from private yacht charters to rooftop soirées, that cover the energetic blend of the city. Here is a detailed guide to some top luxurious ways to enjoy summer and the Fourth of July in NYC.
Fireworks Viewing: Sky-High and Exclusive
The Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks! Yes, they are the main spectacle of Independence Day Celebrations in NYC. They launch over 60,000 shells in a 25-minute which makes it a great spectacle. Try experiencing the whole event from the Edge at Hudson Yards for breathtaking views.
Who wouldn’t love to witness the fireworks from 1,100 feet above the city?
If you are a ticket holder, you can enjoy private access to indoor and outdoor areas for viewing. The timings are 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. And if you are an adventurous person, the City Climb at Edge has a heart-pounding option for you. They let guests scale the building’s exterior before they enjoy champagne while watching fireworks from a fun perch. The cost of the tickets starts from $185 and can go way above, depending on the ticket class type, quite reasonable for standard viewing
Then we have the Empire State Building’s 89th-floor open-air observatory, which hosts a high-end and exclusive party for the Fourth of July for only 200 guests. The party is usually catered by STATE Grill and Bar with the Americana-themed hors d’oeuvres: there are cotton candies, mini Reuben sandwiches with wine, beer, and of course, DJ sets. At 9 p.m., attendees start going to the 1,050-foot deck for memorable and gorgeous views of the Hudson River.
If you are with your friends or family and want a more private viewing experience, the 102nd-floor observatory provides a private viewing experience for up to 10 people. It also comes with a whole package of a two-hour open bar and premium cuisine for $15,000. Don’t forget to hire a NYC car service to make things smoother and hassle-free.
Private Yachts and Dinner Cruises
Who doesn’t want a front-row seat to the fireworks?
And not just that, it comes with no crowd and a high level of exclusivity; nothing can beat the privacy and elegance of a private yacht charter. There are a lot of yacht charters with a fleet of luxury yachts for private and intimate events, accommodating larger parties of up to hundreds. Your guests can enjoy five-star meals and a bar on deck while witnessing the fireworks. It is crucial to book in advance to ensure guaranteed availability, as these yachts are in high demand for the 4th of July.
If you are looking for a curated cruise, go for the Bateaux New York 4th of July Premier Plus Dinner Cruise, which departs from Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers. It offers a table service dinner with premium meals and desserts, live music, and gorgeous views of fireworks. Since it’s a 4.5-hour journey along the Hudson and East Rivers, you can take your time and savor the food while enjoying the fireworks. If you want to experience exclusive viewing, opt for packages like Platinum or Gold and enjoy that elevated experience.
Do you know about the city’s only floating Mexican restaurant? La Barca Cantina has its own Fourth of July Fiesta Fireworks Cruise. You can now enjoy a full premium Mexican buffet for $369 per person along with a four-hour open bar and a DJ, while enjoying the fireworks. It’s a perfect option for those looking for a casual yet premium experience. If you are traveling from JFK Airport, go for a car service to JFK Airport for a luxurious ride from JFK to your July Fireworks viewing spot, ensuring you arrive in style and comfort.
NYC Rooftops for Fireworks and Fine Dining
Are you a rooftop lover? Visit New York City in summer and experience the best way to enjoy fireworks, dinner parties, and cocktails. The following are some top venues for memorable nights above the city.
Mediterranean Taste at Hudson Yards
Estiatorio Milos is located in Hudson Yards, offering amazing Mediterranean seafood with a lovely view. You can watch the fireworks from the open-air terrace that gives such gorgeous views of the Hudson River while enjoying your meal. Make your night more delicious with their freshly cooked fish made with freshly sourced ingredients.
Don’t forget to book your spot as it books out super fast, especially during peak summer evenings. You can also enjoy a limited edition menu for Independence Day, thanks to Chef Rose from “Peak with Priceless”, just floors above. This spot is 101 stories high with amazing views, thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows.
Summer Escapes
New York City is not just about the Fireworks on the Fourth of July; summer in New York City goes far beyond the fireworks. The city provides fun and luxury experiences to both locals and visitors in summer, let’s have a look:
Urban Calm at Aman New York
Located on West 57th Street, Aman New York offers a therapeutic ambiance in the center of Manhattan. Spending summer in the city? Go for their Family Escape Experience for a wholesome experience. It comes with a two-night stay in expansive suites, an option to opt for a sushi or pastry masterclass by the top chefs, and a private yoga session. If you are into Japanese food, try “Nama”, the hotel’s Japanese restaurant known for its “omakase” seating. They use fresh ingredients from Japan to maintain the status of authentic and high-end Japanese cuisine.
Rooftop Culture and Curated Picnics
Want to enjoy cocktails with panoramic views? Look into the Met’s Martini Bar for rooftop cocktails. The ambiance is artistic with the scenic views of the city skyline. Experience the museum turning into a chic party spot for both art lovers and socialites. There is “Eataly” just a short walk away from the Met’s Martini Bar, known for its famous ready-made basket of premium Italian cheese, fresh breads and cured meats. You can now enjoy a picnic in Central Park with your basket and have a therapeutic yet productive afternoon under the sun.
Sky-High Adventures
Craving something super adventurous? Go for a private helicopter tour over Manhattan. A lot of companies offer flights to give you a bird’s eye view of top attractions like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.
| Pro tip: A pro tip is to book a sunset flight to experience the city’s golden hour glow. |
How to Plan Your Luxury NYC Summer?
Start by deciding and booking early, especially for the Fourth of July. That way, you will make the most out of these experiences. If you are looking for a place to stay, go for top hotels like The St. Regis and The Plaza for that historic touch with five-star service. If you are into more modern hotels, Equinox Hotel at Hudson Yards features rooms with river views. Not just the views, it also offers dining credits and free champagne to its guests.
| Insider Tips:Pack according to the summer season in New York, go for lightweight outfits, and have some elegant outfits for rooftop events and dinners. A lot of high-end venues have specific themes or dress codes, so look into that before packing. You don’t want to miss the NYC Restaurant Week, usually held in July for prix-fixe menus at high-end restaurants. |
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