If you're planning to celebrate the Fourth of July in NYC, the Upper West Side is a great place to settle in for the weekend. With Central Park just a few blocks away and a relaxed, local feel, the neighborhood mixes classic New York energy with a more laid-back pace.

From rooftop drinks and riverside strolls to live performances and easy access to the city’s biggest celebrations, the Upper West Side delivers a full lineup of Independence Day experiences. Whether you're visiting for the weekend or call Manhattan home, this is your ultimate Fourth of July bucket list focused on one of the city’s most spirited neighborhoods.

Watch the Macy’s Fireworks

The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks are one of the most anticipated events in NYC, and this year, the show will take place over the East River. That means you won’t catch much of the action from the Upper West Side, but if you’re up for a quick trip downtown, the Seaport District offers some of the best front-row views.

Among the viewing options is a ticketed event at the Tin Building, featuring food and drinks from its many vendors and access to a reserved fireworks viewing area on the South Plaza. It’s one of several festive ways to experience the show if you’re looking to pair skyline views with a celebratory atmosphere.

Pre-Fireworks Picnic in Central Park

Start your Fourth of July festivities early with a relaxing picnic in Central Park, just a 5-minute walk from The Lucerne Hotel. The Great Lawn and Sheep Meadow both offer grassy, shaded areas perfect for an afternoon snack or full-blown BBQ picnic. 

Pick up gourmet treats from Zabar’s or order a picnic-to-go from The Milling Room, a stylish American brasserie right next door. With musicians, street performers, and a laid-back crowd, Central Park sets the perfect tone for a festive day.

Take a Fourth of July River Cruise

Want an unbeatable view of the fireworks with an open bar and dinner included? Book a Fourth of July River Cruise departing from Pier 40 in Hudson River Park, which is a short 20-minute rideshare from The Lucerne Hotel. There are numerous options available for your viewing pleasure and budget.

Cruises typically begin boarding around 6:30 PM (though brunch cruises departing around noon are also available) and offer views of the NYC skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and front-row seats for the fireworks show. It’s one of the most unforgettable ways to experience the Fourth of July in New York, and with many cruises offering round-trip transportation options or rideshare drop-offs, getting there is a breeze.

Enjoy Shakespeare in the Park – Hudson Classical Theater Company

For a different way to celebrate this year, consider taking in an outdoor performance in the park. Head to Riverside Park, where, from late June through mid‑July, the Hudson Classical Theater Company (formerly Hudson Warehouse) presents free, high‑quality outdoor theater. This summer’s lineup features Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (running through July 20) and The Lady from the Sea by Ibsen (June 23–August 17).

These performances take place at the Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Monument near West 89th Street, a leisurely stroll from The Lucerne. Bring a blanket, set up on the lawn, and enjoy a beautifully staged show under the open sky. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric, relaxed way to soak up culture, share the evening with loved ones, and embrace the artistic spirit of the neighborhood, without paying a cent.

Sip Cocktails at a Rooftop Bar

For a Manhattan-based rooftop bar option, consider 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar, a spacious, tree-lined venue in Flatiron with direct views of the Empire State Building and plenty of room to mingle. It’s about a 15-minute rideshare from The Lucerne and often hosts Fourth of July events with specialty cocktails, live DJs, and an energetic holiday crowd.

The venue offers a lively yet elevated way to enjoy the Fourth of July in New York, complete with skyline views and celebratory energy. If you’d prefer to stay ultra-local, The Lucerne’s own neighborhood is home to wine bars and patios with cozy vibes that transform into patriotic party hubs with just a few string lights and a good playlist.

Catch a Patriotic Performance at Lincoln Center 

In the days leading up to the Fourth, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts often offers concerts, dance performances, and special patriotic programming. Whether it's a jazz concert in Damrosch Park or a classical performance at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center is an elegant way to celebrate the Fourth of July in NYC. From The Lucerne Hotel, Lincoln Center is about a 20-minute walk—perfect for a pre- or post-dinner cultural outing.

Come Stay With Us

Celebrating the Fourth of July in NYC doesn’t require battling crowds in Times Square or staking out a spot in Brooklyn hours in advance. The Upper West Side offers a more relaxed and neighborhood-oriented way to enjoy the holiday, with just as much excitement, plus added appeal. 

With The Lucerne Hotel as your home base, you’ll be within walking or short driving distance from all the best fireworks views, river cruises, museums, and rooftop parties. So pack your red, white, and blue and get ready to check off every item on your Fourth of July in New York bucket list—Upper West Side style.

Book your stay at The Lucerne Hotel today as part of your patriotic plan for the Fourth of July in NYC!