•

Come On, Let Your Colors Burst: 5 Great Spots to Catch the July 4 Fireworks in NYC

At this point in the summer, every city in the U.S. is gearing up to the 4th of July celebrations with plans for parades, fireworks, performances, and street fairs. But few can match what New York has up its sleeve this year to mark Independence Day. The Macy's “Ignite the Night” show will feature 40,000 fireworks in a 25-minute extravaganza, and performances by Katy Perry (YES!) and Kenny Chesney. With the most impressive and famous fireworks nationwide, and gorgeous rooftop bars from where to watch them, the Big Apple is the place to be this Independence Day. Finding the best spot to watch them live is never an easy task — so head to one of these sexy, sky-high rooftop bars to celebrate your independence and watch what's bound to be an epic light show.

Press Lounge at Ink48

With its one-of-a-kind views of Midtown Manhattan and the Hudson River, Press Lounge at Ink 48 has quickly established itself amongst the ranks of best rooftop bars in New York City. Featuring a wrap-around terrace, indoor seating, a reflecting pool, and even a hot tub, Press Lounge encourages late-night partying in style. The venue is ready for a full-on party on the 4th of July, with an open bar from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., food platters and desserts for $325 per person. If you have some extra bucks in your pocket and want to enjoy the fireworks from your own room, there are at least two packages you should check out before booking: the Party Like a President at Ink48’s Penthouse, and the Hudson River Suites special.

Sky Room at Fairfield Inn New York Manhattan/Times Square South

A popular spot among young New Yorkers, the Sky Room provides patrons a fun, swank setting to watch the fireworks. There’s an indoor area with a bar and floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views of the skyscrapers, plus a gorgeous outdoor space with a wrap-around terrace featuring comfy seating, bar service and private cabanas with flat-screen TVs. Tickets for the Fourth include a 5-hour premium open bar and a picnic buffet. Table service is also available for $150 and up.

PH-D at Dream Downtown

PH-D is a sophisticated bi-level rooftop lounge popular with an A-list crowd, not only for its killer views of Manhattan and the Hudson River, but for its great cocktails and DJ sessions, too. It’s located on the 12th floor and is easily one of the best parts of this hip hotel, with a narrow indoor/outdoor terrace lined with flower pots, and a gorgeous indoor bar with couches and a decidedly exclusive feel to it.

Plunge at Hotel Gansevoort

The Gansevoort's 15th-floor rooftop lounge has stunning 360-degree views of the city and the Hudson River, and draws a crowd of twenty- and thirty-somethings dressed to kill. It’s a little expensive (most cocktails are over $16), but the views, the atmosphere and the setting are well worth it. There's no special party planned for the Fourth, but table service will be available as usual ($400 for 2 people; $500 for up to 4).

A60 at 60 Thompson

If celebrity-gawking is your thing, ultra-hip A60 is one of the city's most exclusive rooftop bars, open only to card-carrying "members" (read: celebrities, fashion types, and other bold-named scenesters), plus hotel guests. It boasts jaw-dropping views of north and south Manhattan, plus great drinks, DJ sessions, and intimate candle-lit tables.

RELATED LINKS: