Spending the Fourth of July in New York City is one of those magical moments you’ll never forget. Watching the bright colors exploding over the Empire State Building and the brilliant NYC skyline is an image that is so beautiful that 50 years from now it will still be burned into your mind. Everyone in the world should get to experience it at least once in their lifetime.

One of the most common questions that tourists and residents alike have been asking is about a place to watch. Where should I watch the 4th of July fireworks from? Well, we’ve done the research for you, so here is our list of the best places to watch the Fourth of July firework show in New York City:

4. Riverside Park

Macy’s has said that the barges that will shoot off the fireworks will be positioned from 18th street to 48th street on the Hudson River. This means that the further north you go, the less likely you are to get a good view. Riverside Park is definitely a downgrade from the block party that will be Twelfth Avenue, but if you can get a spot at the very south end of the park may be worth checking out. The NYC Parks Department will stop letting people in at 4 p.m., so get there early.

3. Twelfth Avenue

Twelfth Avenue and the northbound lanes of the West Side Highway between 22nd and 59th will be closed to traffic at 2 p.m. and open to pedestrians. Show up early and hang out with the crowd as you gear up for the big show over the Hudson, but don’t bring any backpacks, coolers or lawn chairs because police won’t let you in.

2. A Rooftop

Does your apartment building have rooftop access? Do you have a friend that has rooftop access? Enjoy the fireworks with an elevated view from the middle of Manhattan. Fill a cooler with some ice cold beer, grab some friends and enjoy the privacy of your rooftop for the show. Don’t worry about showing up early to get a good spot. Just relax and have fun.

While Twelfth Avenue will provide an up close view and your buddy’s roof could be a relaxing experience, nothing will be more fun or spectacular than a Fireworks Cruise on the East River. Watching the show aboard a boat from the East River will not only give you access to a bar and live music from a DJ, but it will also give you the best view. Not only do you get to see the fireworks, but you get to see them crack above the New York skyline. From anywhere in Manhattan, Jersey will be you backdrop, but aboard a special Fireworks Cruise, you get the best view in the world.