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Staying in NYC for July 4? Here’s how to take advantage of an emptier city.
By
Ryan Kailath
Published Jul 3, 2025
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By
Ryan Kailath
Published Jul 3, 2025
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With the Fourth of July falling on a Friday this year, New Yorkers are in for a true three-day weekend. For many, that’ll mean packing up and heading out of the city – and for the rest of us, that means a rare bit of breathing room: last year, for example, Manhattan subway ridership fell by more than 20% during the weekend stretch that included July 4, compared to the same days the following week.
Whether you’re sticking around by choice or because your house share in Amagansett fell through, this long weekend is a golden opportunity to enjoy places that are normally clogged with lines, reservations, or shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.
And with various street closures, including much of DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights set to close to pedestrians at 2 p.m. on Friday before the Macy’s fireworks display, we recommend steering clear of the East River waterfront and trying some alternate plans instead.
Beat the lines at a buzzy neighborhood barbecue…
The Thursday evening barbeques outside The Meat Hook, a butcher shop off the Graham stop in Williamsburg, began as low-key neighborhood hangs perfect for catching up with friends. But after a couple of years of major chef and restaurant collaborations, the line now stretches more than an hour around the corner.
This Thursday, July 3, they’re skipping the hype – no special guests, and hopefully shorter lines – to serve their housemade burgers, dogs, and more. With many locals skipping town Thursday afternoon, this could be your best chance all summer to grab a seat and a beer without the usual frenzy.
…or try your chances at other hot spots
Of course, Meat Hook’s not the only cult food spot that might see lighter lines this weekend. It’s a small miracle, but a great reward for staying in the city during holiday weekends is getting to beat the lines at places like Radio Bakery in Greenpoint (or their new Prospect Heights location), Winner Bakery in Park Slope, or Café Panna in Gramercy.
A personal favorite is Lechonera La Piraña in the South Bronx, where Angel Jimenez serves up roast pig with crackling skin on the weekend until he sells out. The line can be up to two hours long in normal times.
And of course, it’s not just the hype-y spots that can be a little easier on these holiday weekends, but also old standbys. Try the Pier i Cafe on the West Side Highway greenway around 70th Street for great sunset views – on the other side of the river from the fireworks.
Take the ferry like a tourist (with fewer tourists)
The NYC Ferry routes to Governors Island, Red Hook and the Rockaways – not to mention all their other stops – offer breezy views and a low-key way to spend a summer day.
Plus, starting Saturday, July 5, kids under 12 ride free on the other ferry: the NY Waterway routes that go between various stops in New Jersey and Wall Street/Pier 11 or the west side of Manhattan. That’s a nice bonus if you’re traveling with family. May we recommend trying for a table at Razza if you’re taking the ferry to Jersey City?
Catch a New York double feature at Low Cinema
New York’s newest movie theater is the 44-seat Low Cinema in Ridgewood — owned by filmmaker, “How To” creator and consummate New Yorker John Wilson. This weekend, the theater is screening two quintessentially New York movies: Martin Scorsese’s “Mean Streets” and Susan Seidelman’s “Desperately Seeking Susan.”
It’s a lovingly DIY space, with seating and decor salvaged from old drive-ins and restaurants. Tickets are $15, which is a movie theater steal in this day and age. Plus, you can pick up an official Low Cinema travel toothbrush for only $5.
Watch Wimbledon under the trees
Evening matches in London make for great daytime hangs in New York City, and from Friday through Sunday, the McCarren Park House is streaming matches for free all day, with shaded seating and drinks for sale.
It’s a mellow hang, with none of the chaos of a sports bar or tourist crowd. Bring a blanket for the park, grab a snack and pretend you’re at Centre Court.
What are your favorite things to do when the city empties for holidays? Drop your ideas in the comments.
Tagged
new york city
tourism
Ryan Kailath
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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