If you want to have a panoramic view of the fireworks this 4th of July and don’t want to hassle with the midtown crowds. Take the subway to 72nd Street and work your way west to the 70th Street Pier. I am sure it will be crowded but nothing like the 42nd Street area. If you are lucky you’ll get a seat at the end of the pier and have an unobstructed view of the show. If not you’ll be able to see them from the park or Riverside Blvd and maybe they might close the Westside Highway. I am not sure about that though.