4th Of July: Macy's Fireworks 2012: Access Points And Places To View

It's Independence Day, and New Yorkers will scurry up to rooftops on the West Side of Manhattan and cram onto the banks of the Hudson River for the annual Macy's July 4 fireworks extravaganza.

The 25-minute display will kick off after 9 p.m., but spectators are advised to arrive early to claim a prime spot to watch the show.

More than 40,000 fireworks in 15 colors and shapes will be set off in sync with music by such artists as Ray Charles, Madonna and Whitney Houston. Kate Perry and Kenny Chesney will be among live performers at the show.

The display will be visible from any point of the city that can view the sky above the Hudson River, between 18^th and 43^rd streets. The best viewing points will be from between 10^th Avenue and West Side Highway, and any rooftop that can see the river. Viewing will be limited above 59^th street.

Parking will not be available in the area, but subways will be running increased service ahead of the fireworks.

Access points include:

24^th-26^th streets

27^th-29 streets

33-34^th streets

40-42 streets

44-50 streets

52-54 streets

56-57 streets

For those who want to splash some cash in celebration of Independence Day, prime seats will be available at the following points:

Hudson River Park offers VIP viewing at Pier 84 at West 44^th Street for $200 a ticket.

The Sky Room on the 33^rd floor of the Fairfield Inn & Suites offers views of the fireworks for $100.

Chelsea Piers also offers viewing points ranging from $40 to $175 per ticket.

NBC will be broadcasting the display live and Macy's has launched a free fireworks app, which features behind-the-scenes videos and information about the fireworks.