Best Viewing Spots to See the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade

Prime Public Viewing Locations

Central Park West between 75th and 61st Streets offers some of the most popular public viewing, with open sidewalks on the west side beginning at 72nd Street. The parade kicks off at 77th Street but is closed to the public at the official start. Early morning arrivals, ideally by 6–7am, are essential for a good spot in this area.
Central Park South (from Columbus Circle to 6th Avenue) also allows good access, but sidewalk space can fill quickly as the parade turns onto Central Park South.
Sixth Avenue, from 59th Street down to 38th Street, is widely regarded as a solid stretch for parade viewing. Arriving by 7am is recommended. Note that the segment between 34th and 38th Streets is largely blocked off for television cameras and media, so avoid this stretch for public viewing.
Avoid areas around Herald Square and the official telecast zone (6th Ave. between 34th and 38th Streets as well as 34th Street itself) because these are reserved for television broadcast and are not open to the general public.

Select hotels and restaurants along the route offer VIP parade brunches or exclusive guest access. Noteworthy options in 2025 include the JW Marriott Essex House and Trump International Tower—both of which have street-level parade viewing for guests.
Several ticketed parade brunches offer indoor, elevated, or curbside viewing, often with entertainment and amenities. Examples include dedicated events at Gotham Hall (6th Ave. between 37th & 36th), Stella Trattoria at Macy’s Herald Square (official telecast area, ticketed only), Quality Italian (57th & 6th), and Nusr-et Steakhouse (53rd & 6th), among others.
Visit a friend who has an apartment along Central Park West.

Arrive as early as 6am to secure a prime sidewalk spot, particularly on the Upper West Side or Central Park South.
The Upper West Side is generally less crowded than Midtown and considered the easiest place to nab an unrestricted view.
Prepare for the weather with warm clothing and snacks, and be aware that bathrooms are scarce along the route.
If crowds aren’t your thing, consider watching live on NBC or Peacock, or attending the Balloon Inflation event on the Upper West Side the night before, which offers a fun, up-close look at the parade’s stars.