Parking in New York City is easy on the 4th of July: with the right information
June 27, 2007 (Montclair, NJ): Watching fireworks on the water in Manhattan is fun, but many people are scared off by the threat of a $115 parking ticket in New York. However, street parking in New York City on the 4th of July is more assessable than most people realize. Many drivers don’t realize that on major national holidays (including the 4th of July), not only alternate side of the street regulations are suspended, but also parking meters and most other parking rules. This means that you can not only park on meters for free, but basically you can park anywhere unless parking is never allowed on the street (ie, if the sign says “No Parking at any time” or “No Stopping at any time”).
Where should you park a car in Manhattan on the 4th of July?
* Midtown: The east and west sides are generally better places to park than the middle. When going to downtown Manhattan, try to detour a few blocks to the suburbs and enjoy a short, healthy walk.
* West Side: Streets like Greenwich St and many of the cross streets between Greenwich St. and Hudson St. can be great places to park for free. Similarly, try uptown near Central Park, especially on major national holidays like Independence Day.
* East Side – below 3rd Ave; especially Alphabet City and various streets near the Williamsburg Bridge. Uptown, glide east slightly away from Central Park.
* South Side: Best on the east side of the south end (Cherry, Monroe, Water). Greenwich St. on the West Side also has some good free parking spots.
More things to consider when parking your car in New York this Independence Day
* Always plan ahead: know in advance which streets are good and bad places to park and make a list of the good places. Trying to read and understand parking signs with 10 cars honking behind you, pedestrians running in front of you, and the inevitable yellow cab ready to cut you off at the first opportunity can be a harrowing experience. Do not try! Instead, make it easy on yourself and plan ahead.
* Always have a backup plan: know in advance where the parking lots are in the area you need to be in; Get an idea of what they charge, what their hours are, and when possible reserve a spot with them ahead of time by calling or using their website. This can save you over 50% off your regular price!
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