Looking for the best helicopter tours in NYC? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
Experience the city that never sleeps like never before! With its majestic skyline, New York City is a sight to behold from any vantage point— have you ever wondered what this concrete jungle would look like from a bird’s-eye view? It’s surely a breathtaking experience that words can hardly do justice to.
We’ve curated a list of the absolute best helicopter tours in NYC! Whether you’re a local looking for a new way to appreciate your city, a tourist wanting to make the most of your visit, or simply someone in search of a unique adventure, these tours offer an unforgettable perspective on the Big Apple.
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1. New York City: Manhattan Helicopter Tour
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure with the Manhattan Helicopter Tour. This thrilling experience offers a bird’s eye view of NYC’s iconic skyscrapers and landmarks. The tour is narrated by an expert pilot, providing interesting insights as you soar over the city.
The tour begins with a takeoff from the downtown heliport, offering a unique perspective of lower Manhattan’s skyline. You’ll then swoop over Battery Park, getting a glimpse of Wall Street’s labyrinth of streets. The journey continues to Governors Island, once reserved for dignitaries but now a host to vibrant summer concerts and public art, and then over Ellis Island, where the Statue of Liberty stands tall.
The close-up view of the Statue of Liberty is the real highlight of the tour. You’ll cruise right up to her eye for a new perspective that few get to see. The tour also includes a flight up the Hudson, past the piers of Chelsea and the lights of Broadway. You’ll circle around the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and Ground Zero.
Choose from a 15-minute or a 20-minute option with sights including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, One World Trade Center, 9/11 Memorial, Brooklyn Bridge, Battery Park, Wall Street, Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Madison Square Garden, Times Square, USS Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, and Central Park.
2. NYC: Manhattan Island All-Inclusive Helicopter Tour
The Manhattan Island All-Inclusive Helicopter Tour offers an unparalleled view of New York City. This remarkable tour allows you to take in the city’s sights like never before with a specially designed helicopter that boasts 180-degree views from the sky!
As you take flight, the beautiful Central Park, Hudson River, and New York Harbor, as well as the Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum looks amazing from high up above. Then, you’ll pass by the Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, the World Financial Center, and the Chrysler Building. Naturally, the iconic Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Greenwich Village, South Street Seaport, and Brooklyn Bridge are also part of the tour.
The tour is narrated by a highly-trained pilot, providing interesting commentary as you gaze down on the Big Apple from the sky. The helicopter flight, helipad fees, inflight commentary, and noise-cancelling Bose headsets are all included in the tour— a truly unique way to enjoy the dramatic and ever-evolving New York City skyline!
3. From New Jersey: NYC City Lights Helicopter Tour at Night
Be enchanted by the magic of New York City at night with the NYC City Lights Helicopter Tour. This mesmerizing tour departs from New Jersey and offers a one-of-a-kind perspective of the shimmering skyline beautifully lit up against the night sky.
The tour starts with a flight over Newark International Airport, heading towards Manhattan. As you approach New York Harbor, you’ll see the illuminated Statue of Liberty, truly awe-inspiring at night. From there, you’ll head on over to the skyscrapers of the Financial District, home to the bustling New York Stock Exchange casting their captivating glow on the river below.
Marvel at the Empire State Building, majestically standing tall amidst the city lights, while nearby, Madison Square Garden and Hudson Yards add to the vibrant cityscape. The charming neighborhoods of Chelsea, the West Village, Soho, and Tribeca each contribute their unique charm to the city’s nighttime allure.
The tour concludes with a flight past Times Square, Central Park, and Yankee Stadium before finally flying over the George Washington Bridge. Choose this tour if you want to see the city’s iconic landmarks under the romantic glow of city lights.
4. From Westchester: NYC Private Helicopter Tour for Couples
Looking for a romantic adventure? The NYC Private Helicopter Tour for Couples is the perfect choice. This private tour departs from Westchester County Airport, located just outside NYC, and offers stunning aerial views of Manhattan.
Feel like VIPs on this exclusive tour, designed just for you and your loved one. Take in breathtaking views of Central Park, the Empire State Building, and even Yankee Stadium as you fly directly over these legendary landmarks.
Choose your desired time whether it’s daytime, sunset, or evening. An evening flight is highly recommended as the city’s lights make everything more romantic as you soar over the Manhattan skyline, the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings, and the picturesque East River bridges.
This private helicopter tour is perfect for couples looking for a unique date night. Celebrate your special bond in the most magical way possible, and experience the beauty of New York City from a perspective like no other. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to create cherished moments with your loved one on the NYC Private Helicopter Tour for Couples from Westchester!
5. Hudson Valley Fall Foliage Shared Helicopter Tour
Experience the breathtaking beauty of autumn in New York with the Hudson Valley Fall Foliage Shared Helicopter Tour. This tour offers a unique opportunity to marvel at the cascade of blazing reds, yellows, and oranges of fall foliage from the sky.
The tour departs from Westchester County Airport and takes you on a scenic flight over the picturesque Hudson Valley. You’ll fly over historic landmarks dressed in the vibrant colors of fall, including White Plains, Castle-on-Hudson, Kykuit Rockefeller Mansion, Lyndhurst Mansion, Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown Lighthouse, Tappan Zee Bridge, Hudson River, Sing Sing Prison, Bear Mountain and Bear Mountain Bridge, Harriman State Park, and West Point Academy.
The tour is personally narrated by friendly and experienced pilots, providing an informative and enjoyable experience. This is a unique seasonal experience off the beaten path for those looking to discover new places and perspectives.
6. New York City: Helicopter Sightseeing Charter with Champagne
Add a touch of luxury to your New York City sightseeing with the Helicopter Sightseeing Charter with Champagne. This exclusive helicopter tour promises stunning aerial views of Manhattan, perfect for a romantic date or a memorable family outing.
Be swept off your feet as the tour takes you on a 30-minute flight over the city’s landmarks— the magnificent vistas of the Hudson River, East River, Yankee Stadium, Harlem, Central Park, Columbus Circle, Times Square, Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, George Washington Bridge, Freedom Tower, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. With this tour, you won’t miss a single highlight of the city’s extraordinary skyline!
A complimentary champagne toast in flight for those over 21 adds a touch of elegance to the experience. This tour is a fantastic way to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy the city from a unique perspective.
There you have it, the best helicopter tours in NYC that offer a unique perspective on this incredible city. Each tour offers something different, whether it’s the stunning views of the city lights at night, the romantic private tours for couples, or the breathtaking fall foliage tours over Hudson Valley.
If you’re looking for more fun and memorable things to do in NYC, take a peek at our list of the best NYC tours here.