New Orleans: Helicopter City Tour with French Quarter & River Views

Summary

See New Orleans from above: French Quarter, Bourbon Street, Mississippi River

You’ll soar above New Orleans in a helicopter with a local pilot narrating every turn—from patchwork rooftops in the French Quarter to sweeping views of Bourbon Street and the Mississippi River. Feel your heart skip as you spot landmarks and catch glimpses of daily life below, all before touching down with new eyes for the city.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how small everything looked as we lifted off from Lakefront Airport—like someone had shrunk New Orleans into a model city. Our pilot, Marcus, had this easy way of pointing out landmarks without sounding like he was reading from a script. “That’s the French Quarter coming up,” he said, and I pressed my forehead to the glass. The rooftops were patchwork, and you could just make out the spire of St. Louis Cathedral poking up between them. I didn’t expect to feel so floaty—my stomach did a little flip when we banked over Jackson Square.

Bourbon Street looked nothing like it does from ground level—no crowds or neon chaos, just a narrow ribbon winding through old buildings. The city noise faded away up there; all I heard was the steady hum of the helicopter blades and Marcus’s voice in my headset. He joked about how locals can always spot tourists by their beads (guilty). Then we swung out over the Mississippi River, which shimmered brown and wide in the afternoon sun. It smelled faintly of fuel inside the cabin, but outside everything felt fresh and open. I tried to spot steamboats but got distracted by how long that Causeway Bridge actually is—it just keeps going.

I kept thinking about how different New Orleans looks from above—almost peaceful, even though you know there’s music somewhere below. We looped back past City Park and Dillard University (Marcus pointed out where he went to college), then drifted toward the airport again. I waved at some tiny people fishing near the lake—I doubt they saw me. After landing, my legs felt wobbly but in a good way. Not sure I’ll ever see those streets quite the same again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Helicopter tour over New Orleans

• Take off from Lakefront Airport
• Fly over the French Quarter
• Fly over St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square
• Fly over Bourbon Street
• Fly over Mississippi River
• Fly over City Park and Fairgrounds
• View Dillard University and Causeway Bridge
• Return to Lakefront Airport

Top questions

How long is the New Orleans helicopter city tour?

The flight covers key sights like the French Quarter and lasts approximately 15-20 minutes.

What landmarks do you see on this helicopter tour?

You’ll fly over the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, Mississippi River, City Park, Fairgrounds, Dillard University, and Causeway Bridge.

Is there a safety briefing before takeoff?

Yes, every flight includes a safety briefing before departure.

How many people can book together?

A maximum of three people per booking are allowed on each flight.

Are children allowed on this helicopter tour?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult and infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Is there a weight limit for passengers?

Passengers over 295 lbs are not permitted; total group weight cannot exceed 575 lbs.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; flights depart from Lakefront Airport.

Will there be live narration during the flight?

Yes, your pilot will provide personalized narration throughout your helicopter ride.

What’s included

Your experience starts with a safety briefing at Lakefront Airport before boarding your narrated helicopter ride over New Orleans landmarks like Bourbon Street and City Park—with upgrade options available for each flight.