New York: Manhattan Helicopter Tour & Skyline Views

Summary

Soar over Manhattan’s icons, from the Hudson to Lady Liberty

You’ll lift off right from Manhattan’s edge for a 17-20 minute helicopter ride over New York City’s most iconic sights — Central Park’s green sprawl, Lady Liberty shining in the harbor, skyscrapers crowding together below you. With live commentary and floor-to-ceiling windows, you’ll see familiar landmarks in a way that sticks with you long after landing.

What’s the experience like?

The moment we lifted off from the heliport, I caught myself grinning like a kid — I mean, you don’t really get used to seeing New York from this angle. The windows stretched floor to ceiling, so even before my headphones settled in place, there was this rush of light bouncing off the Hudson River. Our pilot — Mike, with a voice like late-night radio — pointed out the Brooklyn Bridge first. It looked almost delicate from up here, which is weird considering how solid it feels when you’re walking across it. There was a family next to me; their little girl kept pointing at everything and laughing every time we banked left.

I didn’t expect how quiet it would feel up there. You’d think Manhattan would roar even from above, but inside the helicopter it’s just this soft hum and Mike’s commentary drifting in and out (“That’s Yankee Stadium on your right—go Yankees!”). Flying past the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center felt surreal — like all those movies mashed together but real and right now. When we circled around the Statue of Liberty, I swear you could see her torch catching sunlight for miles. Someone behind me tried to snap a selfie with Ellis Island in the background; not sure if it worked but she looked happy anyway.

We followed the Hudson north all the way to George Washington Bridge — that stretch is greener than I thought, with the Palisades rising up on one side. Mike pointed out Columbia University and St. John the Divine (I’d never realized how massive that cathedral is). The city kind of unfolds differently from up here; Central Park looks like someone dropped a green blanket in the middle of all that glass and concrete. There was this moment when we hovered near One World Trade Center — just silence for a second as everyone stared out at Lower Manhattan. I still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Helicopter tour of Manhattan sights

• Fly past Brooklyn Bridge
• Fly past Statue of Liberty
• Fly past Ellis Island
• Fly past Chrysler Building
• Fly past Rockefeller Center
• Fly past Central Park
• Fly past 9/11 Memorial
• Fly past One World Trade Center
• Fly past Brookfield Place
• Fly past Chelsea Piers
• Fly past Intrepid Museum
• Fly past Helicopter Flight Services
• Fly over Hudson River
• Glimpse Yankee Stadium from river
• Fly past Cathedral of St. John the Divine
• Fly past Columbia University
• Fly over George Washington Bridge
• Fly past Palisade Interstate Park

Top questions

How long does the New York helicopter tour last?

The flight lasts approximately 17-20 minutes.

Which landmarks do you see during the helicopter tour?

You’ll fly past Central Park, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, Yankee Stadium, Rockefeller Center, George Washington Bridge, and more.

Is there live commentary during the flight?

Yes, live commentary is provided by your pilot throughout the flight.

Are children allowed on the helicopter tour?

Yes. Children must be accompanied by an adult; those under 2 years old sit on an adult's lap at no charge.

Is pickup included for this Manhattan helicopter tour?

No hotel pickup; you’ll meet directly at the heliport in Manhattan.

Are there any weight restrictions for passengers?

Passengers over 275 lbs or requiring a seat belt extender may not be able to fly.

Is this helicopter tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible; service animals are allowed too.

Do I need to bring ID for this New York helicopter flight?

A valid government-issued photo ID is required on the day of travel.

What’s included

Your day includes all heliport landing fees and facility charges plus a shared helicopter flight with other travelers. You’ll get live onboard commentary through headphones, climate-controlled comfort with floor-to-ceiling windows for city views—just bring your photo ID and show up ready to fly (bags stay safely in complimentary lockers while you’re airborne).