New York Helicopter Tour: Ultimate Manhattan Sightseeing

New York City , United States of America

New York Helicopter Tour: Ultimate Manhattan Sightseeing

Active

(1090 reviews)

17m - 20m

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Seated in comfort, experience all the sights of Manhattan from the air on a 17-20 minute helicopter flight. Enjoy bird's-eye views of top Manhattan attractions including the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, the Chrysler Building, the World Financial Center, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge. Continue up the Hudson River to the northern point of Manhattan, where you can see the George Washington Bridge, the New Jersey Palisades, Yankee Stadium, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, and Columbia University.

Available options

Ultimate Manhattan Sightseeing

17-20 Minute Flight

What's included

Heliport Landing & Facility Fees (No unexpected fees upon arrival for a smooth & pleasant check-in!)

Shared Helicopter Flight (shared experience with other travelers)

Fuel surcharge

Live commentary on board, Floor to ceiling windows, Climate controlled cabin

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Fly past the Brooklyn Bridge.

Stop 2 Pass by

Fly past the Statue of Liberty.

Stop 3 Pass by

Fly past the Chrysler Building.

Stop 4 Pass by

Fly past the Ellis Island.

Stop 5 Pass by

Fly by the 9/11 Memorial.

Stop 6 Pass by

Fly past Central Park.

Stop 7 Pass by

Glimpse the Yankee Stadium from the Hudson River.

Stop 8 Pass by

Fly past the Rockefeller Center.

Stop 9 Pass by

Fly over the George Washington Bridge.

Stop 10 Pass by

Fly over the Hudson River.

Stop 11 Pass by

Fly past the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine.

Stop 12 Pass by

Fly past Columbia University.

Stop 13 Pass by

Fly past the Brookfield Place.

Stop 14 Pass by

Fly past Chelsea Piers.

Fly past Helicopter Flight Services.

Fly past the Palisade Interstate Park.

Stop 17 Pass by

Fly past the Intrepid Sea.

Stop 18 Pass by

Fly by the One World Trade Center

What's not included

Souvenir photos (available to purchase!)

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

443 reviews

5★

374

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

647 reviews

5★

568

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Due to comfort and weight / balance of the aircraft, passengers weighing over 275 lbs may be unable to fly. If passengers require a seat belt extender they will not be able to attend.

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

All bags are subject to inspection. Complimentary lockers are available to hold belongings while flying.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 2 must sit in an adults lap at no charge.

All passengers are required to sign a waiver prior to flying.

Meeting point

Check-in is 30 minutes before your flight time. The heliport is a large gray cement building with a big clock on the front. Please let security know you are flying with Helicopter Flight Services and they will direct you to our staff.

Important notes

• Please confirm your flight 24 hours in advance by calling 212-355-0801.
• Flights departing from NYC at/before 3:30 PM: Check-in is 30 MINUTES before flight time.
• Flights departing from NYC after 3:30 PM: Check-in is 45 MINUTES before flight time.
• A current valid Government issued photo ID is required on the day of travel
• Children under 2 must sit in an adults lap. You must inform the supplier if you will be traveling with an infant due to flight weight and balance. Please call 212-355-0801 to advise after booking.
• All passengers are required to sign a waiver prior to flying.

About New York City

New York City, often referred to as the cultural capital of the world, is a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps. With its iconic skyline, world-class museums, Broadway shows, and diverse neighborhoods, NYC offers an unparalleled urban experience that blends the historic with the modern.

Top Attractions

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for close-up views and a visit to the museum.

Historical 3-4 hours $18.50 (grounds access), $21.70 (pedestal access), $24.10 (crown access)

Central Park

A vast urban park offering a green escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy walking paths, boat rentals, and various attractions.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions have fees)

Times Square

The bustling heart of NYC, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (shows and shopping have separate costs)

Empire State Building

An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Architecture 1-2 hours $44 (Main Deck), $74 (Top Deck)

Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's largest and finest art museums, housing over 2 million works of art.

Museum 3-5 hours $25 (suggested admission)

Brooklyn Bridge

An iconic suspension bridge offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

New York-style Pizza

Thin-crust pizza with a wide, foldable slice. Toppings vary but often include pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Bagel with Lox

A classic NYC breakfast consisting of a toasted bagel topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and often capers or red onion.

Breakfast Contains dairy and fish.

Cheesecake

Creamy, rich cheesecake, often served with fruit toppings or chocolate sauce.

Dessert Contains dairy.

Pastrami on Rye

Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often served with mustard.

Lunch Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Central Park Kayaking in the Hudson River Rock climbing in the Bronx Spas and wellness centers Yoga and meditation classes Strolling through botanical gardens Museum visits Broadway shows

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This period offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions in full swing. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4) (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

NYC is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

John F. Kennedy International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from downtown
LaGuardia Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown

By train

Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal

By bus

Port Authority Bus Terminal, Greyhound Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway is the most efficient way to get around NYC. It operates 24/7 but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens Bronx Staten Island

Day trips

Niagara Falls

650 km (400 miles) • Overnight

A breathtaking natural wonder featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Washington D.C.

370 km (230 miles) • Full day

The capital of the United States, offering iconic landmarks, museums, and government buildings.

Philadelphia

150 km (93 miles) • Full day

A historic city known for its role in the American Revolution and its vibrant cultural scene.

Festivals

New Year's Eve in Times Square • December 31 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade • Fourth Thursday in November NYC Pride • Late June

Pro tips

Use a MetroCard for easy and discounted subway and bus rides
Walk as much as possible to explore the city and its neighborhoods
Try street food for a quick and delicious meal on the go
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time navigation and transit information