New York City: Manhattan Helicopter Tour

Soaring high above the bustling streets of New York City, the Manhattan Helicopter Tour provides a unique and unforgettable perspective of the iconic skyline. With tour options ranging from 12 to 30 minutes, adventurous travelers can experience breathtaking aerial views of the city’s most renowned landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. Priced at just $289 per person, this exhilarating adventure promises an intimate experience in small groups, complete with an audio guide in multiple languages. Intrigued? Discover more about this captivating tour and how it can elevate your Big Apple exploration.

This experience made our article of New York City’s 15 Top Helicopter Flights & Tours (With Prices).

Key Points

• The Manhattan Helicopter Tour offers aerial views of iconic NYC landmarks like Central Park, Statue of Liberty, and Times Square, with tour options ranging from 12-30 minutes.
• The tour highlights include the One World Trade Center, 9/11 Memorial, Wall Street, and the Chrysler Building, with additional options to see the Bronx and Yankee Stadium.
• The tour provides a unique vantage point to appreciate the Statue of Liberty, Central Park’s natural beauty, and the city’s history and resilience.
• The tour experience includes an audio guide, safety measures, and a meeting point at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, with a boarding fee of $40 per passenger.
• Advance bookings are recommended, with a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Manhattan Helicopter Tour offers visitors a unique aerial perspective of New York City’s iconic landmarks. Priced from $289 per person, the tour options range from 12-30 minutes, allowing guests to choose the duration that best fits their budget and schedule.

Selling out quickly, advance reservations are recommended, and travelers can take advantage of the ‘reserve now, pay later’ option. On top of that, free cancellation up to 24 hours prior guarantees a full refund, providing flexibility.

With options to soar over Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and the bright lights of Times Square, this helicopter experience promises an unforgettable view of the Big Apple.

Highlights and Sights

From the vantage point of a helicopter, visitors can experience iconic NYC landmarks in a whole new light.

The 12-15 minute tour showcases One World Trade Center, the 9/11 Memorial, Battery Park, Wall Street, and the Chrysler Building.

The longer 18-20 minute tour adds Grant’s Tomb, the George Washington Bridge, The Bronx, Yankee Stadium, and the Palisades Cliffs.

Regardless of the tour length, guests are treated to stunning views of Central Park, the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the lights of Broadway.

The audio guide is available in multiple languages, ensuring an immersive and informative experience.

The Statue of Liberty and Central Park

Visitors aboard the Manhattan Helicopter Tour are treated to a bird’s-eye view of the iconic Statue of Liberty, standing tall on Liberty Island. From above, the shimmering copper statue comes into focus, its raised arm holding the torch high, a symbol of freedom.

Beyond the statue, the lush greenery of Central Park unfurls, a sprawling oasis amidst the concrete jungle. Passengers can glimpse:

• The winding paths and vast lawns of the park

• The tranquil waters of the lake, dotted with rowboats

• The iconic buildings and landmarks that dot the landscape

The aerial perspective offers a unique vantage point to appreciate these beloved New York City landmarks.

The Empire State Building and Ground Zero

One of the most iconic landmarks visible from the Manhattan Helicopter Tour is the Empire State Building. Rising 1,454 feet into the sky, it provides breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. Nearby, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at Ground Zero honors the lives lost in the tragic attacks. Visitors can see the memorial’s twin reflecting pools set within the original footprints of the Twin Towers.

| Landmark | Description | Time Allotment |

| — | — | — |

| Empire State Building | Art Deco skyscraper with observation decks | 12-15 minute tour |

| 9/11 Memorial | Memorial to victims of 2001 attacks | 12-15 minute tour |

| Ground Zero | Site of former World Trade Center towers | 12-15 minute tour |

Seeing these landmarks from above offers a unique perspective on the city’s history and resilience.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Brooklyn Bridge and Madison Square Garden

The Brooklyn Bridge, one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks, comes into view during the Manhattan Helicopter Tour. Spanning the East River, this architectural marvel connects Manhattan to Brooklyn, offering breathtaking panoramic vistas.

The Brooklyn Bridge, an iconic New York landmark, comes into view during the Manhattan Helicopter Tour, offering breathtaking panoramic vistas over the East River.

As the helicopter glides over the bridge, passengers can appreciate its intricate web of cables and distinctive Gothic-style towers.

The tour also showcases Madison Square Garden, the renowned sports and entertainment venue. Nestled in the heart of Manhattan, this multi-purpose arena is home to the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, and hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year.

• Iconic Brooklyn Bridge

• Panoramic city views

• Madison Square Garden

Times Square and the U.S.S. Intrepid Museum

As the Manhattan Helicopter Tour soars over the city, it showcases the dazzling lights and bustling energy of Times Square.

The tour offers breathtaking views of this iconic intersection, where billboards, digital screens, and neon signs create a spectacle like no other. Passengers can spot the famous Broadway theaters, the TKTS booth, and the iconic Times Square ball drop site.

The tour then heads to the U.S.S. Intrepid, a decommissioned aircraft carrier that now houses a renowned maritime museum. From above, guests can appreciate the Intrepid’s immense size and its impressive location along the Hudson River.

The 12-15 Minute Tour and the 18-20 Minute Tour

For the shorter 12-15 minute tour, visitors can expect to witness iconic New York City landmarks like the One World Trade Center, the 9/11 Memorial, Battery Park, Wall Street, and the Chrysler Building.

The longer 18-20 minute option offers a more expansive experience, including views of:

• Grant’s Tomb

• George Washington Bridge

• The Bronx

• Yankee Stadium

• Palisades Cliffs

Both tours provide breathtaking aerial perspectives of the city’s renowned sights, ensuring a thrilling and efficient way to capture the essence of Manhattan from above.

Tour Experience, Safety, and Booking Information

A small group size of up to 10 participants ensures an intimate tour experience, with professional pilots and crew guiding the way.

Safety measures are a top priority, including weight restrictions, pre-recorded narration, and minimized interaction with pilots.

Strict safety measures, including weight limits and pre-recorded narration, prioritize passenger wellbeing during the aerial adventure.

Multilingual audio guides are available, providing a personalized experience.

The Downtown Manhattan Heliport serves as the meeting point, with check-in 45 minutes before departure.

A boarding fee of $40 per passenger applies, though infants fly free.

Window seats aren’t guaranteed, and a minimum of 4 passengers is required for the 30-minute flight option.

With impressive reviews, this tour offers a thrilling aerial adventure over the iconic sights of New York City.

Ask Away

Can I Bring My Own Camera on the Tour?

Yes, passengers can bring their own cameras on the Manhattan Helicopter Tour. The tour allows photography, so visitors can capture stunning aerial views of New York City landmarks during the flight.

What Is the Maximum Weight Limit for Passengers?

The maximum weight limit for passengers is 250 lbs. This is a safety measure put in place by the tour operator to ensure the helicopter can operate safely and comfortably for all participants.

Can I Change the Departure Time After Booking?

Yes, you can change the departure time after booking, subject to availability. There may be a fee for changing the reservation, so it’s best to contact the tour operator as soon as possible to make any modifications.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

There’s no minimum age requirement, but infants must pay the boarding fee. Children can participate, but there are weight restrictions – the tour isn’t suitable for individuals over 250 lbs.

Do I Need to Provide Any Identification for the Tour?

No, participants don’t need to provide identification for the tour. The meeting point, check-in time, and other booking requirements are outlined, but no mention of ID is made. As long as the booking is valid, identification isn’t necessary.

Final Words

The Manhattan Helicopter Tour offers a thrilling way to see New York City’s iconic landmarks from the air. With tour options to suit various budgets, travelers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and more. Convenient booking and a safe, intimate experience make this tour a must-do for visitors looking to elevate their NYC experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: