Exploring New Orleans from above offers a fresh perspective on the city’s iconic sights and unique landscapes. Unlike walking tours or river cruises, helicopter flights give you a bird’s-eye view of landmarks like Jackson Square, the Superdome, and even the surrounding wetlands. The city’s lively nightlife, with its glittering lights, is best experienced on a night flight, while daytime tours reveal the sprawling waterways and lush greenery that define Louisiana’s character. Whether you’re after a quick scenic overview or an intimate, private adventure, New Orleans’ helicopter tours offer a memorable way to see the city from a different angle.
What sets these helicopter tours apart is the variety of experiences—some focus on nighttime city lights, others combine city and swamp scenery, and a few offer private flights perfect for special occasions. Many tours include window seats so everyone gets a great view, and some even include onsite parking, which is handy in the bustling city. For those wanting to combine a quick thrill with sightseeing, these options deliver with safety, professionalism, and plenty of wow moments. Here’s a look at the best helicopter tours in New Orleans.
1. New Orleans City Lights Night Helicopter Tour
This nighttime helicopter tour offers a dazzling view of New Orleans as the city lights shimmer below. For around $152.22 per person, you’ll soar above Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome—all illuminated against the dark sky. The flight lasts roughly 10 to 20 minutes, but the visual impact is substantial.
What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to avoid the chaotic crowds of the French Quarter while still catching the city’s most famous landmarks. The experience includes a window seat and noise-canceling headphones, ensuring you won’t miss a thing. The tour is perfect for a romantic evening or anyone eager to see the city’s glittering skyline. Reviews highlight how smooth the ride is and how lively the city lights appear from the air. One traveler called it “exactly as described,” praising the pilot’s insight and the overall experience as “a great experience.”
Bottom line: If you want a stunning night view of New Orleans’ lit-up landmarks without the crowds, this tour is a top pick. It’s especially ideal for romantic evenings or special celebrations.
2. New Orleans: Daytime City Helicopter Tour
The daytime helicopter tour provides a broader look at New Orleans’ famous sights with an emphasis on landmarks like the French Quarter, City Park, and the Mississippi River. For $160 per person, you get an 8 to 20-minute flight during which your pilot shares interesting facts about the city’s history and layout. This tour is a great choice if you prefer to see the city in daylight and want to focus on specific sights like the Superdome or Bourbon Street.
The shared experience is complemented by every seat being a window seat, allowing unobstructed views. Many reviewers mention the professionalism and friendliness of the pilot, with one saying, “The ride was beautiful & smooth sailing,” and another noting how the pilot kept everyone at ease and shared knowledge throughout. The tour’s flexibility, including options for extended flights, makes it suitable for travelers looking to maximize their sightseeing.
Bottom line: For a well-rounded, informative aerial tour during daylight hours, this experience offers excellent value and a chance to take in New Orleans’ sights with a knowledgeable guide overhead.
3. New Orleans City and Swamp Helicopter Tour
For a more adventurous experience, the City and Swamp Helicopter Tour combines urban sights with the lush Louisiana wetlands. Priced at $233.22 per person for about 18 to 22 minutes, this private helicopter flight gives you a personalized view of Big Easy landmarks like the Superdome, Jackson Square, and Mississippi River, plus the chance to see the iconic swamps and waterways nearby.
What makes this tour unique is the combination of city and natural scenery, with expert pilots following strict safety standards. Passengers rave about the professional demeanor of the crew and the unforgettable aerial views. The tour is especially suited for those celebrating special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries, since it offers a private flight that’s more intimate than group tours.
During the flight, you’ll see aerial views of the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, the Superdome, and City Park, with narration adding context to each landmark. The longer duration gives a more comprehensive experience and a chance to see how the city is built around water.
Bottom line: If you’re after a personalized, scenic tour that mixes urban sights with swamp vistas, this private helicopter experience is worth the extra cost—and the memories will last a lifetime.
4. New Orleans: City Lights Helicopter Night Tour
This night tour offers a scenic private flight above New Orleans, priced at $165 per person. Lasting between 10 and 20 minutes, it features spectacular views of the French Quarter, Superdome, Crescent City Connection, and other landmarks lit up in the evening glow. You’ll fly in a small group or private setting, enjoying window seats and expert commentary from your pilot.
This tour is praised for its magical atmosphere—seeing the city’s glittering lights from above provides a totally different perspective. Reviewers mention how smooth and knowledgeable the pilot is, with one stating, “This was so awesome,” and appreciating the ability to take photos during the flight. If you enjoy evening scenery and want to avoid crowds, this is an excellent choice for a romantic or special night out.
Bottom line: The City Lights Night Helicopter Tour combines the thrill of flying with the beauty of New Orleans at night, perfect for capturing stunning photos or celebrating a special occasion.
How to Choose Your Perfect Helicopter Tour
When selecting among these options, consider your budget, timing, and what kind of experience excites you most. For a quick, romantic glimpse of the city’s lights, the New Orleans City Lights Night Helicopter Tour is hard to beat. If daylight sightseeing appeals more, the Daytime City Helicopter Tour offers a broader view with interesting narration. For those celebrating something special or seeking a more exclusive experience, the City and Swamp Helicopter Tour delivers privacy, natural scenery, and a touch of adventure.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular time slots like sunset or evening flights. Be aware of the duration and whether you prefer a shared or private tour—each has its own appeal. Think about whether you want a quick overview or a longer, more personalized flight.
Final Thoughts
New Orleans’ helicopter tours offer a diverse array of experiences—from the shimmering cityscape at night to the expansive waterways and wetlands of Louisiana. The City Lights Night Helicopter Tour is perfect for those wanting a romantic, eye-catching view with minimal time commitment. The Daytime City Tour suits travelers eager to learn about the city’s landmarks under the sun, while the City and Swamp combo tour appeals to those looking for a private, multi-sensory experience.
For different types of travelers, these tours can serve as a highlight of your trip—whether it’s a brief thrill or a full-on aerial adventure. Early booking ensures you secure a spot on these popular flights, so plan ahead and prepare for an unforgettable view of New Orleans from above.