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7 Best Helicopter Rides in NYC in 2024 w/ Prices

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Taking a helicopter ride over NYC was one of the best experiences I had in the Big Apple. We decided to take this doors-off helicopter tour , and it didn’t disappoint! Of course, there are several other amazing helicopter tours in New York , some of them departing from Manhattan, so you can find an option that fits your preferences and budget.

If you’re hesitant about flying over NYC , I completely understand. It’s nerve-wracking and not the cheapest activity! However, I encourage you to try it. The tour operators adhere to strict safety regulations and have plenty of experience. Plus, you’ll be able to see the city from a different viewpoint, making this one of the coolest things to do in NYC .

In this guide, I’ll share the 7 best heli-rides, as well as the different departure points, highlights, and New York helicopter tour prices . By the end of this article, I’m sure you’ll be eager to take to the skies!

1. Manhattan Island helicopter tour , the best cheap helicopter ride in NYC

First, if you’re looking for a quick and cheap helicopter ride in NYC , then this flight over Manhattan is the perfect option. You can choose the duration of your tour (12-15 minutes, 17-20 minutes, or 25-30 minutes), although the price varies depending on your choice. Anyway, they all are short enough to fit on a 3-day NYC itinerary .

During this NYC heli-ride , you’ll enjoy in-flight narration so you can easily identify the different attractions in Manhattan from above. You can also choose to focus your ride specifically on Manhattan or to zoom out and see the entire city. The aircraft has huge windows, which makes sightseeing a breeze.

Soaring iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Central Park is quite the experience and something you’ll never forget. Plus, the different tour options make this an appealing choice for all kinds of travelers and budgets. Another nice thing about this New York City helicopter tour is that it departs from Lower Manhattan, so if you want a quick and convenient flight, I highly recommend it.

• Departs from : Downtown Heliport at Pier 6, Manhattan
• Duration : 15-30 minutes
• Price from : $239 per person
• Highlights : Cheapest helicopter flight over Manhattan

2. Nighttime flight , the best night helicopter tour in NYC

You should also consider taking an NYC helicopter tour at night , such as this one . It’s another affordable helicopter ride in New York City and the perfect choice if you want to see the Big Apple after dark.

Keep in mind that this tour departs from Linden Airport in New Jersey, which is about a 45-minute drive from NYC. Free parking is available on-site, and you can easily reach the airport via New York’s public transportation if you don’t have a car.

This New York City helicopter tour lasts 25 minutes and flies over the Big Apple’s most recognizable attractions, as well as its rivers and bridges. You’ll see the evening traffic filtering between the city skyscrapers, as well as the glittering facades of the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and more.

In addition to Manhattan, you’ll soar over the Bronx, then circle back, flying over the Statue of Liberty before returning to New Jersey. Without a doubt, this is one of the best things to do in NYC at night , especially with friends or your partner.

• Departs from : Linden, New Jersey
• Duration : 25 minutes
• Price from : $274 per person
• Highlights : Helicopter flight over Manhattan at night

3. Doors-off experience , the best sightseeing helicopter tour in New York City

During one of our visits to the Big Apple, we decided to experience New York by helicopter . We chose this doors-off helicopter tour , and I highly recommend it if you’re a fan of photography like us! This NYC helicopter tour goes over Liberty and Ellis Islands, Lower Manhattan’s Battery Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Observatory , and more.

This exhilarating flight was the perfect opportunity to capture unique aerial photos of Manhattan. Flying in a doors-off helicopter over NYC gave us the best vantage point and unobstructed views. It was one of the most thrilling things we did during our trip, and it’s easily one of the best New York City tours you can take.

While riding in a helicopter with no doors may sound scary, you’re securely buckled in the entire time. The pilot is super experienced, and the company follows strict safety protocols, so you have nothing to worry about.

• Departs from : Kearny, New Jersey
• Duration : 16-30 minutes
• Price from : $365 per person
• Highlights : Doors-off helicopter flight over Manhattan

4. Romantic flight package , a romantic couples helicopter ride in NYC

If you’re visiting the city with your partner and you want to plan something special, consider this couple’s flight . This private NYC helicopter tour for 2 is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or share an unforgettable moment together.

During the tour, you’ll enjoy beautiful aerial views of the Big Apple’s most famous landmarks. See the full expanse of Central Park, get a bird’s-eye view of Yankee Stadium, glimpse the top of the Empire State Building, and more. Hands down, this  helicopter ride in NYC is one of the best couple’s activities in New York City .

Keep in mind that this flight departs from the Westchester County Airport in White Plains, NY, about 45 minutes north of Manhattan. You can get there via rental car or public transit, or set up a transfer from your hotel, although this will increase the cost of the tour. Also, the price for this NYC helicopter tour is per couple, not per person.

You can also choose to fly during the day, at sunset, or at night. I prefer the sunset option since you can view the city during golden hour and see the nightlife start to rev up.

• Departs from : White Plains, New York
• Duration : 30-45 minutes
• Price from : $800 (per couple)
• Highlights : Private helicopter flight over Manhattan for 2

5. Group flight , the best private helicopter tour in NYC for friends or family

If you’re visiting the Big Apple with friends or family, consider upgrading your visit with this group flight . This is the best private helicopter tour in NYC and accommodates up to 6 people, so it’s ideal for groups.

The tour departs from Westchester County Airport and offers the option to set up a transfer from your hotel for an extra fee. Also, the price of this New York helicopter tour is per group of 6, so if you split the cost, it’s a great deal.

During the flight, you’ll get awesome views of Central Park, the Empire State Building , and several different waterways and bridges. In addition to Manhattan, you’ll see the Bronx and Brooklyn from above. Daytime, sunset, and night flights are available, so if you’re looking for a Manhattan helicopter tour to do with friends, I highly recommend this one.

• Price from : $1,550 (per group of 6)
• Highlights : Private helicopter flight over Manhattan for 6

6. Helicopter proposal over the city , the ultimate couples’ heli ride in NYC

For something truly special, this romantic helicopter proposal takes the cake. It’s the ultimate couple’s helicopter ride in NYC and will help you pop the question in style!

You’ll get to collaborate with the pilot and an engagement photographer, who will be ready to snap photos after your flight. This NYC helicopter tour package includes a private transfer from your Manhattan hotel to Westchester County Airport, where you’ll board a private chopper.

During this romantic helicopter ride over NYC , you’ll enjoy some of the best views in New York City . As the aircraft descends, your partner will see an illuminated “Marry Me” sign. The tour also includes a bouquet of roses and champagne; just don’t forget the ring!

• Price from : $3,400 (per couple)
• Highlights : Private helicopter flight over Manhattan, proposal illuminated “Marry Me” sign, roses, champagne, professional photographer

7. Flying lesson , the most unique helicopter tour in New York City

The last helicopter experience in New York that I recommend is this flying lesson . You’ll receive on-the-ground instruction from an expert pilot, then climb into the cockpit and put your new skills to the test.

You’ll learn about the technology and physics behind flying a New York helicopter , as well as proper safety protocols and how to use the control panel. This New York heli-tour includes 30 minutes of flight time, during which your pilot guide will hand over the controls to you so you can maneuver the aircraft.

Be aware that this tour departs from Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York, near the border with Connecticut. So, while you won’t fly directly over NYC, you’ll still enjoy spectacular views, not to mention have an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime ride.

• Duration : 1-1.5 hours (30-minute flight)
• Price from : $560 per person
• Highlights : Flying lesson in a Robinson R44 helicopter over Westchester County

New York helicopter tour prices

Now that you’ve read about the best helicopter tours in NYC , here is a comparison chart with each option’s duration, price, departure point, and highlights.

Remember, the price of a New York City helicopter tour depends on various factors, such as the duration of the flight and special features like a doors-off experience or private ride.

Best time for a helicopter tour in New York City

In addition to the price of a New York City helicopter tour , you should also consider the time. For example, if you want to take aerial photos, then the morning is the best time for a helicopter tour in NYC .

If you’re looking for something more romantic, you can’t go wrong with a sunset helicopter tour over NYC . The beautiful light of golden hour gives the entire city a radiant glow, so it’s my favorite time to fly over the city.

You’ll also love taking an NYC helicopter tour at night , as this is when the Big Apple really comes alive. You’ll still be able to identify the popular NY landmarks, but it’s a very unique experience.

Tips for choosing an NYC helicopter ride

Now that you know the best helicopter tours in New York , here are some tips to help you choose the perfect fit. Keep these in mind as you plan your ideal helicopter ride in NY .

• Double-check the departure point for the tour since most heliports are located outside of NYC.
• Wear comfortable clothes, sneakers, and a jacket. The sun is more intense in a New York helicopter , so don’t forget to wear sunscreen and sunglasses. Also, don’t forget your camera!
• Pay attention to the check-in time, which is different from the departure time . You should arrive early so you can go over the safety instructions and flight procedures.
• Consider any extra fees , such as tips for the pilot and fuel surcharges.
• Keep in mind that doors-off flights cost more. Also, sunset helicopter tours in NYC are very popular, so they tend to be more expensive and fill up quickly.

My experience flying over New York by helicopter

During one of our trips to New York, we decided to try a Manhattan sightseeing helicopter tour . This doors-off flight piqued our interest, and it ended up being one of the coolest things we did during our trip.

This NYC helicopter experience was a photographer’s dream, allowing us to take some of the best pictures of New York from above. Plus, since we were flying over New York in a doors-off chopper, I felt like I was floating above the city. It was quite an adrenaline rush, but I felt safe the entire time because we were securely strapped in, and the pilot and crew went over all the safety protocols before we boarded the aircraft.

Our New York City helicopter tour lasted about 20 minutes, and I thought it was well-priced for such a breathtaking experience. We flew over New York Harbor and saw the full scope of Manhattan while our guide pointed out important landmarks. Seeing huge skyscrapers like the Empire State Building and One World Observatory from above was awesome and provided a unique viewpoint that we wouldn’t get any other way.

I also saw just how large Central Park is, and I captured incredible views of Battery Park, the waterfront, and Liberty and Ellis Islands. Seeing the different NYC bridges connecting to Manhattan all at once from above was an awe-inspiring experience, too.

If you’re still on the fence after reading my New York helicopter review , I say go for it! You won’t regret it!

FAQs – New York City helicopter tours

To wrap up, here are some common questions about NYC helicopter tours :

What is the best NYC helicopter tour?

The best helicopter ride in New York depends on what you want to see, but any of the tours in this guide are great options. We loved the tour we took , but if you’re looking for something cheaper, I recommend this flight .

Are NYC helicopter tours worth it?

Taking an NYC helicopter tour is absolutely worth it. There is nothing like seeing The City That Never Sleeps from above, and the photo opportunities are out of this world!

How much does a helicopter tour cost in NYC?

The price of a New York helicopter tour depends on several factors, such as the duration, the number of passengers, and any extra features. That said, you can find tours starting at around $250/person.

When is the best time for a helicopter tour in NYC?

This also depends on your preferences. If you’re interested in getting great photos, take a morning helicopter ride in NYC . For something romantic, consider a sunset helicopter tour in NYC or a night flight to see the sparkling city lights.

What should I wear for an NYC helicopter tour?

It can get chilly in a New York helicopter , so wear lightweight layers. Along with a jacket, you’ll want to wear sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from the bright sun.

How many people can fit in a helicopter ride in NYC?

In most helicopters, up to 6 people can board the aircraft, plus the pilot.

How long does a helicopter ride in NYC last?

A helicopter ride over NYC can be as short as 12 minutes or up to 45 minutes. Typically, these tours last 15-30 minutes.

How high do helicopters fly over NYC?

NYC helicopter tours fly 500 to 1,000 feet above the city.

Where do NYC helicopter tours depart from?

Some helicopter rides in NY depart from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport in Lower Manhattan. Others depart from outside the city, either from the Linden Airport in New Jersey or the Westchester County Airport in New York.

That’s it from me! Hopefully, you feel better prepared for your NY helicopter tour . If you still have questions about flying over New York , or you want to share your experience, leave me a comment below. I’d be happy to help.

Enjoy your helicopter ride in New York !

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• 17-20 Minutes
• 23 Major Landmarks

+facility fee and fuel surcharge per seat

The Ultimate Tour

Take to the skies on our most popular tour and experience the island of Manhattan in its full glory!

ABOUT OUR FLIGHT

• What’s included
• Views of the entire island of Manhattan
• Noise Cancelling BOSE headsets
• Live pilot narration
• Description

Our 17-20 minute Ultimate Tour is our most popular way to see all the sights that Manhattan has to offer. This tour will take you all the way from the Battery, passing face-to-face with the Statue of Liberty to the northern tip of Manhattan to fly above the George Washington Bridge! As you journey above the Hudson River you’ll pass all the icons of New York City – the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Yankee Stadium, and Central Park, as well as see the new kids on the block – Little Island, the Vessel, and Summit One Vanderbilt. Photo opportunities abound, including the all-important selfie with Lady Liberty!

*$40 Facility fee and fuel surcharge per seat. Subject to seasonal pricing.

EXPLORE THE ROUTE

The ultimate tour route.

Taking off from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, you will head straight to the Statue of Liberty. In addition to the One World Trade Center, you will have great views of Hudson Yards, where you can see the Edge, the Highline and the Vessel all at once. Ask our pilots to point out Billionaires Row – these tall, thin apartment buildings are where some of the wealthiest people in the world call home. This tour is the best way to appreciate the greenery of Central Park flying the whole length of this world-famous urban greenspace! Continuing to the northern tip of Manhattan you will fly over the George Washington Bridge, one of the worlds busiest bridges where you will see the natural beauty of the New Jersey’s Palisades Cliffs before returning south.

• Statue of Liberty
• Ellis Island
• Brooklyn Bridge
• Governor’s Island
• One World Trade Center
• Billionaires Row
• Madison Square Garden
• Chrysler Building
• Empire State Building
• Little Island
• Chelsea Piers
• The High Line
• Hudson Yards
• Times Square
• The Intrepid
• Central Park
• Columbia University
• Yankee Stadium
• The Palisades
• George Washington Bridge
• The Met Cloisters
• Tip of Manhattan

$289 Per Seat

+Facility fee and fuel surcharge per seat

OUR DEPARTURE LOCATION

GETTING HERE From Times Square it takes about 30 minutes to reach the Heliport by subway or taxi. Keep in mind that any travel after 4pm will take longer due to commuter traffic.

We are a 5 minute walk from the South Ferry subway station; this is the last stop on the 1 train Downtown. If you are using Google Maps or Apple Maps, enter “Downtown Manhattan Heliport” as the address. If you are using a GPS device sometimes our address isn’t recognized, please use 6 East River Piers, New York, 10004.

If you are driving, there is no parking at the heliport but there is a parking garage at the intersection of South Street & Whitehall Street, South St & Old Slip Rd or at the South Street Seaport (Pier 17).

Address Downtown Manhattan Heliport 6 East River Piers, New York, NY 10004

Manhattan Helicopters

Breathtaking Helicopter Tours over New York City

Classic Manhattan Helicopter Tour

Take a flight that you will remember for a lifetime! Departing from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, the Classic Manhattan Tour begins at the majestic the Statue of Liberty, followed by the world-famous Manhattan Skyline.

• Calendar Monday-Saturday 9:30am-6:30pm
• Clock 12-15 Minutes

Choose A NYC Helicopter Tour

• Clock 18-20 Minutes

Deluxe Manhattan Helicopter Tour

An exciting and comprehensive helicopter tour of New York City with breathtaking views and excellent photo opportunities! This extended version of the Classic Tour will treat you to the best views of New York City including the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and Central park.

• 4 Passenger Minimum
• Calendar 4 Passenger Minimum , Monday-Saturday 9:30am-6:30pm
• Clock 25-30 Minutes

VIP Manhattan Helicopter Tour

All aboard for the most spectacular and unforgettable experience of your New York visit! With the extended route and approximately 30-minute duration, you’ll be sure to feel like a VIP on the VIP Tour!

Why Choose Manhattan Helicopters?

There is nothing more important to us than ensuring your safety.

In addition to luxury seating for ultimate comfort , our helicopters are equipped with oversized window for prime visibility.

We have the most modern fleet in the industry. We will make you feel like a VIP.

We are proud to offer tours in nine languages, including English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, German, Japanese, Chinese, and Russian.

Hear Why Sightseers Love Us on TripAdvisor

On our holiday to New York City it was on our list to have a helicopter ride! What a fabulous experience! I was very fortunate to sit with the pilot, Andrew from Dublin (I am from Wales so it was a great connection instantly), and he gave me one of the best life experiences. It was amazing!! Between the Statue of Liberty, the NYC skyline, and the bridges, I can’t recommend it enough!

Loved every minute of this trip. It is well worth the money spent. A big thank you to the pilot - he looked after us, explaining everything whilst taking us to the heliport. The waiting area was clean and the guys were friendly. He was very friendly and chatty, wanting to know where everyone came from. I really recommend this trip if you want an unforgettable experience.

I spent a few days in New York City with my girlfriend and we did a lot of things, but without a doubt, the highlight of our trip was Manhattan Helicopters. The service was so efficient that we were flying in no time, but the best part was the friendliness of the place, especially from Santiago and Osvaldo Vigo. Those two gentlemen were amazing!! Highly recommend the tour to anybody.

I booked the VIP tour, which included 25 minutes of helicopter tour. As soon as I arrived, they got me on the flight with my 8-year-old daughter, and everything was in order and done in a very professional manner. The ride was awesome, as we got the front row, right next to the pilot so we could see the panoramic view, which was a great experience.

3 Breathtaking Helicopter Tours

There’s nothing quite like a NYC helicopter tour!

$249 – $239

$299 – $289

$389 – $379

Read Our Reviews

Nothing Quite Like A

Nyc helicopter tour.

Sightseeing tours of New York are one thing, but a New York helicopter tour is in a special league of its own. Helicopter New York City offers a breathtaking experience that will allow you to see the city from a whole new perspective. New York has so much iconic sights that flying over it is nothing short of magnificent.

A tour of New York simply isn’t complete without a helicopter flight with a tour over Manhattan, Brooklyn, and from high above. The tour includes famous bridge like the George Washington Bridge, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Verrazano Bridge, an the Manhattan Bridge.

A New York City helicopter tour grants a unique perspective on all of NYC’s most beloved landmarks through downtown and beyond. No other New York City tour is quite as much fun!

Thanks to our new Bell 407 helicopters, you will also know that you are in a helicopter that has been specifically built for optimal visibility and sightseeing potential. The 180-degree view from inside the cabin means that you will see all that New York City has to offer! Our new helicopters have generous legroom and amazingly comfortable leather seats making your Helicopter New York City ride nothing short of extraordinary!

While New York helicopter tours offer a thrilling adrenaline rush, you can rest assured that our friendly staff assures your safety and comfort at all times.

Why Fly With Us?

Helicopter New York City is an unforgettable opportunity to experience some of the most stunning views of Classic Manhattan and the rest of New York.

Voted Best NYC Tour

3 years in a row by the Assoc of Hotel Concierges

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Starting as low as $239 per tour

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Safe and reliable Bell 407 helicopters

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Experience NYC Like Never Before.

We are committed to maintaining our customer satisfaction and impeccable safety record.

Zip aviation view all charters our helicopter tours of new york city provide you spectacular views and a unique experience. we offer you a new look at this beloved city like no other helicopter tour can see all of new york city’s historical sights from the most breathtaking aerial angles. all tours are offered in the following nine languages: english, spanish, french, german, russian, italian, chinese, japanese, and portuguese our charter services, private charters.

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Experience New York City from a New Perspective

Our reviews are soaring sky-high on tripadvisor.

This was the highlight of our trip to New York to celebrate our daughter’s 18th and a ‘big birthday’ of mine. We were lucky to have Andy Woods as our pilot that day - I was a wee bit worried but needn’t have been. He was so reassuring and such great fun! Made it a totally unforgettable experience. The views of the City were stunning and daughter is saving hard to return and do it all again as soon as possible!

I bought my husband and I the helicopter flight as a wedding gift and it was one of the first things we did in New York. I was nervous to begin with, but I sat with the pilot, Andrew, who calmed my nerves. The flight was absolutely amazing and the best way to see New York! Andrew the pilot was so friendly and you could tell he loves his job which made it an even better flight.

We were on a sightseeing holiday in New York and decided to take a helicopter ride and all I can say is WOW! From the guys on the ground to Andy, our pilot, everyone is there to make sure you have a memorable experience and all take the time to chat and laugh with you. An outstanding experience from beginning to end and it’s obvious from talking with Andy that he absolutely loves his job!

This was an incredible highlight of mine and my sister's recent trip to NYC. Andrew our pilot was brilliant, so friendly, funny and pointed out all the best sights across the city. Both of us had great views and the experience was great. The guys at the base were quite friendly and I also got a great photo from the experience. This was a gift from my sister for my birthday and it definitely made my day and I'll not forget this for a long time!!

The 11 Best Helicopter Tours in NYC for 2024

A helicopter tour is one of the most exciting things you can do during your stay in NYC, but picking the best helicopter tour in NYC is not an easy task, especially if you have no idea what to look for. Luckily for you, we have tried and tested them all!

In this article, we will compare all of the best helicopter tours in NYC as well as recommend to you our absolute favorite, which is in our opinion has the best value for money.

Looking for a shortcut? Click here to  👉 compare the helicopter flights , see 👉  my personal recommendation  or see 👉  all details including my review of the helicopter tours.

Last but not least try our 👉  Helicopter Flight Finder that helps to find the perfect helicopter tour for you!

Which is the Best Helicopter Tour in NYC?

Depending on what you are looking for, there are three categories of helicopter rides over New York City: Short helicopter rides, medium helicopter rides, and long helicopter rides. Which one of these is best for you will depend on your budget and how long you want to spend taking in the sights of New York from above. We have broken the helicopter flights down, in order to give you a choice in each category.

Please note: There are no helicopter tours in NYC on Sundays from Manhattan (but from New Jersey!), meaning that helicopter rides on other days may get sold out faster. If you can help it, don’t wait until the day before to book it, as you may be out of luck. We recommend booking your NYC helicopter flight 1-2 weeks in advance.

My Recommendation

I can recommend you three helicopter flights over NYC: first of all the New York Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour , because in my opinion it offers the best price-performance ratio and starts right in Manhattan. So you don’t have a long way to get there.

The cheapest helicopter flight, which also does not require a transfer, is the Manhattan Island Helicopter Tour . I have done both several times and it was always the highlight of my New York trip!

If you want to take a helicopter ride with several people and are looking for a cheap provider, check out the Taste of NYC Helicopter Tour !

All Helicopter Tours in Detail

While in the table above only the 4 to 6 most important helicopter flights are shown, here you can find all helicopter tours in detail. For each one you will find a separate review from me!

Manhattan Island Helicopter Tour

Departure: Downtown Manhattan Heliport | 12 – 15 Minutes | The Manhattan Sky Tour is the perfect helicopter ride for first time visitors to NYC! Seeing the skyscrapers and streets of Manhattan from above is an experience that you will will definitly not be forgetting any time soon. Seeing NYC’s main attractions from the sky gives you a completely different perspective and provides you with the chance of taking some amazing and unique photos of the concrete jungle below you.

Taste of NYC Helicopter Tour

Departure: Kearney, New Jersey  | 12 – 15 Minutes | The Taste of NYC Helicopter Tour is the most affordable helicopter flight over New York. During the 12-15 minute flight you will see the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You can also see the famous One World Trade Center at the southern tip of Manhattan and the Empire State Building!

New York City Helicopter Tour and Luxury VIP SUV Transfer

Pickup: Your Hotel  | 15 – 30 Minutes | Are you looking for a very special helicopter flight over New York? Then check out this combination of helicopter flight and VIP transfer! You will be picked up from your hotel in a luxury SUV and driven to the downtown Manhattan heliport. You can choose from several helicopter flights – from 15 to 30 minutes.

After your helicopter tour, you will be driven back from the heliport to your hotel. It doesn’t get any better than this!

Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour

Departure: Downtown Manhattan Heliport | 18 – 20 Minutes | The Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour takes you on an aerial tour over Manhattan and its many attractions. You wont forget the view of NYC from above or the feeling of flying high above the skyscrapers any time soon. Especially for those of you who like taking photos, this is a guaranteed way to secure some amazing shots of the NYC skyline.

Helicopter Tour with Optional Doors-Off Experience

Experience a helicopter ride over the iconic landmarks of New York City, such as the Statue of Liberty and Freedom Tower. Choose a door-off experience to enjoy a unique view of the city from above.

Night Helicopter Ride NYC: City Lights Skyline Experience

Departure: Linden, New Jersey  | 25 – 30 Minutes | Have you ever seen the sights of New York City from the air at night? If not, then you should book a seat on the City Lights Skyline Experience helicopter ride NYC from Helicopter Flight Services. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows visitors to see aerial views of Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and much more while they are lit up at night!

Grand Island Helicopter Flight

Departure: Downtown Manhattan Heliport | 25 – 30 Minutes | Enjoy seeing NYC from a bird’s-eye view for 30 exciting minutes with the Grand Island Helicopter Flight. You will see all the main NYC attractions from above allowing you to take some amazingly unique pictures of some of NYC’s most famous sights. You will fly over everything from the Statue of Liberty, The One World Trade Center and the Yankees Stadium to the New York Harbor and Central Park! This is undoubtedly an experience you will not want to miss out on.

New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights

Departure: Downtown Manhattan Heliport | 12 – 15 Minutes | For a unique and exciting experience, look no further! A helicopter ride over Manhattan is one of the things that we highly recommend doing when you visit NYC. From up in the air the sense of scale you get is second to none, making this city even more impressive than it already is. Flying along the Hudson River this helicopter tour will give you a great view of Manhattan, its main attractions and the surrounding boroughs.

Helicopter Tour: Manhattan, Brooklyn and Staten Island

Departure: Downtown Manhattan Heliport | 25 – 30 Minutes | No trip to New York is complete without a helicopter ride over NYC. With everything the Big Apple has to offer, it can be difficult seeing all the mighty rivers, iconic sights, and historical landmarks in one trip. However, the easiest way to accomplish this is by boarding a state-of-the-art helicopter and enjoying the ride. The Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island helicopter ride NYC by Helicopter Flight Services is one of the most comprehensive tours available. You’ll see sights such as the Chrysler Building, Statue of Liberty, General Grant National Memorial, and so much more.

Ultimate Manhattan Sightseeing Helicopter Flight

Departure: Downtown Manhattan Heliport | 25 – 30 Minutes | New York is one of the best cities for tourism and sightseeing. However, it’s also a bustling city, so rather than stand in line to see the famed sights, it’s much easier to book a helicopter ride over NYC. Doing so allows you to see the gorgeous skyline and iconic views from the air.

The Ultimate Manhattan Sightseeing helicopter tour provided by Helicopter Flight Services is one with which you can’t go wrong.

New York Helicopter Tour: City Skyline Experience

Departure: Linden, New Jersey  | 25 – 30 Minutes | The City Skyline Experience is a helicopter ride over NYC that provides aerial views of Manhattan’s skyline and other historical sights. Other travelers may be present with this shared ride experience, but that doesn’t take away from the exceptional views and still provides an excellent opportunity for marvelous photos.

Find the perfect Helicopter Flight over NYC in no time!

Not quite sure which of the many helicopter flights over New York are the best for you? With my helicopter flight advisor this can be done very quickly! Try it out right now by clicking on the “Let’s start”-button below! 👇👇👇

After only 2 questions we will present you the helicopter flights that suits you best. There are over 10 different helicopter tours to choose from, so you’ll definitely find one that you’ll enjoy.

Question #1 Where do you want to start the helicopter tour?

Manhattan (so that the way to the heliport is short)

New Jersey is fine!

I am quite flexible there!

Question #2 What budget do you plan per person?

Less than $250.

More than $250, it should be a once in a lifetime experience!

The Best Private Helicopter Rides

Even the “regular” helicopter flights over NYC are really beautiful and guaranteed to give you many goosebumps moments. But if you are looking for a romantic helicopter flight for two and want it to be something really special, the private helicopter flights over New York City are perfect!

Here you can find the best private helicopter tours in NYC:

The best helicopter ride from jfk to nyc (and all other nyc airports).

Something really luxurious is the combination of airport transfer and sightseeing flight – there are several providers that will take you by helicopter from the airports around New York City to Manhattan. Starting your New York vacation couldn’t be better!

Here you can find the best New York Helicopter Airport Transfers:

To get a better idea of the different helicopter routes, you can take a look at the map below. It shows you which main attractions you will be able to see and therefore may help to determine which the best helicopter tour length for you. You can choose from short, medium, and long helicopter tour in NYC.

Our Favorite: The Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour

For us, the best helicopter tour in NYC is the Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour. Why? See it for yourself:

How much is a helicopter flight in New York?

Prices for helicopter flights in New York vary, depending on the length of the tour. Typically, you can expect to pay between $155 and $300.

Where do helicopter flights in New York leave from?

New York City has four main providers of helicopter rides. You can recognize them by their different colors:  The red ones are New York Helicopter & Liberty Helicopter and the black helicopters are owned by Zip Aviation. Each of them has the same departure location (Downtown Manhattan Heliport) however fly slightly different routes over the city.

How early do I need to arrive before my helicopter flight over New York?

Please be at the Heliport 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time for a compulsory safety induction, unless you’re otherwise instructed.

Can I change the date of my helicopter ride?

It is entirely possible that your travel plans for New York change last minute. Don’t worry, this is not a problem as the date and time of your helicopter tour can be canceled up to 72 hours prior to departure!

Book your tickets 1 – 2 weeks in advance – you will have a fairly accurate weather forecast by then!

How many people fit into a helicopter?

Depending on the helicopter, 4 – 6 people will be on one flight.

Is there a weight limit for helicopter flights in New York?

No. However, all passengers weighing over 300lbs (136kg) may need to pay for an extra seat depending on the flight. This can be paid to the provider at check-in.

Can I choose my seat?

Due to the need for the weight on both sides of the helicopter to be balanced, you will not be able to pick your seats. However, you can voice your seating preferences during the process and the staff will try to accommodate your wishes with this in mind.

What can I not take on board of a helicopter flight?

Only items that can be kept on your person are allowed on board, such as a cell phone, camera, or sunglasses. Any larger items (e.g. water bottles or oversized cameras that can block the view) need to be left at the heliport. Should you need to leave things behind, there are small lockers available for ($2).

What do I need to bring?

Please make sure to bring your booking confirmation as well as a valid photo ID for every passenger. This also includes children! Also, don’t forget your camera or phone to capture some moments of this incredible experience!

Is there anything that is not included in the helicopter ticket price?

A security fee of $40 per person is included in most of the ticket prices. The fee is mandated by the heliport and payment is required upon check-in. Also not included are the tip (optional), as well as hotel transfers.

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide . Also check out my hotel finder for New York !

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NYC Helicopter Tours

Tours from only $249

+Heliport Fee

Featured NYC HELICOPTER Tours

New york city helicopter tours.

MANHATTAN HELICOPTER TOUR

(12-15 Minute Flight time)

Special $269 Pricing

+$40 Heliport fee per seat

Helicopter tour highlights include.

Ready for a helicopter adventure? Fly over the city that never sleeps and tour NYC from new heights. Book a helicopter tour and explore many of NYC’s famous and historic attractions such as:

• Statue of Liberty
• Ellis Island
• One World Trade Center
• Chrysler Building
• Empire State Building
• Chelsea Piers
• Times Square
• The Intrepid
• Central Park

See classic Manhattan in a helicopter tour like never before.

BIG APPLE HELICOPTER TOUR

(17-20 Minute Flight time)

Special $294 Pricing

Fly over New York City on this extended helicopter tour. Whether you are a city lover, sports fan, or nature enthusiast, this tour offers views of famous NYC attractions such as: 

• Columbia University
• Grant’s Tomb
• Yankee Stadium (except on game days)
• The Palisades
• George Washington Bridge
• Northern Tip of Manhattan

Get a bird’s-eye view of the Big Apple’s most iconic landmarks on this extended NYC helicopter tour.

THE EMPIRE HELICOPTER TOUR

(25-30 Minute Flight time)

Special $394 Pricing

Explore more of NYC’s skyline on our longest helicopter tour. Book this helicopter adventure to see over 17 of New York City’s most  iconic views including: 

• Verrazzano Bridge

Take yourself on this premium NYC helicopter ride and soar above the Empire State.

Tour NYC with Liberty Helicopter

The largest and most experienced helicopter tour service in the Northeast, Liberty, The Helicopter Company offers customers the opportunity to see New York City and the surrounding area in a whole new way – from the sky!

Offering exhilarating Manhattan helicopter tours since 1990, Liberty, The Helicopter Company delivers unparalleled commitment to customer service. Unlike any other tour of NYC, you’ll see more than you ever imagined when you step into one of the choppers and get a bird’s eye view.

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10 Best NYC Helicopter Tours (Day, Night, Private, Doors Off, & More)

By: Author Charles

Posted on August 29, 2023

This overview will lay out the best NYC helicopter tours to take part of while visiting the city. Whether you are looking for standard skyline tours, night tours, doors off, or a private experience, the list will cover it all and more.

When it comes to experiences in New York City, there are few that can compete with seeing the city as part of a helicopter tour.

If it is the Manhattan skyline, Central Park, the Hudson & East Rivers, Statue of Liberty, or Brooklyn Bridge, a heli tour will have you seeing them all and much more.

Picking a helicopter tour over New York City can be an overwhelming decision. This list is here to simplify the options & better help you pick the best tour for your visit.

Read on for list of the top tours and some helpful things to know along the way.

*  Affiliate Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the work I put into TripTins!

Top NYC Helicopter Tour Picks

Are you looking to make a quick & easy decision when it comes to picking the helicopter tour that is best for you? Check out these highly rated top picks that you just cannot go wrong with.

All Around Helicopter Tour

Looking for the best value overall tour? This NYC Helicopter Tour offers three options including 15, 20, & 30 minute flight times around the city

Private Helicopter Tour

Do you want to have a more private experience? You can opt for a Romantic Couples Tour or this helicopter option that allows up to 6 people.

Nighttime Helicopter Tour

For a New York City nighttime experience, this Night Helicopter Tour is the way to go. Seeing the skyline all lit up is going to be a top experience!

New York City Helicopter Tour Overview

One of the main issues I came across when researching NYC helicopter tours is that there are so many different options to choose from. They all seem very similar with little to distinguish between them all.

The purpose of this list is to simplify the options for you.

Instead of listing out all the tours from all the companies, I have chosen the highest rated helicopter tours in a few different main categories.

The goal is to have no complexity and no confusion. Simply book the type of tour that interests you most and be on your way!

To start, below is a high-level view of the New York helicopter tours I will talk more about in this overview.

New York City All Around Helicopter Tour (#1, #2, #3)

This All Around NYC Helicopter Tour gives you three different options when it comes to amount of flying time & the attractions you will see along the way. Depending on interest & budget will dictate which option you end up choosing.

These tours depart from downtown Manhattan, making it an easy and convenient helicopter ride to take part of.

• The New Yorker Tour (12-15 minutes)
• The Ultimate Tour (17-20 minutes)
• The Deluxe Tour (25-30 minutes)

NYC City Lights Helicopter Tour (#4)

For those that want to take part of a nighttime experience, then the City Lights Helicopter Tour is a top option out there. This is offered as a 25 minute tour departing from New Jersey.

NYC Doors Off Helicopter Tour (#5)

If you are looking to dangle your feet outside of the helicopter, then this Doors Off Helicopter Tour is for you. There are 16 minute and 30 minute options to choose from that depart from New Jersey.

Private NYC Helicopter Tour (#6, #7, #8)

While the options above are all group tours, there are also options for a private NYC helicopter experience. Here are three in particular that take off from nearby Westchester (transport can be included when booking):

• Private Helicopter Tour for Couples
• Private Helicopter Tour for Up to 6 People
• Private Helicopter Tour for Marriage Proposal

Hudson Valley Foliage Helicopter Tour (#9)

Throughout the month of October, the Hudson Valley comes to life as the leaves turn to colors of orange, red, and yellow.

This Hudson Valley Foliage Helicopter Tour takes people high above the Hudson, as you get a bird’s eye view of the surrounding foliage.

Helicopter Piloting Experience (#10 )

Lastly is this Helicopter Piloting Experience , which is more than just a helicopter ride. Instead you will go through an instructional course with a pilot and then get to take control of the chopper and fly for 30 minutes.

#1, #2, #3: New York City All-Inclusive Helicopter Tour

• Rating : 5 / 5 Stars
• Flight Duration : 12 – 30 Minutes
• Price : $239 – $379
• Time : 9:00AM – 6:00PM
• Departure : Pier 6, Manhattan
• Booking : Check Rates & Availability

When it comes to NYC helicopter tours, most people simply want to sit back, take some photos, and enjoy the landmarks of the city from above.

The issue is that there are so many tours out there that do this exact thing but just name their tours differently.

So, instead of reading through everything out there, I figured I just mention the highest rated NYC helicopter tour to choose from.

With a near perfect 5-star rating and over 3,000 reviews, you just cannot go wrong with this All in One NYC Helicopter Tour .

When you go about the booking, you will see that there are three different options to choose from. These include:

• The New Yorker Tour : 12-15 minutes ($239)
• The Ultimate Tour : 17-20 minutes ($289)
• The Deluxe Tour : 25-30 minutes ($379)

Now, you may be asking yourself what is the difference between these three tours. While the durations and prices are different, so are some of the main attractions that they visit. The below sections will talk through the main differences, along with helpful maps.

NYC Helicopter Tour: Book Today

12-15 Minute Helicopter Tour

For starters, the 12-15 minute tour will include all of the following (and more!):

Brooklyn Bridge

• Statue of Liberty
• Ellis Island

One World Trade Center

• Chrysler Building

Empire State Building

• Chelsea Piers

Times Square

• The Intrepid

Central Park

While 15 minutes is quick, the helicopter tour still gets you to many of the top highlights that the city has to offer. All the way down from the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor up to Central Park in Upper Manhattan, the tour covers a lot of air while taking in some beautiful views along the way.

17-20 Minute Helicopter Tour

Now, while 5 minutes doesn’t sound like too much extra time, a bunch more NYC attractions can be seen by opting for this longer option.

In addition to everything mentioned on the 12-15 tour, this 17-20 minute tour will also include:

• Columbia University
• Grant’s Tomb
• Yankee Stadium
• The Palisades
• George Washington Bridge
• Northern Tip of Manhattan

Essentially the tour heads further north past Central Park and towards the Bronx, as you get a more wholistic view of NYC and its skyline.

25-30 Minute Helicopter Tour

For those that want to take full advantage of an NYC helicopter tour, then the 25-30 minute is your best bet. Although the most expensive, it is also the most expansive.

This means you will get to spend a bit more time hovering above at each attraction in addition to some more highlights.

The 25-30 minute tour includes all the highlights already mentioned in addition to the Verrazano Bridge and the borough of Brooklyn.

It is the only tour that heads further out into New York Harbor, which is bound to give you more wholistic views of the NYC skyline looking northbound.

To get a better sense of attractions, the chart below lays it all out for you. It is important to note that these are just a subset of landmarks you will get to see.

Odds are that plenty more of New York City will be surrounding you during the duration of your flight.

Book Today : Be sure to book your NYC Helicopter Tour ahead of time and reserve your spot on any of the 15, 20, or 30 minute rides!

#4: NYC City Lights Helicopter Tour at Night

• Flight Duration : 25-30 Minutes
• Price : $274
• Time : 7:30PM – 8:30PM
• Departure : Linden Airport, New Jersey

While seeing the NYC skyline during the day is one thing, seeing it at night can be a whole other experience.

Once the sun sets, the skyscrapers and landmarks light up, which creates a new perspective to take in New York City.

And what better way to see the city at night than to take part of this NYC City Lights Helicopter Tour .

With this tour, you will get a very similar experience to the 25-30 minute day time tour. The main difference here is that the daytime tour departs from Manhattan and the night tour departs from Linden Airport in New Jersey.

Even with the NJ departure, you will still get to take in NYC from New York Harbor, all the way up to the Bronx. Taking in those bright lights of Times Square, the colorful landmark buildings, and the rest of NYC is something that is just tough to beat.

Although it is a further out journey to get to the departure point, the helicopter ride is actually cheaper. So, if you want to get a similar experience, see the city at night , and save some money, then the night tour could be for you.

Note : Linden Airport can easily be reached by the NJ Transit followed by a quick taxi/Uber ride. The quickest routes take just about 45 minutes.

NYC Night Heli Tour: Book Today

#5: Doors Off NYC Helicopter Tour

• Rating : 4 / 5 Stars
• Flight Duration : 16 or 30 Minutes
• Price : ~$500 – $800
• Time : 8:00AM – 5:00PM
• Departure : Kearny, New Jersey

All of the helicopter tours mentioned on this list are standard doors on experiences. While the doors on rides have large floor to ceiling windows, you can take it to a whole new level with this Doors Off NYC Helicopter Tour .

The doors off helicopter tour is exactly what it sounds like. Instead of having closed doors up in the air, you will be able to have an open-air cabin.

This will allow you to not have any glass out in front of you and it can give you the option to dangle your legs outside of the helicopter.

While a doors on ride can be a thrilling experience on its own, a doors off ride is only for those that are ready for a true adrenaline rush over NYC.

As you go about booking, be sure you select the doors off option as the company also offers doors on rides as well.

Note : The Kearny, NJ departure point can easily be reached by the NJ Transit followed by a quick bus or Uber ride. The quickest routes take just about 45 minutes.

NYC Helicopter Doors Off Tour: Book Today

#6: Private NYC Helicopter Tour for 6 People

• Flight Duration : 30 or 45 Minutes
• Price : $1,550 or $2,200
• Time : 10:00AM – 8:30PM
• Departure : Westchester County Airport

Up next are some options for those that want to enjoy a more private experience altogether. This can also be great for those that are traveling with a larger group of people.

Departing from Westchester County Airport, this Private Helicopter Tour for up to 6 people offers the chance to see the city on your own, without any additional people joining your group.

While Westchester may seem far, it is actually pretty easy to get to. This can be done by an hour drive or a 75 minute train + Uber. When going about the booking, there is also an option to include a private transfer from NYC to make things easier.

Since the private tour comes in from Westchester, the first part of the flight will be flying southbound as the city skyline continues to be seen in the distance. This will give you a new perspective of NYC that other tours won’t offer.

The 30 minute ride will focus on all of the various highlights up to midtown Manhattan. This essentially means that it wont go south of the Empire State Building.

During a flight though, you will still get to see the skyline, Central Park, George Washington Bridge, and plenty more.

If you want to get all the way down to the Statue of Liberty and One World Trade Center, then the 45 minute flight will need to be chosen. You will get the most comprehensive tour with this option as everything from downtown to uptown Manhattan will be covered.

Private Helicopter Tour: Book Today

#7 & #8: NYC Private Helicopter Tour for Couples

• Price : $800 or $1,100

This Private Helicopter Tour for Couples is the same exact layout as the tour mentioned above. Instead of maxing out at 6 people, this tour is just for 2 people.

With this two person option, you will find the prices to be much cheaper and not wildly far off from booking two people on a shared helicopter.

Similarly, there is a 30 minute option that heads down to midtown Manhattan and a 45 minute ride option that makes its way all the way down to New York Harbor.

So, if you are looking for a romantic NYC helicopter tour for two, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Marriage Proposal Option : Looking to propose over NYC? You can opt for this special Marriage Proposal Helicopter Tour that includes a private ride, photographer, illuminated sign, and more.

NYC Couples Heli Tour: Book Today

#9: Hudson Valley Fall Foliage Helicopter Tour

• Price : $330 or $475
• Time : 10:00AM – 4:00PM

Now, while the all the helicopter tours on this list are focused on NYC, this Fall Foliage Helicopter Tour is focused on the Hudson Valley.

Starting in the beginning of October, the leaves around New York City slowly begin to change color. Instead of a greenery filled landscape, the leaves turn to shades of red, orange, and yellow.

And although Fall foliage in NYC is a great time to visit the city, the Hudson Valley takes it to a whole new level. The nature filled landscape goes on for miles and miles with never-ending foliage surrounding the Hudson.

The Hudson Foliage Tour can also be done as part of a 30 minute or 45 minute option.

The main highlights include Castle on Hudson, Harriman State Park, Bear Mountain , West Point, and plenty others. With the 45 minute tour, you will also get to see Bannerman Castle and Dick’s Castle.

So, if you want the perfect combination of a helicopter ride and foliage viewing, then this will be the option to choose.

Timing Note : in general, mid October is when the foliage will be at its best along the Hudson.

Foliage Helicopter Tour: Book Today

#10: NYC Helicopter Piloting Experience

• Flight Duration : 30 or 60 Minutes
• Price : $560 or $985
• Time : 10:00AM – 2:00PM

Do you want to combine a helicopter tour with actually piloting the helicopter on your own? Well, this NYC Helicopter Piloting Experience may then be for you.

Instead of just going on a tour, this is going to give you 1 on 1 time to learn with a pilot instructor and then head up in the air to fly.

The day will start out with 30 minutes of instruction as you learn the ins and outs of the helicopter controls, systems, and procedures. From there, you will take off with your pilot and have the chance to actually fly the helicopter with some supportive help.

It is important to note that flight lessons are not permitted over New York City. So, this experience will just focus in on Westchester County north of NYC. Although you won’t get to enjoy the highlights & attractions as you would on a normal helicopter ride, there will still be views of the NYC skyline out in the distance.

You will have the chance to choose between 30 minute and 60 minute flight options depending on how long you want to spend up in the sky learning. Also note that 1 guest is allowed to join in on the helicopter ride as well.

Flights leave from Westchester County Airport so you can either opt to pay for the private transfer or head there on your own.

NYC Piloting Tour: Book Today

Important Things to Know

Before you head out on that helicopter flight over NYC, be sure to read up on some important things to know.

What To Bring : while each tour may be slightly different, expect to only bring what can fit in your pockets, in addition to a camera & sunglasses. Bags and other items can be left in lockers prior to the flight.

Weather : if the weather turns for the worse, it is possible that flights can be cancelled. Be sure to leave some flexibility in your schedule so you can hop onto a rescheduled flight.

Flight Path : due to regulations set by the City of New York, helicopters are not allowed to fly directly over NYC. However, the flights will follow the coastline along the East River, New York Harbor, and Hudson River. Given the elevation of the helicopter, you are still sure to get remarkable views of the city from above.

Elevation : speaking of elevation, expect the flights to be around 1,500 feet to 2,000 feet above sea level. This will give you the chance to fully appreciate all that NYC has to offer.

Passenger Seating : most helicopters have seating for 6 people (plus the pilot). One seat will be next to the pilot, and then 5 seats in the back (2 backward / 3 forward). Your seating arrangement will depend on the weights of the passengers to balance the heli.

Arrival Time : be sure to pay close attention to the requested arrival time. Before the flight, there will be some time for check in, lockers, and introduction.

Departure Point : also, be aware of the departure points of these various tours. These can be in downtown Manhattan (Pier 6), New Jersey (Linden or Kearny), or Westchester (Westchester County Airport).

NYC Helicopter Tour Attractions & Highlights

When it comes to attractions and highlights of NYC helicopter tours, there will be an endless list out there. Since you will have such a high vantage point over the city, the views will be expansive in all directions.

But there are some landmarks that you should get up and close to, as you take in panoramas that few others get to see. Here is a list of the best of them.

Located in the East River is the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge that connects downtown Manhattan with downtown Brooklyn.

The bridge is an iconic structure with its suspension cables and limestone towers standing tall.

In addition to the Brooklyn Bridge, the nearby Manhattan Bridge and even Williamsburg Bridge should be in view during a helicopter ride.

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Within New York Harbor you will find two small islands – one houses the Statue of Liberty while the second has Ellis Island.

Getting to see the Statue of Liberty from above, with the city skyline out back is surely going to be a special experience to take part of.

For those that want to get up close and personal to these landmarks, be sure to head on a NYC Dinner Cruise !

While the entirety of the NYC skyline will be seen from a variety of angles throughout these helicopter rides, one building stands tall in downtown Manhattan – One World Trade.

This tower is the tallest in the city and its floor to ceiling glass, makes it one of the most sleek buildings out there.

You can also head on up to the top on your own by visiting the One World Observatory .

Perhaps the most well known landmark in NYC is the Empire State Building . Located in midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building stands tall with its multi level observation deck up top.

Surrounding the Empire State Building will be other landmarks such as The Edge, One Vanderbilt, the Chrysler Building, among others.

In the heart of Manhattan is Times Square. With its bright lights and massive billboards, it is one of the most happening spots in all of NYC.

Getting to see the action from a bird’s eye view is going to be a special experience to take part of.

For those that want to wake up with a view, check out the best hotels in Times Square .

For me, it doesn’t get much better than the 843 acre Central Park located between 59 th Street and 110 th Streets.

The park is full of trees, water features, walking paths, lawns, and plenty more to explore by foot.

But getting to see the park from above with the skyline out back is something only an NYC helicopter tour can offer.

Other Highlights

The highlights just go on and on though. Some other top spots to look out for during a visit include: Madison Square Garden, George Washington Bridge , Yankee Stadium, Flatiron Building, Chelsea Piers, South Street Seaport , and just so much more.

I have a hard time believing you won’t enjoy this one of kind experience when visiting NYC.

NYC Helicopter Tour Questions Answered

To finish up this overview, here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions when it comes to New York helicopter tours.

How Much Does a NYC Helicopter Tour Cost?

This really depends on the type of tour you opt for. However, for the more standard tours out there, expect to pay between $239 and $389 for a ride that lasts anywhere between 15-30 minutes.

If you opt for some other more unique experiences, such as a private flight, then this price can go up.

What Is the Best Time for a Helicopter Tour in Manhattan?

While you can’t go wrong with a helicopter tour, in my opinion, the ideal time for a helicopter tour is around sunset.

Most of the tours allow you to pick a specific time slot that range from early morning to early evening. Some of the later ones (depending on time of year), can overlap with sunset.

Seeing the sun set over NYC with the sky changing colors will just make the experience that much more special.

So, if you are able to work it in, try to opt for that sunset ride!

Where Do NYC Helicopter Tours Leave From?

In general, there are four main helipads that NYC helicopter tours leave from. These include:

• Pier 6 in Downtown Manhattan
• Kearny, New Jersey
• Linden Airport, New Jersey
• Westchester Regional Airport

Be sure to pay close attention to the departure point and leave yourself enough time for travel to the starting point.

Is a NYC Helicopter Worth It?

If seeing the city from above is of interest to you, then there is little doubt that an NYC helicopter tour is worth it.

Getting to see the skyline from 2,000 feet up in the air is something that just cannot be matched. While observation decks get you up there, it is no match for helicopters that take you around the perimeter of NYC.

Having the chance to see just so many landmarks from up close, and getting a variety of skyline views at every moment, will make an NYC helicopter tour one of the best decisions you make during a trip.

That wraps up an overview to the best NYC helicopter tours. If you have any questions or comments, be sure to add them in below.

Also, don’t forget to check out the other New York itineraries and guides up on the site.

Have fun out there and safe travels!

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Best Helicopter Tours in NYC (+ Pros & Cons of Each Tour)

Are you looking to see the city as you’ve never seen it before? Above in the sky with a birdseye view from a helicopter ride over NYC? Lucky for you, you can turn this dream into a reality! There are several incredible helicopter tours in NYC from night helicopter tours over NYC witnessing the city sparkling at night to private, romantic helicopter rides in New York!

Whether you’re looking to check off a New York City bucket list experience , celebrate a special occasion, enjoy one of the best NYC experiences , or get incredible photography from high in the sky – we’ve broke down a detailed guide to the best helicopter rides in NYC to help you pick which helicopter ride is best for you!

We cover everything from what you’ll see on your helicopter ride over NYC to where your tour starts and other essential information you need to know before choosing your heli ride in New York!

Helpful Tips Before Your Helicopter Ride Over NYC

Be sure to check each of these helicopter rides in NYC carefully as each company and each tour varies as they either have different aircraft they use, have different rules, their departing location could be out of the city, and more.

Keep in mind that some of these helicopter tours in NYC require you to pay an extra fee the day of the tour that goes towards helipad or airport fees, taxes, or security fees. When booking, see if this fee is already included in your price or you will be expected to pay the day of your heli ride in New York.

Be sure to also check the weight and age requirements as they vary by aircraft. Especially if you’re traveling with young children or a group. Keeping weight in mind, sometimes you won’t be able to choose your seat as they need to distribute weight carefully and will sit you according to weight distribution.

Keep in mind that not all of the helicopter rides over NYC actually depart from the city center or Manhattan, be sure to check and plan ahead as many of these tours depart from New Jersey or Westchester County north of Manhattan which both are easy to get to using the New Jersey Transit or Metro-North Rail.

Only a few of the helicopter tours provide hotel pick up and drop off and it usually costs an extra fee for the driver.

Be sure to check carefully how early you need to be at the airport or helipad before your helicopter tour! You don’t want to be late, especially if you’re having to travel to one of the outer locations. Many of the helicopter tours even have late fees if you don’t show up on time or are shared helicopters and will leave if you’re not there on time with no refund.

Some require arriving up to 90 minutes before your flight! 

Speaking of checking in, most of these helicopter tours require an original issued government ID or passport to check in, even for children. Be sure to check each company’s rules before purchasing.

Many of the helicopters only allow you to bring certain items on to the tour. Most facilities either have complimentary lockers for passengers or a small fee to rent a locker to store the belongings that can’t make it on the flight.

All helicopter tours are subject to good weather and ideal flying conditions. If for any reason you have poor weather, most companies offer alternative tour times/days or refunds.

For those needing accessible helicopters, it’s best to check with each company individually if they are wheelchair accessible, many of the helicopter tours are. You’ll need to let the company know when booking you have accessibility needs so they can arrange the proper aircraft for your tour.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Best Helicopter Tours in NYC

Manhattan island helicopter tour.

If you want a closed-door tour with a bird’s-eye view of some of the city’s most famous highlights, the Manhattan Island Helicopter Tour is perfect for you. Leaving from Lower Manhattan at the Downtown Heliport at Pier 6, this is a really convenient option that doesn’t require you to travel too far outside of the city!

Starting at just under $200 per person, this helicopter tour has many different meeting points to choose from so that you can decide how long your helicopter tour over NYC lasts. They have many different options; the tours vary from 12-30 minutes long!

Throughout the tour, the audio guide will narrate and explain the importance of the landmarks below! They also have audio guides that you can listen to in other languages. These landmarks include Central Park and the Hudson River.

If there isn’t excellent visibility, the tour will be rescheduled for everyone so that the views will be totally visible! In fact, this New York helicopter tour comes equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows that will allow you to get the best view and photos of the skyline possible. 

Your ticket and flight come with a locker and a noise-canceling headset that will allow you to listen to the pilot with ease for the entire flight. If you want photos of the flight views for purchase, those are available as well. This is an excellent idea for anyone that wants to soak in the views without their phone but also be able to have photos that capture the experience! Book here.

Perks of this Helicopter Tour: departs from Lower Manhattan, airport fees already included (no extra charges), shorter flight options at a great price, large windows, complimentary locker, photos available for purchase

Things to be aware of on this Helicopter Tour: $50 rescheduling fee if you need to change your reservation

Iconic Landmarks Helicopter Tour (Doors Off Optional)

Another great helicopter tour that goes over Lower Manhattan is the Helicopter Tour of Iconic Landmarks . This helicopter tour goes over Lower Manhattan and its many landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, World Trade Center, and Brooklyn Bridge.

This 15-minute flight gives you the option to do a doors-on or doors-off experience as an upgrade.

Keep in mind that this helicopter tour charges a boarding fee of $28.65 per person and is not suitable for anyone under the age of five. They ask that you arrive 75 minutes before your flight to go through the proper check-in and safety protocols departing from Kearny, New Jersey. Book here.

Perks of this Helicopter Tour: option to upgrade to a doors-off flight, short and affordable option

Things to be aware of on this Helicopter Tour: There’s a boarding fee per person on the day of the tour, they don’t allow children under 5 years old or pregnant women on their flights, need to arrive 75 minutes before your flight

Taste of NYC Helicopter Tour

Another great helicopter tour in NYC is the Taste of NYC Helicopter Tour . Starting at the range of just over $150 per person, this tour goes over the most famous sights in the city, including Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty!

This flight starts in Kearny, New Jersey and is typically during mid-mornings lasting around 15 minutes.

Although cameras are not allowed on this tour, you’ll be able to bring your phone and take all of the photos you want! Book here on Get Your Guide or Book here on Viator .

Perks of this Helicopter Tour: airport and boarding fees already included, wheelchair accessible 

Things to be aware of on this Helicopter Tour: no cameras allowed (phones are allowed), if you’re not at the departure point at least 45 minutes before your scheduled flight you’re subject to a $50-$100 late fee per person

Manhattan Helicopter Tour

This Manhattan Helicopter Tour is another fantastic option for anyone that wants an audio guide as they view the city from up above! This helicopter ride over NYC allows you to see some of the city’s most famous attractions, including Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty. You’ll also fly above the Brooklyn Bridge and see the lights of Broadway, which are known to be stunning at night!

This tour lasts anywhere between 15-20 minutes with a highly trained pilot and crew on board. You’ll also be able to purchase a video of your ride and locker rental as extra upgrades for a fee.

There is an additional helicopter and airport facility fee of $40 per person not included in your reservation or helicopter ride fee. One HUGE perk about this NYC helicopter ride is that it actually departs from Manhattan at the Manhattan Heliport located on Pier 6 of the East River – you know, just like the business big wigs or like in famous tv shows like Succession!

Not only does this helicopter tour allow you to see the fantastic view of NYC, but you’ll also be able to learn more about the city’s history and the story behind each iconic landmark. Book here.

Perks of this Helicopter Tour: Price includes airport and heliport fees already, departs from Lower Manhattan

Things to be aware of on this Helicopter Tour: Check-in starts at 45 minute before departure

HeliNY’s New Yorker Tour

Another great heli ride over New York is HeliNY’s The New Yorker Tour ! This 12-15 minute helicopter ride over NYC is great for anyone who wants to sweep through the entire borough of Manhattan quickly including fly-overs at Central Park, the Empire State Building, and Statue of Liberty.

With large windows and the promise of a smooth ride, this New York helicopter tour is perfect for anyone who wants to see the city from above and you’ll even get a little extra added commentary from your pilot about each of the landmarks you’ll encounter.

Another perk to this heli tour in New York is that it departs from Manhattan, so no other excessive travel to get to your departure point! The meeting location is at 6 East River Piers, which is along the East River in Lower Manhattan. They also advertise as being wheelchair accessible.

This unique New York helicopter tour goes up close to the Statue of Liberty, over the New York Harbor, and above many other landmarks uptown including the Chrysler Building and Central Park. Then, the helicopter will turn around and head south to end on a fantastic note: right above the One World Trade Center! The views from above in this helicopter will surely beat any you can see from a skyscraper below. Book here.

OR upgrade your flight time to include more NYC landmarks for a 20-minute flight on the Deluxe Manhattan Helicopter Tour . This tour will go as far north to see Harlem and Yankee Stadium from above, which is further than most NYC helicopter tours go! Book here .

Keep in mind for all HeliNY tours there’s an additional $40 fee per person for the heliport.

Perks of this Helicopter Tour: upgrade options for length of tour, multiple departure time options, airport fees already included, departs and returns to Manhattan for a smaller commute, wheelchair accessible, infants welcome and can sit on lap of the parent

Things to be aware of on this Helicopter Tour: check with the operator to see how early you need to arrive before your flight

New York Helicopter Flight: Grand Island Tour

Another heli ride over New York that captures the great landmarks in the city is New York Helicopter Flight: Grand Island . Starting at $360 range (not including the $40 per person fees for the heliport), this helicopter tour lasts 25-30 minutes and goes over the iconic NYC landmarks, including Central Park, the Empire State Building, and Times Square to name a few.

In total, this helicopter tour will allow you to see 15 iconic spots from up above! As you fly over each site, the knowledgeable pilot will explain the history and tell you where to look to see the most fantastic view. 

This New York helicopter tour departs from the East River Piers (yay, another convenient helicopter tour in Manhattan) and has a minimum of 4 guests and a maximum of 5 guests per tour. So if you want a private heli ride over New York for a group of you and four friends, this is a great option! 

Be sure to arrive one hour before your flight with your government-issued IDs on hand and ready to be checked as a part of your onboarding process. That goes for children too. Book here.

Perks of this Helicopter Tour: Departs from Lower Manhattan for a shorter commute, infants are welcome to sit on parent’s lap, wheelchair accessible, service animals permitted

Things to be aware of on this Helicopter Tour: There’s an additional heliport/security $40 fee per person on the day of the tour, helicopters sit 4-6 people max depending on which aircraft you get, contact to find out how early you need to be before your departure

Private Romantic Helicopter Tour for Couples

Looking for something romantic to do to surprise your significant other or have a special occasion to celebrate together? One great heli ride over New York for couples is this Private Helicopter Tour for Couples !

Unlike many other tours, this tour provides an upgrade option that includes hotel pick up and drop off, making it the perfect all-in-one date night experience! In addition, this tour is offered in either 30 or 45-minute increments. It is also a great night helicopter tour in NYC for those who want to see the city lights at night!

See quintessential New York City landmarks like Central Park, the Empire State Building, and all the way up to Yankee Stadium! Choose between doing a day flight or an evening flight for a night helicopter tour over NYC.

This helicopter ride goes from Midtown to Upper Manhattan during the 30-minute flight. If you’re set on seeing the Brooklyn Bridge, be sure to get the 45-minute flight!

This heli tour in New York departs from Westchester Airport located north of the city which is accessible by the Metro-North Rail. If you don’t want to worry about this commute, it’s worth looking into the hotel pick up option from this tour, which charges based on standard car service rates.

Keep in mind there’s also an airport and service fee of $35 per person upon arrival. Book here.

Perks of this Helicopter Tour: upgrade option to include transportation from hotel to/from Westchester Airport for a fee, completely private tour, infants under the age of 2 can ride on parent’s lap

Things to be aware of on this Helicopter Tour: airport fee of $35 per person not included, the maximum height allowed is 6’3″

NYC City Lights Night Helicopter Tour 

One incredible night helicopter tour in NYC is this NYC City Lights Helicopter Tour ! If you want to see the NYC skyline from up above at sunset or at night, this tour is perfect.

Each tour lasts 25-30 minutes while a highly trained pilot flies over the Newark Airport toward the Manhattan skyline including great views of landmarks like the World Trade Center and the Empire State Building at night.

Additionally, you’ll be able to admire the illuminated landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and the lights of Times Square! Although the standard option for this tour is the group tour, you can upgrade to a private tour for an extra fee! The upgrade includes ground transportation to and from Manhattan to the heliport at the Linden Airport in New Jersey.

This is one of the few helicopter tours where the price you pay at booking is all you have to pay as it already includes all airport and heliport fees as well as complimentary lockers to use for your personal belongings that can’t go on the flight. Book here.

Perks of this Helicopter Tour: upgrade options to include transportation to and from Linden Airport, free parking available if you’re coming by car, complimentary lockers, airport fees and taxes already included, children under the age of 2 can sit on parent’s lap

Things to be aware of on this Helicopter Tour: hats, food & drink, and bags are not permitted on flights (can use complimentary lockers if you have these items), only cameras and wallets permitted onboard, you will have to watch a brief safety video before departure

Completely Private Manhattan Helicopter Tour for Groups

This Manhattan Private Helicopter Flight is an excellent option for anyone that wants a private, exclusive tour with a group of friends!

You’ll have to book the entire value of the tour, so this is best done if you have the max number of riders to join you for up to five people total. You can choose between a 30-minute or 45-minute tour. This option is great for anyone that is celebrating a special occasion with friends or family!

This helicopter ride over NYC starts in Westchester at the Westchester County Airport in White Plains. This airport is easily accessible from the Metro-North rail departing Grand Central Terminal.

Once you take off from this airport, the helicopter will fly above the city’s major sights, including skyscrapers like the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building to other famous landmarks like Central Park and the bridges over the East River like Brooklyn Bridge. As you fly over the city, a live tour guide on board will narrate the entire flight!

Keep in mind, each person will have to pay a $35 per person airport and service fee. This flight has wheelchair-accessible options, you’ll need to let them know when you’re booking. Book here.

Perks of this Helicopter Tour: wheelchair accessible, multiple flight options throughout the day/night, hotel pick up/drop off is an option for an additional fee, free parking if you’re arriving by car

Things to be aware of on this Helicopter Tour: Price does not include $35 airport fee per person, max 5 people and you pay the total amount of the helicopter not per person.

FlyNYON’s Open Door Helicopter Ride

One of the best open-door helicopter tours in NYC is FlyNYON’s Doors-Off Helicopter Experience ! During this tour, you’ll be able to fly over the Southern tip of Manhattan and see some of the most famous landmarks in the city, including the World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge, and Statue of Liberty!

Many people like taking this New York helicopter tour during sunset since it provides such a fantastic view of the city’s skyline!

The doors stay open throughout this entire 12-minute tour over the water, allowing you to really get that birdseye view of the city. Keep in mind that this tour does have an extra boarding fee, (~$30 per person), and children under five are not allowed. This helicopter tour starts in Kearny, New Jersey.

Perks of this Helicopter Tour: open door tour, affordable option (prices vary based on demand)

Things to be aware of on this Helicopter Tour: does not include $30 per person boarding and airport fee, no children under the age of 5 allowed, 

The City Lights Night Helicopter Tour

The City Lights Skyline Experience is an excellent option for anyone that wants a nighttime helicopter ride over NYC. This helicopter tour goes over Rockefeller Center, Times Square, and many other exciting NYC landmarks that look stunning while lit up at night! In total, this helicopter ride over NYC goes over 17 stops!

This tour also has live commentary on board, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a climate-controlled cabin. In addition, for an extra fee of $17, you can get transportation to and from NYC! This tour takes off from the Linden Airport in New Jersey and lasts 25-30 minutes. Book here.

Perks of this Helicopter Tour: airport fees are already included in price, upgrade option to include transportation to and from the heli pad in Linden Airport in New Jersey, infants are permitted and will need to sit on parent’s lap, wheelchair accessible

Things to be aware of on this Helicopter Tour: contact the operator to find out how early you need to arrive before your departure

Found this guide to the best helicopter tours in NYC helpful? Bookmark for later or share the love below on Pinterest! Happy flying!

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FlyNYON New York City Helicopter Tour With Open Doors | Would You Dare?

Are you ready for one of the ultimate New York travel adventures? Who does not want to fly in a helicopter over New York City? FlyNYON makes this possible and the best thing about it is that they offer a ride with open doors. The ultimate best thing to do in New York City for sure…

Their website says, ‘the ultimate New York helicopter photo experience’, which is what made me even more curious to try this New York City helicopter tour.

I visited this world famous city before, and did a lot of cool stuff already, but the one thing I didn’t do was a scenic helicopter flight over New York. When New York became part of my recent trip through the USA in October 2019, one thing I knew for certain, this time I was going to do a New York helicopter tour.

Also read about my experience on a helicopter ride over Niagara Falls  or more about this natural world wonder in my complete Niagara Falls USA travel guide .

New York City was the last place to visit during my road trip through the USA, so I had over three weeks to get super excited about this ultimate NYC experience.

The night before my flight I received a rather disturbing e-mail, a FlyNYON weather warning. Obviously, all flights are weather depending, but receiving such an e-mail, I just kept my fingers crossed the rest of the day.

Waking up on the day of my flight, I could see nothing but blue skies, would I be lucky, would today a dream come true? I got in the car and made my way to New Jersey, where the FlyNYON doors off flights depart from. Well, I was extremely lucky in the end, as the day of my flight turned out to be the most perfect day for a New York City helicopter ride, blue skies, sunny, just perfect!

Safety briefing FlyNYON

FlyNYON requires you to be at their hangar in New Jersey one hour and fifteen minutes before your scheduled flight. It sounds like a long time, but I get why they want you in early. Safety briefings are an important part of this New York helicopter tour. However, to be honest, in between the safety briefing and putting on the harness, there was a lot of waiting involved. And if you’re as excited as I was for my flight, waiting takes even longer.

Safety above all though! So make sure you get there in time, otherwise they might not be able to let you take this ultimate helicopter tour over New York.

FlyNYON Doors Open Helicopter Tour over New York

They have several flight options available, one for every budget. Also, if doors-off is not really your thing, they also offer ‘normal’ doors-on flights.

The difference between all available New York city helicopter tour is mainly the length of the flight, and of course what you get to see during the flight. The longer the flight, the more areas of New York city will be covered.

I did the doors-off NYC Classic flight from FlyNYON, a 30-minute flight covering all I wanted to see. Roughly everything from Central Park to the Statue of Liberty was included in my flight. This helicopter tour over New York also includes hovering above Central Park, the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty.

The FlyNYON hangar in New Jersey is located very close to Manhattan and offers amazing Manhattan skyline views pretty much straight after taking off. So have your eyes open and gear ready from the moment your New York City helicopter tour starts.

What Camera Gear is allowed?

Be aware that you’re only allowed two image capture devices per person on the doors-off flights. Tethers and / or cases for smartphones are provided by FlyNYON. All other photo equipment must have a strap to be securely attached. Lenses must remain attached to the body, if you want to shoot with more than one lens, then you must have more than one body. All accessories need to be removed before the flight.

FlyNYON also offers camera rental for your helicopter flight over New York. Feel like you want a more professional camera to capture this flight with? Just rent one! They provide you with a Canon camera, including an empty SD card. At the end of the helicopter flight you hand back the camera. The SD card full of images you just shot is yours!

Review FlyNYON helicopter tour

Doing the doors-off flight has been one of the most epic travel experiences of my life. New York is one of my most favorite cities in the world, I love every bit of it and thanks to FlyNYON now even more.

New York is an impressive city, whether it’s the crowded Times Square, or the massive 9/11 memorial. Being able to see New York from a helicopter, I landed back at the hangar with memories for a lifetime. It absolutely is one of the best things to do in New York.

Even though I know no one will take this advice, and you think I might be crazy and this might sound weird, I just have to say it. This flight is best experienced without cameras and phones! Of course you want to capture everything with your camera, but imagine not looking through a lens, but just fully enjoy the ride.

Of course I also took my camera and phone with me to capture every moment of this helicopter tour over New York, but as soon as I was back in the hangar I thought, this was the most amazing experience ever, but I have seen a lot of it through the screens of my devices. Think about it when booking a helicopter ride over New York city.

I can only recommend doing this doors-off flight when visiting New York. It’s an experience like nothing else, and you will see this city in a spectacular way, one you will never forget.

A big thank you to the FlyNYON team for having me on one of their doors off flights and for giving me an experience of a lifetime. Seeing New York City from a helicopter has been on my bucket list for a long time, what a way to tick it off. Whether it is your first visit to New York or your 10th, this is a must-do!

Travel writer and Traveltomtom team member Ashley did this amazing doors off flight with FlyNYON, while travelling through the USA and wrote this review about her bucketlist experience. More about my tour through the USA and Canada can be found in articles like: helicopter ride Niagara Falls , Sheraton Montreal , Intercontinental Washington DC The Wharf and many more...

• helicopter tour

Doors Off Helicopter Flight

Open door season is upon us and FlyNYON is ready to take you on the ride of your life!

A doorless helicopter tour is truly a breathtaking joyride! Don’t worry, as thrilling as the experience might be, FlyNyon greatly values safety and security–we fasten all guests in using harnesses! Upon takeoff, soar over the air of the distinctive landmarks of NYC, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco! Our doorless experience is ideal for those looking to become experts in aerial photography, or even those who just want to take a #shoeselfie with Central Park as the background!

Experience the surreal nature of drifting above famed New York City skyscrapers while snapping shot after shot from high up in the air. Warning: Our frequent flyers insist that this experience is addicting.

Once you fly in our doorless helicopters you’ll never want to fly any other way! Rock your favorite kicks and snap one of our signature FlyNYON #Shoeselfies, then post it on your Instagram or Facebook for all your friends to see! Or perhaps snap a group picture with all your buddies, thousands of feet in the air–now that is truly unbeatable!

Our master pilots are well-equipped to capture your most desired and unique angles for all of your aerial photography needs. Not only that, but our staff, comprised of knowledgeable photographers and videographers are there to answer any pre-flight questions so you and your friends can head up into the sky armed with the knowledge necessary to take the best possible shots.

Every FlyNYON flight is completely customizable meaning you can get creative and capture those timeless shots, guaranteed to rival any professional aerial shot out there! We offer flights in the daytime, sunset and at night. All three flight times deliver a different experience every single take off, as the weather morphs every experience into a unique one.

Seeing these iconic cities from the sky will make you fall in love with them all over again. This is the ultimate way to experience a beloved city, to get to truly know it; book a flight with FlyNyon for a genuine one-in-a-lifetime unforgettable venture.

Ready? Book a Doors Off Photo Flight in NYC , Las Vegas , Miami , Los Angeles , San Francisco .

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Read Your Way Through New Orleans

New Orleans is a thriving hub for festivals, music and Creole cuisine. Here, the novelist Maurice Carlos Ruffin shares books that capture its many cultural influences.

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By Maurice Carlos Ruffin

Read Your Way Around the World is a series exploring the globe through books.

New Orleans is a tourist destination frequented as much for its local dishes (gumbo, jambalaya, among others) as for the spectacle that is Mardi Gras — where you may run into drunk college students on spring break, but could also bump into the Grammy Award-winning artist Jon Batiste. By some counts, it’s one of the most festive cities in America, with a party or two happening almost every week.

Behind all the festivities, though, is a rich and dark history. The city is an eclectic mix of Caribbean, French, Spanish and Native American cultures, and, depending on which neighborhood you encounter, you may feel a sense of disorientation. Historically, enslaved people from other states were sometimes sent to New Orleans as punishment, but the city also served as a home base for many Haitians seeking a new life after their country gained independence in 1804.

The literature of New Orleans is an important supplement to your experience of the city. These books are both a compass to guide you through its many different influences and a celebration of the free spirit that has made the city a haven for itinerant artists, writers and travelers in search of a new perspective.

What should I read before I pack my bags?

“Economy Hall: The Hidden History of a Free Black Brotherhood ,” by Fatima Shaik, provides a fascinating look at the city from the slavery era through the Jazz Age. Using primary documents that her father rescued from a trash hauler’s pickup truck, Shaik builds a nonfiction narrative that’s both illuminating and compulsively readable.

“New Orleans Griot: The Tom Dent Reader ,” a collection of Dent’s writings edited by Kalamu ya Salaam, covers the life of an important literary figure. These pieces provide an insider’s view of the city’s legendary Mardi Gras Indians , as well as Mississippi’s Free Southern Theater during the Black Arts movement. In many ways, modern New Orleans writers are descendants of Dent and his cohort.

Also consider a Pulitzer Prize-winning cult classic: John Kennedy Toole’s “A Confederacy of Dunces.” It is somewhat of a riff on Don Quixote and captures the cockeyed whimsy that helps natives live in a city that is below sea level and perpetually threatened with destruction by the forces of nature.

What books or authors should I bring along with me?

“Unfathomable City: A New Orleans Atlas ,” by Rebecca Solnit and Rebecca Snedeker, is a collection of essays that touches on almost every neighborhood in the city. Published in 2013, several years after the catastrophic damage caused during Hurricane Katrina and the government’s response , these snapshots will help orient the reader as they travel from place to place. One essay, for example, traces the connection between the city’s vibrant marching band culture and how those young members go on to become professional musicians.

Definitely read Sarah M. Broom’s memoir, “ The Yellow House ,” the 2019 winner of the National Book Award for nonfiction. This book deftly weaves the history of one family with the development of a neighborhood called New Orleans East, depicting life outside of the tourist districts where many working-class locals live. It’s about the dreams we have and the way those dreams do and don’t come true.

If I have no time for day trips, what books could take me farther afield instead?

Do a double header of Ernest J. Gaines classics, “Bloodline” and “A Lesson Before Dying.” Both books focus on the rural Black community in Pointe Coupée Parish, La., where he was raised. His ability to compellingly render that community, which was otherwise ignored by history, is one of the many reasons he earned fellowships from the MacArthur Foundation and the Guggenheim Foundation, among other accolades.

Before Hurricane Katrina, there was another natural disaster that redefined New Orleans: the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 . John M. Barry’s “Rising Tide” examines, in enthralling prose, the flood’s consequences for the people who lived in the rural parts of Louisiana that lacked levee protection. The book is a tale of government mismanagement and neglect that foreshadowed the arrival of Katrina many decades later.

What books can take me behind closed doors?

Jarvis DeBerry was an opinion columnist for The Times-Picayune and NOLA.com for 21 years. His excellent collection of essays, “I Feel to Believe: Collected Columns , ” covers virtually every topic that was important to the life of the city between 1998 and 2019. Fearless in DeBerry’s explorations of race, policing, education, politics and the quirkiness of New Orleans, this book is a must read.

“1 Dead in Attic: After Katrina,” by Chris Rose, is often called the definitive book about life in the city at the time of Katrina. With gallows humor and a keen eye, Rose gives the ultimate local’s perspective. For many residents who lost loved ones or property and felt abandoned by the government, this book offered catharsis.

Also, Mona Lisa Saloy has a wonderful book of poetry called “Black Creole Chronicles” that captures so much of the linguistic cadence and rhythm of locals who are heavily influenced by both African American and Francophile culture. She preserves the voices of 20th century New Orleans like no one else.

What writer is everyone in town talking about?

Karisma Price’s debut poetry collection, “ I’m Always So Serious ,” has set New Orleans buzzing with the deftness of her vision and her attention to the kind of details that show the city in a fresh way. Also, Jami Attenberg, who moved to the city about a decade ago, has become a central and supportive figure in the local literary community. She has not one but two books out this year: “ 1,000 Words: A Writer’s Guide to Staying Creative, Focused, and Productive All Year Round” and the forthcoming “A Reason to See You Again.” The first is a craft book centered around Attenberg’s popular writing program ; the latter, a novel, follows a troubled mother and her two daughters over four decades.

What literary landmarks and bookstores should I visit?

Baldwin & Co. a short walk from Jackson Square — the centerpiece of New Orleans for centuries — has become a community hub in its three years. Classic bookstores with local owners like Community Book Center and Octavia Books , which just finished an extensive renovation, are great places to learn about the city’s literary history. Also, some of New Orleans’s streetcar lines are still operational and worth a ride — especially for fans of the Tennessee Williams play “A Streetcar Named Desire.” While the Desire line no longer exists, the other lines offer great views of the city at a leisurely pace.

What else should I consider?

New Orleans has beautiful parks and public venues. Go for a walk in Crescent Park, which has gorgeous views of the downtown skyline and places to sit and read. Audubon Riverview Park, known to locals as “The Fly,” and Audubon Park proper are great places to lay out a blanket with one’s book of choice.

A trip to New Orleans must also include beignets at Cafe Du Monde . For a classic New Orleans lunch, stop by Neyow’s , Parkway Bakery or Commander’s Palace and O’Delice or Sucré for dessert. Walk through the French Quarter, take a ride on the St. Charles streetcar line and visit the New Orleans Museum of Art . When you’re ready for dinner, consider Dooky Chase , Morrow’s or Herbsaint before nightcapping at the Maple Leaf Bar or Blue Nile while listening to live music. And remember: Tip the performers — it’s good etiquette.

Maurice Carlos Ruffin’s New Orleans Reading List

“Economy Hall: The Hidden History of a Free Black Brotherhood,” Fatima Shaik

“New Orleans Griot: The Tom Dent Reader,” Tom Dent, edited by Kalamu ya Salaam

“A Confederacy of Dunces,” John Kennedy Toole

“Unfathomable City: A New Orleans Atlas ,” Rebecca Solnit and Rebecca Snedeker

“The Yellow House,” Sarah M. Broom

“Bloodline” and “A Lesson Before Dying,” Ernest J. Gaines

“Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How It Changed America,” John M. Barry

“ I Feel to Believe: Collected Columns,” Jarvis DeBerry

“1 Dead in Attic: After Katrina,” Chris Rose

“Black Creole Chronicles,” Mona Lisa Saloy

“I’m Always So Serious,” Karisma Price

“1,000 Words: A Writer’s Guide to Staying Creative, Focused, and Productive All Year Round” and “A Reason to See You Again,” Jami Attenberg

“A Streetcar Named Desire,” Tennessee Williams

Maurice Carlos Ruffin, who grew up in New Orleans, is the author of “ The American Daughters ” and “ The Ones Who Don’t Say They Love You .”

An earlier version of this article misstated where the bookstore Baldwin & Co. is located. The bookstore is not in Jackson Square, but a short walk from Jackson Square.

An earlier version of this article provided an incorrect title for Chris Rose’s book about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. The book is titled “1 Dead in Attic,” not “1 Dead in the Attic.”

How we handle corrections

Explore More in Books

Want to know about the best books to read and the latest news start here..

Notoriously reluctant to give advice, the author Cormac McCarthy offered his views, and meticulous edits,  to a lifelong friend: Roger Payne, the marine biologist who introduced the world to whale song.

The pandemic fueled a boom in social justice movements and indie bookstores . The two come together in these worker-owned shops.

Young people in Europe are choosing to read in English  even if it is not their first language because they want the covers, and the titles, to match what they see on TikTok and other social media.

New Orleans is a thriving hub for festivals, music and Creole cuisine. The novelist Maurice Carlos Ruffin shared books that capture the city’s many cultural influences .

Each week, top authors and critics join the Book Review’s podcast to talk about the latest news in the literary world. Listen here .

Election latest: Senior Tory says bets on date are 'stupid' but seeks to play down scale of scandal

Many more people than the leading Tories already identified are being investigated by the gambling regulator over election betting, Sky News understands. Earlier, James Cleverly told Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips he has "no reason to believe" any cabinet ministers are involved.

Sunday 23 June 2024 23:52, UK

• General Election 2024

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• 'Many more people' under investigation in Tory election betting scandal
• Cleverly: 'No reason to believe' any ministers involved
• Tory betting scandal: What is the law around gambling?
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We'll be back at 6am with all the latest from this busy election campaign, which has entered its latter days before polls open on 4 July.

Until then, you can scroll through the posts below to catch up on the day.

Join us for more live updates on Monday.

It's an election campaign - and that means political donations have ramped up.

What exactly are the rules on donations? Do they change for elections? Who gets the most money? Why do people donate? And can parties give funds back?

Here, we explain...

Veterans minister Johnny Mercer has tonight offered further details of an "awkward" hustings in Plymouth, after which he claimed his Labour rival was "bloating" his military service.

Mr Mercer, who is standing as the Conservative candidate for the Plymouth Moor View constituency, took aim at his Labour opponent Fred Thomas after the event on Wednesday.

The minister questioned whether the Labour candidate had served in combat missions during his time as a Royal Marine, as had been reported by the Guardian newspaper in 2023.

Labour has said Mr Thomas is unable to discuss much of his role in the armed forces because of its "sensitive" nature.

Now, in a lengthy social media post, Mr Mercer described the event, which he said "descended into anarchy".

In response to Mr Mercer's comments, Labour's shadow defence secretary John Healey said: "The Commanding Officer of the Special Forces Support Group wrote of Fred's integrity and his character. Those words will not have been penned lightly. Mr Mercer should do the right thing and withdraw his deeply disrespectful remarks."

By Adam Boulton , Sky News commentator

Have you ever taken part in an opinion poll? I was about to say I haven't and then a dim memory surfaced from decades ago of a nice lady with a clipboard asking me questions in the Berkshire town of Pangbourne.

Whether or not your opinions have been sampled, you will have found it impossible to miss coverage of polls during this election campaign.

Reporting of opinion polls has been such a feature of the race that some are complaining about it. The controversy has been inflamed after the dramatic results shown in recent MRP polls,  such as this week's YouGov survey for Sky News .

Critics range from those who argue polls are one-day wonders that take coverage away from the "real issues" to others grumbling that polls distort how people vote, even though they may turn out to be wrong.

In this election, there are at least 18 separate companies publishing voting intention polls. They are busier than ever now the campaign is under way.

Read the rest of Adam's column here:

A flurry of general elections since 2015 has brought an unprecedented churn in our parliamentary representatives.

This year, two in five MPs aren't seeking re-election and the picture for the Conservatives is record-breakingly grim.

An unparalleled total of 23% of Conservative MPs are calling it a day in 2024, more than the previous high of 22% of Tories who quit in 1997, another year of boundary changes.

In contrast, only 15% of Labour MPs are resigning.

There are many reasons MPs quit: from retirement, family commitments and health concerns to career change, abolished constituencies, and the prospect of defeat.

But their decision to depart can reveal much about life in Westminster and have a significant impact on parliament's mix of experience, demographics, and the direction of political parties.

Dr Sofia Collignon, associate professor in Comparative Politics, analyses the churn in our representatives here:

Our politics show hosted by political correspondent Ali Fortescue has just wrapped up for today.

But don't worry - the Politics Hub will be live at 7pm on Sky News every night through the election campaign.

And until then, you can keep up with all the latest right here.

This is the question asked by our political correspondent Darren McCaffrey ...

In 2019, Liz Truss was once again elected MP for South West Norfolk - her fourth election win.

The then international trade secretary and later prime minister romped home to victory with nearly 70% of the vote.

Her constituency was one of the safest in the country.

Now, if the polls are to be believed, it is hanging in the balance.

Watch below as Darren tries to track Ms Truss down:

The full list of candidates in the South West Norfolk constituency is:

• Earl Elvis of East Anglia - The Official Monster Raving Loony Party • James Bagge - Independent • Gary Conway - Heritage Party • Pallavi Devulapalli - Green Party • Lorraine Douglas - Communist Party of Great Britain • Terry Jermy - Labour Party • Toby McKenzie - Reform UK • Josie Ratcliffe - Liberal Democrats • Liz Truss - Conservative and Unionist Party

Crossbench peer Lord Darroch is next up with Ali Fortescue.

She asks if Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer becoming prime minister would change the UK's relationship with the European Union.

"Yes, there will be a reset," he says. "I think that he is hosting a European political community summit in Blenheim House within a couple of weeks of the election."

Lord Darroch says Sir Keir will likely be "the star of that show".

"If he wins as big as some of the polls suggest, this will be a historic margin of victory.

"All the other leaders will want to meet him, and talk to him, and discover how he did it."

He will find himself "almost mobbed" at this summit, Lord Darroch claims.

Our live poll tracker collates the results of opinion surveys carried out by all the main polling organisations - and allows you to see how the political parties are performing in the run-up to the general election.

It shows a drop in support in recent days for Labour and the Tories - with a jump for Reform and the Liberal Democrats.

Read more about the tracker here .

The Metropolitan Police have opened an investigation into criminal damage after Labour candidate for Walthamstow Stella Creasy's office was attacked.

Photos shared by Ms Creasy on social media appear to show the that the glass of one of the windows and the front door was hit several times.

Detectives Superintendent Dion Brown, one of the senior officers responsible for policing Waltham Forest, said: "It is entirely unacceptable for the office of one of London's prospective parliamentary candidates to be targeted in this way.

"An urgent investigation is under way, and officers have attended the scene and are already following up active lines of enquiry, which will include full analysis of all available CCTV footage.

"The incident is believed to have occurred between 03:10hrs and 03:30hrs on Sunday, 23 June.

"I urge any witnesses or anyone with information to contact police and share what they know.

"Anyone who witnessed the damage being caused, or who has other information, should call police on 101 with the reference 2621/23jun."

Ms Creasy sent a message to the perpetrators herself, writing on social media: "You don't intimidate me and you don't belong in the political process.

"Same as those circulating malicious and false leaflets. Police already on this to find you - will press for the strongest penalties for such an anti-democratic attack and I know Walthamstow won't be cowed or influenced by your violence either."

Here is the full list of candidates standing in the constituency of Walthamstow:

• Imran Arshad, Workers Party of Britain
• Mohammed Ashfaq, independent
• Stella Creasy, Labour Party
• Dan Edelstyn, independent
• Sanjana Madan Mohan Karnani, Conservative Party
• Martin Lonergan, Reform UK
• Ruth Theresa Rawlins, independent
• Rosalinda Ayo Rowlands, Green Party
• Nancy Taaffe, Trade Union and Socialist Coalition
• Rebecca Taylor, Liberal Democrats

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