Big Apple Helicopter Tour: Best NYC Activities & Things To Do (2025)
See New York City from the sky—Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge, Midtown and Central Park. This 2025 guide compares daytime, sunset and night flights, plus practical tips to plan the perfect helicopter experience.
Top Experiences on a Big Apple Helicopter Flight
Statue of Liberty Fly-By
Circle Lady Liberty and the harbor for classic postcard angles—great for wide shots with skyline background.
Downtown & One World Trade Center
Glide past the Financial District and Freedom Tower spire—dramatic verticals and river reflections.
Brooklyn & Manhattan Bridges
Capture the East River crossings; golden hour brings the best glow on cables and arches.
Midtown Icons
Extended routes add the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building and the green edge of Central Park.
Night Skyline Lights
Evening flights highlight Times Square’s neon, lit bridges, and shimmering skyscrapers.
Live Pilot Commentary
Headsets included on most flights—pilots point out neighborhoods and photo moments as you fly.
Great Things To Do Before or After Your Flight
Battery Park
Stroll the waterfront parks near heliports; views of the harbor and Lady Liberty from the shore.
One World Observatory
Swap the helicopter’s bird’s-eye view for glass-floor perspectives from downtown’s tallest tower.
Seaport & Pier 17
Dining and riverfront boardwalks with skyline vistas, a short ride from many departure points.
Brooklyn Bridge Walk
Walk the span for street-level photos to complement your aerial shots.
Governors Island (Seasonal)
Picnic lawns and art installations with sweeping harbor views (weekends are popular).
Stone Street
Historic cobblestone block with lively pubs—ideal for a quick bite after your flight.
Which Helicopter Ticket Should You Choose?
Big Apple Helicopter Tour
Classic scenic route—Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, harbor and Downtown skyline with pilot narration.
From ~€250 · Free cancellation per listing · ~12–15 min
Manhattan Helicopter Tour
Lower Manhattan + Hudson fly-by; iconic skyline frames with options to extend toward Midtown.
From ~€241 · Great for first-timers · Shared flight
Night Skyline Helicopter Tour
See NYC glow after dark—bridges, Midtown lights, and Times Square neon for dramatic low-light photos.
From ~€238 · Evening departures · ~12–15 min
Note: Final prices can include heliport/security fees and fuel surcharge. The checkout page shows your exact total.
Food & Drink Near Popular Departure Points
Market Line & Lower East Side
Food hall favorites and quick bites before an evening tour.
Eataly Downtown
Italian counters and coffee a short hop from the Financial District.
Seaport Restaurants
Rooftops and river views—perfect for celebrating after your flight.
Hudson Eats (Brookfield)
Casual options facing the Hudson—easy meet-up spot for groups.
Quick Visitor Tips
Best Time
Day = crisp detail; Sunset = most popular (book early); Night = dramatic city lights.
Arrival
Arrive 30–45 minutes early for check-in, ID verification and safety briefing.
Weight & Seating
Typical limits ~125–136 kg (275–300 lb). Seating assigned for balance; pilots turn for both sides.
Gear
Phones/small cameras allowed; avoid loose items. Dark clothing helps reduce window glare.
Weather & Refunds
If flying isn’t safe, operators reschedule. Many tours allow free cancellation up to the cutoff.
Accessibility
Most operators support a range of needs—contact via your ticket page for specifics.
Ready to Fly Over NYC?
Compare routes, pick your time of day, and book mobile tickets in minutes. Capture New York’s skyline from the best seat in the city—the sky.