New York City

7 Best Manhattan Helicopter Tours to Book in 2025 (Real Reviews)

7 Best Manhattan Helicopter Tours to Book in 2025 (Real Reviews)
7 Best Manhattan Helicopter Tours to Book in 2025 (Real Reviews)

A Manhattan Helicopter Tour is the ultimate way to experience the Big Apple. Offering stunning aerial views of iconic landmarks like Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty, these tours give you a perspective of New York City that’s simply unbeatable.

It’s a striking counterpart to the slower, more grounded moments that give Manhattan its depth like savoring local bites on a Greenwich Village food tour or paying quiet tribute at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, where the city’s history feels close and personal.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through our top picks for Manhattan Helicopters, ensuring that you find the perfect flight to see New York from a whole new angle.

Get ready for some sky-high adventures!

Top 3: Manhattan Helicopter Tours

Compare Top Tours: 1. NYC: Manhattan Sightseeing Helicopter Tour, 2. Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight, 3. New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights
1. NYC: Manhattan Sightseeing Helicopter Tour 2. Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight 3. New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights
Duration: 15 minutes Duration: 15 minutes Duration: 20 minutes
Pickup: Midtown Manhattan Pickup: Midtown Manhattan Pickup: Midtown Manhattan
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Includes: Aerial views of New York, professional pilot Includes: Aerial views of New York, professional pilot Includes: Aerial views of New York, professional pilot
Stunning views of iconic landmarks Stunning views of landmarks, aerial views of the Statue of Liberty Comprehensive aerial views of Manhattan
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Fast Browse: Manhattan Helicopters

Tour 1: NYC: Manhattan Sightseeing Helicopter Tour
Tour 2: Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight
Tour 3: New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights
Tour 4: New York Helicopter Tour: Ultimate Manhattan Sightseeing
Tour 5: New York Helicopter Tour: New York City Skyline Tour
Tour 6: Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour
Tour 7: New York Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour

Best Manhattan Helicopter Tours (2025 Reviews)

Tour 1: NYC: Manhattan Sightseeing Helicopter Tour

NYC: Manhattan Sightseeing Helicopter Tour
NYC: Manhattan Sightseeing Helicopter Tour
  • Meeting Point: 99 John St, New York, NY
  • Departure Time: Multiple times throughout the day
  • Duration: 15 minutes
  • Guide: Live commentary in English
  • Free Cancellation: Up to 24 hours before departure
  • Includes: Scenic helicopter flight, Expert pilot, Views of the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park

I’ll be honest. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a Manhattan Helicopter Tour. But once the helicopter took off, I realized this was a requirement for anyone to see New York. The ride was smooth, and within minutes, we had a bird’s-eye view of Manhattan, with the iconic Empire State Building towering below us, and Central Park stretching out in all its green glory.

The NYC: Manhattan Sightseeing Helicopter Tour was a highlight of our entire trip and gave a perspective on how close and how far everything is. The pilot was engaging and gave insightful commentary on the city’s landmarks, but it was hard to focus on anything but the incredible views.

The 15-minute flight felt just right—not too short, not too long. And even though I’d seen these landmarks before, seeing them from the air was like experiencing them for the first time. I mean, King Kong might have had a better view of the Empire State Building, but this was pretty darn close. LOL! If you’re visiting and want a quick but unforgettable view of New York, this is the tour to take.

Helicopter Tour Area Covered

The NYC: Manhattan Sightseeing Helicopter Tour primarily covers the Manhattan area, giving you the best aerial views of the city’s iconic landmarks. You’ll fly past the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty, with stunning panoramic views of the entire city. While the tour mainly focuses on Manhattan, you’ll also get glimpses of the surrounding areas like Brooklyn and Staten Island, giving you a full overview of New York’s skyline from above. But make no mistake, this is really focused on Manhattan.


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Tour 2: Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight

  • Meeting Point: 6 East River Piers, New York, NY
  • Departure Time: Multiple times throughout the day
  • Duration: 15 minutes
  • Guide: Live commentary in English
  • Free Cancellation: Up to 24 hours before departure
  • Includes: Scenic helicopter flight, Expert pilot, Views of the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park

The Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight was a thrilling experience. The 15-minute flight gives you an impressive, up-close view of Manhattan, including the famous Empire State Building and Central Park. The helicopter took us across the city’s skyline with breathtaking views that we wouldn’t have gotten from the ground. There are several companies that do these tours and generally follow the same route. So if you can’t find a time you like, keep looking.

The ride felt exhilarating, but also peaceful, as we soared above the city. The pilot’s live commentary made it clear he’d done this a thousand times but tried to keep it fresh and informative. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a New York enthusiast, this helicopter ride is a perfect way to see the city from above in a short amount of time.

Helicopter Tour Area Covered

The Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight primarily covers the Manhattan area, giving you the chance to see New York’s most iconic landmarks from a bird’s-eye view. You’ll see Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty during the tour. While this is mainly a Manhattan area tour, you’ll also get glimpses of surrounding areas like Brooklyn and Staten Island, providing a fuller view of the New York City skyline.

Tour 3: New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights

  • Meeting Point: 6 East River Piers, New York, NY
  • Departure Time: Multiple times throughout the day
  • Duration: 15 minutes
  • Guide: Live commentary in English
  • Free Cancellation: Up to 24 hours before departure
  • Includes: Scenic helicopter flight, Expert pilot, Views of the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park

One More Time! The New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights is an exciting 15-minute flight that provides a fantastic overview of Manhattan. The moment we took off, I was in awe of how close we got to some of the most iconic landmarks, like Central Park and the Empire State Building.

The pilot’s commentary added some great historical context, pointing out significant buildings and giving us a deeper connection to the city’s skyline. Flying over the Statue of Liberty was a special moment, and the views of Manhattan from above were absolutely breathtaking. If you’re short on time but want to see the best of New York from a completely new perspective, this is the tour for you.

Helicopter Tour Area Covered

The New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights primarily covers the Manhattan area, offering stunning views of Manhattan’s most iconic landmarks. You’ll fly over Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty while also getting a closer look at the sprawling city below. This tour is ideal for those looking to experience Manhattan from the air with a quick yet unforgettable flight.

Tour 4: New York Helicopter Tour: Ultimate Manhattan Sightseeing

  • Meeting Point: 6 East River Piers, New York, NY
  • Departure Time: Multiple times throughout the day
  • Duration: 20 minutes
  • Guide: Live commentary in English
  • Free Cancellation: Up to 24 hours before departure
  • Includes: Scenic helicopter flight, Expert pilot, Views of the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park

The New York Helicopter Tour: Ultimate Manhattan Sightseeing was nothing short of incredible. The 20-minute flight gives you more time to soak in the city from above and the extra 5 minutes makes a difference. As we soared over Manhattan, the panoramic views were simply unforgettable—Central Park and the Empire State Building looked stunning from the air, and the Statue of Liberty felt closer than ever. I wanted to hang out the window and touch the flame, but the pilot wouldn’t let me. 🙂

After the pilot told me he wouldn’t get within arm’s reach of the liberty flame, he got back to the tour. The pilot’s live commentary added a lot of value, giving context to the landmarks and their significance in New York’s history. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, this tour is an imperative. The extra flight time makes it feel more immersive and rewarding, making it one of the best ways to see Manhattan in all its glory.

Helicopter Tour Area Covered

The New York Helicopter Tour: Ultimate Manhattan Sightseeing is a comprehensive flight over Manhattan that showcases the best of New York. You’ll fly over Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty, with stunning views of the New York skyline. This tour provides an extensive look at Manhattan. On a clear day you can glimpse Brooklyn and Staten Island, making it an ideal way to experience the city from the sky.

Tour 5: New York Helicopter Tour: New York City Skyline Tour

  • Meeting Point: 6 East River Piers, New York, NY
  • Departure Time: Multiple times throughout the day
  • Duration: 30 minutes
  • Guide: Live commentary in English
  • Free Cancellation: Up to 24 hours before departure
  • Includes: Scenic helicopter flight, Expert pilot, Views of the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, New York City skyline

What’s better than 15 minutes? 30, of course. The New York Helicopter Tour: New York City Skyline Tour is the perfect way to see the city in all its glory, especially if you’re looking for a more in-depth experience. The 30-minute flight lets you explore Manhattan from every angle, offering breathtaking views of Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty. I swear you’ll see more than that, but everyone wants to be sure to see those 3 landmarks.

What really sets this tour apart is the extended duration. You have more time to enjoy the sights and fully immerse yourself in the experience. The pilot’s live commentary was insightful, offering historical details about the city and its architecture. As you soar over the New York City skyline, the views are simply unmatched with no better way to appreciate the scale and beauty of Manhattan.

Helicopter Tour Area Covered

The New York Helicopter Tour: New York City Skyline Tour primarily covers Manhattan and offers spectacular views of the New York City skyline. The flight provides a sweeping view of Central Park, Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty, while flying over Manhattan itself. This tour gives you a thorough look at the city’s most iconic landmarks, with the added benefit of seeing it all from above.

Tour 6: Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour

  • Meeting Point: 6 East River Piers, New York, NY
  • Departure Time: Multiple times throughout the day
  • Duration: 15 minutes
  • Guide: Live commentary in English
  • Free Cancellation: Up to 24 hours before departure
  • Includes: Scenic helicopter flight, Expert pilot, Views of the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park

These dudes never get tired of flying tourists in the helis around the city. WHo can get bored when these is so much detail – so much to see and so much to learn and share. The Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour offers a fast-paced, exhilarating way to see Manhattan from above. The 15-minute flight is just enough to experience the best views of the city, including iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and Central Park. From the air, Manhattan looks even more impressive than it does on the ground.

The pilot’s live commentary was informative, giving context to the landmarks as we flew past them. For a short but spectacular helicopter tour, this one is hard to beat. It’s ideal for those with limited time but who still want to experience the magic of Manhattan from above. If you’re looking for an exciting and memorable ride, this tour is a good one.

Helicopter Tour Area Covered

Like all the tours in this story, this Manhattan Helicopter Sightseeing Tour covers Manhattan. Isn’t that enough? You’ll fly over Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty, with panoramic views of Manhattan‘s iconic skyline. This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the highlights of Manhattan from above in a short, exciting flight.

Tour 7: New York Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour

  • Meeting Point: 6 East River Piers, New York, NY
  • Departure Time: Multiple times throughout the day
  • Duration: 15 minutes
  • Guide: Live commentary in English
  • Free Cancellation: Up to 24 hours before departure
  • Includes: Scenic helicopter flight, Expert pilot, Views of the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park

So many buildings, so little time. The New York Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour was an unforgettable experience. This 15-minute flight takes you over Manhattan, offering spectacular aerial views of landmarks like Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty. The helicopter was comfortable, and the views were even better than I imagined. The pilot’s live commentary helped bring the landmarks to life, sharing interesting tidbits and history.

The short duration made it perfect for a quick, scenic escape from the bustle of the city while still giving us plenty of time to snap photos and take in the stunning skyline. If you’re looking for a scenic and unforgettable way to see Manhattan, this is definitely a tour worth considering.

Helicopter Tour Area Covered

Once again, since we’re talking about Manhattan tours here, this New York Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour primarily covers Manhattan, with incredible views all the major sites. This tour focuses on offering a comprehensive view of Manhattan from the sky, ensuring that you get a full appreciation of its grandeur. You’ll also get glimpses of surrounding areas, if the weather is right, including parts of Brooklyn and Staten Island, for a well-rounded aerial experience.

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FAQs (7 Best Manhattan Helicopter Tours to Book in 2025 Reviews)

  1. What landmarks will I see on a Manhattan helicopter tour?
    On a Manhattan Helicopter Tour, you’ll see iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge. Some tours also offer views of Staten Island and other surrounding areas.
  2. How long is the helicopter tour?
    Most Manhattan helicopter tours range from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the tour option. Some tours cover just the Manhattan area, while others may include views of surrounding areas like Brooklyn and Staten Island.
  3. Do I need to book my helicopter tour in advance?
    It is highly recommended to book your Manhattan helicopter tour in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Tours can fill up quickly, so booking ahead ensures you won’t miss out on the experience.
  4. Can I bring a camera on the helicopter?
    Yes, you are welcome to bring a camera or smartphone on your helicopter tour to capture stunning photos of Manhattan and its landmarks. Most tours provide opportunities to take photos while in the air.
  5. Are the helicopter tours safe?
    Yes, helicopter tours are generally safe. The helicopters are well-maintained, and the pilots are experienced professionals. The tours comply with strict aviation safety regulations to ensure a safe and smooth ride.
  6. Is there a weight limit for the helicopter tours?
    Yes, there is typically a weight limit for helicopter tours to ensure safety and proper weight distribution. Most operators allow passengers up to 250 lbs (113 kg). It’s a good idea to check with the tour operator beforehand.
  7. What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?
    If the weather is not suitable for flying, helicopter tours will be rescheduled or canceled. Most operators offer full refunds or the option to reschedule your flight if conditions are unsafe due to weather.

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501Places Shania Marks Ranking: Manhattan Helicopter Tour

501Places Reviewer’s Top Choice: NYC: Manhattan Sightseeing Helicopter Tour is the #1 Ranked Tour in 7 Best Manhattan Helicopter Tours to Book in 2025

Wow Factor
Guide/Pilot Energy
Scenic Views
Safety Briefing
Value for Money

NYC: Manhattan Sightseeing Helicopter Tour is the #1 Ranked Tour in 7 Best Manhattan Helicopter Tours to Book in 2025 based on a dynamic blend of category-specific criteria.

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Shania Marks

Shania Marks is an adventurous world traveler who thrives on finding and exploring new experiences, connecting deeply with diverse cultures, and passionately embracing life's thrilling journeys far beyond the ordinary path.
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