Exploring New York City is a bucket list experience for many. While traditional sightseeing options like bus tours and walking tours offer a closer look at the city's landmarks, it is the City of Dreams! So, live it up a little and indulge in a helicopter tour that makes you feel like a hotshot. Plus, it’s got an unparalleled perspective of the Big Apple. And that is worth a lot… despite the higher cost. We’ll be honest, the prices are a wee bit higher. Okay, a lot higher. But imagine looking Lady Liberty in the eye. You can’t put a number to that kind of experience. Here’s more on why a helicopter tour of New York City is worth it. Like Taylor Swift says, “Welcome to New York (New York), it's been waitin' for you!”
Top reason to do a helicopter tour of New York City
🌇 View from the top
This one’s obvious, but you sometimes need to state the obvious. You'll see the city in a way that's impossible from the ground. Imagine soaring above the skyscrapers, with a bird's-eye view of Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Madison Square garden…phew. You cannot tire of that iconic skyline. If you’re into design, you’ll get to see its diverse architecture more clearly. And you can appreciate the hustle of the city from a peaceful vantage point.
🔍 Unobstructed views
Yes, similar to the above, but really different. Helicopter tours offer unobstructed views, perfect for photography enthusiasts and those looking to capture their new IG display picture. After all, you can only get so much of the skyline when you’re at pavement level. Don’t believe me? Well then, tell me how to take a picture of the whole of Central Park, during autumn from the ground. I’ll wait…
☀️ Catch the Golden Hour
If you time your tour late afternoon or early evening, you’ll get to see New York City from the top, during the Golden Hour. The soft yellow hue makes landmarks like the Empire State Building and Central Park look more ethereal, and that is something you cannot get even on the best of days, from ground level. If you book a slightly later flight, then you’ll see the lights across the city slowly coming on, and it looks, literally like the stars in the night sky.
⌚ Save time
You don’t need us to tell you that an aircraft will be faster than walking or taking a bus. And New York City is notorious for its traffic congestion. Imagine being stuck in a taxi or rideshare for hours, inching your way between iconic landmarks. A helicopter tour bypasses all that, soaring directly over the gridlock and getting you to the sights quickly.
🗺️ Eliminate travel logistics
Planning a traditional sightseeing route in New York City can be time-consuming, involving figuring out subway lines, bus schedules, and walking distances between attractions. A helicopter tour eliminates this planning hassle. You simply hop on and enjoy the pre-planned route.
🚁 The experience of a lifetime
For many, the thrill of flying in a helicopter is an experience in itself! The sensation of lifting off and soaring above the city is exhilarating and adds an element of adventure to the sightseeing experience. If you’ve watched police dramas on television, this is your chance to relive them, without the worry of an emergency! The noise-canceling headsets provided during the tour, along with live commentary from the pilot, make the experience infinitely better. It’s exciting, it’s educational, and the photos you will get are unreal!
🤝 Intimate experience
Most of the helicopters can host up to 6 guests, which means you can book it for your whole family, or group of friends. This allows you to get a more personalized experience with the pilot and commentary focused on you and your group.
Bus tour vs. walking tour vs. boat cruises vs. helicopter tours
While traditional sightseeing options like bus tours, walking tours, and boat cruises offer their own unique experiences, they often lack the comprehensive overview that a helicopter tour provides. Bus tours, for example, can be affected by traffic, and walking tours are limited by distance and time. Boat cruises offer beautiful views of the skyline and waterfront landmarks but miss out on the interior cityscape. A helicopter tour, on the other hand, covers multiple landmarks in a short amount of time and offers a complete picture of the city from an elevated perspective.
Tickets to helicopter tours in NYC
Yes, but it’s expensive
There’s no denying that helicopter tours come at a higher price point compared to traditional sightseeing options. However, the cost reflects the unique experience and the exclusive views that come with it. If you are looking to make the most of your visit to New York City, the investment can be justified. Besides, many tour operators offer different packages and durations, allowing visitors to choose an option that fits their budget and interests.
Is it safe?
Safety is a top priority for helicopter tour operators, and modern helicopters are equipped with advanced safety features and technology. Pilots are highly trained and experienced, ensuring a smooth and secure flight experience. The helicopters used for tours are designed for comfort, with large windows that provide excellent visibility for all passengers. Noise-canceling headsets not only make the experience by providing live commentary but also reduce the noise of the helicopter, making the journey more comfortable. So, in short, you’re safe!
