no alt text

Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 01 May, 2023

A dense, intense, concrete jungle with a spectacular oasis of green at its centre – the view of Manhattan from above is quite the sight to behold, which is why a helicopter flight, amid the soaring skyscrapers, is rated as one of the world’s greatest.

Then there’s the opportunity to get up close to one of the most famous landmarks in the world – the Statue of Liberty – and get eye-to-eye with the Lady herself. Unmissable.

Price from: £120
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 10+
When: All year around
Duration: 30 minutes

Getting there & doing it

Take off is from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport at 6 East River Piers on the southern tip of the Manhattan island. A variety of scheduled flight options are available at varying price points, generally lasting from 15-25 minutes, for up to 5 people at a time.

You can also arrange a private flight; the price is then based on a cost per minute (rather than per person) – the longer the flight time and the fewer the people, the more expensive it will be.

There’s no minimum age, but it’s likely to be frightening for smaller children under 10.

When to do it

Flights operate all year round, seven days a week, weather permitting.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight

Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight

New York City

Make your stay in New York City a memorable one by taking to the Manhattan skies for an exciting helicopter tour of New York City that depar...

$229 | Rating 4.40 / 5 [1306 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
The Manhattan Helicopter Tour of New York

The Manhattan Helicopter Tour of New York

New York City

See the Big Apple’s most iconic landmarks and building up close on this popular helicopter tour of New York City, while taking off and landi...

$229 | Rating 4.26 / 5 [1524 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights

New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights

New York City

All aboard for a bird’s-eye view of Manhattan on a helicopter tour of top New York City sights. See Central Park, the Hudson River, Rockefel...

$239 | Rating 4.76 / 5 [739 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City

The Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York City

New York City

See the Big Apple’s most iconic landmarks and building up close on this popular helicopter tour of New York City, while taking off and landi...

$269 | Rating 4.30 / 5 [369 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Mandarin Oriental New York

New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)

A typically luxurious Mandarin hotel with top-notch facilities and faultless service – in an unrivalled location on Central Park. As good as Manhattan five stars get, and in the perfect location – walking distance to New York’s top attractions.

Official star rating:

Mercer New York

New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)

The original loft hotel with searing-hot A-list credentials and superb luxury in fashionable, central SoHo. Perfect for shoppers, foodies and partiers who love being in the heart of the buzz.

Official star rating:

The Peninsula New York

New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)

Sumptuous luxury hotel with lauded bar, spa, eateries, right next to Manhattan’s best shopping and museums.

Official star rating:

Bryant Park Hotel

New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)

A groovy hotel that’s perfectly located right in the centre of Manhattan, close to all the main sights – yet avoids the general squalor and light-limited streets of Midtown.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

New York City

New York, United States of America (USA)

The ‘city that never sleeps’ is a 24/7 thrill of soaring skyscrapers, jaw-dropping architecture, dynamic culture and world-class art, dining and performing arts scenes.

Website >
Overview >