New York City beckons you to see it from a bird’s-eye view. Obviously, walking in Times Square at night makes you feel as though you are inside a pinball machine illuminated in neon. And of course, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge on a fall day is fantastic. Unless you are on a helicopter ride in New York, you will never see all that New York has to offer you.

And, well, am I the only one who feels heart-thumping and scared about high-flying over skyscrapers? However, you will never forget an experience like this. It can be considered as the final New York flex: you see the ESB, yet you do not ride some two-level bus and try to take a picture through the window; you fly above it.

Now let us get to it. Everything you need to know for helicopter tours in New York City that met expectations, the expected cost, and what helicopter tour could accommodate you.

Why Take a Helicopter Ride in New York?

Because walking is overrated. Kidding. Sort of.

The thing is, New York is tremendous, noisy, and stratified. It is kind of a living, breathing Hollywood stage that is never going to stop. Seen from the air, all this becomes possible; suddenly, you can see the grid-like setup of Manhattan, the snaking Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty, which looks almost miniature yet is quite an iconic image, and Central Park-all stretched out like a green quilt in-between all that gray concrete. 

A New York city helicopter is the best way to see everything. You no longer just stare at the actual masses and the noise of taxis, but what you notice is how all these landmarks come together like pieces dumped in a box that need to be put together. And add to that, the photos you are going to capture are going to be way better? That is Instagram gold.

How Much Does a Helicopter Ride in New York Cost?

Okay, now money, as I’ve found to be the most common first question.

There is a wide range in the helicopter ride New York price, depending on the kind of tour. That ZOMG, this is the ballpark:

• Short tours (12-15 minutes): about $200-250 a person.
• The. standard tours (20 to 30 minutes): These typically cost 300-400 dollars.
• Luxury/longer tours (45 to 60 minutes): These can go as high as $600 and above, more so when it is a chartered flight.

Is it a bargain? No. Does it justify all the money? Absolutely. You can attend a destination where most of the population wishes they could vacation, and you are doing it in one of the most recognized cities on the planet.

When money is low, do not despair. There are companies that may provide a promotional figure for the cheapest helicopter ride NYC, but it is prudent to book well in advance, since those seats go as quickly as free pizza in college dorms.

The Best Helicopter Tours in New York City

Here is a list of your primary possibilities:

Manhattan Classical Tour
This is the old-timer. You will get the major landmarks to the right now—the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Chrysler Building. This is your safest option if this is your first helicopter ride in New York.

Extended Tour
Want more? You will go higher into the Bronx or out to Coney Island. A great choice for those who want to boast that they saw more than Manhattan.

Night Flights
It was like flying over New York City at night when city lights cuddled like a lot of fireflies, magnificent, romantic, and yes-it costs but well worth it.

Private Helicopter ride in New York tours
This is the move when you are celebrating something special, such as a proposal, anniversary, or birthday. Personal helicopter ride in New York tours take you on the entire chopper, which brings a luxurious feeling.

Tips for First-Timers

• Don’t overpack. You cannot carry bulky bags, and there is little space in there.
• Dress comfortably. This is not a season where you need a giant coat or 6-inch heels.
• Bring a camera (duh). However, do not get rid of the strap around your neck. No one wants his or her phone to fall into the Hudson River.
• Book ahead. Severely, particularly in the spring and summer. The slots lease out quickly.
• Check the weather. When it is too cloudy or even windy, the flights can be rescheduled. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Is It Scary?

This is the part everybody secretly wants to know. In brief: not entirely.

A ride in a helicopter is more of a thrill in New York than it is scary. Your stomach may flip a bit during takeoff, but once you are up there, it is smooth and strangely quiet. The pilots are also professionals; they are flying such routes throughout the day and night. You should have no problem with this if you can ride a roller coaster.

Final Thoughts

After all, a helicopter trip in New York is not something to do among other tourist attractions; it is an experience that would forever remain in your memory. You will discover the city in a completely different light than most people get to see it, and when you go back to the firm ground, everything about New York will be much more real and much more lively.

Yes, it is more expensive than a Broadway ticket or a slice of Joe’s Pizza (though, in realness, there is nothing better about that pizza). Getting to experience flying over one of the most famous skylines on earth, how many times would you get the opportunity to do that?

And so, when you’re undecided, here’s what I could say to you: just do it. Book the tour, strap into your seat, and New York will take you off your feet literally. And when you need the most convenient way to compare activities and get a good deal, you can take a look at websites like Viator, where you can find many options to take your first (or the next) helicopter adventure.

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