The Empire Helicopter Tour of New York
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
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 landing out of Manhattan Heliport. This is a one-of-kind pilot narrated modern and historical tour.
As you soar above the city that never sleeps, take a look at all NYC has to offer. You’ll see attractions such as: Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Times Square, The Intrepid Museum, Central Park, Yankee Stadium and more!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
To ensure a timely departure, passengers are required to arrive at the heliport at least 30 minutes before their scheduled flight. For reservations after 4 PM, please account for heavy commuter traffic and allow at least 45 minutes for travel to the heliport to avoid late fees.
Passengers weighing over 275 lbs./124 kg. are required to buy an extra seat at 100% of the retail price. Due to weight restrictions, seat assignments cannot be guaranteed.
A valid photo identification, such as a passport or driver's license, is required and match reservation.
Passengers are required to undergo scanning by a metal detector.
All bags are subject to inspection. Free lockers are provided to store your belongings during the flight.
Helicopter window seats aren't guaranteed due to weight and balance factors.
No parking on site.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Helicopter flight with shared experience among other travelers.
On-board live commentary and cabin with climate control.
Photos available for purchase as souvenirs.
Hotel pickup and drop-off.
Heliport fee
What To Expect
Brooklyn Bridge
Pass By
Statue of Liberty
Pass By
Options
Shared Helicopter Flight
Reviews
49 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
F3742APcatherinew,
Jul 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent trip. The pilot's commentary was excellent pointing out the various landmarks. We took some wonderful videos and photos. My grandson (18 yrs) ended up sitting in the front with the pilot, which he absolutely loved. You are told where to sit and it worked out well for him! We were a party of 4 and the helicoptor held 6, and I think that it made it more special that there were only 6 of us. We chose the 30 mins tour and it was money well spent. Would definitely recommend.
1st time on a helicopter; awesome experience!
Skyy T,
Jan 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I loved this experience! Everything was very well organized and safe. They explained the safety procedures to us and gave us life jackets. We left our bags in the lockers. The views were amazing and our pilot was educated on the fun facts about New York. The buildings looked so beautiful from the helicopter view. I’ve never been on a helicopter before and I enjoyed the experience and definitely would do it again. They also take photos for you and you can buy them digitally for $35 which was a fun touch.
I wish I could but never got to see the sights
19KEM77,
Dec 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00They cancelled the tour the day before our tour as due to bad weather then said no ties until the 3rd January as all cancelled but I see they have advertised again on earlier dates but inflated prices. We booked this over 8 months ago and was looking forward to this but seems like they want to make a few more dollars 🤷🏻
Disgusting
822joannee,
Oct 21, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Disgusting, cancelled out trip less than 24hrs before we went. We booked and paid in full July. No apologies. Was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime with family. Completely ruined our five day break and came all the way from the UK. Not impressed and very disappointed
Best tour of the holiday
Helen S,
Oct 12, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00This was by far the highlight of everything I did on my New York trip! From start to finish the team looked after me and even after the tour itself, thank you so much 💖 you forget how big New York city is until you see it from the sky.. Coney Island etc which I didn't have chance to see otherwise
The helo trip around The big apple
Gary W,
Sep 15, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a fantastic experience great in terminal service friendly staff and the pilot and commentary was awesome
Manahatta skies on a clear day - Be Charmed!
Sahar A,
Aug 31, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00We booked the 30 minute tour, however we had bad weather and therefore were told we needed to book another day. Luckily we were in Manhattan long enough for another try at the Lanape skies…. On the 10th of August 2024 the sun shone brightly, however there were so many flights required to make up back log of bad weather days, we had only 15 minutes in the air. It was fantastic and we were so grateful to get up there we were cool. Luckily our refund came straight back to us. Very well done to Charm Aviation and Viator! If you can this is a must and the whole experience of flying in a helicopter is something else altogether…
definite must do
Darius P,
Jun 11, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Super organized well run operation lots of fun worth the money. A great way to see the New York City skyline
No better way to see New York!
J8032BNwaynej,
Jan 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is no way a cheap experience but was defiantly the highlight of my trip, certainly for views of NYC, if you can afford it! The ride is only 30 minutes but the views are spectacular. We went up and down the Hudson and saw the New York skyline in such a perfect way. I was speechless at the views of New York and much further away. You just need to do it the once but worth every penny (or dollar)
Horrible
Relax05072764780,
Nov 27, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Llegamos 45 min antes y nos sentaron de espaldas a La nevé, llegamos mareados y vimos solamente New Jersey no Manhatan We arrived 45 min before hour flight and they sent us to the helicopter 5 minutes after our arrive sat us whit our back to the helicopter we arrived sick and only saw New Jersey
Related Experiences
Operated by Charm Aviation NYC