Top 5 Downtown Helicopter Tours: Recommendations & Reviews
You thinking about seeing a city from a totally fresh view? A helicopter tour over downtown can be just the ticket, really delivering views that you won’t soon forget. Choosing the right tour, well that’s kinda key to actually getting the full wow factor, right? That’s why we’ve actually put together a list of what appear to be the top five downtown helicopter tours, so, giving you what we think are helpful insights and pretty solid recommendations.
1. Liberty Skyline Tours: Taking in Iconic Views
Liberty Skyline Tours seem to specialize in actually showing off landmark views, and I mean, everybody wants to see those landmarks! It’s almost like you are soaring over everything, that is, getting what feels like a personal viewing of city icons. You know, landmarks that look a bit more up-close from up there.
The tours, are often running from about 15 to 20 minutes, just enough to, in a way, grab those panoramic shots. Things like the State Building, Grand Central, and also, what appears to be Lady Liberty herself really stand out, particularly for their photo opportunities. From up in the air, in fact, the cityscape kinda transforms into a stunning backdrop that certainly makes everything you’re seeing a bit more grand and cinematic, maybe.
What You’ll See: You might see the State Building, Grand Central Terminal, and the Statue of Liberty.
Tour Length: About 15-20 minutes, seemingly.
Why It Stands Out: This one appears to really focus on those absolute must-see landmarks, is that they look amazing from above?
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Read our full review: Liberty Skyline Tours Full Review and Details
2. Gotham Air Adventures: Seeing the City Lights at Night
If you think you might want something particularly magical, Gotham Air Adventures has the knack, maybe, for actually showcasing city lights on tours at night. Just that makes everything really sparkle. This tour sort of takes off after dark, or so, offering what seems to be an unbelievable perspective of the glowing city skyline.
That’s just that they are able to see everything, seemingly turning into rivers of light. Plus, you may want to look into that a tour often hovers over main spots, really giving you time to just grab photos. They want to, I mean, try to make the moment last.
What You’ll See: Think bright lights and what might be top landmarks, shining at night, really.
Tour Length: The evening airtime hovers, might be just about, between 20 and 25 minutes.
Why It Stands Out: A night flight, for those sparkling photo opportunities, and actually capturing the city’s vibe very late!
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Read our full review: Gotham Air Adventures Full Review and Details
3. Manhattan Helicopters: Exploring All Around Manhattan
You should know, that for a really experience across the Big Apple, Manhattan Helicopters might be worth actually checking out. They, in a way, really cover the complete island.
You, if you can, must check if this adventure usually means views from the very southern end to the top of Central Park, often packing landmarks in all directions. They make an effort, I think, to include a good dose of city hotspots as part of what you are seeing and that’s probably from unique, interesting, high-flying angles. So, a definite photo bonanza from the looks of it. And their flights appear to extend to around 30 minutes; ample amount of opportunity to just, soak up every sight, basically.
What You’ll See: Is it Central Park? Is it Lady Liberty, along with maybe some key districts.
Tour Length: These often last around that 30-minute mark or close, apparently.
Why It Stands Out: These tours really cover almost the whole of Manhattan, more or less, making sure not that much is actually missed.
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4. HeliNY: Tours Right Over New York Harbor
When you see something amazing that really stands out when flying by helicopter over the waters around that, well HeliNY kind of makes that their expertise. What they like to offer, is it clear, is what seems to be a good look over that major harbor front, in other words highlighting what everyone seems to really love about that area.
The tour, often running for about, maybe 12-15 minutes really brings those waterside gems closer and really into sight. In effect you, from above, have opportunity to take in Governors Island and you can probably capture a few iconic harbor snapshots, it’s almost like your own little trip. They want to really give it that distinct and also waterside touch for anyone keen on the seascapes combined with skylines.
What You’ll See: You are very likely going to take a gaze at Governors Island, maybe a Statue too!
Tour Length: Normally these clock, at times, at about 12-15 minutes, seems like.
Why It Stands Out: Waterfront scenes often grab the eye of people, and HeliNY, in a way, highlights the harbor perfectly.
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5. Zip Aviation: A VIP Styled Helicopter Experience
Thinking of feeling the city heights almost from a premium perspective? So Zip Aviation is really leaning to giving tours almost a personalized flavor, kind of what most people are looking for!
I believe you may get a luxurious, comfortable flight with clear views from almost all angles that really adds that up-class touch. They want everyone to see more and that experience comes in at about 20 or 30 minutes which does allow passengers more room to sit back and grab a number of high-res photos, clearly highlighting what makes a ride of this nature just that little bit memorable.
What You’ll See: It appears a focus towards popular points and also views but really emphasizing that smooth style for it all!
Tour Length: Zip tours, may be normally close, that 20-30 minute timer.
Why It Stands Out: Seemingly top choice in delivering this tour as the more cozy outing combined with the perfect overhead scene.
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Read our full review: Zip Aviation Full Review and Details