Liberty Helicopter Tours, New York

We took a helicopter tour on our first visit to New York and whilst they are quite expensive it is well worth the money. Being quite a nervous flyer I was apprehensive about going above the city in the helicopter but our pilot was so friendly and chatty pointing out the landmarks and little bits of info that I really calmed down. Whilst waiting to board a helicopter you watch a safety video relating to the aircraft. There are lockers for your personal belongings as they don’t let you take bags on board the craft. We chose the tour that took us along the New York skyline and round to the statue of liberty. We were lucky enough to fly at sunset so the views were amazing as the whole city started to light up. Well worth the money.

I have not actually been on a helicopter, but before you get shirty with me, I can reveal an excellent treat for kids visiting New York for a few days with an hour to spare is to walk along the Hudson River Parkway between Chelsea Piers and the Intrepid (1mile) and see the helicopters landing and taking off. They are just a few feet from the pedestrian footpath and my daughter was thrilled to see them so close. I must have jogged past that spot 100 times and also never tired of seeing them! You can also often see horses from the NYPD who are stabled just North of the helipad. Btw my sister did do the 10 minute helicopter tour whilst visiting and found it very enjoyable (although expensive).

Wonderful - a real highlight. Seeing NYC from the air is unbelievable and whilst costly, you will never forget it. Fully recommend.