NYC Helicopter Tours

When people come to New York, the first thing that goes through their mind is “I need a tour in New York City”. But what is a tour of New York?

Tours in New York can be a New York City bus tour like Gray Line or City Sights, it can be a boat ride for 1,2 or 3 hours on Circle Line Cruises, or something extravagant like any one of the (rather expensive but unique) NYC helicopter tours.

But there are other unique ways to really slow down a bit and get in depth experience of the many different facets that make up this great city. One way is any one of the fabulous walking tour companies in new York from Big Onion, Uncle Sam;s New York and Tours with the Levy’s. Tours are available in history (past and present), food, shopping, art, music and so much more.

Another way to tour the town is by bike. Helmets are mandatory in New York and other than using good common sense and keeping your wits about you when riding the streets, biking is a great way to go. Most of New York is pretty flat and the city has recently added many miles of special bike lanes unique to cyclers. Various companies like Bike n’ Roll and Central Park Bike rentals are some of the better known companies for these tours. Some even offer guided bike tours as well if you are skeptic about doing it on your own.

Other unique ways of touring include the pedicabs (similar to asian countries), and segway transports.

So what is a tour of New York? Anything you want it to be!

NY Skyride: Thank you for your entry. You are quite the NYC Sightseeing expert!

Name: Joey A.
City: Willow Springs
State: TX

We toured the city on bicycle (Central Park Bicycle Rental), on foot (Uncle Sams Walking Tours) and by boat (Circle Line Cruises). But we couldn’t afford one of those 15 minute NYC helicopter tours (OMG-have you seen what it costs-yikes!). So next best thing we did was the New York SKYRIDE.

By buying Empire State Building tickets together with the Skyride we saved time and some money too. The guys on the street with the orange buttons and ID’s sell Combo tickets that were very worthwhile. I’m not a roller coaster fan but I enjoyed the ‘tour’ of the moving Skyride. Of course nothing beats the view from the Empire State Building Observation deck (just wish they had some guides up there!)

NY Skyride: Thank you Janice for your great review. And what an expert you are on NYC Sightseeing! We're glad you consider the city's only virtual tour simulator, NY Skyride a top attraction and an affordable and unique alternative to NYC Helicopter tours.

Name: Janice B.
City: Chicago
State:

Like nostalgia? Then the New York Skyride is for you! This ‘state of the art’ ride is just that…except back in 1995.

HOWEVER…

It really is still a lot of fun providing visitors and native New Yorkers a ride akin to one of the NYC helicopter tours. It’s movin’ and shakin’ are fun and give an overall perspective to how New York was 15 years ago. I mean remember the old Yankee Stadium? Or the street hawkers with the watches in the pockets? How about a 1995 Chevy Caprice taxi! Still the Skyride is unique and for things to see in New York, especially with kids, I wouldn’t pass it up.

NY Skyride: Thank you for your feedback! When looking for fun things to do in New York, especially for families, our virtual tour simulator is a must experience.  

Name: R. Birnbaum
City: Hartford
State: CT

I only live 100 miles from New York with 2 younger kids and I was thinking…after the museums, what are fun things to do in New York? I mean I’ve done the Circle Line Cruises, the Statue of Liberty and other activities but I’ve never taken the kids to the Empire State Building in NYC!

So we jumped in the car, parked (actually found a free spot on the street on Sunday!) just one block from the building. Then some guys approach us and start selling us on this thing…the New York Skyride. I’m thinking “Am I being had?” So I figured – they had badges and ID and I used a credit card that I could always dispute and bought the COMBO package of the Empire State Building and the Skyride. One of the claims was we would be able to cut our wait to the famous Empire State Building Observation Deck…and that’s what the kids wanted to do most!

They walked us in the side entrance of the building and before we knew it we were going into the Skyride. All I can say is, it may be a little dated but the kids LOVED it!! It was like those NYC helicopter tours but with out the helicopter ticket price!! After half an hour it was up to the Observatory – we couldn’t have asked for a better day – you could see for miles. My only challenge was that there are no guides and no one to ask any questions…bummer. After half an hour we went back down, had lunch and took a leisurely drive home.

It’s 2 weeks later and the kids are asking to go back!

NY Skyride: Happy to hear you had a great time!  We look forward to seeing you again.

Name: Shelly Goldberg
City: Philadelphia
State: PA

Looking for things to see in New York that are NOT Top 10 but are a little unusual? I did Ripley’s Museum – that’s weird stuff. You can also check out the Bodies exhibit, recently upgraded but still not good for the squeamish type. Dead Apple Tours takes you on a fantastic trip on a specially converted 1960 Cadillac Hearse. I’ll leave you to guess what the tour is about.

If you’re here for a longer trip, take a break for a day at one of the New York Water Taxi beaches available at the Seaport and in Queens. For a simulated NYC helicopter tour that is part story and part touristy hop a ride on the New York Skyride at the Empire State Building. While on the ride topic, try the new bus called THE RIDE, really cool (but expensive) and a little quirky way to do sightseeing in New York.

NY Skyride: Wow...you really know New York!  I am guessing that you are an experienced NYC tourist.  Thanks for the tips.

Name: Alex Karsif
City: Brooklyn
State: NY