New York City is home to the world’s most iconic architecture and a skyline unlike any other city in the world. While it’s possible to admire some of Manhattan’s architectural marvels from street level, there’s no place better to fully appreciate the diversity and splendor of the city than from above. From the aerial perch of a helicopter, the city’s landscape is richer, more nuanced, and more stunning than you’d ever imagined.
The Top 5 Manhattan Sights to Enjoy From a Chopper – Source: https://flic.kr/p/5JAoTi
If you find yourself taking in Manhattan from a chopper’s peerless perch, here’s what to look for:
The Statue of Liberty:
While not technically on Manhattan itself, the Statue of Liberty is easily seen when you’re soaring above the city in a helicopter. Just off Manhattan’s southwestern tip, Lady Liberty shines her golden torch, welcoming individuals from all walks of life to the great melting pot that is New York.
Statue of Liberty from a chopper – Source: https://flic.kr/p/dWiz4E
Unique Luxury Condos:
There’s no place in the world with architecture quite like New York City’s. In the past few years, the city’s residential architecture has started to rival its iconic commercial buildings, thanks to buildings like 53W53, a Jean Nouvel-designed tower with a slanted top and gridded exterior that soars next to the Museum of Modern Art. Similarly, classical architecture like The Chatsworth on the Upper West Side provides a stunning intersection of the city’s past and its future.
New York from Chopper – Source: https://flic.kr/p/Df43V9
The Empire State Building:
There are few sights in New York as iconic as the bright lights that top the Empire State Building. This 102-story, 1,250-foot-tall tower has illuminated Midtown for 86 years since its beams were first flipped on by President Herbert Hoover in the 1930s. Today, the Empire State Building lights up the night with colors that often commemorate holiday celebrations, sports teams, and major events.
Empire State Building view from chopper – Source: https://flic.kr/p/oaA4KB
Central Park:
For over 150 years, Central Park has provided respite for New Yorkers eager to enjoy the beauty of nature without leaving the city limits. Designed by Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmstead, the 778-acre park is a true New York gem, providing opportunities for biking, hiking, boating, and relaxation, as well as offering a stunning peek at its lush greenery when viewed from above.
Central Park from above – source: https://flic.kr/p/bX9p
The New York Life Building:
For over 90 years, the New York Life’s golden top has been shining above the New York City skyline. There’s no better vantage point from which to view the Cass Gilbert-designed tower’s gilded peak than from a chopper, however; the roof’s multiple golden pyramids and the ornate detail on the tower’s peak can only truly be appreciated from the air.
New York Life Building seen from chopper – source: https://flic.kr/p/fahiWX
Whether you’re flying over Manhattan’s southern tip or enjoying the sights of Midtown, there’s no better way to take in all the splendor New York City has to offer than in a helicopter high above the city streets.
