What It Really Looks Like to See the NYC Skyline From a Helicopter

From up high, the buildings look remarkably small and almost insignificant. You can make out patterns in streets and parks that weren’t visible before; these patterns become apparent once they are seen from an aerial view. And while some parts appear neat and orderly, others appear chaotic – which is part of what makes this city so special. As if these views weren’t enough, your pilot might even fly lower so that passengers can see details like rooftop gardens or people walking their dogs on balconies.

In addition to being able to take in all of New York City’s most famous attractions at once, flying over Manhattan also gives you a rare perspective on how huge this city really is. Whether it’s from a distance or up close, there’s nothing quite like seeing the sheer number of skyscrapers that make up this metropolis firsthand. The aerial views are even more impressive when nighttime arrives and all those bright lights start twinkling below.