Welcome to NYC! If you’ve visited before, you have probably seen the major sites – Times Square, Central Park, and of course that big statue downtown. You’re starting to feel like a local. It’s time to find the hidden gems that even some native New Yorkers don’t know about.
The Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden
The Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden is located in Staten Island. It used to be a home for retired sailors, but the 83 acres of land was turned into a cultural center and botanical garden back in the 1970’s. The Chinese Scholar’s Garden is the most popular attraction there with a koi-filled pond and a bamboo forest.
Sunset Park is hidden away in its namesake neighborhood in Brooklyn. It has one of the most stunning views of the NYC skyline, and at the highest point of the park you can spot the Statue of Liberty. If you’re feeling a bit hungry, why not take a walk to the Japan Village? There’s a market and a food hall. Their whole vibe is rooted in “omotenashi,” which loosely translates to incredible hospitality and mutual respect for our guests and each other.
The Met Cloisters is located in northern Manhattan in Fort Tryon Park. It’s a 4 acre-lot that overlooks the lovely Hudson River. It’s home to the art and architecture of medieval Europe, and makes for a stellar afternoon! The collection originally comes from John D. Rockefeller. In 1925 he bought the Medieval collection from George Gray Barnard. Rockefeller then expanded the collection and bought the land where the museum can be found. The Cuxa, the Bonnefort, the Trie, and the Saint-Guilhem are the four cloisters. These were brought over from France and rebuilt in New York. They are surrounded by chapels filled with beautiful art from the 12th-15th century.
Anna Wintour recently called Bushwick one of the most stylish neighborhoods in the world. The north Brooklyn hot spot has become the capital for street art. Artists come from all over the world to add their special mark to buildings, fences, and garage doors. So if you’re over the museums and gardens, take a train to Bushwick to have a look at some truly unique expressions of art.
And now after being landlocked, why don’t you book a tour of NYC from above? Our helicopter sightseeing tours will allow you to see everything.
Book a HeliNY tour to ensure that your first NYC experience will be one to remember. Experience New York City the right way with the New Yorker Tour for only $189 a seat*!
Experience our #1 ranked tour of NYC – the Ultimate Tour. Fly high above the Hudson River to view the George Washington Bridge, nature’s astounding New Jersey Palisades, The Met Cloisters and many other beautiful NYC destinations.
Feel like treating yourself? Indulge in our Deluxe Tour for our most exciting and exhilarating sightseeing tour yet. This season, you can experience Manhattan and all surrounding landmarks on our longest, 25-30 minute flight tour for only $319 per seat*.
Book today before the guaranteed seasonal rush!
-The HeliNY Team
*Prices reflected do not include Heliport fees and taxes
