Chicago Helicopter Experience
Chicago Helicopter Experience

The best Chicago helicopter tours

Get airborne and see the city's most famous landmarks from above on a high-flying Chicago helicopter tour

Zach Long
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You've probably seen the city from the sky while arriving at O'Hare or Midway, but to get the best views of Chicago's picturesque urban sprawl, you need to take a helicopter tour. Luckily, you don't have to travel far to board an airborne tour of the skyline—did you know there's a heliport in Bridgeport? From 2,000 feet up in the air, you'll be able to take some killer photos of Chicago beaches and Chicago buildings. Prepare to fly with our guide to the top Chicago helicopter tours.

RECOMMENDED: Find more to explore on the best Chicago tours

The best Chicago helicopter tours

1. Vertiport Chicago: Chicago City Sights Helicopter Tour

Soar above the streets of Chicago in a state-of-the-art helicopter during this guided tour (via two-way headset) of the skyline. Your pilot will tell you all about the landmarks you're seeing, from the Shedd Aquarium to Lincoln Park. After 15 minutes (it will fly by, trust us) you'll be back on the ground and itching to see the city from above once more. $165 per person

2. Chicago Helicopter Experience: Chicago Helicopter Tour Nighttime Experience

You can gaze up at Willis Tower (it will always be Sears Tower in our hearts) from the streets or afar, but you'll never really experience its magnificence until you're flying by it at night. The skyscraper is just one the many landmarks you'll see from above on this Chicago Helicopter Experience tour, which departs from a small airport near Bridgeport. $178 per person

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3. Vertiport Chicago: Chicago by Night Helicopter Tour

Chicago's skyline is beautiful during the daytime, but it's especially stunning when the sun goes down. Enjoy all of the twinkling lights below during Vertiport's night helicopter tour, which offers twilight views of Willis Tower, Navy Pier and other Chicago landmarks. Whether you're capping off a romantic evening or enjoying the sights with a friend, this late night 15-minute flight will leave you with some spectacular Instagram photos. $165 per person

Adrenaline365
Adrenaline365

Looking for a high-flying rush? With 15- and 30-minute flights (as well as private excursions for a brief romantic getaway), Adrenaline365 bills itself as a "first-class flying experience." They’ll even take the doors off the helicopter if you’re feeling especially daring. The tour soars over some of Chicago’s most notable landmarks, including Willis Tower, Soldier Field and the Field Museum. Don't worry about getting trapped between two camera-toting tourists—every passenger gets a window seat. $149-$224 per person

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5. Vertiport Chicago: Private Helicopter Tour

Experience aerial views accompanied only by a pilot on this private helicopter tour, which take off from Chicago's Vertiport. For 15 minutes, you'll be able to look down on the city below you and pretend that you're king of it all. Plus, there will be no one else (except for that pesky pilot) to get in the way of your photos. $349 per person

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Chicago Aerial Tours: Flight Lesson
Chicago Aerial Tours: Flight Lesson

Think you might be able to pilot a helicopter? Put your skills to the test with a flight lesson from Chicago Aerial Tours, where a certified flight instructor will take you and a friend into the air for an hour and allow you man the controls for 90% of the trip. No previous flight experience is required and you'll come away from the trip with information on what it takes for you to get your license. $297 for a student and passenger

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