10 years ago a man from Ohio introduced me to NYC flying. My RV was still couple years before completion and I didn't have pilot license yet. He was visiting with his RV9A and gave me a ride. Being a CFI he explained me in details how to navigate the Big Apple airspace. That was an enormous amount of motivation. Thank YOU you know who you are. I remember that flight. 
There are couple scenic routes over New York City the most traveled being Hudson River Corridor. A well hidden secret is East River Exclusion which puts you over prominent bridges, by United Nations and over Central Park. However the route requires a class Bravo clearance. ATC usually is very accommodating and if there is no heavy helicopter traffic they would gladly issue you clearance and instructions. The latter could be a bit lengthy and machine gunned to you but no worries you received it clear and correct just verify the numbers and wilco it.
Approach Verrazano Bridge from the south at 1,300' monitoring 123.05 all traffic over Hudson self announces on it keep your second radio (if you have one) monitoring Newark Tower 127.85 it will give you a good idea of what's going on in the corridor. Start talking to Newark Tower couple miles prior to Verrazano Bridge the controller likely already has you on the screen and he is expecting your request. Tell him politely you would like to fly East River Exclusion if available. It takes a minute for him to coordinate with LaGuardia and bingo you are all set. You get transponder code and class B clearance. They also lift you up to 1,500 feet.
Over Governor Island you start right turn toward Brooklyn Bridge. If you don't hear anything for a minute don't worry keep going.
Over Brooklyn Bridge you will be handed off to LaGuardia Tower at 126.05. The controller double checks your intentions and instructs you to fly mid river advising on any traffic within 5 miles
Go and enjoy yourself.
Be aware of the First Lady TFR and steer clear.
There are couple scenic routes over New York City the most traveled being Hudson River Corridor. A well hidden secret is East River Exclusion which puts you over prominent bridges, by United Nations and over Central Park. However the route requires a class Bravo clearance. ATC usually is very accommodating and if there is no heavy helicopter traffic they would gladly issue you clearance and instructions. The latter could be a bit lengthy and machine gunned to you but no worries you received it clear and correct just verify the numbers and wilco it.
Approach Verrazano Bridge from the south at 1,300' monitoring 123.05 all traffic over Hudson self announces on it keep your second radio (if you have one) monitoring Newark Tower 127.85 it will give you a good idea of what's going on in the corridor. Start talking to Newark Tower couple miles prior to Verrazano Bridge the controller likely already has you on the screen and he is expecting your request. Tell him politely you would like to fly East River Exclusion if available. It takes a minute for him to coordinate with LaGuardia and bingo you are all set. You get transponder code and class B clearance. They also lift you up to 1,500 feet.
Over Governor Island you start right turn toward Brooklyn Bridge. If you don't hear anything for a minute don't worry keep going.
Over Brooklyn Bridge you will be handed off to LaGuardia Tower at 126.05. The controller double checks your intentions and instructs you to fly mid river advising on any traffic within 5 miles
Go and enjoy yourself.
Be aware of the First Lady TFR and steer clear.
