- Exclusive, VIP access before opening hours: Enjoy the Empire State Building in a completely private setting before it opens to the public. This ensures a peaceful, crowd-free environment that only a few get to experience.
- Capture perfect sunrise photos: With early entry, you'll witness New York City bathed in the first light of day from the 86th floor observatory deck. It’s the perfect time to capture shots of landmarks like the Chrysler Building and Central Park.
- Indulge in a gourmet breakfast: Start your morning with a delicious breakfast, featuring Starbucks Reserve® coffee and artisanal Princi® pastries, all while overlooking the city below.
- Access to the museum: Visit the Empire State Building's museum where you’ll see exhibits highlighting the building’s architectural innovations, Art Deco design, and lasting impact on global culture, all in a serene, intimate setting.
Empire State Building Sunrise Tickets
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Top things to do in New York
The Empire State Building at sunrise





Why choose the sunrise experience

Empire State Building sunrise hours
Here are the approximate sunsrise timings in New York City throughout the year (all times are in Eastern Standard Time):
- January: 7am to 7:20am
- February: 6:45am to 7:10am
- March: 6:30am to 7:05am
- April: 5:55am to 6:30am
- May: 5:25am to 5:50am
- June: 5:20am to 5:30am
- July: 5:25am to 5:50am
- August: 6:50am to 7:20am
- September: 6:20am to 6:50am
- October: 6:50am to 7:20am
- November: 6:30am to 7am
- December: 7am to 7:20am
*Note that the sunrise times listed above are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the date. For the most accurate timing on the day of your visit, be sure to check the exact sunrise time and plan accordingly.
Things to do at the Empire State Building at sunrise

Watch the sunrise from the 86th floor
Arriving before the city wakes, you’ll take an exclusive elevator ride to the 86th floor, where sweeping views of New York City await. From this indoor-outdoor observation deck, watch the sun slowly light up landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Chrysler Building, and Central Park, shifting from soft purples to golden hues.

Enjoy a gourmet breakfast above the clouds
After sunrise, head back inside for an exclusive breakfast reserved only for sunrise guests. In a private, windowed area, you'll enjoy a breakfast includes Starbucks Reserve® coffee, specially crafted for the Empire State Building, along with freshly baked pastries from the artisanal bakery Princi.

Explore the Empire State Building Museum
After breakfast, you’ll have early access to the Empire State Building’s museum—a feature typically only available on the VIP Sunrise Experience. You can wander through the models, historic photos, and multimedia displays, detailing the building’s 1930s construction, groundbreaking Art Deco design, and its rise as a cultural icon.
Frequently asked questions about Empire State Building sunrise tickets
The Empire State Building VIP Sunrise Experience starts approximately 30 to 45 minutes before sunrise. Arrival times vary seasonally since sunrise times change daily, and the exact start time of your experience will be mentioned on your ticket.
The VIP Sunrise Experience offers early entry before the building opens to the public, giving you a calm, crowd-free environment to watch New York City awaken. Unlike regular visits, sunrise tickets include a gourmet breakfast, limited group access, and private museum time, making it a one-of-a-kind experience to start your day.
To find the exact sunrise time for your visit, you can check reliable weather apps or websites like weather.com. Additionally, your ticket to the VIP Sunrise Experience will indicate the scheduled arrival time, which is set to align with that day's sunrise.
No, the standard sunrise ticket only includes access to the 86th-floor observation deck. To visit the 102nd floor, you’ll need to upgrade your ticket for an additional fee, which can be arranged at the venue.
Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise to allow enough time for security and to settle in on the observation deck. With your early arrival, you’ll be ready to enjoy the full beauty of the sunrise without feeling rushed.
Yes, your Sunrise Experience includes a gourmet breakfast featuring Starbucks Reserve® coffee and Princi® pastries. This breakfast is available in a private dining area, allowing you to enjoy refreshments with a view.







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