Empire State Building Sunrise Tickets

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Empire State Building
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Top things to do in New York

The Empire State Building at sunrise

Empire State Building sunrise
Empire State Building sunrise
Empire State Building sunrise
Empire State Building sunrise Tickets
Empire State Building sunrise

Why choose the sunrise experience

Top of the rock in New York
  • 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 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.

86th floor observatory deck

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.

Empire State Building restaurants

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.

Art Deco lobby

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.

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