Empire State Building Sunrise Tickets

4.5(37,688)

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Empire State Building
























































From happy customers

Loved by 44 million+
Celia Hill
GB

Celia

United Kingdom
Oct 2025
5/5

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review-image

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It wasn't fantastic, from entering the building, through the exhibitions to the top. Going up in the elevator to 80th, engaged is more in how the building was manufactured. The hard labour and skills of those workmen Well done to everyone involved
Mark Peers
GB

Mark

United Kingdom
Oct 2025
5/5

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The views were incredible the story of how it was built was unbelievable and the elevator staff were very friendly in fact all the staff on duty were very helpful and knowledgeable a very good experience
Sven Voss

Sven

Oct 2025
5/5

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IT was a gratful View over New York. And even the entrance Area was amazing. We Had a beatiful sight over Manhattan while dringking a nice Glass of Champagner.
Katja Degen

Katja

Oct 2025
5/5

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The waiting time was manageable and was well bridged. A super cool atmosphere on the platform. We could enjoy the sunset up there and it was incredible! Thank you for this unforgettable experience!
ASHISH PAI
CA

Ashish

Canada
Oct 2025
5/5
Truly Awesome,memorable,loving, incredible experience. Nice short trip. Due to wheather last couple days just little struggle otherwise Awesome. Everyone should visit once atleast. earlier booking the tickets helped us a lttle bit since it was not that much rush. hope to visit next time soon.
Twila Brown
US

Twila

United States
Oct 2025
5/5
Incredible - above and beyond kindness. My daughter left her phone in the 80th floor restroom and noticed after we got to the top. Not only did they help us find it, they delivered it to her so we could continue enjoying the views.
Robert Glen Davis
US

Robert

United States
Sep 2025
5/5
The entire experience was excellent start to finish. Your sstaff is excellent!! The attendant on the top floor 103 was particularly kind and helpful
Hans-Georg Haerle
DE

Hans-georg

Germany
Aug 2025
5/5
Uncomplicated, understandable and flexible (you can rebook at short notice, cancel...) really a relaxed city trip. Really five stars!

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

Empire State Building view from observation deck overlooking New York City skyline.

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
New york empire state

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
Empire State Building Observatory view with tourists using skip-the-line entry tickets in New York City.

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

What time does the Empire State Building sunrise experience start?

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.

What’s the difference between the regular admission tickets and the VIP Sunrise Experience?

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.

How do I check the sunrise time for the day of my visit?

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.

Can I visit both the 86th and 102nd floors with my Empire State Building sunrise tickets?

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​.

How early should I arrive for the Empire State Building sunrise experience?

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.

Are refreshments available during the sunrise experience?

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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Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.