Empire State Building Sunrise Tickets

4.5(38,302)

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Empire State Building
























































From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Henrry  Avila
US

Henrry

United States
Jan 2026
5/5

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A unique moment is incredible, the service and accessibility are very good, and security is very good. You can take photos and get the best photos of New York.
Domllermut Alamo
US

Domllermut

United States
Jan 2026
5/5

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It's a truly remarkable experience. We enjoyed the view and were fascinated by the skyline. I liked hiw we were not rushed at any time. We were able to enjoy the view on thr outside and the amenities in the inside of the tower.
Julie Doré
CA

Julie

Canada
Jan 2026
5/5

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I was impressionned by big whales!! I love dinosaures and éléphants!! Thank you very much 🙂🙂
Mauro Valeri
IT

Mauro

Italy
Jan 2026
5/5

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+1 more

Beautiful museum, lots of people and it was worth going. Very fascinating the size of the works but also the size of the museum itself that you visit on 4 floors.
Judith M  Tirado
US

Judith

United States
Jan 2026
5/5

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An essential stop when you're in New York. Not just for the stunning vistas but to uncover the fascinating history that lies behind such incredible marvel.
JERRY LEE FULTON
US

Jerry

United States
Dec 2025
5/5

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Great experience! Everyone must see! The personal was helpful and friendly. The transportation was very convenient and easy to understand.
Yunhao Cao
US

Yunhao

United States
Jan 2026
5/5

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Visiting the Empire State Building was absolutely worth it. I purchased the Express ticket and it made a huge difference—everything felt smooth and efficient, from entry and security to getting up the elevators. I didn’t have to spend a long time waiting in lines, which let me enjoy the experience without feeling rushed or tired.
Kory Falzarano

Kory

Dec 2025
5/5

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We visited during Christmas time. Enjoyed the holiday themed displays with the decorations and the Rockettes memorabilia. Great view of the city buildings at night with their Christmas colors. Highly recommend!

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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