Empire State Building Sunrise Tickets

4.5(36,901)

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 35 million+
Jungho Lee
KR

Jungho

South Korea
Aug 2025
5/5
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+2 more

I loved it all of moment. Especially edge was really fantastic. We saw whole city above the tower. I'd like to recommend this great experience.
Jameisa Charles Dean

Jameisa

Jul 2025
5/5
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It was an amazing view from the edge and the glass floor. From entry to exit I had a great time. Would definitely recommend to others.
Charlene Katjinaani
US

Charlene

United States
Aug 2025
5/5
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The staff where very helpful, the view was awesome and information was useful. I had a wonderful experience and will definitely recommend friends and family to visit!☺️
Eliza M Idec
US

Eliza

United States
Aug 2025
5/5
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Me and my son we had a great experience in NY. Our Travel Path was Kevin Home Alone 2 places. Buying tickets was easy pizzy. We had a great time in New York and we build unforgettable memories.
massimiliano giacobetti

Massimiliano

Mar 2025
5/5
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+2 more

wonderful view of the city with all its lights from a unique point of view compared to other skyscrapers avoided the queue thanks to the tickets purchased in advance
Jai Dhupar
IN

Jai

India
Feb 2024
5/5
ticketing experice was great, you may like bucket activties which require prior bookings .also, you should clear the message to do booking for each pass, (like 2 bookings for 2 pass) rest .. all experice was great.
Kim Gardner

Kim

Jan 2018
5/5
We went on the 9/11 Tribute tour right after lunch and then caught the last ferry to the Ellis Island. And then ended the day at the Empire State Observatory Deck to watch the sun set on the greatest city on the planet.
Chelsea Snyder

Chelsea

Jan 2018
5/5
Loved the trip. Booking for this was super easy and we just had to show the tickets on our phone at all the venues. Very convenient.

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.