The Empire State Building Sunrise Experience is a special ticketed event that allows a limited number of guests to access the 86th-floor observation deck before the building opens to the general public.
Guests can witness the breathtaking spectacle of the sun rising over the New York City skyline from a unique vantage point.
The experience includes complimentary Starbucks Reserve coffee and pastries and access to the immersive museum before its usual opening hours.
Find out everything you must know before booking your Empire State Building sunrise tickets.
What’s ahead
Why choose the sunrise experience?
If you are an early riser and don’t mind the premium pricing, we suggest you try ESB’s sunrise experience for these three reasons – unparalleled views, almost no crowd, and VIP treatment.
Unparalleled Views: Witnessing the sunrise from 86 floors above the city is a truly unique and unforgettable spectacle. The city slowly comes alive as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the iconic skyline.
Smaller Crowds: Unlike during regular hours, the Sunrise Experience offers a more intimate setting with a smaller crowd. This allows for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, free from the usual hustle and bustle of the popular landmark.
Pre-Opening Access to the Museum: Enjoy exclusive access (like VIP treatment) to the Empire State Building’s observation deck before it opens to the public. Explore the exhibits detailing the building’s rich history, construction, and its place in pop culture.
Book Sunrise ExperienceEnhance your Ebs experience
What’s included in ESB’s Sunrise ticket?
- Admission to the 86th floor observatory: Experience breathtaking 360-degree views from the iconic open-air observation deck.
- Complimentary Starbucks Reserve Coffee and pastries: Indulge in a complimentary Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building Microblend coffee and an assortment of artisanal Princi pastries, exclusive to the Sunrise Experience. Each guest is limited to one pastry and one cup of coffee.
- Early access to 2nd-floor museum: Explore the Empire State Building’s fascinating museum on the second floor before it opens to the public.
- Downloadable interactive audio guide: Enhance your visit with a free multimedia tour app available in nine languages, providing insightful information about the building and surrounding landmarks.
Compare The EBS with other NYC observation decks!
New York City boasts five observation decks, each providing a unique perspective of the skyline. You can compare The EBS with other iconic decks like The Edge, Summit One Vanderbilt, One World Observatory, and TOTR to determine which view and atmosphere best suit your visit.
How much do Sunrise Experience tickets cost?
Tickets for the Empire State Building Sunrise Experience cost $137 per person, irrespective of their age. There are no discounts for kids, students, or seniors.
How to book your Sunrise Experience tickets
Since the Sunrise Experience is a unique and intimate opportunity, only 100 guests are allowed daily. Due to its limited capacity, we suggest you book your tickets online in advance. Buy Now
You can book the sunrise tickets at the venue as well, but securing your spot for this sought-after experience helps avoid disappointment on the day of the event.
The Sunrise Experience is available every Saturday starting from 1 April.
The earliest sessions begin at 5 am, while later ones start as late as 6.45 am, allowing flexibility to accommodate different preferences and seasonal sunrise schedules.
Visiting the Empire State Building comes with plenty of questions. Our detailed FAQs cover everything you need to know – from best visiting times to hidden tips – ensuring a smooth and memorable experience at this iconic landmark.
Tips for making the most of your Sunrise Experience
On the day of your experience, check-in at the Will Call desk, conveniently located at the 34th Street entrance.
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time slot to allow for security checks and elevator queues. Arriving early will ensure a smooth check-in process, giving you ample time to prepare and fully immerse yourself in this unforgettable morning adventure.
The observation deck is open-air, so it can be chilly in the early morning hours. Dress warmly and in layers to stay comfortable.
Capture stunning photos of the sunrise and the city awakening. Consider bringing a tripod for stable shots.
Is the Empire State Building Sunrise Experience worth it?
The Empire State Building Sunrise Experience is a premium experience with a higher price than general admission tickets.
However, the unique opportunity to witness the sunrise from such an iconic vantage point, the smaller crowds, and the added perks like coffee and pastries make it a worthwhile experience for those seeking an unforgettable and special way to experience the Empire State Building.
Alternatives to the Sunrise Experience
Watching the sunrise from the Empire State Building is a unique experience; there is nothing quite like it.
However, there is one more experience that the Empire State Building offers, which comes close as an alternative for its uniqueness – the AM/PM Experience.
The AM/PM Experience ticket is perfect for those who want to see the city of New York in both daylight and illuminated at night.
This ticket allows entry to the 86th floor during the day with a bonus same-night admission three hours before closing.
