NYC Empire State Building Sunrise: 86th Floor & Starbucks Reserve

The city at dawn reveals its vibrant streets and early morning charm

You arrive before the Empire State Building opens to the public and head straight to the 86th floor observation deck. Watch the sunrise paint the Manhattan skyline while the city wakes up below you, with no crowds and 360-degree views from both indoor and outdoor areas. Starbucks Reserve coffee and Princi pastries are included. Plan for early morning. Your scheduled time is firm, and the whole point is catching that light.

Step-by-step itinerary

Empire State Building sunrise visit

• Check in at information desk
• Arrive before building opens
• Ascend to 86th floor observatory
• Watch sunrise over New York City

The experience

You're standing on the 86th floor of the Empire State Building while most of New York is still asleep. The sky is doing that thing where it shifts from dark blue to pink to gold, and the Hudson and East Rivers are catching the light like someone just turned them on. This is the Empire State Building sunrise experience. You get in before the building officially opens, which means the observation deck is yours for those first minutes when the light is actually changing. No crowds yet. Just the city coming alive below you, and coffee that doesn't taste like it came from a cart.

The timing is the whole point here. You'll check in at the information desk and get escorted straight to the 86th floor, where you can move between the indoor and outdoor decks without fighting for space at the railings. The 360-degree views mean you're seeing all of it: the bridges, the neighborhoods stacked up toward the Bronx, the harbor where the light hits first. Bring a phone or a camera if you want, but honestly, the first ten minutes you'll just stand there. Starbucks Reserve coffee and Princi pastries are included, which sounds small until you're holding warm pastry and watching the city grid light up block by block. It's not rushed. You get to actually see it happen.

Wheelchair accessible throughout, and the building can accommodate strollers and service animals. If you're running a few minutes late, let them know. They'll do their best to get you up there before the light changes too much. Weather doesn't stop the tour, but it does change what you see. Rain and clouds are part of it. The one thing to know is that refunds don't apply if the lines are long or the weather isn't what you hoped for, so you're booking for the experience itself, not for a guarantee of clear skies.

What’s included

Sunrise experience ticket to the 86th floor observation deck with 360-degree indoor and outdoor views, Starbucks Reserve coffee, and Princi pastries. Early entry before the building opens to the general public.

Information

Lasts 45m–1h 30m, runs Friday and Saturday at 06:30 and 06:15, from US$ 146.98 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 10 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesFriday: 06:30Saturday: 06:15 and 06:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up toStart time

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Empire State Building

Is this one for you?Right for early risers who want to see Manhattan light up without the daytime crowds, and don't mind an early wake-up call. The whole draw is that first light, so you're committing to the timing, but that's exactly what makes the observation deck feel like it's yours alone.

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Top questions

What time does the sunrise experience start?

Times vary by season, but you'll arrive before the Empire State Building officially opens. Check your booking confirmation for your exact check-in time.

Is the 86th floor the highest you can go?

Yes, this experience includes the 86th floor observation deck with indoor and outdoor areas. The 102nd floor is not included in this ticket.

What if it's cloudy or raining?

The tour runs regardless of weather. Refunds are not offered due to weather conditions, so you're booking for the experience itself.

Can I bring children?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and all areas are wheelchair accessible.

What's included in the ticket?

Sunrise experience entry to the 86th floor, Starbucks Reserve coffee, and Princi pastries.

Can I change my time or date?

Yes. Visit the official website or the ticketing office to request changes, and they'll assist you if possible.

Is there parking nearby?

Public transportation options are available near the Empire State Building. The building itself is accessible by subway.