NYC: Empire State Building Sunrise & Starbucks Reserve Pastries

Summary

Empire State sunrise views plus coffee and pastries before crowds

You’ll feel New York City waking up beneath your feet as you watch sunrise from the Empire State Building’s 86th floor—before crowds arrive. Early access means quiet moments and space to linger over artisanal pastries and Starbucks Reserve coffee. Includes your ticket, breakfast treats, and time to soak in those first golden rays—don’t be surprised if you want to stay longer than planned.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

What time does the Empire State Building sunrise experience start?

The sunrise experience begins before official opening hours; check your ticket for exact timing.

Is breakfast included in this sunrise tour?

Yes, artisanal Princi pastries and Starbucks Reserve coffee are included.

Can I bring children or strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers; all areas are accessible.

Is this experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

What happens if I'm running late?

Please arrive as close as possible to your scheduled time; staff will do their best to accommodate you.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are permitted during this tour.

Does this include pickup or transportation?

No hotel pickup is included; public transportation options are nearby.

Can I change my date or time after booking?

You can request changes via esbnyc.com/visit/manage-booking or at the ticketing office.

What’s included

Your morning includes early entry tickets to the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observatory before official opening hours, artisanal Princi pastries, Starbucks Reserve coffee for breakfast, plus plenty of time to enjoy panoramic views before regular crowds arrive.

What’s the experience like?

I never thought I’d be yawning my way through the Empire State Building at 5:45am, but there we were — a tiny group shuffling past the lobby lights while most of Manhattan was still dreaming. The security guard nodded us in with a sleepy smile (I guess he’s seen it all), and our guide, Maria, whispered that we’d beat every line today. There’s something about seeing New York before it wakes up — quieter, almost gentle. I could smell the faint hint of coffee from someone’s thermos as we rode the elevator up, ears popping a little on the way to the 86th floor.

Stepping out onto the observatory deck was… weirdly peaceful? No crowds jostling for photos, just a handful of us leaning into the chilly breeze. The city looked softer than usual — orange and pink smudges over rooftops, taxis barely moving below. Maria pointed out Brooklyn off in the haze and told us how construction workers used to eat breakfast up here in the ‘30s (not sure I’d have had the stomach for that). Someone laughed when I tried to spot my hotel from above — everything looks different from up there. I sipped my Starbucks Reserve coffee (included with our sunrise experience ticket) and nibbled on this flaky Princi pastry that left sugar on my fingers. It was honestly hard to talk much; everyone just sort of stood quietly for a bit.

I still think about that moment when the sun finally cracked over Queens and hit those glass towers — felt like we were all holding our breath together. Afterward, back downstairs, people were already lining up outside for regular entry. We just wandered out onto Fifth Avenue with warm coffee in hand, feeling like we’d gotten away with something secret. If you’re looking for a day trip in NYC that lets you see this city in a new way (and includes breakfast), this is it.