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Empire State Building sunrise tickets

4.4(27K Ratings)

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.




BBT HOHO tour of New York / Empire State building
New York City hop-on hop-off bus with Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty in view.
Tourists enjoying the Big Bus 24/48/72-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour in New York, passing by iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building
Empire State Building Observatory view with skip-the-line entry ticket in New York City.
A male tourist using elevator cab in 2nd Floor Exhibition inside Empire State Building
Tourists enjoying the Big Bus 24/48/72-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour in New York, passing by iconic landmarks and skyscrapers
Double-decker bus on New York City street, part of Big Bus 24/48/72-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour.
New York Big Bus Crossing Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch
View of New York City from Empire State Building Observatory, part of the Combo Save 20%: 593 + 29099 tour package
View of New York City from Empire State Building Observatory, part of the Combo Save 20%: 593 + 29099 tour package
BBT HOHO tour of New York / Empire State building
New York City hop-on hop-off bus with Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty in view.
Tourists enjoying the Big Bus 24/48/72-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour in New York, passing by iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building
Empire State Building Observatory view with skip-the-line entry ticket in New York City.
A male tourist using elevator cab in 2nd Floor Exhibition inside Empire State Building
Tourists enjoying the Big Bus 24/48/72-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour in New York, passing by iconic landmarks and skyscrapers
Double-decker bus on New York City street, part of Big Bus 24/48/72-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour.
New York Big Bus Crossing Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch
View of New York City from Empire State Building Observatory, part of the Combo Save 20%: 593 + 29099 tour package
View of New York City from Empire State Building Observatory, part of the Combo Save 20%: 593 + 29099 tour package
BBT HOHO tour of New York / Empire State building
New York City hop-on hop-off bus with Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty in view.
Tourists enjoying the Big Bus 24/48/72-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour in New York, passing by iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building
Empire State Building Observatory view with skip-the-line entry ticket in New York City.
A male tourist using elevator cab in 2nd Floor Exhibition inside Empire State Building
Tourists enjoying the Big Bus 24/48/72-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour in New York, passing by iconic landmarks and skyscrapers
Double-decker bus on New York City street, part of Big Bus 24/48/72-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour.
New York Big Bus Crossing Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch
View of New York City from Empire State Building Observatory, part of the Combo Save 20%: 593 + 29099 tour package
View of New York City from Empire State Building Observatory, part of the Combo Save 20%: 593 + 29099 tour package
Combos
4.4(3.8K)

Combo (Save 10%): New York City Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Empire State Building Tickets

from $124.91
$112.42

10% off

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
  • Get a complete overview of New York City with a 1-day hop-on hop-off bus tour and visit the iconic Empire State Building with the wallet-smart combo!
  • Discover New York’s uptown and downtown with 18 stops, including attractions like the Statue of Liberty and SoHo for an adventure at your own pace.
  • Buses run every 15-30 minutes and come with multilingual audio guides. Plus, enjoy a free bike rental and butterbeer ice cream at the Harry Potter store.
  • Reach the 86th-floor observatory deck of the Empire State Building and gaze at 360-degree views of the NYC skyline with high-powered binoculars.
  • On clear days, catch a glimpse of six states from the building’s lookout, plus access to the stunning Art Deco lobby, an architectural masterpiece.
  • Get a complete overview of New York City with a 1-day hop-on hop-off bus tour and visit the iconic Empire State Building with the wallet-smart combo!
  • Discover New York’s uptown and downtown with 18 stops, including attractions like the Statue of Liberty and SoHo for an adventure at your own pace.
  • Buses run every 15-30 minutes and come with multilingual audio guides. Plus, enjoy a free bike rental and butterbeer ice cream at the Harry Potter store.
  • Reach the 86th-floor observatory deck of the Empire State Building and gaze at 360-degree views of the NYC skyline with high-powered binoculars.
  • On clear days, catch a glimpse of six states from the building’s lookout, plus access to the stunning Art Deco lobby, an architectural masterpiece.

Inclusions

New York HOHO

  • 1-day unlimited hop-on hop-off pass by Big Bus
  • Access to Downtown & Uptown loops
  • Pre-recorded commentary in English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese & Italian
  • Bike rental offer: buy 1 hour, get 2 hours free
  • Free Butterbeer ice cream at Harry Potter Store
  • Free mobile app to navigate and view stops

Empire State Building

  • Entry to the 86th-floor observatory deck (near stop #3 Empire State Building/ Korea Town on Downtown route)
  • Access to Art Deco lobby
  • High-power binoculars
  • Free WiFi

Please click here for the detailed route map and boarding points.

You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

New York HOHO

Downtown loop (Red route)

  • First bus: 9am from stop #1 (M&M’s World)
  • Last bus: 5pm from stop #1 (M&M’s World)
  • Frequency: Every 15 mins
  • Popular Stops: Brooklyn Bridge, SoHo, Times Square (East), Empire State Building & World Trade Center

Uptown loop (Blue route)

  • First bus: 10am from stop #14 (Hope Sculpture)
  • Last bus: 4pm from stop #14 (Hope Sculpture)
  • Frequency: Every 30 mins
  • Popular Stops: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park Zoo, Columbus Circle

New York HOHO

  • The buses are wheelchair accessible.
  • Choose safety and comfort: Visitors with mobility impairments may not be able to access the upper decks.
  • Specific details related to the add-ons in your tickets like walking tours and bike rental offers will be shared in the ticket post-booking.

Empire State Building

  • Tip: The 2nd floor houses a life-size King Kong replica clinging to the building, just what you need for Instagram-worthy pictures.
  • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
  • Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
empire state building guided tour with top of the rock tickets-1
empire state building guided tour with top of the rock tickets-2
Empire State Building view from Top of the Rock, New York City skyline during guided tour.
empire state building guided tour with top of the rock tickets-4
Empire State Building view from Top of the Rock, New York City skyline during guided tour.
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Empire State Building view from Top of the Rock, New York City skyline tour.
empire state building guided tour with top of the rock tickets-8
empire state building guided tour with top of the rock tickets-9
Empire State Building view from Top of the Rock, New York City skyline tour.
empire state building guided tour with top of the rock tickets-1
empire state building guided tour with top of the rock tickets-2
Empire State Building view from Top of the Rock, New York City skyline during guided tour.
empire state building guided tour with top of the rock tickets-4
Empire State Building view from Top of the Rock, New York City skyline during guided tour.
empire state building guided tour with top of the rock tickets-6
Empire State Building view from Top of the Rock, New York City skyline tour.
empire state building guided tour with top of the rock tickets-8
empire state building guided tour with top of the rock tickets-9
Empire State Building view from Top of the Rock, New York City skyline tour.
empire state building guided tour with top of the rock tickets-1
empire state building guided tour with top of the rock tickets-2
Empire State Building view from Top of the Rock, New York City skyline during guided tour.
empire state building guided tour with top of the rock tickets-4
Empire State Building view from Top of the Rock, New York City skyline during guided tour.
empire state building guided tour with top of the rock tickets-6
Empire State Building view from Top of the Rock, New York City skyline tour.
empire state building guided tour with top of the rock tickets-8
empire state building guided tour with top of the rock tickets-9
Empire State Building view from Top of the Rock, New York City skyline tour.
Guided Tours
NEW

Empire State Building Guided Tour with Top of the Rock Tickets

from
$120
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
2 hr. 30 min.

Enjoy early access and a guided tour of the Empire State Building and explore 2 iconic observatories in one seamless ticket!

  • Save with early access to the Empire State Building, exploring its 80th-floor Dare to Dream Exhibit and 86th-floor observatory with fewer crowds.
  • Experience 360° views from the Empire State’s 86th floor, spotting iconic NYC landmarks and even five states on clear days.
  • Discover Midtown’s gems as you walk to Rockefeller Center, where you’ll explore the historic Art Deco building and Top of the Rock independently.
  • Top of the Rock’s three-tiered decks offer incredible views of Central Park and the Empire State Building, perfect for capturing NYC’s stunning skyline.

Enjoy early access and a guided tour of the Empire State Building and explore 2 iconic observatories in one seamless ticket!

  • Save with early access to the Empire State Building, exploring its 80th-floor Dare to Dream Exhibit and 86th-floor observatory with fewer crowds.
  • Experience 360° views from the Empire State’s 86th floor, spotting iconic NYC landmarks and even five states on clear days.
  • Discover Midtown’s gems as you walk to Rockefeller Center, where you’ll explore the historic Art Deco building and Top of the Rock independently.
  • Top of the Rock’s three-tiered decks offer incredible views of Central Park and the Empire State Building, perfect for capturing NYC’s stunning skyline.

Inclusions

  • Guided tour of Empire State Building
  • English-speaking guide
  • Access to 86th-floor observatory
  • Entry to Top of the Rock
  • Access to observation decks
  • Tip: NYC attractions have airport-style security. Streamline the process by having small bags and checking guidelines for restricted items.
  • Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible for guests in wheelchairs or those needing special assistance.
  • Strollers and baby carriages cannot be accommodated.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
View of New York City from Empire State Building Observatory, part of the combo tour deal saving 20%
Sunrise view from the empire state building
Sunrise view from the empire state building
A couple at the construction exhibit in the Empire State Building
A couple at 'the site in the 1920s' exhibit in the Empire State Building
View of New York City from Empire State Building Observatory, part of the Combo Save 20%: 593 + 29099 tour package
A man at the modern marvel exhibit in the Empire State Building
View of New York City from Empire State Building Observatory, part of the Combo Save 20%: 593 + 29099 tour package
Tourists enjoying sunrise view from 86th floor with Starbucks Reserve, New York City skyline in background.
Sunrise view from the empire state building
View of New York City from Empire State Building Observatory, part of the combo tour deal saving 20%
Sunrise view from the empire state building
Sunrise view from the empire state building
A couple at the construction exhibit in the Empire State Building
A couple at 'the site in the 1920s' exhibit in the Empire State Building
View of New York City from Empire State Building Observatory, part of the Combo Save 20%: 593 + 29099 tour package
A man at the modern marvel exhibit in the Empire State Building
View of New York City from Empire State Building Observatory, part of the Combo Save 20%: 593 + 29099 tour package
Tourists enjoying sunrise view from 86th floor with Starbucks Reserve, New York City skyline in background.
Sunrise view from the empire state building
View of New York City from Empire State Building Observatory, part of the combo tour deal saving 20%
Sunrise view from the empire state building
Sunrise view from the empire state building
A couple at the construction exhibit in the Empire State Building
A couple at 'the site in the 1920s' exhibit in the Empire State Building
View of New York City from Empire State Building Observatory, part of the Combo Save 20%: 593 + 29099 tour package
A man at the modern marvel exhibit in the Empire State Building
View of New York City from Empire State Building Observatory, part of the Combo Save 20%: 593 + 29099 tour package
Tourists enjoying sunrise view from 86th floor with Starbucks Reserve, New York City skyline in background.
Sunrise view from the empire state building
Tickets
NEW

VIP Sunrise Experience: 86th-Floor with Starbucks Reserve

from
$146.98
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
  • Start your day on a high note: unique sunrise viewing from the Empire State's 86th-floor. A serene, breathtaking start.
  • Enjoy a gourmet breakfast above the clouds with Starbucks Reserve® coffee and Princi® pastries, exclusive to this tour.
  • Before the doors open, explore the Empire State's museum. An intimate look at its iconic history, without the crowd.
  • Capture the city awakening with your camera. This tour's early access means you get the first, unobstructed view.
  • Discover the Empire State's secrets, from its Art Deco elegance to its role in pop culture, enhancing your NYC visit.
  • Start your day on a high note: unique sunrise viewing from the Empire State's 86th-floor. A serene, breathtaking start.
  • Enjoy a gourmet breakfast above the clouds with Starbucks Reserve® coffee and Princi® pastries, exclusive to this tour.
  • Before the doors open, explore the Empire State's museum. An intimate look at its iconic history, without the crowd.
  • Capture the city awakening with your camera. This tour's early access means you get the first, unobstructed view.
  • Discover the Empire State's secrets, from its Art Deco elegance to its role in pop culture, enhancing your NYC visit.

Inclusions

  • Early-morning VIP access to the Empire State Building
  • Sunrise viewing from the 86th-floor observatory
  • Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building Microblend Coffee
  • A selection of artisanal Princi® pastries by Starbucks Reserve®
  • Tip: Ask staff about less-known spots within the building for unique views or quiet moments.
  • The building is wheelchair-accessible.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

From night to light | Empire State Building’s sunrise tickets

The VIP Sunrise Experience at the Empire State Building is a one-of-a-kind way to see New York City in its most serene moments, as the city comes to life beneath you. With exclusive early access, you’ll enjoy far-reaching views of New York’s skyline, and savor a gourmet breakfast high above the busy streets.

This page will guide you through ticket details, highlights of the experience, and the views you can catch during your visit.

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.
New york empire state
Empire State Building Observatory view with tourists using skip-the-line entry tickets in New York City.

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.