The Empire State Building has this mystique of being iconic New York. People visit the observation decks to gaze out and experience the city that never sleeps from above. While people tend to focus on the Empire State Building as a perfect date night spot, there is another perfect time to visit. Exploring the 86th floor observatory during the day can get hectic and crowded. So aim to visit earlier, much earlier. You can get what feels like a VIP experience by purchasing tickets for the sunrise experience.
Sunrise Experience
Your sunrise experience will begin before the sun rises as you meet your guide. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the sun rises. You will pick up your complimentary Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building Microblend coffee. Then, choose from a selection of specially selected assortment of artisanal Princi pastries, exclusively by Starbucks Reserve. As a part of your experience, you will have pre-opening access to the immersive museum located in the building. This exhibit will take you on an in-depth tour through the building’s history, from planning and construction to the current day.
Tour guides will direct you to the famous open-air observatory on the 86th floor. Take your time as you enjoy the 360-degree views of the city. As the sun rises, the city will slowly wake up and come to life. See the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and Central Park under the warm glow of the sun’s rays. Some say it can be a quiet and romantic way to start your day. Because the tours are limited, you won’t compete with others to get the perfect view.
Once your tour is completed, you are free to enjoy the rest of the building at your leisure. Enjoy the exhibits, museums, and architecture.
Premium Experience
Because you are already at the Empire State Building, you can explore the rest of the building. Sign up for the Premium Experience, a 90-minute guided tour that takes you through the elegantly restored Art Deco lobby, Celebrity Walk, and current exhibits. Tickets for this tour are $175 per person.
ESB All Access Tour
If you want to make your trip to the Empire State Building truly memorable, add the ESB All Access Tour to your visit. This exclusive guided tour starts with a Champagne toast in the closed-door celebrity green room. Tickets are $500 per person.
Staying at The Marmara Park Avenue
Attending the tour will require you to rise before sunrise and be prepared to depart from the Empire State Building in darkness. You'll need to wake even earlier to allow yourself ample time to get ready and travel there. Staying at The Marmara Park Avenue will minimize your travel time. Its location is only 0.3 miles away, approximately two city blocks, from the Empire State Building, making it a five-minute taxi ride or less than a ten-minute walk. Following your visit to the Empire State Building, you can return and indulge in a delicious breakfast at Tuti, the onsite restaurant, offering a menu featuring light yet elegant classic American dishes.
How to Visit at Sunrise
If you want to experience the Empire State Building at sunrise, you must reserve your spot in advance. This experience is limited to 100 people. Tickets are $135 per person, and the Sunrise experience only takes place on Saturdays. Because of the limited capacity, it’s best to purchase your tickets while planning your trip and not at the last minute.
Book your stay at The Marmara Park Avenue and stay just around the corner from the Empire State Building.