Sunrise Experience at the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is currently the only observation deck in New York City that offers a sunrise experience. The other observation decks usually allow you to watch the sunset instead of the sunrise.
I attended a lovely sunrise event this morning at the Empire State Building, hosted by BH Photo and Nikon USA. Waking up extra early to arrive at 6:00 AM was so worth it for these views of New York City’s skyline!
By 6:30 AM, every digital creator and photographer had their camera ready to capture this morning’s sunrise! Nikon brought their cameras for us to test – I’ve been a Nikon fan all my life!
Rise & Shine: Sunrise Experience at the Empire State Building
You can also experience a sunrise on select Saturdays throughout the year:
- Price: $ 135 per person
- Location: 86th Floor Observatory
- Time: 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM
Here are my photos from today’s sunrise event at one of the tallest buildings in New York City!
Empire State Building – Interesting Facts
- Construction of the Empire State Building began on March 17, 1930.
- In a record-breaking 1 year and 45 days, construction on the building was completed in 1931.
- In 1932 tourists paid 10 cents to peer through a telescope in New York City.
- “King Kong” debuted in New York City on March 2nd, 1933 putting the Empire State Building front and center for one of cinema’s most famous films.
- In 1955 the American Society of Civil Engineers selected the Empire State Building as one of the seven greatest engineering achievements in America’s history.
- The Empire State Building Observatory received its 50 millionth visitor in 1976.
- On May 18, 1981, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission declared the Empire State Building a landmark.
- The Empire State Building unveiled a new LED lighting system capable of 16,000,000 different colors in 2012.
- The building’s transformation in 2019 included a 102nd-floor observatory, offering breathtaking views of the city.
Get Empire State Building Tickets: Skip The Line + 102nd Floor Deck:
Empire State Building Tickets and Observation Deck
The observation deck is on the 86th floor of the Empire State Building.
Book: your Empire State Building tickets in advance here.
Where is the Empire State Building located?
The Empire State Building is located on the corner of 5th Avenue and 34th Street.
How to get there: On 6th Avenue and 34th Street you will see a big subway station (across from Macy’s department store). Trains E, B, D, M, F, and N, Q, R, and W stop at that station.
What to do around the Empire State Building?
Bryant Park is a great option! You can walk north to 40th Street, and enjoy a stroll around the park. I highly recommend that you visit the New York Public Library, a beautiful building that is worth exploring inside, and one of the best free things to do in New York City.
After visiting Bryant Park, you can make your way to Grand Central Station on Park Avenue and 42nd Street. Inside this stunning train station, you will find Magnolia Bakery where you can enjoy a serving of their famous banana pudding for me!
If you have comfortable shoes on, walk to Rockefeller Center located on 49th Street, Radio City Music Hall, or St. Patrick’s Cathedral on 50th Street!
Book: Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour tickets here.
You can also do a little bit of shopping at Macy’s department store, Sephora, H&M, or Zara, located within walking distance.
When you are done visiting the Empire State Building you can grab coffee or tea at the Starbucks Reserve on the ground floor of the Empire State Building.
If you need an idea of what to do on a rainy, snowy, or cold day, I suggest visiting any of New York City’s top museums like The MET, The MoMA, or The Guggenheim.
A final note!
Seeing the sunrise at the Empire State Building was an unforgettable experience that I enjoyed and I think you will too!
Looking for a pet-friendly hotel in New York?
Here is a list of pet-friendly hotels in NYC (many allow pets to stay for free!).
Museums to Visit in New York City
If you are an art lover like I am, check out my guides below:
- Top Art Pieces at The MET
- Famous Paintings to See at the MoMA
- The Guggenheim Museum in New York
- How To Visit The MET Museum of Art: Tickets, Hours, Exhibits, Tours & More
TRAVEL TO THESE BEAUTIFUL DESTINATIONS
- 2 Days in Vermont & Where We Stayed
- St. Augustine 2 Day Itinerary
- 24 Hours in Charleston
- Top Things to Do in Newport, Rhode Island
- 20 Amazing Things To Do in Portland, Maine
- 3 Days at The Inn on Biltmore Estate
