Have you ever wondered what it’s like to wake up in a city that never sleeps?
Every Saturday until October, visitors are invited to watch the first rays of sunlight dance across Manhattan’s horizon and witness the city slowly stir to life at The Empire State Building. In partnership with Starbucks Reserve®, this exclusive experience offers unparalleled panoramic views of the city’s iconic skyline, and it’s the kind of quintessential New York moment that deserves a place on every well-seasoned traveler’s bucket list.
The Empire State Building & Starbucks Reserve® Experience
Upon arrival at New York City’s most celebrated building, approximately an hour before the sun has risen, a guide escorts you through the winding and intricate halls of this famed Art Deco building and up to the 86th floor, where you’ll find an open-air observatory. As the sun slowly rises over the horizon, the sky melts into hues of velvet orange and honeyed yellow while the city springs back to life. Streetlights flicker off as apartment windows begin to glow, cars begin filling hustling streets with their familiar chorus of honking, and the stillness of dawn slowly gives way to the energy of a city waking from its Friday night slumber.
Before the experience truly begins, you are offered a complimentary Starbucks Reserve® Empire State Building Microblend Coffee and a welcome pastry, exclusively by Starbucks Reserve® – an essential part of staying warm during this windy, early hour adventure.
A New Perspective of New York
To the east and west, spanning views reveal both the Hudson and East Rivers, with vistas extending across New Jersey, much of Brooklyn, and a panorama that stretches across six states. In the opposite direction, Lower Manhattan comes alive in dramatic fashion, offering some of the most incredible views I’ve ever seen. You truly feel as though you’re on top of the world. From Central Park to the World Trade Center, every vantage point throughout the experience feels incomparable. With the contrast of the city lights illuminating a dark sky cloaked in shadows to the gentle blues of dawn, each perspective feels truly singular and entirely its own.
In moments of reflection high above one of the greatest cities in the world, you are invited to linger a while longer, connecting with fellow participants while taking in views of Manhattan fully consumed by light. Following this sunrise extravaganza, guests are encouraged to descend to the second floor and explore the observatory experience’s museum-like, immersive exhibits.
The Making of a Manhattan Landmark
Taking a step back in time to a transformative moment in New York City’s past – a decade defined by resilience, ambition, and stark contrasts – every moment within the exhibit feels dedicated to discovery and curated to perfection. As you move through the excursion, you are transported to the building’s completion in 1931, despite construction having begun only a year earlier. Through the unfolding corridors, guests understand the grandeur and ingenuity of the 1930s firsthand. From the era’s fashion and engineering techniques to the remarkable construction processes behind some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the exhibit traces the extraordinary rise of New York’s one-of-a-kind skyline, and more.
The Things to Know Before You Go
- For those looking to partake in this extraordinary morning above Manhattan, securing tickets well in advance is highly recommended, as availability is limited and coveted dates often sell out quickly.
- Guests should plan to arrive early, allowing ample time for check-in and security before the experience unfolds.
- While the city below may be warm, the open-air observatory’s elevated vantage point can feel considerably cooler in the pre-dawn hours, making an extra layer essential regardless of the season.
- Most importantly, be sure to bring a fully charged phone or camera – the array of colors that unfolds across the skyline as the sun rises over Manhattan is a sight you’ll want to preserve long after the morning has ended.
Few experiences capture the beauty, energy, and wonder of New York City quite like the Empire State Building Starbucks Reserve® Sunrise. As dawn breaks over Manhattan, it offers a quietly unforgettable perspective that feels both timeless and distinctly of the city itself – a moment that belongs on the bucket lists of travelers and New Yorkers alike.
Photography by Clare McDonough
