In New York in summer, when the pavements radiate heat, and the queues for the city’s landmarks begin to snake before breakfast, the real luxury is getting there first. We’re all for getting up before the crowds (early bird catches the worm and all that), which is why we’re pretty pumped for this new bucket-list experience at The Empire State Building. If you’re willing to set an early alarm, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views of the Big Apple.

The returning Starbucks Reserve Sunrise Experience at the Empire State Building runs every Saturday until October. On select mornings, small groups are timed to arrive with the sunrise (around 5:30am) and taken straight up to the open-air 86th floor, where the city comes into focus in its own time – bridges, avenues and glass towers catching the first light.

There’s coffee, too. Sip on small-batch blends from Starbucks Reserve, alongside a neat spread of pastries. Afterwards, you can take your time moving through the building’s exhibition spaces, which chart its history and cultural pull. This is a chance to catch New York in the early hours, just before the day gathers speed.

A limited number of tickets are on sale here for $135 per person