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Tours of the United Nations Building in New York

This post has all the information needed to take a tour of the United Nations Headquarters, including information about tickets, directions, what you will see there, and nearby sights.

• Guided Tours of the UN
• How to Get Tickets
• Plan Your Visit
• Nearby Sights and Activities
• Things to Do in NYC
• Free Tours By Foot

GUIDED TOURS OF THE U.N.

United Nations' guided tours are a great way to learn more about the organization and its contributions to the world order.

You must purchase tickets for the tour.

If you prefer to visit the United Nations for free, you can, but you will not see any of the significant parts of the Headquarters.

See below to find out what you can see without taking a tour. 

Pre-booked tickets and proof of full COVID-19 vaccination are strongly recommended but not required for entry. All visitors are recommended to wear mask but not required.

Tour Schedule

Tours are offered Monday-Friday, between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, and last between 45 minutes to an hour. 

There are no weekend tours .

The Visitors Center is open on the weekends, but you will not be able to see any other areas of the building.

Tours are offered in the six official languages of the United Nations, which are English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Arabic, and Russian.

Tours are also sometimes offered in German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, and Swedish.

If for some reason a booked language tour is not available when you arrive, the tour will be conducted in English.

About the Tour 

On the tour, you will visit the 

• General Assembly Hall
• Security Council Chamber
• Trusteeship Council Chamber
• Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Chamber
• and much more!

About the Guides

• There are 24 United Nations Tour Guides.
• The guides are from 15 different countries and speak a combined 12 languages.
• Tour Guides are referred to as United Nations Ambassadors to the Public because of their direct contact with millions of visitors.
• The guides are briefed every morning so that they will be current on the ongoing work of the organization.
• Guides also sometimes wear the native dress of their home country.

Kids Tour - Thematic Guided Tours

Since 2019, the UN started offering tours for children ages 5 through 10.

The tour includes a visit to the kid-friendly UN Kids Corridor".  

Guides interact with children and role-play so that young visitors learn how the UN relates to their lives.

The Corridor has huge world maps on the walls, mounted flags of the countries that are included in the Security Council, and even an actual refugee tent. 

To know more about the Kids tour, click here .

Standard Guided Tour

In the centre of New York City, visit the UN! An intriguing chance to learn about UN Headquarters is provided by a one-hour guided tour.

You'll go on a brief tour of the halls of world affairs with one of the multilingual Tour Guides.

You will gain knowledge of the UN's past and current activities while touring its renowned General Assembly Hall and Security Council Chamber. (meetings permitting).

To know more about the tour, visit .

Garden Tour

In the autumn, Wednesdays at 2:30 pm offer special tours of the UN's North Lawn.

Learn about the history of the "George and the Dragon" statue, see a real section of the Berlin Wall, and find a "hidden gem" honouring Eleanor Roosevelt, one of the most significant women in the history of the United Nations, as you stroll through the gardens with their exceptional rose collection and recognizable cherry trees.

Thematic Guided Tour - Black History Tour

Take the unique Black History Tour to commemorate Black History at the UN!

Tour is available at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

You will get a special opportunity to see the Ark of Return, a permanent monument to those who perished in enslavement and the transatlantic slave trade, on the United Nations Visitors Plaza as part of the Black History-themed Tour of the UN.

Access to the General Assembly Hall, Trusteeship Council Chamber, and Security Council Chamber will also be included in the special visit.

With a focus on decolonization, visitors will learn about the contributions made by people of African origin to the UN's work in areas like peace and security and human rights.

Thematic Guided Tour - Focus on Women Tour

The Focus on Women Tour highlights the important contributions made by women to UN efforts in the areas of peace and security, human rights, and development.

More than half of the world's population are women, and even though their opinions have frequently been muted, their tenacity and wisdom have made them change agents!

This tour will discuss women who have had a significant impact on the history of the UN, as well as issues like Security Council resolution 1325, which emphasises the critical role that women play in conflict prevention and resolution, the distinctive and expanding role that women play in peace operations, Sustainable Development Goal 5, which focuses on gender equality and women's empowerment, and other General Assembly milestones that have improved the status of women globally.

A traditional Mola tapestry created by Kuna women from Panama will also be on display as part of the tour in the General Assembly Lobby.

If there are no meetings scheduled, the Focus on Women Tour will also have entry to the General Assembly Hall, Economic and Social Council Chamber, and Security Council Chamber.

To learn more, click here .

Other Things to See at the UN

Whether you take a tour or not, there is plenty to do at the United Nations.

The lobby and atrium are open for visits and you can see their permanent and changing  exhibits .

You can also browse their  bookshop ,  purchase a souvenir , and send a postcard with a  UN stamp!

You can also dine alongside UN delegates at the  Delegates Dining Room . You must make a reservation by calling 1-917-367-3314.

For a less expensive meal, try the casual Visitor’s Café in the Visitor’s Center.

NOTE:   The UN no longer offers the opportunity to have your passport stamped.

Instead, the UN Post Office sells souvenir passports for $1.00 which you can have stamped for free. 

Also, they will stamp any type of paper product, such as postcards, pamphlets, or even blank paper. This makes for a unique one-of-a-kind souvenir. 

HOW TO GET TICKETS

Tickets can be purchased online at the UN's Visitor Center website page .

Note that tickets are sold through this site via an online vendor. If you purchase with a credit card, Vendini Tickets is the name that will appear on your statement.)  

Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Visitors Center for the next available tour that day.

Because of limited availability, it is strongly recommended that you purchase tickets in advance.

Prices 

• Seniors (60 and up): $18
• Students (with ID): $18
• Children (5-12 years old): $15
• Children under 5 years old are not permitted on tours but are allowed inside the UN building.
• Kids Tours are offered for children 5-10 years old. For the Kids Tour, see above .

Purchase tickets here .

PLAN YOUR VISIT

The Visitor Entrance is at First Avenue and 45th Street.

You can use this link to Google Maps to get exact directions from your departure location to the U.N. 

By subway:   Take the 4/5/6 trains to Grand Central-42nd Street Station).

Exit Grand Central Station on 42nd Street (look for signs that say "42nd Street Exit". 

Once on the street, you can walk along 42nd Street to 1st Avenue and then walk north 4 blocks to the Visitor Entrance. 

If you don't want to walk from Grand Central, you can take the M42 bus heading east on 42nd Street. It is a free transfer from the subway.

TIP:  You may find our posts on  navigating the NYC subway  and choosing the right subway pass helpful.

By bus:   The crosstown M42 bus heading east. The Uptown M15 bus along 1st Avenue stops in front of the U.N. 

By ferry: The East River ferry has a stop at 34th Street and 1st Avenue. It costs the same as the subway and you will have fantastic views during your ride. See our post about the  East River Ferry .

By car: We advise you to not drive to the UN, as there is no visitor parking and traffic in Midtown is very heavy. 

When you arrive

Be sure that everyone in your group who is 18 years or older (and unaccompanied children 12 years and older) has their government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver's license.

Go to the Visitor Check-in Office at 801 First Avenue at 45th Street, across the street from the UN.

For 9:30 am and 9:45 am ticket holders, please be advised that the Check-in Office opens at 9:00 am.

Because you must go through a security screening, which may take some time, the UN asks that you arrive  an hour prior to your tour so you will not be late.

You won't be able to bring in big bags or tripods. We have great suggestions for where to store your bags for under $6.

Note:  If you are more than 15 minutes late your reservation may not be honored.

For more information about what to expect when you arrive, see the UN website .

Good to Know

• Tours take place during working hours, so groups are asked to keep quiet while walking in between stops.
• There are no restrooms along the tour route, so take care of any needs before the tour begins.
• TIP: If you have bags and would like to store them somewhere during your visit to the UN, look at our post on  where to store luggage in NYC .

What you can and cannot bring

The UN takes security seriously. Check their long list of prohibited items here .

You CAN bring the following:

• battery-operated electronic devices, as well as medical devices
• cameras, video recorders, or any type of recording device
• creams, lotions, or perfumes
• strollers (not permitted on the tour route)

NEARBY SIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES

You may want to link your trip to the United Nations with a few other activities. 

One activity is to join us for one of our pay-what-you-like tours of Midtown Manhattan or Grand Central Terminal .

Explore  Grand Central Terminal  (also a great place to grab food!). 

You can enhance your visit to Grand Central by using our  self-guided Grand Central tour  or our audio tour . 

For a stunning view of the NYC skyline, ride the aerial tram to Roosevelt Island.  Once you are on Roosevelt Island it is a lovely place to spend an hour or 2.

See our  Self-Guided Roosevelt Island Tour  for information on what to do on the island. 

You can also visit the New York Public Library . They offer free tours daily. 

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Tour the United Nations Headquarters in NYC

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Strolling through the fascinating corridors of international diplomacy at Manhattan's United Nations Headquarters is an educational journey not to be missed. Interestingly, while set on the east side of Midtown Manhattan, fronting the East River, the U.N.'s 18-acre parcel of land is considered "international territory" that belongs to members of the United Nations and is, therefore, not technically part of the United States. An hour-long tour here offers enriching insight into the important work of the United Nations organization.

What Will I See?

The best (and only) way to see the inner workings of the United Nations Headquarters is via guided tour. Approximately hour-long guided tours are offered Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 4:45 pm. Tours start in the General Assembly building and afford a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the organization, including a visit to the General Assembly Hall. The General Assembly Hall is the largest room in the United Nations, with seating capacity for more than 1,800 people. In this room, representatives of all 193 Member States gather to discuss pressing issues that require international cooperation.

Tours also take in the Security Council Chamber, as well as the Trusteeship Council Chamber and the Economic and Social Council Chamber (note that access may be limited to rooms if meetings are in progress). En route, tour participants will learn more about the history and structure of the organization, including the scope of issues that the United Nations regularly deals with, including human rights, peace and security, disarmament, and more.

Note that a kid-friendly Children's Tour, geared towards children ages 5 to 12, is also available for booking with advance online purchase; all participating kids must be accompanied by an adult or chaperone.  

What Is the History?

The United Nations Headquarters complex was completed in New York City in 1952 on land donated to the city by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. The buildings contain chambers for the Security Council and General Assembly, as well as offices for the Secretary-General and other international civil servants. The complex received an extensive overhaul in celebration of the United Nations' 70th anniversary in 2015.

Where Is It Located? 

Fronting the East River, the United Nations Headquarters is located on 1st Avenue between East 42nd and East 48th Streets; the main visitors' entrance is at 46th Street and 1st Avenue. Note that all visitors need to first get a security pass to visit the complex; passes are issued at the check-in office at 801 1st Avenue (at the corner of 45th Street).

Guided tours are available on weekdays only; the UN Visitors Lobby with exhibits and UN Visitor Center remains open on weekends (though not in January and February). It's highly recommended to book your tickets for guided tours online in advance; a limited number of tickets may be available for purchase at the United Nations on the day of your visit. Note that children under 5 years of age are not permitted on the tours. (Tip: Plan to arrive at least an hour in advance of your scheduled tour to allow for time to go through the security screening.) There is a Visitors Café serving food and beverages (including coffee) on-site.

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United Nations Guided Tours Celebrates 70 years in New York City

The United Nations Department of Global Communications celebrates today the seventieth anniversary of its Guided Tours operation, the same day that the doors of the Organization’s Headquarters in New York City were opened to the public in 1952.

To mark the occasion, an exhibit on the history and the role of the tour guides as “Ambassadors to the Public” is on view in the United Nations Visitors Lobby, available also in digital format.  The United Nations Postal Administration has issued a special commemorative stamp sheet for purchase at the stamp shop.

For seven decades, visitors from around the world have toured United Nations Headquarters, giving them the opportunity to see, hear and feel diplomacy in action.  Escorted by guides well-versed in international affairs, visitors walk through corridors buzzing with diplomats and international civil servants, learn about pressing geopolitical issues, and while seated in the General Assembly Hall, reflect on our world’s need for international cooperation.

“Our multilingual tour guides have been the face and voice of the United Nations to over 42 million visitors from around the world,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.  “We celebrate their seventieth anniversary and honour their vital ongoing mission to enhance understanding of the essential work of the United Nations.”

The one-hour Guided Tour is conducted in 13 languages by a team of tour guides from 17 countries.  As per tradition, the tour guides have been clothed by leading designers, from Edith Head, Christian Dior and Benetton in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, to Elie Tahari from 2017 to the present.

Access to a multi-media kit about the United Nations Guided Tours can be found here ; and the digital version of the seventieth anniversary exhibit at:  www.un.org/en/exhibits/ambassadors-to-the-public .  During the Unit’s anniversary month of November, visitors can also request a United Nations tour, or an interview with a tour guide in a foreign language, Monday through Friday, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., by reaching out to the media contacts below.

United Nations Guided Tours offer an exciting opportunity to discover United Nations Headquarters on a brief journey through the corridors of international diplomacy, all while admiring the unique collection of artworks on display in the United Nations compound.  During the hour-long tour, visitors will learn from a multilingual tour guide about the history of the Organization, as well as the work of its 193 Member States in the areas of peace and security, development and human rights .  Guided Tours are also available at United Nations Offices in Geneva, Nairobi and Vienna.  For more information, please visit www.un.org/visit .

Media Contacts:  Vincenzo Pugliese, Acting Chief, Visitors Services, New York, at email:  [email protected] , tel.:  +1 212 963 6984; or Rula Hinedi, Chief, United Nations Guided Tours, New York, at email:   [email protected] , tel.: +1 212 963 5052.

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United Nations Visitor Centre

405 E 42nd Street, New York , New York 10017 USA

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“explore the United Nations Headquarters”

Come and visit the United Nations in the heart of New York City! Our one hour guided tours offer an exciting opportunity to discover and get a behind-the-scenes view of the Organization at work. All tours start in the United Nations North Lawn Building located at 47th Street and 1st Avenue. For security reasons, children under 5 years of age are not permitted on tour. Guided Tours offer an engaging way to explore the United Nations Headquarters: Visit the Security Council Chamber, the Trusteeship Council Chamber, and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Chamber in the newly renovated Conference Building.Learn about how the United Nations addresses issues such as disarmament, peace and security, human rights, and the Millennium Development Goals.

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The UN Headquarters in New York

Visiting the united nations headquarters in new york.

You've probably seen meetings at the United Nations headquarters on television – that’s where the 15 member states of the Security Council meet. But not many people know that this large building, located in New York City along the East River in Manhattan, is actually open to the public. It is possible to take a tour of the UN headquarters in New York, and it is even one of the most visited places in the city, welcoming more than a million people every year. 

In this post, you will find out everything you need to know to prepare your visit to the UN headquarters in New York . This is an activity you can unhesitatingly add to your list of things to visit, especially if you don't know what to do in New York yet.

THE UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS

The United Nations was founded in 1945 , in the aftermath of the Second World War, by the representatives of 51 countries. The purpose of this organisation is to help coordinate international operations, ensure the maintenance of peace, and improve security, economy and respect for human rights.

There are currently 193 member states of the UN, and the organisation’s headquarters are located in New York. The headquarters, however, are not U.S. territory – the territory belongs jointly to all member states.

The UN headquarters are actually composed of 4 major buildings:  the General Assembly, the Dag Hammarskjöld Library, the Secretariat Building and the Conference Hall Building . In front of the entrance to the complex are the 193 flags  of the UN member countries, which are arranged in alphabetical order and form a large arc. To symbolise the equality of all member states, all of these flags share the exact same distance between them. 

THE ENTRANCE TO THE UN HEADQUARTERS BUILDING

You do not need a ticket to access the building's inner courtyard and main lobby – but should you want to go further, you must first go to the  visitors' desk , which is located at the corner of First Avenue and 45th Street. You will be asked for your reservation and a valid ID. You will need to arrive at this desk at least 45 minutes before your visit.

Once you have passed through security, you will receive your Security Pass, after which you can cross the street to the main building. More security checks await you before the tour begins, but in the central  hall  you will already see many works of art that have been donated to the UN by heads of state. You can also see photo exhibits  and videos that showcase the work of the UN and address issues such as children's rights and global warming.

Your guided tour will begin from this central hall.

THE GUIDED TOUR OF THE UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS

The visits of the UN buildings are done during the week and last about one hour. The tour begins in the lobby with a brief presentation of the United  Nations , including its history, member states and missions.

You will then have the opportunity to discover the famous conference rooms that can be seen during television news. It is there that meetings and debates on often very difficult topics are held. One of the most famous of these rooms is the Trusteeship Council Room , one of the six major organs of the UN, which is responsible for making decisions regarding the territories under the UN's trusteeship.

During your visit, you will not be able to visit the rooms that are occupied by parliamentarians – but never fear: a projection screen will have been placed at the entrance of the rooms concerned, thereby allowing you to follow live the sessions in progress.

The highlight of your visit will be the United Nations General Assembly Hall , which has received many world leaders, and where important decisions are regularly taken on international security issues.

To finish your visit, you can go to the store, where you can find books and souvenirs of all kinds. This store is located in the basement, and you can also find a restaurant and the post office right next to it.

In this post office you can find UN stamps, which are only usable in the territory of the United Nations, and which can be used to send a most original postcard to your relatives.

BOOK YOUR GUIDED TOUR OF THE UN BUILDING

The tours are offered in six official languages of the UN (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish). If you wish to take a guided tour in one of these foreign languages , I recommend booking your tour at least 2 months prior to your visit .  You should know that for security reasons, the tours are done in small groups only, and due to the building’s popularity, you will have a hard time finding a place in a tour, if you wait too long before booking one.

Even if you want to take a tour in English, I advise you to book a few weeks before the date of your choice.

Reservations are made online on the official UN website . As you make your reservation, you will have to choose the time of your visit. The United Nations building is open to the public   from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 4:45 pm.

RATES FOR THE UN HEADQUARTERS TOUR

• For adults, the price of the visit is   $ 22 (£17) per person
• For people over 60 years old and students (upon presentation of their student card), the visit costs $ 15 (£11.50)
• For children aged 5 to 12, the tour costs $ 12 (£9)
• Children under 5 years of age are not allowed to visit

HOW TO GET TO THE UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS?

The UN headquarters is located in Manhattan 's Midtown neighbourhood, right on the East River. To get there, you can take the 42nd Street bus or the underground to the iconic Grand Central Station, from which you can walk down 42nd Street.

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How to take a guided tour of the UN Headquarters in New York

Last updated: 03/15/2019

A different and very instructive tour in New York is visiting the headquarters of the United Nations (UN). Learn a little more about the history of this important institution and get to know the places where decisive meetings are held between member countries, which guide the course of our planet.

THE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS (UN)

The United Nations (UN) is an intergovernmental organization charged with promote international cooperation and create and maintain international order . It was created shortly after the end of World War II on June 26, 1945, with the aim of preventing another such conflict. Although there are offices in other countries ( Geneva , in Switzerland; Nairobi, Kenya; and Vienna in Austria), the organization's world headquarters are in New York  in a complex of buildings designed by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer , opened in 1952.

At its founding, the UN had 51 member states; there are now 193 participating. The organization is funded by voluntary and assessed contributions from its member states. Its objectives include maintaining international peace and security, promoting human rights, promoting social and economic development, protecting the environment and providing humanitarian aid in cases of famine, natural disaster and armed conflict.

The UN has six main bodies: the General Assembly (the main deliberative assembly); the Security Council (to decide on certain resolutions for peace and security); Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC, to promote international economic and social cooperation and development); the Secretariat (to provide necessary studies, information and resources to the UN); International Court of Justice (main judicial body); and the UN Trusteeship Council (inactive since 1994).

The agencies of the United Nations system include:

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• World Food Program, conceived at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
• United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

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HOW TO BOOK THE UN HEADQUARTERS TOUR

To book your ticket for the UN Headquarters tour, visit this link . You will be on the UN Visitors Center page that sells tickets for the coming months. There are tours practically every day of the week (Monday to Friday, except when there is a special event. month that you intend to visit.

You will then be directed to a screen where the days available within that month . Scroll down on the right to get to the desired date.

Clicking on the date, a new window will open, with the options of the schedules and tour information at other languages . There are cases of having more than one tour at the same time. Take care to select the one in the desired language. In this simulation, we chose April 3, 2018.

Please note that there is a tour in Portuguese at 2:30 pm and at the time of our inquiry there were 15 of the 20 seats available. Click “ORDER” to select the tour. In the next window, it is necessary to select the amount and type of ticket to be purchased: adults, senior (over 60 years old), students (you must present a document proving this) or children (from 5 to 12 years old). In our simulation, we put 1 adult ticket and 1 senior ticket. An internet booking fee of US$ 2 is charged for each ticket in addition to the price of each ticket.

Then, it is necessary to include the personal data of the person who is buying and inform the credit card data so that the amount related to the tickets is charged. You will receive an email with the purchase confirmation and you must print the tickets that arrive as an attachment to take with you on the day of your visit.

ENTRY TO THE UN: STEP-BY-STEP

• STEP 1 – MAKE YOUR IDENTIFICATION: The official website recommends that you arrive one hour before your tour time and explain why. Before entering the UN Headquarters, you will need to go and do your identification. The location is on the other side of Avenida 1, right in front of the UN building. Cross the street and enter the place. Get in line and let them know you're there for the tour. You will have to show a document with photo to prove your identity. The best thing to do is take your passport, but I took my Brazilian driver's license and they accepted it just fine. As soon as you register, you will receive a sticker with your photo and name and you will have to stick it on your clothes.
• STEP 2 – GO THROUGH SECURITY: Exit, cross the street again and go to the UN entrance gate. A security guard will ask you to verify your ID. Just show the sticker to be able to enter.  At this point, you will have to go through the security itself (x-ray and metal detector), the same as at the airport . Do not take sharp objects or objects that may present any risk. Aerosols are not allowed, but bottles of water and liquids over 100 ml are allowed . See the full list of objects in this link .
• STEP 3 - SERVICE DESK: Leaving security, you will have access to the outside area of the UN which has some statues and decorative objects (more on them later). Go through the door on the right and enter the building. Go ahead, past some of the exhibits and you'll see a tour desk. Get in line for show your ticket (that one that you received by email and printed it out before going there). O attendant will confirm your visit and will give you an ID for you to put). Wait for your tour time until an employee calls the group of people at that time.

WHAT IS A VISIT AT UN HEADQUARTERS?

The UN Headquarters in New York welcomes over 1 million visitors every year! Even those who do not have a tour booked can visit the place. The procedures are identical to those mentioned above, you will not need to go to the service desk to confirm your tour, but you will be able to walk around the area and check what is open to the public.

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1. EXTERNAL AREA

After passing through security, take some time to admire the external area of the building designed by Oscar Niemeyer and appreciate the works of art that are on display in the open. All of them were gifts given to the UN by some national states and were placed there to further beautify this region. Check out some examples:

2. FREE CIRCULATION AREA: EXHIBITIONS, BOOKSTORE/SHOP AND Snack Bar

After confirming your tour, take the opportunity to take a tour of the area that is open to the public. They exist exhibitions that change periodically, photographs, works of art and even a window where you can see one of the meeting rooms being used.

On the ground floor, underground, there is a cafeteria, a large bookstore /gift shop and restrooms. This entire area of the building is freely accessible and is not included in the tour that will follow. You can get to know it before starting your tour (if you have time to spare) or right after your tour ends (it ends right in the basement of the building, close to the bookstore/gift shop, where you can purchase a souvenir of the UN).

3. UN HEADQUARTERS GUIDED TOUR

As your tour time approaches, please be ready in the area next to the service desk. There are several sofas there and just wait for your guide to show up and call for the people who will participate in the tour at that time. Follow the guide to enter a restricted area. You will go up the escalators to start the tour. The guide who accompanied my tour started by asking some basic questions about the UN to find out how knowledgeable the group was. She then commented on the creation of the UN, the member countries and the institution's objectives.

We went through a corridor with works of art and information on some of the UN's fronts, as the organization has important subdivisions that deal with science, education, human rights, children's rights, food and agriculture, disarmament, etc. We were able to enter some rooms where meetings were not being held at that time (the tour depends a lot on the day you visit, as you will be taken to those rooms that are empty, in order not to disturb the progress of the meetings).

The guide showed us some of the items on display in the rooms, which were present from different member countries of the organization. One of the most shocking areas is about instruments that were used in wars and the guide commented on some resolutions that were taken so that some types of weapons were no longer used, mainly on the civilian population.

The highlight of the visit is precisely for the end: the main meeting room of the UN General Assembly. The decor is beautiful, with drawings on the walls and a golden panel on the central wall at the back, where the United Nations logo is located. When I visited, there was a session taking place in this room and our tour quickly passed through the upper area, not being able to stop to look at the details of this impressive room.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

United nations headquarters.

• Address: 405 E 42nd Street (46th St & 1st Ave), New York, NY 10017, USA
• Schedules:  Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4:45 pm
• Tours: Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 4:45 pm every 15 minutes / most tours are in English, but there are other languages, including Portuguese on some days / maximum 20 people per tour
• Entrance:  US$ 20 adults / US$ seniors and students / US$ 11 children / a service charge of US$ 2 is charged for each ticket in addition to the entrance price / buy tickets in advance on the official website through  from this link

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11 comments.

[…] How to take a guided tour of the UN Headquarters in New York […]

Hi! I loved the post. Just ask me a question, can all the places you visited with the guide be visited by people without a guide? Another thing, I saw on the website that it works from Monday to Sunday, that is, I can visit on Saturday or Sunday, but without a guide.

Items 1 and 2 that we talked about in the post yes. Item 3 only through guided tour. The guide needs to be present because the tour itinerary changes according to the rooms that are being used on the day. Therefore, access is restricted and only available with a guided tour. On weekends, tours are not offered and you will only be able to visit items 1 and 2.

Hugs and a great trip to you! 🙂

[…] Read more: How to take a guided tour of the UN Headquarters in New York […]

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How to visit United Nations headquarters in New York (for free)

by Dan Miller | Nov 24, 2016 | all , family travel | 6 comments

(READ MORE: Most Traveled People – tracking places you’ve been )

Where is the United Nations headquarters in NYC?

United Nations Headquarters is in Manhattan (New York City), on the east side of the island.  The UN headquarters building is located off of 1st Avenue between 42nd and 47th streets

While the skyscraper that you THINK is the United Nations headquarters (technically the “United Nations Secretariat Building” is between 42nd and 43rd street, the actual visitor’s entrance into United Nations headquarters building is opposite 45th street.

There is no parking at the UN headquarters building – the UN website recommends walking or taking public transportation. We were staying at the Sheraton Times Square New York , so we walked over.  One advantage of walking is that on your way to visit the United Nations Headquarters, you’ll pass by many countries’ diplomatic missions, so it makes a good game of “spot the flags”

You will see an entrance building on the east side of 1st Avenue opposite 45th street.  It looks like this

If you look closely in the picture, you can see 2 armed guards in front of the UN building who will not let you in… unless…. you get a visitor’s badge.

Getting a (free) visitor’s pass to visit United Nations headquarters

Unless you work there, you will need a Visitor Pass to visit the UN Headquarters building.  The Visitor’s Check-In office for the United Nations headquarters building is (conveniently) right across the street from United Nations Headquarters, on the northwest corner of 45th Street and 1st Avenue (801 First Avenue is the address)

The UN website suggests arriving to check-in at least one hour before any scheduled tours you might have to go through the security process.  The security check in building opens at 9 a.m. Monday through Friday and at 10 a.m. on weekends.  Every visitor 18 and older needs to show government ID (original; no photocopies) in order to get a visitor pass.  The UN website does not mention this, but there is a sign in the building stating that your identification must be in English

My daughter (10 years old at the time) did not need to show ID but also got a visitor’s pass / bracelet.  Children under 5 years of age are not permitted to visit the United Nations headquarters building (supposedly for “security” but I’m not sure I understand that)

You’ll get a badge that looks something like this

and then you can cross back over 1st Avenue to visit the UN headquarters building

When to visit the United Nations Headquarters building in New York

The United Nations headquarters building is open most days from 9 a.m. (weekdays) or 10 a.m. (weekends) to 5 p.m.  Although the UN building itself closes at 5 p.m. they stop letting people inside at 4:30

• Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
• Saturday & Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
• All visitors must exit the building by 5:30pm

Visiting the UN headquarters building is not allowed on certain holidays – check the UN website for more information.  Another thing to note is that guided tours are only offered on weekdays, while the United Nations headquarters building lobby, shops and Post Office are open on weekends (except January and February)

How to visit United Nations headquarters for free

There are United Nations tours that are guided tours (but only on weekdays; see above).  The current price for United Nations tours is $22 for adults, $15 for “Students” (ages 13+) and Seniors (60+) and $13 for children ages 5-12 (Children under 5 are not permitted on UN tours or in the UN headquarters building at all).

That’s well and good, but we want to visit United Nations headquarters for FREE!

When my daughter and I were at the United Nations headquarters building, we decided not to pay for a UN tour and instead just visit the building.  The good news is that the lobby, shops, Post Office and atrium are open for free and even on weekends (when there are no UN guided tours)

We were there on a Sunday morning – it was super empty and I felt that it was a good time for general reflection.  The atrium in the United Nations headquarters building in NYC is very large and has lots of information about the United Nations itself, UNICEF, and other

I enjoyed this picture of former UN secretary general Boutrous Boutrous Ghali ( thank you Animaniacs !)

The shops were closed because we were there pretty early in the morning, but we spent an hour or so looking at the different displays both inside

and the sculptures outside the United Nations headquarters building

Definitely worth a trip to United Nations headquarters if you’re visiting NYC.

Have you been to the United Nations headquarters building in New York City?  If you took the UN Tour, was it worth it?  Or would you recommend just visiting the lobby and atrium for free?

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rocking the double tee

Do you have to be in a tour to visit here?

No. We went in without a tour, but I’d imagine if you’re on the tour, you may have better access to things. For my purposes, just walking around the “open” part of the building was more than enough

Thank you for sharing this information.

Had a wonderful visit to United Nations Headquarter yesterday! Thanks

I’m glad you had a good time!

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United Nations Visitors Centre

• New York City
• Things to Do

Every year, the United Nations Headquarters in New York welcomes over 1 million visitors from around the world. Book a Guided Tour of the UN Headquarters and visit their fascinating exhibits!

Photo courtesy of the United Nations Visitors Center

Standing on the eastern shore of Manhattan Island, on the banks of the East River, the United Nations Headquarters remains both a symbol of peace and a beacon of hope. Representatives of the earth’s seven billion people converge at the UN Headquarters to discuss and decide issues of peace, justice and economic and social well being.

Every year, the United Nations Headquarters in New York welcomes over 1 million visitors from around the world. You may book a Guided Tour of the UN Headquarters, visit the  exhibits , browse the  UN Bookshop , ask a question,  purchase a souvenir , and send a postcard with a  UN stamp . The  Delegates Dining Room  accepts lunch reservations during the week. Call 1-917-367-3314 for additional details.

Visit the United Nations – it’s your world!

9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.  Monday through Sunday.

Guided tours are only available from Monday through Friday.

Take Amtrak to the United Nations Visitors Centr e  

Experience the United Nations Visitors Centr e   via Amtrak to Penn Station in New York City —Don’t forget to use the Amtrak  See New York and Save 15% discount!

From 34th Street-Penn Station, take the A, C, or E subway train to ride one stop to 42 St – Port Authority Bus Terminal Station. From 42 Street Station, walk (about four minutes) to the Times Sq – 42 St Station and take the 7 subway train. Ride three stops to the Grand Central – 42 St Station. Head  south  on  East 42nd St  toward  3rd Ave toward  United Nations Secretariat Building (about a ten-minute walk).

Or rent a car with Enterprise! Pick up your reserved  NYTRAIN  Enterprise Rent-a-Car right at the Penn Station.  Click here to reserve your car  or call the New York City office today at:  845-485-2222 .

Search New York by Rail

Every year, the United Nations Headquarters in New York welcomes over 1 million visitors…

Tour the United Nations Building in New York City

I invited my teenage son to join me on a business trip to NYC. We had a few hours free to explore the city, so I had him pick what he wanted to do. He suggested a tour of the United Nations Building, and with a little research, I reserved our guided tour for a Friday afternoon.

The hour-long tour offered glimpses into the workings of the United Nations and their efforts in addressing global issues. If you’re planning to visit New York City and want to tour the United Nations Building, these tips will help you plan your visit.

RELATED POST: 12 Best Things to do in New York City

Book Your Guided Tour in Advance

When you know you want to tour the United Nations Building, visit their website to book your tour . Guided tours are available Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. There are some holidays the UN Building is closed, so you’re want to check their website to see what is available.

Note that children 5 and under are not permitted on the guided tour.

Get your Visitor’s Badge Across the Street

If you’ve scheduled a guided tour, you’ll want to arrive at the building 45-60 minutes before your tour. It takes some time to get your visitor’s badge, and you don’t want to miss the start of your tour.

The tall, iconic building you see in movies houses the offices of those working in the United Nations. The smaller building to the north of the tall building is where the tour actually takes place. But before you can make your way through the security check point, you have to visit the building across the street (to the west of the entrance) to get a visitor’s badge. That building is on the corner of 1st Avenue and E 45th Street.

RELATED POST: Two-day Itinerary for New York City

Bring a government issued, picture I.D. (passport, driver license, etc.) for everyone over the age of 18. Your confirmation email will contain additional information about the types of I.D.s that are accepted.

Once you get your visitor’s badge, head across the street to the security checkpoint that will allow you into the United Nations Complex.

Explore the UN Complex & Visitors Center

Once through security, we took a few moments to explore some of the gifts in the UN Gift Garden. We found a cultured gifted to the United Nations from the City of Luxembourg, which was a revolver with it’s barrel tied up – promoting peace and not violence. Some of the gardens were blocked off, so we could explore everything there is there.

Once inside the visitor’s center, you can explore certain areas of the building without being on the guided tour. This includes a display on the priority areas of the United Nations – like clean water, food, diseases, etc. – and a gift shop so you can grab a souvenir from your visit. This part of the area is free to access. It’s only the guided tours that cost money – but you’re also able to see a lot more, making the tour worth it.

What to Expect on the Guided Tour

Follow the signs in the visitors center to where the guided tours take place. If you didn’t purchase your ticket in advance, you can purchase them onsite for whatever tour times still have room.

Check in roughly 15 minutes before your tour start time and then wait for the tour guides to arrive. The tour takes you to a few notable areas within the building (not the tall offices building). However, if meetings are in session in the chambers, some may be unavailable for tour groups.

RELATED POST: Explore the KGB Espionage Museum in New York City

Here are the few rooms you’ll be able to visit on the guided tour of the United Nations Building. They aren’t listed in the order in which you’ll see them while on the guided tour.

United Nations Security Council Chambers

I wasn’t really familiar with the operations of the United Nations prior to the tour. But I discovered that 15 members serve on the UN Security Council. There are five permanent members of the Council (China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly.

General Assembly Hall of the United Nations

The most iconic stage and room inside the United Nations Building is the General Assembly Hall. It’s the room where countries from around the world are represented and where discussions take place to tackle global issues.

Don’t worry, the tour does allow you some time to grab a few photos or selfies in the General Assembly Hall.

Other Chambers at the United Nations Building

There are two other chambers you can visit as part of your tour, unless they have meetings in progress: The Trusteeship Council Chamber and the Economic and Social Council Chamber.

Other Exhibits on the United Nations Building Guided Tour

Between the iconic chambers, there are displays throughout the hallways you’ll learn about during your tour. For example, one of the main purposes of the United Nations is peacekeeping. You’ll learn about their efforts and the locations around the world where they have assigned UN peacekeepers.

There are several gifts from other countries on display as well. But the room that has a meaningful impact is about war. You can see the magnitude of nuclear war and the race to arms around the globe. There’s a stone statue from Japan that was blasted by the atomic bombs dropped near the end of World War II. The front of the statue looks fine – but the back of it is melted. It was interesting to see the effect the atomic bombs had on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The Details

Address:   46th St & 1st Ave, New York, NY 10017

Hours of Operation:   Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Guided tours are only available Monday – Friday as well.

Costs:  It’s free to visit the United Nations Complex and visitors center. However, a guided tour (as described above) is $22 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, and $12 for children, ages 5-12. For security reasons, children under 5 are not permitted on the tour.

Website: https://visit.un.org

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I would absolutely LOVE to do this. We were in NYC with the kids last summer but only for a day and went exploring instead (it was their first time in the city) but I cannot wait to to go back. Saving your tips for then!

Thanks. We really enjoyed the tour and learning about steps being done to address global issues.

Dying to check out the United Nations. Good to know I can bring the boys.

Yep. My boy enjoyed it – and we both learned a lot.

My daughter just did a Model UN conference in NYC and got to attend the opening ceremonies at the UN – what a great experience.

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Photo exhibit marks 50 years of guided tours at UN's New York Headquarters

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“This is the best way they can understand that the United Nations is their Organization and that it works for them and for the generations that will succeed them,” the Secretary-General said at the opening of a photographic exhibition to mark the anniversary.

The first guided tour of the UN Headquarters took place in November 1952 and since then, tour guides from more than 100 countries have played host to more than 37 million visitors.

About 400 former guides were on hand for the celebration, many of who have gone on to successful careers in the United Nations, politics, academics and many other fields.

In his remarks, Mr. Annan praised the tour guides, describing them as the friendly face of the UN, and said they had introduced the Organization to millions of visitors over the past 50 years. On the average, UN guides speak 30,000 words each day in one of 20 languages, telling half a million visitors about the history and features of the Organization each year.

He said the guides routinely respond to difficult questions "with a politeness, poise and self-possession to which we all should aspire."

The fiftieth anniversary of guided tours at the UN also coincided with the half-century mark of the Headquarters building itself, the Secretary-General pointed out. "At 50, UN Headquarters has withstood the tests of time, changing tastes and technological change," he said, adding that a major renovation was under way to ensure that the UN building remains healthy, functioning and able to experience more anniversaries.

• In-Person Guided Tours
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About the Guides

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• About the UN
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Are you interested in becoming part of our exceptional team of UN tour guides? Click here to apply.

Adalgisa Sanchez-Dominguez (Dominican Republic)

Adalgisa speaks Spanish and English fluently and holds a master’s in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from the City University of New York. She is a staunch supporter and advocate for Gender Equality - SDG 5, Quality Education - SDG 4 and Clean Water and Sanitation for all - SDG 6. As a tour guide, she hopes not only to inform UNHQ visitors about the work of the United Nations, but inspire future generations who will lead this organization and the world. Adalgisa enjoys reading books, traveling and visiting museums.

Rabeea Khalid (Pakistan)

Rabeea is from the Punjab province of Pakistan. She holds a master’s degree in Political Science (International Affairs and Global Justice) from the City University of New York and speaks English, Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi. An avid participant in Model UN at university, and previous recipient of the "best delegate award", Rabeea strongly believes that diversity brings people together.

Yiting Hui (China)

Yiting comes from China and holds a master's degree in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University. Fluent in Mandarin and English, she was captivated by the UN tour during her high school years when the Model United Nations Club organized a visit. The experience left a memorable impression, fueling her aspirations to return and fulfill the role of introducing the UN and sharing its impactful work with the public. Yiting is thrilled to have finally realized her dream of becoming a UN tour guide. In her leisure time, she finds joy in engaging in table tennis, badminton, running, and indulging in comedy movies and detective novels.

Hulda Maganga Ngouali (Gabon)

Hulda holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from Mercy College in New York. She is from Gabon and speaks Punu, French, English and is learning Spanish. Hulda is an advocate for human rights, especially the rights of children living in conflict-affected regions. She joined the United Nations because she believes "it's crucial for the world to learn about the work of the UN and its impact in peoples’ lives". By sharing that knowledge with visitors on her tours, she hopes they get inspired to be part of the solution. Hulda enjoys reading, listening to music, volunteering and researching the benefits of foods and plants.

Volasoa Niaina RAMILIARISONA (Madagascar)

Volasoa holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy with a minor in Spanish from Mercy University in Dobbs Ferry, New York. She is fluent in French, English and Spanish. Volasoa dreamed of joining the United Nations since she was 9. Witnessing UNICEF's assistance first-hand in her home country Madagascar inspired her to work hard in school in order to achieve her goal of working for the United Nations. Volasoa is passionate about music, and also loves writing, photography , cooking and reading.

Yuta Tanaka (Japan)

Yuta is from Japan and speaks Japanese and English, fluently. He obtained a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Kwansei Gakuin in Japan and a master's degree in Music Composition from CUNY Queens College in New York. Yuta joined the United Nations to learn about life from different peoples he meets on his tours as he believes learning about different cultures helps make the world a better place. He considers music his life's work and has been composing and playing bass for over two decades. In addition, he is loves arts, literature, architecture, Specialty coffee and longboarding.

Ingrid (Peru)

Ingrid speaks Spanish and English fluently and is a student of American Sign Language. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal in Lima. Ingrid wanted to join the United Nations to be part of an organization that makes a difference in people's lives, where she can address the importance of climate change awareness through improving daily habits. She enjoys doing martial arts, practicing ASL, gardening and finding creative plant-based recipes.

Nodoka Yamagata (Japan)

Nodoka, a native of Japan, graduated with a bachelor's degree in International Languages and Cultures from Setsunan University. Fluent in Japanese and English, and possessing intermediate proficiency in Spanish, she is currently expanding her linguistic repertoire by learning French. Nodoka's interest in international cooperation was sparked during her teenage years, and it grew even stronger after she had the opportunity to visit Burkina Faso in West Africa. Motivated by her passion for fostering global collaboration, Nodoka joined the United Nations with the specific goal of becoming a tour guide. Through this role, she aims to contribute to the dissemination of knowledge about the UN's vital work and promote greater understanding among diverse audiences. In her leisure time, she finds joy in Japanese calligraphy, photography, cooking, and reading.

Cedric Sainte Croix (France)

Originating from Toulouse, France, with familial ties to Martinique, Cedric holds a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in IT and management from Paul Sabatier University in Toulouse. Fluent in French, English, Spanish, and Italian, his global perspective is enriched by his diverse language skills. Cedric's professional background includes service at the French embassy in Venezuela and Morocco in 2001, as well as contributions to the electoral division of UNOCI in 2007. Beyond his career, Cedric is a natural healing enthusiast, embodying roles such as a yoga teacher, reiki master, sound healer, and aromatherapist. His interest in addressing discrimination, particularly against women, girls, and non-white individuals, led him to join the UN, where he is aiming to connect with visitors and shed light on the UN's impactful work in creating a more inclusive and equitable world.

Nodira Akhmedova (Uzbekistan)

Originally from Uzbekistan, Nodira joined the UN as a Tour Guide in 2018. Her main goal in sharing the UN's mission and work with visitors is to inspire them to become part of the solution in addressing large challenges such as climate change. Nodira speaks English, Uzbek, Russian, Japanese, and some Spanish. When not giving tours, she teaches yoga and dance, hikes in the mountains, and tries new plant-based recipes.

Hajer Ait Grain (Morocco)

Hajer is from the Kingdom of Morocco and holds a master's degree in Public Affairs from Baruch College in New York and a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University in New Hampshire. She joined the United Nations because she shares “the same passion and belief that international co-operation helps solve many of today’s economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems facing the world”. Hajer speaks Arabic, English and French, fluently.

Stephanie Chung (Republic of Korea)

Stephanie Chung, from the Republic of Korea, holds a bachelor's degree in international studies from the University of Michigan. She speaks Korean and English, fluently. Stephanie has worked in various communication and marketing roles, with her most recent position being in Fashion Marketing. Her journey with the UN began when she interned in the Public Information Department at UNHCR Korea. As a UN tour guide, she aims to connect with individuals from around the globe and promote awareness about the organization. During her free time, Stephanie finds pleasure in practicing Yoga and taking leisurely walks in the park.

Shaoran Zhang (China)

Originally from China, Shaoran completed his Master of Science at Bentley University after finishing his undergraduate studies at the University of Connecticut. He speaks English, Mandarin, and Cantonese fluently. Shaoran enjoys various hobbies like basketball, skiing, and has a strong passion for music and literature. His interest in working at the UN as a tour guide was sparked by a friend's recommendation, coupled with his focus on communication during his undergraduate studies. This opportunity aligns with his aspirations and career goals.

Mykola Blyzniuk (Ukraine)

Coming from Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine, Mykola is fluent in English, Ukrainian, and Russian, and he is currently honing his skills in French and Danish. He holds a master's degree in International Law from the Kharkiv National Law University. Mykola began his journey with the United Nations as a Political Affairs Intern at the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, where he discovered a deep passion for disseminating the United Nations' ideals to a global audience. Besides his professional pursuits, Mykola has a passion for music and playing the guitar. Moreover, he enjoys travelling the world, constantly seeking new horizons to explore the diverse wonders our planet has to offer.

Darío A. Mendoza Loor (Ecuador)

Dario is from Portoviejo, a small city on the coast of Ecuador. He holds a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences and International Studies with a focus in Latin American and Caribbean Culture in Society from the University of Florida. Dario speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese and is currently learning French. He also has some basic understanding of Greek and Italian. Dario joined the United Nations to "be part of an organization that works tirelessly to promote sustainable development and human rights". He is a fan of the mystical aspects of the world and loves to read about mindfulness and meditation. He is also a fan of dancing to different styles such as Salsa, Merengue and Bachata.

Gerusa Braz (Cabo Verde)

Gerusa is from the lively islands of Cabo Verde, near Africa's northwest coast. She earned a bachelor’s degree in foreign languages from Universidade de Brasilia in Brazil. Her interest in the linguistic intricacies and cultural contexts of Latin-derived languages motivated her to pursue a Master of Science in Romance Languages from Southern Connecticut State University in the USA. Gerusa speaks Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese, and Spanish fluently. Her experience as an interpreter fuels her passion for languages, extending to her hobbies where she loves learning different languages. Gerusa joined the UN because she wants to be part of a global organization dedicated to addressing the world's most significant challenges.

Silmara Roman (Brazil)

Silmara speaks Portuguese and English fluently and is also a student of the French language. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Communications from Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Parana in Brazil and a master’s in Theater from Hunter College in New York. Silmara is very curious by nature and is very excited to work for the United Nations. She wants to “share with visitors the history and work of this great institution, especially how the UN is helping to create solutions for global challenges like plastic waste that is polluting our oceans (SDG #14)”. She is a wellness enthusiast who loves the beach, traveling the world, theater and experiencing different cultures and cuisines.

Minseon Kang (Republic of Korea)

Minseon studied International Relations of the Asia-Pacific region and holds a master's degree in International Affairs from the University of California, San Diego. In her work, she hopes to contribute to achieving the goals and values of the UN. She loves swimming and hiking, and has an interest in building sustainable consumption patterns.

Hashim Abdullah (Uzbekistan)

Hashim holds a master’s degree in Foreign Languages from Kostroma State University in Russia and a bachelor’s degree in French and Political Science from the City University of New York. He is fluent in English, Russian, Tajik, French and is also a student of the Arabic language. Working for the UN provides him with an opportunity to promote multiculturalism and respect for diversity. Hashim is also passionate about water conservation and is eager to share its importance with visitors on his tour. He enjoys hiking and exploring various styles of architecture while traveling abroad. 

Ben Danieli (Germany)

Ben holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Albany in New York and speaks English, German and Hebrew. Prior to joining the United Nations, He led historical themed multi-day tours in major cities on the US East Coast such as in NYC, Boston, Philadelphia, Newport and Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa in Canada. Ben joined the UN because it is important for him to work in a multicultural environment and he finds the organization the perfect place to achieve his goal of serving humanity. Some of Ben’s interests are going to live music events, playing the guitar and snowboarding. He is also an avid reader of historical and sci-fi novels, and is a lover of film and sports. 

Herta Maria Engelhart (Austria)

Herta grew up in Austria and holds a Master's degree in Translation and Interpretation from the University of Vienna. She gives tours in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Prior to joining the UN in New York, she worked as a tour guide in Rome and at the Vatican, at the Austrian Parliament and at the UN Offices in Vienna. Herta loves music, art and art history and drew on these passions to develop the Art and Architecture Tours at UN Headquarters. She enjoys using her language skills to talk to people from all over the world, exchanging experiences and ideas with visitors.

Regina Varthi (Greece)

Regina holds a bachelor’s degree in European Civilization, a master’s degree in Management of Services from Athens Economics and Business University and a second master’s degree in International Studies from The Graduate Center City University of New York. In addition to her native language Greek, she speaks English fluently, but you may also have a short conversation with her in French, German and Romanian. She is passionate about transforming the world into a better place where love, harmony and laughter transcend any barriers. She loves spending time in nature and believes kids have pure wisdom and hold the world’s bright future in their hands. She is enthusiastic about traveling and extreme sports from skydiving to desert safari and you will often find her dancing to "shaking it off"!

Pierre Emmanuel Billet (France)

Pierre is from France and speaks French and English, fluently. He obtained a master's degree in Public Management from ESCP Business School in Paris, France. Pierre has a versatile professional journey where he worked as a consultant in communication and change management for various public institutions in France as well as a tour guide driving a "2 chevaux" in Paris. He also worked as a tour guide in New York City where he used his knowledge to design many walking tours of neighborhoods in Manhattan and Brooklyn embracing history, social and economic issues and cultural aspects. Pierre joined the United Nations after witnessing "the dedication of many UN Staff to serve the UN mandate" which he believes is more relevant now than ever. He is always fascinated by discovering new places and loves to meet new people to share that experience with families, friends and visitors on his tours.

Papa Thiecoro Dembele (Senegal)

Papa has been a UN Tour Guide since 2016. He speaks English, French and Italian and started his UN career in Rome, Italy with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Papa loves being asked new and challenging questions by visitors, which always helps him learn something new as well. He sees his work as an opportunity to raise awareness on important global issues, such as climate change and racial injustice. Papa also developed the Black History Month tour in 2018.