un headquarters guided tour

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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

Ben Hider/Getty Images

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 Headquarters

• Grand Central – 42nd St • 10 min walk
• Grand Central • 10 min walk

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United Nations Visitors Centre

• New York City
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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 .

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

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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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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Welcome to the United Nations

Take a tour of the Palais des Nations and learn about the United Nations and the UN's work in Geneva. Our tour guides will inform you about the organization and its activities to maintain world peace, foster international relations and development.

You will discover the Palais des Nations, a unique building, formerly the headquarters of the League of Nations. The Palais des Nations, an outstanding testimony to twentieth century architecture, is situated in the beautiful Ariana park in Geneva, Switzerland. 

Due to the ongoing renovations in the Palais des Nations, our tour offers are limited and subject to changes. Please read the below information carefully and check this page regularly for updates. 

Important Information

During the renovation work, guided tours are temporarily not suitable for persons with reduced mobility., please be informed that tours for individual visitors are currently limited and sell out very quickly. we encourage you to check our website regularly. thank you for your understanding..

Before the tour

Once you have your ticket(s).

As soon as you receive your ticket(s), every person in your group needs to register for an access badge. The registration link for access badges is on the ticket(s). Please register as soon as your receive your ticket(s). Participants will then receive a digital badge with a QR code sent to their email address which they can print out and bring along or store on their mobile phone. The QR code will be scanned on the day to enter the Palais des Nations.

On the tour day

• All visitors must carry a valid passport (UN Member or Observer State). ID cards from the Schengen Zone are also accepted. Passports or ID cards will be checked at the entrance gate.
• Please be at the meeting point  mentioned in your booking confirmation,   30 minutes before your tour to allow time for security screening and transfer to the Visitors’ Center.  

The guided tour lasts for approximately one hour.

Groups can reserve a tour in numerous languages, including Bulgarian, Czech, Dutch, English, French, German (and Swiss German), Italian, Japanese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish and Slovak. 

• Adults  (Ages 18+): 22 CHF
• University students, senior citizens and disabled persons  (University students must show valid student ID): 18 CHF
• School Children and Youth  (Aged 14 to 17): 12 CHF
• School Children and Youth  (Aged 6 to 13): 11 CHF
• Teachers  (For every 10 school children booked, - 1 teacher is free. Extra teachers should be booked as adults)
• Private VIP Tour : 280 CHF
• The Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room, decorated by famous artist Miquel Barcelò.
• The library of the Palais des Nations and the UN Museum.
• Part of the Ariana Park and the monument commemorating the conquest of outer space.
• A film about the history and features of the Assembly Hall, the largest room in the Palais des Nations.
• The plaza and entrance of our new state-of the-art and sustainable Building H.
• You will discover the Sustainable Development Goals.
• You will learn how a conference works at the United Nations.

Visitors Entrance Palais des Nations - Pregny Gate 14 Avenue de la Paix 1211 Genève, Suisse

+41 (0)22 917 48 96 [email protected]

Palais des Nations transit stop is  Appia .

Enter the Palais des Nations through the Visitor's entrance at Pregny Gate, on 14 Avenue de la Paix, 1211 Geneva in front of the International Committee of the Red Cross building and next to the Geneva Hotel School (please see  map  here).

The United Nations Office at Geneva is a workplace. Delegates hold their meetings where visitors go on guided tour. Visitors are therefore kindly reminded to stay with the tour guide at all times, to keep noise levels down, and to respect the professional working environment of the United Nations.

Please arrive 45 minutes before your tour.

​​​​​​​Public transport

Transports Publics Genevois Palais des Nations transit stop are Appia and Nations. Access from Cornavin railway station:

• Bus lines 8, 20, 60 ("Appia" stop)
• Bus line 5 or tram line 15 (“Nations” stop), then a 5 minutes' walk to Pregny Gate

Access from Cointrin airport:

• Bus line 5 (“Nations” stop), then a 5 minutes' walk to Pregny Gate

Other bus lines with stop at “Nations”: 11 and 22, then a 5 minutes' walk to Pregny Gate

In Geneva, unireso public-transport tickets must be purchased prior to boarding a tram, bus or ferry. Ticket machines are available at most stops. Travel cards or passes can be purchased at the main TPG centres (Rive, Cornavin and Bachet de Pesay).  Please note tickets are not available on the bus itself. Hotels, youth hostels or campsites typically offer a Geneva Transport Card, which allows use of public transport in Geneva free of charge during the period of stay.

Geneva public transport

Unfortunately, visitors are not allowed to park inside the premises of the Palais des Nations. A large underground parking is available at the Place des Nations, next to the United Nations, and can be accessed via Rue de Varembé.

Additional Information

Accessibility.

The Palais tour is approximately 2KM (1.24 Miles) of walking and can be difficult for youth or those with mobility issues.

As the Palais des Nations undergoes a complete renovation, areas of the tour will be difficult to access for those who need assistance.

Holiday Calendar 2024

Official Holidays for  2024  at the United Nations Office at Geneva:

Download UN Geneva 2024 holiday schedule

Renovations of the Palais des Nations

The Palais des Nations is currently under renovation but guided tours continue in a limited capacity. We build on your understanding that the tour routes may change. 

Security Information

Visitors should plan for approximately 40 minutes for security screening upon arrival.

Visitors should not be carrying luggage or large bags.

Due to certain events, Visitors’ Service may need to close at short notice, this will not concern pre-registered groups.  Our tour route and schedule may be affected by certain meetings, meaning some rooms may not be accessible, without prior notice.

Please check the updated security information before your tour. 

Find out more

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 visit United Nations headquarters in New York (for free)

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(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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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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From the UN, with love: Golden couple mark 70 years of Guided Tours

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She was a young tour guide at UN Headquarters in New York, and he was working with disabled children at a nearby hospital: as the UN marks 70 years of Guided Tours through the iconic building, Ellen and Lawrence Anderson, have been talking to UN News about how their life paths crossed at the Visitor Centre , paving the way for a special anniversary of their own.

Lawrence came to the United Nations for a guided tour with a group of disabled children from Bellevue Hospital. Ellen was known as a guide who was good with children, so she was assigned to lead their special visit.

One of the children, a boy called Herman, was in a motorized wheelchair, and when the elevator doors opened, he was so excited, that he set off in high speed down the corridor.

High speed chase

Ellen ran after him in her four-inch-high heels and this one little incident, broke the ice between Ellen and Lawrence.

Lawrence told UN News he remembers being captivated by Ellen’s appearance and her manner, but it was how she was with the children, how concerned she was for their welfare - and how she wanted them to feel comfortable - that really got him hooked.

He was also captivated by how good a tour guide she was for the group, bringing the history of the UN to life as they travelled through UN Headquarters.

Close encounter

After the tour, several coincidences led to a second meeting between the two. Instead of doing the last tour of the day, Ellen realized she could leave work early, and as she walked out with a colleague, who usually took another route out of the building, their paths crossed once again, outside of the Dag Hammarskjöld Library.

Amid the bustle of people leaving, Lawrence asked Ellen out on a date – and Ellen said yes immediately. The rest, as they say, is history.

They got married on 21 October 1972. Ellen ended up joining the United States global diplomacy team, and Lawrence went on to do a master's degree in special education at New York University, and further devoted himself to helping disadvantaged children.

Golden Wedding

Fifty years passed by in a flash, and what would be more suited for their 50 th  Wedding anniversary, than to come back to the United Nations for a celebratory guided tour?  

Going on a tour with current guide Hajer Ait Grain from Morocco, impressed them both: “Compared to what we were talking about at the time, the information she gave was like a lecture in a university, but at the same time very accessible,” says Ellen.

Keeping it in the family

Learning about the children’s tours, the couple, who are now grandparents, are considering bringing their two granddaughters on a tour at the UN Headquarters, so that they can understand the role of the United Nations from an early age. 

As Ellen and Lawrence celebrate their 50 th  anniversary, the Guided Tours team at UN Headquarters, is celebrating its 70 th  anniversary.

The operation was opened to the public in November 1952. For seven decades, visitors from around the world have toured UN Headquarters, giving them the opportunity to see, hear, and feel diplomacy in action, while admiring the unique collection of artworks on display at UN Headquarters.

‘The face and voice’ of the UN

“Our multilingual tour guides have been the face and voice of the United Nations to over 42 million visitors from around the world,” said UN Secretary-General, António Guterres. “We celebrate their 70th anniversary and honour their vital ongoing mission to enhance understanding of the essential work of the United Nations.” 

The Guided Tour is currently conducted in 13 languages, by a team of tour guides from 17 countries. Through the decades, the guides have been clothed by leading designers, from Edith Head, Christian Dior and Benetton in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, to  Elie Tahari from 2017  to the present.

To celebrate the 70th Anniversary, Visitors Services, with the help of former guides, recently put together a fashion show displaying the uniforms worn during the seven decades, as well as an arrangement of traditional attire.

A round table discussion on the impact the experience of serving has had on their lives and careers was also held, with former guides from all seven decades. 

An exhibit on the history and the role of the tour guides as “Ambassadors to the Public” is currently on view in the Visitors Lobby at the UN Headquarters to mark the anniversary. It is  also available in digital format .

The UN Postal Administration has also issued a  special commemorative stamp  for purchase at the stamp shop.

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The 2024 UN Civil Society Confernce in Nairobi

2024_un_csc_horizontal_datevs2.png.

Join us at the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference in Nairobi.

A MUST visit when in Nairobi! We offer guided tours through the African Headquarters of the United Nations. Located inside the ample UN complex next to Nairobi’s Karura Forest, the United Nations Visitors Service conveys information about the history, structure and important work of the UN. We explain the work of the different UN agencies located in the complex such as the UN Environment Programme and the Human Settlements Programme which are headquartered in Nairobi. Everyone interested in learning more about the UN is welcome to join us on a tour. In addition, we offer special educational programmes for schools, universities and other group bookings. We are looking forward to hosting you.

The United Nations Civil Society Conference is the premier event on the civil society calendar at the United Nations. The Conference offers civil society organizations an opportunity to put a global perspective on a specific issue and brings together senior UN System officials, prominent international civil society organizations, youth changemakers, academia, public opinion makers, and international media to discuss issues of global concern. This international forum, expected to host some 1500 participants, will provide preliminary discussions and data ahead of the Summit of the Future in September 2024 at the UN Headquarters in New York.

Since 1947, sixty-eight civil society conferences have resulted in successful outcomes due to previous interactions with civil society organizations.

Book a tour

“Civil society organizations were present in San Francisco at the founding of the United Nations and have been an integral part of the United Nations ecosystem from the outset. As part of our consultations, civil society has called for better engagement with the United Nations system. I believe that it is essential for the United Nations to listen to, coordinate with, and engage with civil society.”

Our Common Agenda. Chapter V. Paragraph 121

Email us to book a tour: [email protected]

Conference Hours:

May 9 th and 10 th , from 8 AM to 17:30 PM

Our normal business hours are:

Getting here

The Conference is located at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) UN Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi

The Participant's Handbook is a comprehensive guide to attending the conference.

Announcements

Civil society plays a fundamental role in shaping a future that, today more than ever, needs multilateral approaches to ensure an inclusive, sustainable, and safe society for all. Since 1947, sixty-eight UN-supported civil society conferences have resulted in successful outcomes. As a result of previous interactions with civil society organizations, we now look forward to the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference in Support of the Summit of the Future to be held in Nairobi on 9- 10 May. Read more...

UN Civil Society Conference in Support of the Summit of the Future daily schedule...

Call For ImPACT Coalitions

The Summit of the Future will take place 22-23 September in UNHQ New York, and is seen as an important moment to mend eroded trust and demonstrate that international cooperation can effectively tackle current challenges as well as those that have emerged in recent years or may be yet over the horizon. Read more...

Message by the #2024UNCSC co-chairs from the UN Office in Nairobi

A message from the UN Office in Nairobi, the host of the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference. Maher Nasser, Chair of the Conference, along with Co-Chairs of the planning committee Carole Ageng'o and Nudhara Yusuf share their commitments for the UN Civil Society Conference. #WeCommit

Every year, thousands of visitors enter the United Nations Office at Nairobi to see firsthand the important work of the UN. Join us on a scenic and informative walk through the African Headquarters of the United Nations.

Meet our Guides

Conference planning co-chairs:.

Maher Nasser,  Director of Outreach in the United Nations Department of Global Communications

“The Department of Global Communications is very proud to be part of the planning and organizing of the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference in Nairobi, the 69 th  since the Department’s creation and one that is receiving immense interest from civil society and other stakeholders, including from government representatives. This is the first of our civil society conferences to be held Africa and we are very grateful to the Government and civil society organizations in Kenya who have welcomed us with open arms and to our colleagues at the UN Office in Nairobi who will be hosting us in their beautiful campus sandwiched between Gigiri district and Karura Forest. As Co-Chair of the Planning Committee, my focus, and that of my colleagues in the Department, is to ensure the success of the Conference under the able leadership of Co-Chairs Carole Ageng’o and Nudhara Yusuf who are supported by a diverse and impressive civil society representatives from all around the world. The Conference comes at a critical point in the preparations for the Summit of the Future, a Summit that is billed as a major step towards a more inclusive and networked multilateralism providing multilateral solutions for a better tomorrow.”

Carole Ageng'o, Global Initiatives Lead & Africa Regional Representative at HelpAge International

"That civil society engagement remains a critical cog in the wheel of development, is well established. Greater collaboration between civil society organizations, governments and private sector can therefore not be more urgent at this time as we gear up for the Summit of the Future.  I look forward to a fruitful and effective partnership with my Co-Chair Nudhara Yusuf in putting together, and delivering (producing) a successful UNSSC to fully anchor civil society participation in the subsequent processes leading up to and including the Summit of the Future. Indeed, civil society participation will contribute greatly towards meeting the aspiration of “an international system – that is better prepared to manage the challenges we face now and, in the future, for the sake of all humanity and for future generations."

Nudhara Yusuf, GGIN Executive Coordinator at Stimson Center

"The Summit of the Future, above all, is a call to rethink the way things have always been done. I believe, along with my Co-Chair Carole, and many other civil society leaders, that Nairobi could and should be a moment for civil society to show, not just call for, process innovation; how civil society engages with intergovernmental processes. Come May 2024, we should have a clearer picture of what a Pact for the Future is likely to constitute, while the Nairobi moment would look to meaningfully feed civil society perspectives into the process, we hope it will also be a place to start the critical multistakeholder conversation about how to land the Pact for the Future. We hope we can capitalize on the multistakeholder and intergenerational convening to build ImPACT Coalitions of Member States, civil society, and UN and other entities, who will help take forth key issue areas and reforms. We hope the Nairobi moment will be a civil society hosted space to move the international community from language to an action oriented networked and inclusive multilateralism.”

Meet the Planning Sub-Committees Co-Chairs

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