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At the Nintendo Museum, you can discover the history of the entertainment that Nintendo has been offering through the many products we have released, from Hanafuda to Nintendo Switch, and experience our entertainment.

View side-by-side displays of products released by Nintendo. Discover Nintendo's commitment to creation and innovation while connecting it to your own memories and experiences.

Enjoy play experiences born of Nintendo's creativity and enhanced with modern technology.

Experience Nintendo's origins by making your own Hanafuda playing cards, and playing with them while getting to know the rules of the game.

In addition to special drinks, we offer hamburgers, which you can custom order by combining your preferred ingredients.

In addition to official merchandise themed after Nintendo's game worlds and characters, the shop also carries items available only at the Nintendo Museum.

*The café and shop are located inside Nintendo Museum and are open only to ticket holders.

56 Kaguraden, Ogura-cho, Uji-shi, Kyoto 611-0042 5-minute walk from the East exit of Ogura Station (Kintetsu Railway Kyoto Line) 8-minute walk from the North exit of JR Ogura Station (JR Nara Line)

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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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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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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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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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 Headquarters in NYC Private Tour

Take a guided tour of the United Nations HQ! Enter the international territory and explore the UN’s buildings where real history is made. See special art exhibitions on social issues and learn about the global initiatives for human rights and peace.

• Take a tour of the United Nations HQ with a Licensed Guide
• See the General Assembly Hall and other important chambers
• Enjoy special exhibitions on human rights, social issues and peace
• Learn about the history and work of the UN and its member countries
• Discover the secrets of international diplomacy

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Available trips:

Activity details.

• Private Tour Exclusive only for you
• Just buy and we instantly organize Your booking ensure the tour is already fully organized, just come and enjoy!
• Live Guide English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Polish
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This United Nations Headquarters tour is a unique opportunity to learn about the important but complex work carried out by the UN and its member countries. Explore the UN buildings located in the heart of New York City with an Official Licensed Guide and gain a better understanding of social issues, human rights, and world peace.

The 2-hour option includes advance tickets for a guided tour of the UN HQ. Upon entering the international territory between 46th Street and 1st Avenue, you will head to the UN Visitor Center to meet your Licensed Guide. During the tour, you will visit the famous General Assembly Hall, Security Council Chambers, and other relevant meeting rooms and chambers. Discover what goes on behind-the-scenes during the meetings of the UN’s 193 member countries and learn in depth about the UN history and work.

You can also spend some time exploring the Visitors Lobby, which features photographic and multimedia displays on global social issues, the refugee crisis, humanitarian action, climate action, sustainable development and other important topics. There will also be free pamphlets and other materials on the UN work available for you to pick up.

• Private Tour of the United Nations Headquarters
• A Licensed Guide who speaks fluently in your chosen language
• Advance tickets for a guided tour of the UN buildings
• Lots of information about the UN, its history and work
• Commentary on international diplomacy, important social issues and solutions

Important information

What you should know.

• Please check your email the day before the tour to receive important information.
• Please note that due to high-level meetings of Heads of State and Government, and delegations, United Nations Headquarters and Chambers may sometimes close to the public on very short notice.
• All visitors must first report to the Visitors Check-in Office, located across the street from the UN, proceed to the security screening, then check-in for your tour at the Cashier’s Desk, located at the back of the Visitors Lobby.
• Please bring your national I.D. or passport with you.

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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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United Nations Headquarters

Tour of un headquarters in new york, the headquarters complex, visiting the united nations.

The United Nations Headquarters is located on an 18-acre site along the East River in New York City. Home to the international organization, The United Nations, the striking glass-fronted “Secretariat” building dominates the New York midtown skyline. The building, which opened in 1951, was instantly popular with tourists and continues to be one of the most popular destinations in New York City.

The United Nations was formed at the end of World War II to replace the ineffective and limited League of Nations. Promoted by the Allies of WW II – France, Russia, France, and the US, the United Nations came into being in 1945 with 51 member nations. Today, the organization includes virtually all of the world’s sovereign nations. Only Vatican City, Palestine, the Cook Islands, and Taiwan are not members. (The Vatican has official observer status.)

The United Nations is made up of several administrative bodies, including the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, and the International Court of Justice. In addition, there are interdisciplinary agencies, such as WHO (World Hunger Organization), UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund), the World Bank, and the IMF (International Monetary Fund). It is these humanitarian agencies as well as the UN’s power to deploy peacekeeping forces, which have helped the organization succeed where the League of Nations could not.

The UN Headquarters building was completed in 1950 and opened on January 1, 1951. The complex sits on an 18-acre site along the East River between 42nd and 48th Sts. The land for the United Nations complex was purchased using an $8.5 million donation from John D. Rockefeller Jr. The United Nations is an international territory belonging to the member nations, not a part of the United States, and the complex has its own security force, fire-fighting department, and postal service.

The most striking building — called the Secretariat — was designed by an international team of architects, including the Frenchman, Le Corbusier; Brazilian Oscar Niemeyer; and the American architectural firm of Harrison and Abramovitz. The striking glass-sided building stands 505 feet tall and has 39 floors. The narrow ends are constructed of white marble. The front of the building sports a flagged court, displaying the flags of all of the UN member nations.

Today, the United Nations headquarters complex employs over 4500 staff members from 200 countries.

The United Nations Headquarters building is one of the most visited sites in New York City. Over 37 million visitors have toured the building since it opened in 1951. The complex is easily accessible via subway, bus, and taxi from all over the New York area. Driving is discouraged, as the complex does not have a public parking lot.

Visitors are welcome to browse through the changing exhibits in the lobby at no charge. Exhibits cover a wide range of topics having to do with the UN’s missions. In addition to the lobby exhibits, visitors may take a guided tour of the main Headquarters building. Tours include the UN’s extensive art collection, comprised of donations from the member nations; the delegation meeting rooms; and the General Assembly Hall. The tour ends at the UN postage Centre. After the tour, visitors can browse the gift store, and UN bookshop, and relax in the coffee shop, before departing.

Tours are offered every day except for holidays and days when the UN is hosting special events or conferences. The tour is not suitable for children under 5 years of age. Please note that the UN is a non-smoking facility.

Location: First Avenue at 46th Street, New York City, New York Phone: 212 963-8687

Click here to visit United Nations Headquarters’ official website .

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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 .

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

• In-Person Guided Tours
• Virtual Tours
• About the Guides
• Request a Speaker
• About the UN
• Teach The UN
• Explore UN Headquarters
• Visitors Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What do i need to bring to enter the un.

All visitors 18 years and older (and unaccompanied children 12 years and older) are required to present a valid government-issued photo identification issued by a Member State or an Non-Member Observer State of the United Nations to enter UN Headquarters. The photo identification must be original (no photographs or photocopies accepted), in Latin/Roman characters, and may include a passport, driver's license or national identity card.

Children under the age of 12 years must be accompanied by an adult. 

What COVID-19 mitigation measures are in place at United Nations Headquarters?

We look forward to welcoming you to the United Nations! Your health and safety and that of our staff are our top priorities. UN Headquarters is following guidelines issued by the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), New York State, and New York City for increased health and safety procedures.

Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Staying Safe

So that UN Headquarters can safely remain open, we require that all visitors follow the guidelines outlined below. By visiting in person, you agree to abide by these polices. The United Nations reserves the right to ask visitors who do not follow these guidelines to leave the premises.

• Please stay home if you are feeling sick.
• Please follow the instructions of UN Security and Visitors Services staff. Failure to abide by these guidelines may result in you being asked to leave the premises.
• An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public space where people are present. We cannot guarantee that you will not be exposed to COVID-19 during your visit to UN Headquarters. Those visiting UN Headquarters do so at their own risk of such exposure.
• If you are unable to visit us in person, please see  un.org/visit  for more information on the wide range of virtual resources, activities, and programmes that you can enjoy from anywhere. 

What are the rules and regulations that visitors must adhere to while on the premises of the United Nations Headquarters?

The United Nations Headquarters is a workplace: Delegates hold their meetings in the Chambers where visitors enter on tour and walk by the corridors that the guided tours also use. Visitors are reminded to behave appropriately, to keep noise levels down, and to dress in a way that respects the professional working environment of the United Nations.

Within United Nations premises, all persons are required to comply with safety and security regulations, as well as the rules and procedures of the organization. Any act that disrupts the normal functioning of the organization’s programmatic activities, such as public displays of any form, including, but not limited to, clothing, banners, placards or other written or visual means, as well as vocal/audio sounds, gatherings, or demonstrations of any kind, including passive, is not allowed.

All individuals present on the United Nations premises are expected to fully cooperate with United Nations security officers at all times. Refusal to comply with applicable regulations may result in temporary detention or removal from or denial of access to the premises in accordance with Section 10 of the United Nations Headquarters Agreement and ST/AI/2019/5 , entitled “Authority of United Nations Security Officers”.

For more information about rules and regulations, please visit our Arrival page.

When are guided tours offered?

You can find out about available tour times and purchase your tickets by clicking “Book Now” on our home page, then selecting “In-Person Guided Tour - English” from the menu and following subsequent prompts. UN Headquarters is closed on the following holidays in 2024:

1 January - New Year's Day

29 March  -  Good Friday

10 April - Eid al-Fitr (observed)

27 May -  Memorial Day

17 June -  Eid al-Adha

4 July -  Independence Day (observed)

2 September -  Labour Day

28 November -  Thanksgiving Day

25 December  - Christmas Day

Can I visit the UN without going on a tour?

Yes, walk-ins with no pre-booked ticket are permitted. Please also read “What do I need to bring to enter the UN Headquarters?”.

How can I purchase a ticket for a guided tour?

Please check current ticket availability by clicking “Book Now” on our homepage . Select “In-Person Tours” from the menu and follow subsequent prompts.  Guided tour tickets may also be purchased onsite based on availability. 

Is the UN accessible for persons with disabilities?

The United Nations Headquarters is accessible for persons with disabilities or with a mobility impairment. Visitors may request the use of a wheelchair at the Cashier's Desk (located in the Visitors' Lobby), if taking a guided tour. 

What is the policy for service dogs and emotional support animals?

Service dogs are allowed on UNHQ premises to assist individuals with disabilities, in accordance with UNHQ regulations. However, emotional support animals are not permitted within UNHQ premises. Thank you for your cooperation in adhering to this policy. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] .

How long do guided tours last?

Guided tours are 45-60 minutes long.

What is your ticket/reservation refund policy?

All sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges.

Can I see the General Assembly Hall and other Chambers without joining a tour?

No.  The General Assembly Hall and other Chambers are not open to the public and can only be viewed as part of a guided tour (meetings permitting).

Where is the drop off location for buses?

We encourage our visitors to arrive by public transportation, as there is no on-site parking, and drop-off options are very limited. If your group arrives by a charter or school bus, ask your bus driver to drop you and your students onto the right side of 1st Avenue and East 46th Street in front of the UN Visitors Entrance.

How many chaperones are needed for groups that include children?

For guided group tours of minors, we require one of every 20 persons to be an adult (this could be a teacher, parent or guardian).

Is there a security screening?

Yes. Please see  A rrival . You should arrive 60 minutes prior to your tour time for registration and security screening. After registration and security screening, walk to the Cashiers Desk at the back of the Lobby in the General Assembly Building to check in for your tour.

What if I am late?

If you arrive more than 15 minutes late at the Cashiers Desk to check in for your tour, your reservation may not be honored.

Apart from English, in which other languages are tours available?

Tours are offered in all six official languages of the United Nations (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish), as well as in additional languages in high demand. Tours in languages other than English may be available upon request. Please contact [email protected] for availability.  

In the unlikely event that the language tour requested is not available on the day, the tour will be conducted in English.

What else can I do at United Nations Headquarters?

Please take a moment to enjoy the changing UN Exhibits in the Public Lobby before or after your tour. Check out what’s on show HERE . After your tour, you are welcome to browse the UN Gift Shop ,  UN Bookshop , UN Stamp counter and visit the Public Inquiries desk in the first basement (GA-1B) area. This is also where the restrooms and vending machines are located. 

Is photography permitted?

Yes. The use of photography (with personal cameras or camera phones) is permitted, but video recording is not. However, depending on the meetings taking place, your Tour Guide might indicate that photography is not permitted in certain Chambers.

Is there a bag check or coat room?

No.  All coats and backpacks must be carried while on tour.  Please note that backpacks and bags larger than 14" (35cm) wide x 13" (33cm) high x 4" (10cm) deep are not permitted and that there are no luggage storage facilities available. For more information, please see  Arrival .

Are dining facilities available, or may I bring food to the UN?

You may purchase food and drinks at the Visitors Café or through vending machines. Please note that it's prohibited to bring food or beverages onto the UN premises. See our Arrival page for more information.  

If I do not have cash, is there an ATM that I can use?

There is an ATM machine in the Visitor Centre near the   Bookshop .

Are children allowed on tour?

For security reasons, children under 5 years of age are not permitted on tour.

Is there a dress code?

Yes. Please dress in a way that respects the professional working environment of the United Nations.  United Nations Security reserves the right to deny entry or remove from the premises anyone not behaving or dressed appropriately.

Are there designated Lactation Rooms for Nursing Parents?

Yes. The lactation rooms at United Nations Headquarters provide nursing parents with a quiet, private and comfortable space to collect and express milk. The rooms are easily identifiable through clear signage placed outside the designated rooms. They are well lit and have handwashing facilities and necessary supplies such as a liquid soap dispenser, hand sanitizer, cold storage, a microwave, a diaper changer and paper towels. The rooms also come equipped with comfortable chairs and an ottoman, a full-sized mirror, children’s story books, pillows and a music player to play ambient music.

General Assembly Building

Public Visitors Area: GA-1BMED1 and GA-1BMED2

Download the printer-friendly lactation brochure.