United Nations Headquarters
United Nations Headquarters
4
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksGovernment Buildings
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
About
Standing on the eastern shore of Manhattan Island, on the banks of New York City’s East River, United Nations Headquarters remains both a symbol of peace and a beacon of hope. To its 18 acres come representatives of the earth’s seven billion people, to discuss and decide issues of peace, justice and economic and social well being. Visit the United Nations - It's your world!
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Midtown East
How to get there
- Grand Central – 42nd St • 10 min walk
- Grand Central • 10 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- marcus g2 contributionsWorthwhile tourWe took the 1 hour tour. Tour guide was a Japanese gentleman who was brilliant - very thoughtful commentary - answered all questions & clearly very passionate about the UN's mission esp. Sustainable Development objectives. There was an event going on inside the General Assembly hall which was unfortunate and we could only go into it briefly but the rest of tour was very worthwhile esp. Security Council room. My teenage children werent enthused initially about going, but even they enjoyed it. Left the tour understanding more about the UN and all its various missions than before. Worth the ticket and time.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten February 19, 2024
- Tatiana NRio de Janeiro, RJ60 contributionsUnmissableA much needed trip. Take the guided tour, you need to book in advance. The guided tour is paid, but it is worth it. You can learn more about the history of the UN, ask questions and explore the place better. On the first floor there is a café and a shop, which has really cool items.Visited March 2024Travelled soloWritten March 26, 2024
- DealFinder50Honolulu, Hawaii28 contributionsGetting Ready for and Ending UN ToursWhat you need to know. 1. The check in area is not particularly clearly marked. It is on the corner of 1st and 45th. The door on the right is the entrance door. It was locked when I arrived, but the security officer opened it after a few seconds. 2. You will need your ID twice. Once as you walk in the door and AGAIN when they take your picture (so don't put it away). 3. Once badged walk across the street to the security entrance which is just off to the left side. It is a full airport like security screening. 4. There are different types of tours, so chose carefully! 5. At the end of the tour, you will be taken down to the UN "gift" Store, Cafe, UN post office and UN bookstore and restrooms. There was also 2 non profits, directly to the left as you come out of the elevators. One of them has wonderful quality T-shirts, from $10-$20 and the other has various artistic prints. Finally the UN has its own post office! You can purchase postcards AND UN stamps and have mail postmarked from the UN.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten April 9, 2024
- Daniel U1 contributionTour great, do not under any circumstance use their post officeThe tour was fascinating, with a very well informed guide. However, do not use their post office. My mother worked at the UN in the 60's, so I purchased five postcards with postage for her and several of her friends, most of whom are elderly and like to receive mail. One month later, when they didn't arrive, I sent the UN post office a very pleasant email asking if perhaps they were still on the way. In response I got a very terse email essentially telling me to go #$%@ myself. Very disappointing.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten April 16, 2024
- Zaphod BeeblebroxDüsseldorf, Germany515 contributionsFascinatingIt's absolutely fascinating to experience the operation. Standing in the Security Council is a remarkable feeling. At the same time, it's sobering to experience the atmosphere in an old-fashioned setting without any glamour. The tours tick off everything important in 50 minutes. The souvenir shop is grotesquely overpriced - 50 dollars for a coffee cup, expensive even for the USA. The UN needs money. ;-) I recommend a chat with the ladies in the café in the basement, they have funny anecdotes to tell... ;-)Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten May 11, 2024
- Katalin LAidlingen, Germany80 contributionsAt the center of world politicsThis guided tour (also in German) through the impressive UN premises and conference rooms, which lasts around an hour, is recommended, and not just for those interested in politics. First, you have to register in the Visitor Check-in Office across the street and then, after passport control, you receive a visitor’s pass. If you come as a couple, one of you must always stay outside. After that, there is a security check at the guardhouse in front of the UN building, like at the airport, because after all, this territory does not belong to the USA, as we learned on the informative tour. If you would like to take a guided tour, you should definitely book it online well in advance. In addition to the many interesting background information about the history, working methods and structure of the various UN bodies, it was very exciting to stand in the conference rooms of the General Assembly and the Security Council, in other words, in places where world events take place that ultimately affect all of us.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten May 31, 2024
- stephent922Austin, Texas51 contributionsWonderful tourSon was a member in the school's Model UN, so visiting the UN HQ was a must for him. Booked the tour a month in advanced and downloaded the tickets. The tour was very informative. Our guide was pretty knowledgable. You will learned a lot about the UN and its function, as well as the goal and why they are important not only for us, but everyone else on this planet. We got to go in and check out the assembly hall too.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten June 27, 2024
- Dale and Rick C5 contributionsShare the WorldIt is such an important place for everyone to visit in their lifetime. The building is stunning, the guides are knowledgeable, the history is critical for all citizens of our world. We took our 12-year old grand daughter for her first visit to NYC. She found many connections to her life as well.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten July 8, 2024
- Joseph R20 contributionsDated civic centre?Felt more like a 70s local government building than a centre of global influence. The presentation of exhibits had a very high school project feel. Disappointing, a bit shallow, and even a touch shabby for the work that goes on there.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten July 13, 2024
- Helle HSilkeborg, Denmark7 contributionsLearn about UNs important work in the world.Very interesting tour where we Got to here about UN history, vision, work today etc. We saw conference rooms, art and gifts from different countries. A beautiful buliding and good learning for teenageres ( and adults😉)Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten July 18, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
2,200 reviews
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673
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Danielle
Ottawa, Canada7 contributions
Feb 2023
Visiting the UN was an incredible experience, especially if you have an interest in government organizations/NGOs/politics. I am so glad that I added this to my itinerary.
I’d recommend booking your tickets in advance, which I’m so glad I did because I saw people who hadn’t and tried to get a walk-in tour, and the entire day was booked. It’s helpful to know that you need to check it at visitor’s centre across the street from the entrance. The suggestion of arriving an hour in advance was likely a bit much for winter, however I arrived 40 minutes ahead of time and it gave me adequate time to check in, explore the entrance, and get ready for the tour. There is a lovely space to take photos right when you pass through security, which I definitely recommend you do!
The quality of your tour will depend on your guide. I had a very knowledgeable guide however she limited the photos that we could take and kept us moving quite quickly. There was another tour both ahead of us and behind us and those participants were able to take many photos. It is a working institution so there might be some spaces you won’t be able to see, but you do still get to learn about the history.
There is a bookstore and a gift shop that are nice, but I didn’t feel the need to purchase anything. It can get a bit expensive.
After the tour is done you are able to visit open exhibitions, which during the time I was there was about antisemitism, fake news, and the sustainable development goals. I think you can actually visit those areas for free, and you can totally spend an hour or so just exploring that.
Overall I’m very happy I took the time to visit!
I’d recommend booking your tickets in advance, which I’m so glad I did because I saw people who hadn’t and tried to get a walk-in tour, and the entire day was booked. It’s helpful to know that you need to check it at visitor’s centre across the street from the entrance. The suggestion of arriving an hour in advance was likely a bit much for winter, however I arrived 40 minutes ahead of time and it gave me adequate time to check in, explore the entrance, and get ready for the tour. There is a lovely space to take photos right when you pass through security, which I definitely recommend you do!
The quality of your tour will depend on your guide. I had a very knowledgeable guide however she limited the photos that we could take and kept us moving quite quickly. There was another tour both ahead of us and behind us and those participants were able to take many photos. It is a working institution so there might be some spaces you won’t be able to see, but you do still get to learn about the history.
There is a bookstore and a gift shop that are nice, but I didn’t feel the need to purchase anything. It can get a bit expensive.
After the tour is done you are able to visit open exhibitions, which during the time I was there was about antisemitism, fake news, and the sustainable development goals. I think you can actually visit those areas for free, and you can totally spend an hour or so just exploring that.
Overall I’m very happy I took the time to visit!
Written February 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grant G
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Business
I visited the UN with students from a school in the UK. The process was pretty straightforward for getting in but with large groups, leave some time spare as the security is obviously very tight and takes a while to get your group through. Once inside, the tour guide was very knowledgeable and was able to tailor the information to the age of the students. I would highly recommend visiting the UN to other school parties as there are so many links to multiple curricula.
Written November 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gian Mario B
Treviso, Italy615 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
A friend had recommended us to make this visit. It was actually worth it, we booked a guided tour in Italian, and we were very satisfied with the professionalism of the guide. The multiple activities of the UN, the Security Council and the peacekeeping missions were presented. We visited the art collections present and the different rooms of the building including the one for the General Assembly session.

Written October 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jochen M
Berg, Germany12,504 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
As a visitor, you must first register (with or without a ticket) at the United Nations Headquarters Visitor Check-in Office opposite before going through security (like at the airport). I recommend that everyone book their ticket online and arrive well in advance. It is not only visitors who have to appear at the Visitor Check-in Office for passport control, among other things. If you don't have a ticket yet, you can buy one inside for 26 USD. The tour lasts 45-60 minutes and depends heavily on whether the halls are full or not! I found the tour very interesting and would recommend it to everyone.

Written December 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Portena-by-Marriage
Philadelphia, PA257 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
A beautiful site, a noble vision, even if not entirely successful, and a worthwhile visit. It's a 4 step process to tour. Buy tickets online, show up across the street to get checked-in, go across the street through a TSA level security process, then check in again for the tour. Our guide was quite knowledgeable and efficient. The tour focused on the artwork and architecture of the main meeting rooms familiar from the news. The UN's goal is to prevent WW3. It's structure is ineffective, yet it is a forum for dialog - there is always value in communications.
Overall a worthwhile thing to do and recommended.
Overall a worthwhile thing to do and recommended.
Written October 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Road14116101489
1 contribution
Apr 2023
The trip was too long at 90 minutes. Could easily be half that. Tour guide was incredibly patronising and spoke to the adults as if they were kids. I suspect most if not all members of the tour would agree that the trip was not particularly pleasant. Certainly didn’t sell the UN to me as an organisation. Most people want to see the building and in particular the general assembly room and not be treated to a diatribe with no right of reply. Particularly galling while Russia is head of the Security Counsel.
Written April 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AyemeGo
San Jose, CA39 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Our guide was regina from greece, a truly outstanding guide who was able to engage the kids and youths in our group. This was a highlight of our trip! The instructions for security check in at the building opposite the un building, entry through the guarded entrance directly across the security check building and then a separate check in within the building for the tour is pretty confusing as others have noted. So arrive early and ask for directions is my suggestion! Shops close at 5pm so you may want to do your shopping before the tour if ure doing a later afternoon tour. The same for photo taking of the flags too since they are raised and lowered every single day.The security guards were pretty rude, dismissive and not the most helpful especially if u ask them to repeat what they said. I think there should be a delineation for firm/ serious vs rude and dismissive. Good news is, once you get past them, the tour is great so hang in there! And pls get yourselves a guided tour!
Written July 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike
Manila, Philippines3 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
The tour began at the security. The security woman was very hostile and took a look at everything in our backpack. Apparently she does not know what protein powder and eyebrow tweezers were and asked her coworker in their local language. It was abundantly clear that the security forces at the gates were poorly trained and have no common sense.
I was once again appalled at the terrible representation of the UN at the guided tour.
The tour guide was hostile and stuttered quite a lot with a thick accent. I would understand if she was nervous but she kept rushing us along quite well to not allow time for photos. It is a shame, i work in the UN and have visited country offices and regional offices with starkly less resources, but they always are friendly and welcoming. But i have never expected to see such disgraceful attitude from our HQ. Shame on the tour guide and security personnel that make people feel negatively about the organization just because they don’t care about their jobs.
I was once again appalled at the terrible representation of the UN at the guided tour.
The tour guide was hostile and stuttered quite a lot with a thick accent. I would understand if she was nervous but she kept rushing us along quite well to not allow time for photos. It is a shame, i work in the UN and have visited country offices and regional offices with starkly less resources, but they always are friendly and welcoming. But i have never expected to see such disgraceful attitude from our HQ. Shame on the tour guide and security personnel that make people feel negatively about the organization just because they don’t care about their jobs.
Written December 31, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca R
London, UK57 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
I was really excited for this visit and think that the tour represents great value for money. You get to see all the main chambers and the tour guides are really knowledgable.
I think some tour guides may be more “fun” than others but regardless of who you’ll get, I think you’ll likely come out with more knowledge than you went in with!
Top tip: if you’re going for a tour at the end of the day, make sure you arrive early as you are free to wander around the ground floors of the building where you can see whatever exhibitions they have going on as well as a cafe, bookshop, gift shop and stamp shop!
I think some tour guides may be more “fun” than others but regardless of who you’ll get, I think you’ll likely come out with more knowledge than you went in with!
Top tip: if you’re going for a tour at the end of the day, make sure you arrive early as you are free to wander around the ground floors of the building where you can see whatever exhibitions they have going on as well as a cafe, bookshop, gift shop and stamp shop!
Written July 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna
Andover, MA17 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
A lot depends on the guide. I felt the guide we had was brief with facts. There was a tour in German that started before us and finished after us, the guide was talking non-stop.
The place is worth a visit, it helps to have background knowledge prior to the visit. When in session, visitors are not allowed in that specific hall, and you wouldn’t be able to predict ahead of time. I booked the tour a couple of days in advance, for a weekday, there were spots available but not for all times, so book more than a couple of days in advance if you are specific about time.
The place is worth a visit, it helps to have background knowledge prior to the visit. When in session, visitors are not allowed in that specific hall, and you wouldn’t be able to predict ahead of time. I booked the tour a couple of days in advance, for a weekday, there were spots available but not for all times, so book more than a couple of days in advance if you are specific about time.
Written August 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If I book a tour for the afternoon can I get it early to view exhibits and the shop beforehand?
Written March 19, 2023
I believe you will only be able to see the shop if you make it earlier, not the exhibits.
Written March 20, 2023
Journey64981615641
New Jersey
レジスターの名前と、ツアーに参加する者の名前を
間違って入力した場合、ツアーには、参加できないのでしょうか?
Written October 7, 2022
Are water bottles or food permitted through the security checkpoint?
Written January 24, 2020
No, but there is a snack area downstairs
Written February 16, 2020
Veo que hay gente que dice que se puede visitar sin reservar el tour de pago, pero entrando gratis y sin reserva se puede acceder a las salas principales?
Written October 12, 2019
No, a las Salas de las Reuniones tienes q ir con un guia y pagar por la visita. Gratis puedes entrar al holl del edificio, donde está la cafetería y la tienda, además de la figura en bronce de Nelson Mandela.
Written October 15, 2019
Wo kann ich eine Führung in "deutscher" Sprache in der UN in New York buchen? Zeitraum: 08.10. bis 12.10.2019
Written August 21, 2019
Bonjour. Sur le site de l'ONU ...
Written August 21, 2019
Do we have to book the tour online or can it be done on site?
Written July 3, 2019
I booked ours online.They have tours every 15 mins. You have to arrive an hour early to get "clearance". Bring ids
Written July 4, 2019
I want to tour the U.N. but we can't take the subway so must rely on a cab. Is there anything else, sightseeing wise, to see that is close by since we are already in the area?
Written June 30, 2019
Walk a few blocks down 42nd Street to Grand Central Terminal...well worth a visit
Written July 1, 2019
Any help with the dress code? Visiting in July and it will be hot. Are shorts acceptable?
Written June 27, 2019
There is a stated dress code. We dressed in summer pants and tops with short sleeves. That said there were people in suits and people in shorts as well.
Written June 28, 2019
If you book online do you have to print the tickets, or can you show on a phone?
Written June 27, 2019
I went with a group of 12 people so I printed the tickets. Not sure if you can just show the phone.
Written July 1, 2019
How much are the flags at the gift shop?
Written May 18, 2019
I bought two whilst there. Can’t remember the price exactly but maybe around $6-8 each.
Written June 14, 2019
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