United Nations Headquarters

The basics

The official headquarters of the United Nations, which replaced the League of Nations, the complex is surrounded by sculpture-studded gardens and the international flags of all of the UN’s member states including the United Kingdom, China, France, India, and more. Although the UN is situated in the United States, its land and buildings (designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer) are under the sole administration of the United Nations—not the city or the US government.

The best way to get a feel for the UN—its mission and physical campus—is to take one of the 45-minute guided tours that run on weekdays (9:30am to 4:45pm). Highlights include the General Assembly Hall, the Security Council Chamber, the Trusteeship Council Chamber, and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Chamber. The visitors center also includes the UN Gift Shop, UN Bookstore, and UN Stamp counter.

Things to know before you go

• All visitors entering the UN buildings must pass a security check. All visitors aged 18 or over must have an original valid ID issued by a UN Member State or Observer State.

• For security reasons, tours of the UN do not permit children under 5. All ages can explore the Visitor Centre.

• The Visitors Café at the Visitor Centre serves a variety of international meals, snacks, and drinks. There are also vending machines by the restrooms.

• United Nations Headquarters tours are usually offered daily in different languages including English, French, Arabic, Chinese, and Spanish.

• Security does not allow anything larger than a standard backpack; there is no luggage storage facility or coat check on site.

How to get there

The United Nations Headquarters is on First Avenue between 42nd and 48th streets on the East River. The visitors entrance is on First Avenue at 46th Street. The closest subway stop is at Grand Central; walk along E. 42nd Street to First Avenue.

When to get there

The UN Headquarters is open for tours on weekdays (9:30am to 4:45pm). Visitors who have booked a tour should arrive at least 60 minutes prior to their scheduled tour. The UN does not offer guided tours on the weekends.

However, visitors can explore the UN Visitors Centre on weekends from March to December. Note: the UN is closed on most major holidays including New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Memorial Day, and Labor Day.

The UN for Kids

Kids ages 5 through 12 can tour the UN Headquarters. Here, a variety of educational programs, including UN4U and the UN Kids Corridor, offer colorful maps, games, and quizzes that use fun to teach kids about the United Nations’ 17 sustainable development goals.

Ways to explore

The United Nations Headquarters is instantly recognizable for the international flags of all of its member states arrayed outside, and for its modern design by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. Be sure to bring a charged camera to capture its exterior.

For a more up-close experience, take a standard guided tour, which visits highlights like the General Assembly Hall and the Security Council Chamber, or book one of several themed tours. Options include garden tours, art tours, architecture tours, children’s tours, and other itineraries, offered during select seasons and days of the week.

Accessibility

The UN Headquarters is accessible to wheelchair users, and wheelchairs are available to rent. Service animals are also permitted.

Age limits

Children under 5 are not allowed on tours.

What to pack

Valid personal identification, handheld bag, camera

What to wear

Visitors should wear smart-casual clothing that respects the working environment of the UN.

Not allowed

Large bags or luggage, taking videos, bringing your own food and drinks, visiting without pre-registering online

Amenities

Café, bookshop, ATM

Address

The United Nations is located at 46th Street and First Avenue in Manhattan’s Midtown East neighborhood (the visitor check-in office is across the street at 45th Street). Public transit, taxis, and rideshare services are the easiest ways of getting there.

Driving

While paid parking garages are located in the area, they can be expensive; driving near the UN is also challenging during high-security periods. Take taxis or rideshare services instead.

Public transportation

Take the 4, 5, 6, or 7 train to Grand Central–42nd Street. You can also take regional trains to Grand Central Terminal, or use local buses.

Best times to visit

United Nations visitor services are available from 9am to 5pm (except on weekends). Note that visitors must register online in advance before coming to the UN Headquarters.

Best days to visit

The UN is only open to visitors on weekdays. Themed tours are available on select days of the week; check the calendar online for more details.

Best months to visit

If you can, avoid visiting the UN from mid-to-late September, when the General Assembly is in session and security restrictions are in place.

Special events

During the summer months, the UN Headquarters hosts special-edition garden tours of the North Lawn, which features notable sculptures.