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
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
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience United Nations Headquarters
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Midtown East
How to get there
- Grand Central – 42nd St • 10 min walk
- Grand Central • 10 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 5 kms
Attractions
2,588 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- heiditvcNew York City, New York10 contributionsGood tour!I have lived in NY for any years and never went here. Found it interesting! And my 16 year old enjoyed it (as much as any 16 year old boy can enjoy anything “educational” 😃). I recommend it for adults and older teens.Visited March 2023Travelled with familyWritten 21 March 2023
- Peter GPhnom Penh, Cambodia90 contributionsHearing the guide can be a problemOur Japanese guide was knowledgable and pleasant. Unfortunately he spoke quite softly and I missed a lot particularly when there was background noise. The 9/11 museum system where the guide speaks on a micrpphone and the participants are all given headsets is much better.Visited March 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 23 March 2023
- David SOy-Mittelberg, Germany26 contributionsWell worth the effortIt is well worth the security hassle to take the tour. To stand in the security council and walk through the general assembly is to walk in the footsteps of history. It is all looking very dated however, it could be time to rebuild or relocate, especially since NY is quickly deteriorating into a failed city.Visited April 2023Written 24 April 2023
- AyemeGoSan Jose, California37 contributionsGuided tour great, not so much about the check in and guards.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!Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 July 2023
- Rebecca RLondon, United Kingdom53 contributionsGreat for solo travellersI 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!Visited July 2023Travelled soloWritten 16 July 2023
- TradryDurham, North Carolina126 contributionsHope in a Dark TimeThis was so great. After years of walking by, finally took the time for the tour, and so worth it. The building is very unique and loved learning about the different parts of the UN, the countries that encompass it and the mission. Small group of 16 led by an excellent tour guide, Jonathon. We were able to see inside each of the main meeting rooms which he said was because of the tour time (2:00 during which many areas are on lunch break).Visited July 2023Travelled soloWritten 18 July 2023
- tophergrahamGlasgow, United Kingdom19 contributionsReally interesting - well worth it.As a politics geek I've been keen to visit the UN for some time. It didn't disappoint. From the beautiful art out and inside, to the very knowledgeable tour guide we had, I feel like I gained quite a lot from our visit here. The only negative thing I have to say is that it was disappointing we couldn't get down to the floors of the committee rooms to take any photos, but I totally understand why this was.Visited July 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 27 July 2023
- Jotimetta12 contributionsIt's a must in NYC!If you are in NYC, do visit the UN, the 1 hour tour is something you won't forget. The tour guides are brilliant, skilled, passionate and engaging - very knowledgeable about the UN, its activities and current events unfolding in our world. The general visitors tour is a must, each group is limited to 20 max. Do the Garden Tour if you can, right now only offered on Thursday afternoons. Just seeing the international and multicultural diversity of people visiting, working and respecting one another is impressive in itself.Visited July 2023Written 30 July 2023
- Franziska KMulhouse, France134 contributionsNice visitNice visit, a little bit rushed through the different rooms. Would have loved to a little bit more time and explanations for each of the rooms/institutions. Would be great to give more explanations regarding the other UN centers in Geneva and Den Haag as well.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 11 August 2023
- sswantNew York City, New York14 contributionsSimple tour you need to feel the UN ambienceCheck in is slow and confusing--why don't they need to check everyone's ID in the same group? Tour is all about getting to see the important rooms appearing in the news. Would be great if people were allowed to go to the top floor of the main skyscraper.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 16 August 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
2,153 reviews
Excellent
1,024
Very good
663
Average
325
Poor
97
Terrible
45
marcus g
2 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
We 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.
Written 19 February 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.
CharltonMarshall2
Dorset, UK19 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
What an interesting visit. Went with my spouse and my 17yo. The 17yo thought it was the highlight of our trip to New York.
Very informative tour and it also made me glad that such an institution exists. Well worth the visit
Very informative tour and it also made me glad that such an institution exists. Well worth the visit
Written 17 February 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.
Wells JK
Missouri City, TX4 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
I visited while my daughter was interning at the United Nations. The area is near restaurants and small businesses and is very safe and walkable. Hotels are nearby.
Written 12 January 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.
BirdyQuébec
Quebec City, Canada254 contributions
Dec 2023 • Friends
One of the last great attractions that I didn't see in New York. You can get in to access a gift shop and bookshop, but the guided tour is highly recommended for the explanations. We saw the Security Counsil room and the General Assembly room.
Written 31 December 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.
Gardenlad
Ottawa, Canada236 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
What an amazing experience to learn about and visit the United Nations. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. It was awe inspiring.
Written 17 November 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 12 November 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.
vanomad
Virginia313 contributions
May 2023 • Family
Highly recommend going here for the tour if you’re in NYC. Such a humbling experience to see how the world is changed here. Wonderful tour.
Written 12 November 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.
Brian N
3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Really interesting tour definitely worth doing if you have a few days in New York. The tour guide was excellent, very knowledgeable and took questions throughout the tour. We got to see the security council chamber and were able to walk through the general assembly whilst in session. So glad we did this tour.
Written 3 November 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.
bojant461
Toulouse, France8 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
A wonderful experience top guide absolutely recommended to do. We’ve seen all chambers. Shame we could not photograph all, but c’est la vie. Cheers
Written 1 November 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.
Boardergat
Brussels, Belgium4 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
A very disappointing visit
The tour was very fast-paced, and there was no time to ask questions or look at the different works.
Very disappointed by this visit
The tour was very fast-paced, and there was no time to ask questions or look at the different works.
Very disappointed by this visit
Written 24 October 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.
atlastraveler
Rutherfordton, NC56 contributions
Are water bottles or food permitted through the security checkpoint?
slkepp
Manchester, MD26 contributions
No, but there is a snack area downstairs
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?
avilesina
Aviles, Spain81 contributions
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.
Ingrid
1 contribution
Wo kann ich eine Führung in "deutscher" Sprache in der UN in New York buchen? Zeitraum: 08.10. bis 12.10.2019
Christophe Nancy
Nancy, France5,596 contributions
Bonjour. Sur le site de l'ONU ...
MrWorldTraveler
United States114 contributions
Do we have to book the tour online or can it be done on site?
Nellieoj94
Baton Rouge, LA2 contributions
I booked ours online.They have tours every 15 mins. You have to arrive an hour early to get "clearance". Bring ids
LisaSamurai
Los Angeles, CA11 contributions
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?
Steve-and-Andie
Lancaster, UK3,439 contributions
Walk a few blocks down 42nd Street to Grand Central Terminal...well worth a visit
brookhouse01
London, UK395 contributions
If you book online do you have to print the tickets, or can you show on a phone?
mrod100
Long Beach, NY20 contributions
I went with a group of 12 people so I printed the tickets. Not sure if you can just show the phone.
Zainudeen T
Gloucester, UK111 contributions
How much are the flags at the gift shop?
A_Travellerxx
Leeds, UK104 contributions
I bought two whilst there. Can’t remember the price exactly but maybe around $6-8 each.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingUNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about United Nations Headquarters
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience United Nations Headquarters:
- Superheroes in New York Walking Tour (From S$52.09)
- New York City Superheroes Private Walking Tour (From S$113.52)
- Best City Tour NYC 4 Hours up to 5 people (From S$1,001.66)
- Boat Tour NYC Skyline, Statue of Liberty, Private Yacht Tour (From S$3,205.33)
- Circle Line: Complete Manhattan Island Cruise (From S$69.45)
- Hotels near United Nations Headquarters:
- (0.22 km) Westgate New York Grand Central
- (0.19 km) Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza
- (0.33 km) Hampton Inn Manhattan Grand Central
- (0.41 km) The Westin New York Grand Central
- (0.41 km) EVEN Hotel New York - Midtown East, an IHG Hotel
- Restaurants near United Nations Headquarters:
- (0.08 km) Tudor City Steakhouse
- (0.20 km) Delegates Dining Room
- (0.32 km) John's Coffee Shop
- (0.21 km) Ambassador Grill
- (0.27 km) Patsy's Pizzeria
- Attractions near United Nations Headquarters:
- (0.10 km) Tudor City
- (0.08 km) Tudor City Greens
- (0.20 km) Church of the Covenant
- (0.41 km) Grand Central Bodywork
- (0.24 km) Pier 35 Swings