Gyde
Open prototypeProto
Back to all New York City places

New York City, New York / Landmarks

United Nations Headquarters

The global epicenter of diplomacy, this international territory in Midtown Manhattan houses the General Assembly and Security Council, welcoming over 1 million global visitors annually.

Open prototype Official site Get directions
United Nations Headquarters
www.un.org, website_hero_img_www.un.org

Where is the United Nations Headquarters located?

It is located in the Turtle Bay neighborhood of Midtown Manhattan in New York City, on First Avenue between 42nd Street and 48th Street.

What are the hours for visiting?

The opening hours are Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST.

What do I need to do before visiting?

All visitors must register on the United Nations security website prior to their arrival. Additionally, visitors 18 years and older require government-issued photo identification.

Are there guided tours available?

Yes, visitors can join a one-hour guided tour to discover the headquarters and the organization. These tours include visits to the General Assembly Hall, the Security Council chamber, the Trusteeship Council Chamber, the Economic and Social Council Chamber, and the Conference Building.

What is the United Nations Headquarters known for?

It is an international territory belonging to the 193 UN Member States and houses the seats of principal UN organs, including the Security Council and the General Assembly.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The United Nations Headquarters is a landmark of global diplomacy located in the Turtle Bay neighborhood of Midtown Manhattan. Spanning between 17 to 18 acres of grounds, the site is uniquely proclaimed as international territory belonging to the 193 UN Member States. Since 1952, the City of New York has hosted this complex, which borders First Avenue to the west and the East River to the east. Visitors can explore the principal organs of the UN, including the General Assembly and the Security Council. While the International Court of Justice is seated in The Hague, the New York headquarters serves as the central hub for international cooperation. The complex is bounded by 42nd Street to the south and 48th Street to the north, creating a distinct diplomatic enclave within the city. Guided tours offer a deep dive into the organization's inner workings. These one-hour experiences allow guests to visit the General Assembly Hall, the Security Council chamber, the Trusteeship Council Chamber, the Economic and Social Council Chamber, and the Conference Building. These tours provide a unique opportunity to discover both the architecture of the headquarters and the general mission of the organization. Every year, over 1 million people from around the world visit the UNHQ to witness the site where global policies are shaped. The site covers more than 18 hectares, emphasizing its scale and importance as a neutral ground for the 193 Member States to convene and resolve conflicts.

Visitor tips

  • All visitors 18 years and older must bring government-issued photo identification.
  • Register on the United Nations security website prior to your arrival to ensure entry.
  • Plan your visit for Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST.
  • Book guided tour tickets and briefings in advance, as they are available through September 2026.

Nearby context

Located in the Turtle Bay neighborhood of Midtown Manhattan, the UN Headquarters is bordered by First Avenue and the East River, placing it in a quieter diplomatic corridor compared to the bustling center of Midtown.

Sources

Evidence and links