United Nations Headquarters
The UN HQ sits on an 18-acre site between 42nd and 48th Streets, and between First Avenue and the East River. It is noted for its gardens and outdoor sculpture. There is a charge for the tours of the General Assembly and Secretariat but you can visit the Visitor's Lobby for free (although you do have to pass through a security checkpoint). There are two levels to the lobby area which includes a gallery, a gift shop, and a bookshop. If you're just visiting the lobby, don't join any queues - just find your way around. There is little in the way of signs to tell you where you can go - this is the UN, well-meaning but not well organized. Outside the building is a display of national flags which represent the 193 sovereign states that are members of the UN. Highlights include the 116-kg Japanese Peace Bell, where the bell is traditionally rung twice a year in honor of world peace.
- Address
- 1st Ave at 46th St
- Getting there
- No parking available; take public transport to Grand Central Station then walk, or take the M15 bus up 1st Ave or down 2nd Ave or the M42 [42nd St.] or M50 [50th St.] crosstown buses
- Hours
- Mon-Fri 9AM-4:30PM, Sat Sun 10AM-4:30PM (no guided tours on Sat and Sun)
- Price
- Free; guided tours $26 adults, $18 seniors and students, $15 children (5-12; younger children not allowed on tours)
Listing from Wikivoyage: Manhattan/Midtown East, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.