Step inside the halls where global diplomacy unfolds with United Nations Group Tours. Designed for large groups, these guided visits bring you face-to-face with international Chambers and pressing world issues.
Step inside the halls where global diplomacy unfolds with United Nations Group Tours. Designed for large groups, these guided visits bring you face-to-face with international Chambers and pressing world issues.
Book with United Nations Visitors Centre
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by United Nations Visitors Centre · New York, New York
Situated in the heart of Manhattan, the United Nations Visitors Centre offers an unmatched opportunity for large groups to step inside one of the world’s most influential institutions. The Group Tours at the United Nations Headquarters provide a structured, immersive journey through rooms steeped in global diplomacy and international cooperation. With access restricted to groups of 21 people or more, this experience is crafted to engage participants deeply, balancing educational content with a uniquely authoritative atmosphere.
Your visit begins as you cross into the UN Secretariat Building located at 405 East 42nd Street, New York, stepping into chambers where global decisions affecting peace, security, and sustainable development come alive. The tour highlights several key rooms: the General Assembly Hall, where all member states convene; the Security Council Chamber, site of vital peacekeeping debates; the Trusteeship Council; and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Chamber. Each space carries its own history and importance, framed by potent artworks and architectural details that amplify the sense of global responsibility.
The United Nations Group Tours stand apart by offering thematic options: from the intricate design elements of the Architecture Tour to the compelling narratives presented in the Black History Tour or the Art Tour. For groups wanting a specialized experience, these thematic routes provide focused insight into areas often overlooked in typical city visits, reinforcing the UN’s multifaceted role in shaping world affairs.
Beyond the interiors, the UN Headquarters is notable for its sustainable garden spaces, occasionally available on the Garden Tour, which reflects the organization's commitment to environmental stewardship. Practical details, including robust security measures and the requirement to obtain a visitor pass beforehand, ensure a smooth, secure visit.
For travelers committed to understanding global issues through a lens few get to witness firsthand, this group tour offers a powerful, grounding perspective paired with the buzz and dynamism of New York City just outside its walls. Educational, timely, and thoughtfully organized, the United Nations Visitors Centre delivers an adventure grounded in real-world impact, perfect for civic groups, student bodies, or anyone ready to see international diplomacy in action.
easy.
45-60 minutes.
No special fitness required; suitable for all ages 5 and up in groups.
No, children younger than five years old are not permitted on these tours for security reasons.
Yes, the United Nations Headquarters is accessible, and accommodations can be arranged upon request.
Visitors must register and pick up a security pass at the Visitor Check-in Office at 801 1st Avenue, near 45th Street.
Standard tours and thematic tours are primarily offered in English; other language requests can be made in advance but are subject to availability.
Yes, group bookings can include expert briefing sessions on topics of interest after the tour upon prior arrangement.
All sales are final; no refunds or exchanges are offered once a booking is confirmed.
The United Nations Headquarters, opened in 1952, is a landmark of international collaboration, hosting the General Assembly and Security Council where global policies are debated.
The UN complex incorporates sustainability initiatives including water conservation and energy-efficient design reflecting its global environmental leadership.
The United Nations Visitors Centre at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City provides guided tours, educational briefings, and outreach programs that introduce visitors to the work, history, and art of the United Nations. Tours on offer include the Guided Tour (English), language-specific guided tours in French, Spanish, Chinese and Russian, and specialist itineraries such as the Art Tour, Focus on Women Tour, Architecture Tour, Garden Tour, Black History Tour, and Children's Tour. Several tours grant access to key chambers, including the General Assembly Hall and the Security Council Chamber, and select experiences highlight notable artworks—such as the Mola tapestry by indigenous Kuna women featured on the Focus on Women Tour. The Visitors Centre also offers Online Briefings, In-house Briefings, Outside Speaking Engagements (UN4U), Virtual Events, and an on-site Virtual Reality Experience that complement in-person visits. Programs accommodate individuals, guided groups, school groups, and community organizations. Group Tours and tailored in-house briefings focus on topics such as peacekeeping, human rights, and the Sustainable Development Goals and can be adapted for educational audiences. Several guided tours list a 45–60 minute timeframe; language availability and specific content are noted for each offering. Located at the UN Headquarters in New York, the Visitors Centre facilitates direct learning about international cooperation and diplomacy through accessible, multilingual experiences and expert-led briefings that bring United Nations priorities to visitors of all ages.
Book with United Nations Visitors Centre