About|The United Nations (U.N.) Headquarters is a group of buildings belonging to the international organization developed to promote global peace, security and economic development. Be sure to take one of the informative 45-minute tours led by representatives of the member countries. Among other things, you will learn that the land was contributed by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and that since it is considered international territory, the U.N. has its own police force, fire department and postal service. When to go to the United Nations It is best to visit the U.N. on weekdays when guided tours are available; on weekends, you will only see the Visitor Centre. Must see/do at the United Nations The U.N.'s hour-long guided tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at the way the U.N. works, and generally include the newly renovated General Assembly Hall, the Security Council Chamber, the Trusteeship Council Chamber, and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Chamber in the renovated Conference Building. Note that based on meeting schedules, some places may not be open to the public on the day you visit. You can also see exhibitions presented in the Visitor Centre and other public spaces on topics of importance to the U.N., such as human rights, sustainable development, malaria, children in armed conflict, and violence against women. There are a number of gift shops and bookshops at the Visitor Centre, as well as a post office where you can mail cards and letters using official U.N. stamps. Admission to the United Nations You can visit the U.N. Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All visitors must exit the building by 5:30 p.m. Note that the U.N. closes for many U.S. and international holidays, so call or check the website in advance of your visit. Ticket prices for guided tours range from $9 to $18 plus a $2 fee if you purchase them online (which is recommended, since spots sell out quickly). Parking and Public Transportation to the United Nations The United Nations Headquarters does not offer parking facilities, but parking is available in private parking garages in the neighborhood. By subway, take the 4, 5, 6, 7, or S trains to Grand Central Station; then walk east on 42nd Street to 1st Avenue. By bus, take the M15 or the M42. Food at the United Nations The Visitors Café at the U.N. Visitor Centre serves a variety of international cuisine, beverages and coffees. Vending machines selling snacks and beverages are also available. Even better, though, is the $34.99 prix fixed buffet lunch in the Delegates' Dining Room, which features splendid views of the East River. This option is available to the public weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Reservations can be made online or at 917-367-3314. Insider tip for visitors to the United Nations Pay careful attention to all of the U.N. rules regarding security checks, bringing identification, limits on bags and backpacks, and arriving early. They are serious when they say they won't allow you on a tour if you are late, even if you are late because the security line was longer than you expected. Other places to visit near the United Nations The United Nations is close to Grand Central Terminal . Even if you aren't planning to go through this train station to take the subway or a commuter rail, consider stopping by to admire the enormous and elegant Main Concourse, to grab a bite downstairs at the iconic Oyster Bar or a drink upstairs at the Campbell Apartment, to shop at Grand Central Market, or to take a guided tour to learn more about the history of this magnificent building. Author's bio: Victoria Franzese is a proud New Yorker who owned, operated, and wrote for a successful online travel guide for 15 years. Now, thankfully, all of her travel is purely for fun. See where she's going next at @VOFranzese .