RSM2507

Anyone ever taken a tour of these places? Have a limited amount of time in NYC. Thanks!

HKP

Recommend UN tour - although I admit so much seems quaint and even dated in the context of the current world. But the architecture and concepts are interesting.

mdn

Depends on what you like more - architecture or international affairs, global issues etc.
The Grand Central terminal is beautiful but I liked the UN tour a lot more-gained an appreciation for its efforts. The building itself is a bit dated but the gift shop at the UN has many interesting things.

If you decided on the UN, call ahead and ensure it's open on the day you want. It's often closed whenever it's hosting conferences / assemblies.

GoTravel

I would walk through Grand Central (the ceiling alone is worth this) and tour United Nations.

doug_stallings

I've always wanted to take the Grand Central tour, but you can walk through and get a sense of the place. The UN is pretty impressive and more worthwhile. (Walk between the UN and Grand Central ... about 15 minutes ... so you can peek into the News building and see the giant spinning globe and the Ford Foundation building.)

yk

HKP and others -

On the UN tours, do you get to see the Chagall stained glass??

mp

yes, the tour meets right near it - at least it did 8 years ago, when we took it with my son's first grade class!

yk

A few more questions about the UN:

I look at the guided tours -
http://www.un.org/tours/pages/atg.htm

It says,
Please note that due to renovations of the complex, as of 1 August 2008, visitors will no longer be allowed to access the Conference building, which includes the Security Council Chamber.

Are the Chagall stained glass in the Coference Building? Anybody know?

I see that one can visit the UN on your own, which is free.
http://www.un.org/events/UNART/VisitUs.htm

Will I be able to see as much as I can on the guided tour?

yk

ttt