The United Nations in Geneva


The Palais des Nations, the United Nations’ European headquarters in Geneva

Avenue de la Paix 8-14, 1211 Geneva. The Palais des Nations is the United Nations’ second-largest centre after New York. Every year, it hosts thousands of international meetings and welcomes visitors from around the world. Built between 1929 and 1938 in Geneva’s Nations district, the complex is one of the leading symbols of International Geneva. The surrounding area is home to the United Nations Office at Geneva and numerous international organisations, humanitarian institutions and diplomatic missions.

Organisations based in or around Geneva’s international district include the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the World Health Organization, the International Labour Organization, the World Trade Organization and the World Intellectual Property Organization. The Palais des Nations is approximately 20 minutes by car from Appart’City Collection Genève Aéroport Ferney-Voltaire and is also conveniently located near Geneva International Airport.

What to see at the Palais des Nations and in Geneva’s international district


  • The Assembly Hall: is the largest conference room in the Palais des Nations. It hosts major plenary meetings organised by the United Nations in Geneva. Its monumental architecture and historic interiors make it one of the most impressive spaces in the complex.
  • The Council Chamb: The Council Chamber is known for its painted ceiling and decorative artwork by José María Sert. The room hosts diplomatic meetings and sessions connected with the work of the United Nations, including activities relating to human rights.
  • Ariana Park: The Palais des Nations is surrounded by Ariana Park, a 46-hectare landscaped estate offering views towards Lake Geneva and the Alps. Parts of the park can be explored during guided tours of the Palais des Nations.
  • The Broken Chair: Located on Place des Nations opposite the main entrance to the Palais, the Broken Chair is a monumental sculpture by Swiss artist Daniel Berset. The artwork symbolises the campaign against landmines and cluster munitions. It has become one of the most photographed landmarks in Geneva’s international district.
  • Geneva’s international organisations district: The Nations district brings together a remarkable concentration of international and humanitarian institutions. The International Committee of the Red Cross, World Health Organization, World Trade Organization and World Intellectual Property Organization are among the major organisations based around the Palais des Nations.

Where to stay near the United Nations in Geneva

L'Appart'City Collection Genève Aéroport Ferney-Voltaire

An aparthotel for visitors to the United Nations in Geneva

Located in Ferney-Voltaire in the Ain department of France, Appart’City Collection Genève Aéroport Ferney-Voltaire is approximately 20 minutes by car from the Palais des Nations and ten minutes from Geneva International Airport. The property provides convenient accommodation for visitors to Geneva’s international organisations, diplomatic delegates and business travellers attending meetings in the Nations district. Its fully equipped studios and apartments feature premium bedding, a kitchenette with a coffee machine, a 4K UHD television with Chromecast, very high-speed Wi-Fi, reversible air conditioning and an individual safe.

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What to see around the Palais des Nations in Geneva


  • International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum: Located on Avenue de la Paix close to the Palais des Nations, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum explores the history and contemporary challenges of humanitarian action. Its immersive exhibitions present the work of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement through personal accounts, historic objects and archives.
  • Le château de Voltaire :The Château de Voltaire is located in Ferney-Voltaire, approximately 15 minutes by car from the Palais des Nations. This listed historic residence allows visitors to explore the philosopher’s apartments, theatre, gardens and important role in the European Enlightenment.
  • Geneva’s Jet d’Eau: The Jet d’Eau, Geneva’s best-known landmark, stands on Lake Geneva around 15 to 20 minutes by car from the Nations district. Visitors can continue their walk along Quai Gustave-Ador and Quai du Mont-Blanc towards Geneva’s historic centre.
  • Geneva’s Old Town: Geneva’s Old Town is home to St Pierre Cathedral, Place du Bourg-de-Four, Parc des Bastions and several museums. It forms the historic heart of the city and can be reached from the international district by public transport or on foot, depending on the chosen route.
  • CERN : CERN is located near Meyrin, a few kilometres from Ferney-Voltaire and Geneva International Airport. The world’s largest particle physics laboratory offers exhibition spaces and free visits by advance reservation, subject to availability.

Frequently asked questions about the Palais des Nations in Geneva


Can you visit the Palais des Nations in Geneva?

Yes. Guided tours of the Palais des Nations allow visitors to discover selected rooms and learn more about the work of the United Nations in Geneva. Advance booking is required. Visitors must present valid identification, and tour times may change depending on international meetings and security requirements.

How many international organisations are based in Geneva?

Geneva is home to dozens of international organisations, including the World Health Organization, International Labour Organization, World Trade Organization and World Intellectual Property Organization. The city also hosts numerous United Nations agencies, non-governmental organisations and permanent diplomatic missions.

What is the Broken Chair in front of the Palais des Nations?

The Broken Chair is a monumental sculpture designed by Daniel Berset and installed on Place des Nations in 1997. It represents a chair with one damaged leg and symbolises the impact of landmines and cluster munitions on civilian populations.

How do you get to the Palais des Nations from Geneva Airport?

From Geneva International Airport, the Palais des Nations can be reached by car, taxi or public transport. The journey generally takes between 15 and 30 minutes depending on the chosen route, transport service and traffic conditions. From Ferney-Voltaire, the drive takes approximately 20 minutes via Route de Ferney.

Which aparthotel should you choose when visiting the Palais des Nations in Geneva?

Appart’City Collection Genève Aéroport Ferney-Voltaire is approximately 20 minutes by car from the Palais des Nations and ten minutes from Geneva International Airport. The property offers fully equipped studios and apartments, a reception desk open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, a coworking area and on-site parking.

Is the International Red Cross Museum close to the Palais des Nations?

Yes. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum is located on Avenue de la Paix, only a few minutes on foot from the Palais des Nations. Both sites can easily be visited on the same day while exploring Geneva’s international district.

Is there parking near the Palais des Nations?

Parking options are available in the Nations district and around Avenue de la Paix. Spaces may be limited during major international conferences, so visitors should check current traffic and parking conditions before travelling. Appart’City Collection Genève Aéroport Ferney-Voltaire also offers parking for guests who prefer to leave their vehicle at the property.