Hire a Guide

NYC licensed guides are the best 'bang-for-your-tourism-buck.' Take the time to learn what our members have to offer. A GANYC member will help you make the most of your time. We also have a wide variety of multilingual guides to aid all international travelers on any service they need.

GANYC members are solely responsible for the content of their profiles on this site.

The designation Certified Guide means the marked individual guide has successfully completed and fulfilled all the requirements of GANYC's professional development program that focuses on how to research, plan, and conduct high-quality tours. These guides are authorized to use the designation, "GANYC certified guide."

Other US tour guide associations have Hire a Guide systems similar to GANYC's. You may contact the San Francisco Tour Guide Guild and the Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington DC with the forms on their websites.

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GANYC Certified Guide Deborah Blau The beauty and excitement of New York City speaks for itself. LOUDLY. It can be overwhelming, especially if you are a first time visitor, here to visit our famous attractions. Wouldn't it be great to have a friendly, funny licensed New York guide to decode the local lingo? And if you are already… Read More
Gardiner Comfort I am a native New Yorker, an actor, and teacher with a unique, friendly, and performative approach to touring. I am highly knowledgeable about known, and lesser known, historical and cultural aspects of New York City. As a performer, I am great at reading people and can provide a fun, informative, and welcoming tour for any group of people, regardless of age or special interest. Read More
Minna Scharff Born in Brooklyn, a soccer mom in Greenwich Village (no minivan, just the "3" and "F" trains) and now a tour guide that explores everything old and new in her native city.  A social worker by profession and licensed New York City tour guide of 12 years. Has experience doing everything from… Read More
Yaroslav Bondarenko "My name is Yaroslav and I'll be your tour guide today" - these are words that I start my every tour with. I've been doing sightseeing tours since I my college years - then I was showing my home town Kyiv and Ukraine to tourists from USA. Now I show my home New York City to tourists from all over… Read More
Phil Desiere Let my tours put the Big Apple at your feet! Read More
Rosemary Shmavonian I am a New Yorker by choice who has lived here more than 40 years working in Fashion, Finance, Technology, and now as a Tour Guide. I can craft a perfect custom tour for your visiting family or for your office team-building event.

Some areas I find especially compelling are the Gilded Age, Brooklyn Bridge, Grand Central, and SoHo/the West Village. Read More
Enrico Giolo I love NY. That's the reason why i left my Venetian village 15 years ago and with a lot dreams I moved to the Big Apple. After 10 years my relationship with NY is still great. I am lucky to do a job that I really love, I am happy to bring people to discover the real New York, to let them discover… Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Emma Guest-Consales, Ph.D. I am a full-time walking tour guide in New York City. I specialize in 19th c. New York, especially the Gilded Age, as well as contemporary New York City architecture and urban development. I offer private tours and small group public tours in English. Tutti i miei tour sono disponibili in italiano. Read More
Patrick van Rosendaal Patrick van Rosendaal author of the besteller BE NY  an alumnus of the prestigious Vlerick business school and had seen quite a few corners of the world before he decided to move to New York. As a former Parisian and Londoner, big city life no longer held any secrets. Then his life… Read More
Nachum David Niv New York City experienced Tour Guide in Italian, Hebrew, English I’m well presented, articulate, engaging and knowledgeable New York City licensed guide who love touring, enjoy presenting and are comfortable with those who are looking for a Genuine New York Experience. I’m dependable and… Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Matthew Baker Matthew Baker has been a New Yorker since 1992 and a licensed tour guide since 2005. Having worked in such venerable institutions as the New York Public Library, Saks Fifth Avenue, and FAO Schwarz, he has seen, known, and loved an incredible cross section of New York City cultures. And now, he… Read More
Mike Brennan I've lived in New York City all my life, and have been a licensed tour guide for over 25 years.  I love to show off my hometown, and all of my tours are tailored to what you want to see, whether it's the typical highlights or unique neighborhoods or city secrets (one of my specialties). … Read More
Anette Murgalla-Hollmann I transferred my passion for New York into a career and offer guided tours mostly in German, sometimes in English or in both languages if you have a mixed group. I am a NYC licensed Tour Guide and with my background as an Account Director in advertising agencies for digital solutions and as an Event Manager I am quite good in planing and executing your customized tour. Let me show you the city!

I am also a Marriage Officiant and and can perform marriage ceremonies within the City of New York. I offer this service in German. Read More
Janet Solesky I love New York, my birthplace & my home. When I travel, I miss city life and the high octane pace. My background is arts education, jazz (and other music) promotion. I've been a IGA certified Tour Director for EF Explore America for student tours to New York since '08.   Last year, I… Read More
Kristin Singleton-Ferrari Kristin! Tour Director and Guide in English and Italian... All NYC, Brooklyn Expert, Educational Tours from NY to DC Philadelphia Gettysburg and much more. Tours to Niagara Falls and Eastern Canada. Many other cities but NYC is HOME! Read More
Steve Kornblit Steve Kornblit loves people, food, tourists and NYC, not necessarily in that order! Steve has developed a walking tour business that focuses on the backgrounds of his tour guests to make the experience unique.  Most of us came from somewhere else so why not delve into your past as we explore… Read More
Brendan Rothman-Hicks I am a native New Yorker and have been working as a tour guide for 4 years now.   In my time as a tour guide I have lead food tours, historical walking tours, double decker bus tours and have also given tours to student groups visiting New York.   I am available to give tours on foot, via… Read More
Ray Rosato I was born and raised in Brooklyn and lived in New York City all my life. (So I guess that makes me a native.) I've been conducting guided tours of NYC for over a decade and loved every single minute of it. Some of my favorite spots are Chinatown with the wonderful soup dumplings, Greenwich Village… Read More
Bill Goodhart The tours I give always have a level of enthusiasm that is beyond scripted - because I live here and know that each day brings changes that will interest me and let me excite the tourist. I know why this is the Empire City, and can convey the excitement of discovery on virtually every corner.

I have learned to love this city; for me to make a real and true connection with it, I had to prove that I cared - and so I became a licensed guide!

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Renee Kohn New York City guide. New York inside/out.  Tour manager throughout the U.S.   Read More
Dena Brody As a contractor and licensed guide for 3 years now, I lead Chinatown/Little Italy and Greenwich Village food tours as well as Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island walking tours. With expertise in numerous neighborhoods and a love for food, I have started my own tour company: Feast by the Foot and I am currently workshopping a SoHo food tour! Please reach out if you’d love to learn more about any of the above. Read More
Tim Ries Founder of Tourist New York with 20+ years in NYC tourism. Former High Line Director, NYC-licensed guide, and proud member of the Guides Association of New York City. Passionate about sharing the best of NYC’s landmarks and hidden gems. Read More
Art Zuckerman I am a retired teacher, have had managerial positions in corporate America and have run a successful computer company.  Along with my wife, also a licensed guide, we host a radio show called "Z Travel and Leisure" which focuses on New York City, travel and cultural topics.  We have also… Read More
Sara Lyons I love my city for a living, and there's always more to love! Read More
Joseph Landon For Joe, leading tours and curating experiences is not just a job, but a way of life. He is dedicated to sharing his love and appreciation of New York City with others, and helping to preserve the city's unique history and culture for future generations to enjoy.

Come Venture NYC with Jojo! Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Rita DeCassia I was born in Rio de Janeiro, and moved to New York City as a young woman, but I can say that I truly grew up here. Because of my fluency in many languages, friends encouraged me to become a tourist guide. Which opened an ongoing life of discoveries. And I love to share the complexities of our… Read More
Lili Murad Hellooooo…. New York has been my playground for the last 35 years. I have lived in every borough (OK, apart from Staten Island, although I was born in the sister state of New Jersey, so…). My family's story is the classic immigrant's odyssey, beginning in Ellis Island, spanning the rich history of… Read More
Georgette Malliagros New York isn't just a place, it's a live, breathing story of a fast-paced everchanging kaleidescope of history and anecdotes! Navigating this city with curiosity at heart, I lead tours with intuition, history, and a deep love of the details often overlooked. My walks are part poetry, part discovery and joyful wandering, where history flirts with the present and every detail shines through, as long as we notice. The breathtaking skyscrapers, crooked streets downtown and the hidden courtyards, the rhythm of a neighborhood at golden hour, the historical landmarks and museums, the rich tapestry of architecture, and beautiful views across the rivers will leave you dazzled whether its your first visit or fiftieth! Living among a diversity of cultures, languages, a plethora of art, music and a delicious variety of cuisine, I am truly horored to share our fascinating NYC with you! Read More
Joseph Pizzingrillo Lifelong native New Yorker. Solid experience and knowledge of Manhattan as well as all NYC boroughs (Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island) Read More
Matthew Cummings Hi, I'm Matthew Cummings. New York City is my hometown and I've always loved it!  New York is endlessly fascinating. I'll take you to and through all the major sights of the city, as well as the less known but no less interesting ones, and tell you true, amazing stories about our… Read More
Joanne Kleidon Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Michael Morgenthal A lifelong New Yorker born and raised in Greenwich Village, Mike is a seasoned tour guide who has designed and led great tours of New York for hundreds of clients from around the world. He loves to show visitors the real New York, off the beaten track places known and loved by locals! In particular… Read More
Heidi Zsa Zsa Benedikt I decided to become a licensed tour guide after the attacks of Sept 11, 2001. Strange to say I have the greatest job from the worst day in New Yorks history.  Read More
Laurene Hamilton I’m a licensed New York City tour guide, passionate about sharing the city’s energy, diversity, and endless stories. I design unique, mostly French-speaking tours and immersive experiences that go far beyond typical sightseeing.Whether I’m contributing to Le Petit Journal New York, collaborating… Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Kevin Draper I am a New York City Historian and experienced licensed guide on a mission to provide exceptional and unforgettable experiences with the highest level of service. I will give you a front row seat and exciting insight into the city’s dynamic history, diverse culture, iconic sites, and reveal… Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Kevin Lawrence After spending over a decade organizing and conducting tours throughout China and Taiwan, I have over the past couple of years shifted my professional touring expertise to my beloved hometown, New York City. I conduct river-to-river tours (i.e. lower Manhattan, West Village/East Village, 42nd… Read More
GANYC Certified Guide John Semlak My name is John Semlak.  I'm a tour guide, historian, and photographer.   I give tours in a wide range of areas.  I have experiecne in bus tours all over the city, escorted tours, and tours of popular attractions like the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial, the High Line,… Read More
Susan Zuckerman I am a retired history teacher and currently an adjunct professor teaching history at a local college, but now devote most of my time to being a licensed New York City guide. Additionally, along with my husband, who is also a licensed tour guide, I have co-authored a book on New York City, have a… Read More
DEREK CHAN DEREK CHAN is an experienced, professional New York City-based, licensed tour guide who has provided hundreds of tours throughout NYC. An avid urban explorer, Derek appreciates the storied architecture, varied neighborhoods, historic brownstones and mixture of styles, in addition to the iconic,… Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Jose Mauricio Montoya With a global perspective and a passion for storytelling, I bring New York City to life as a reflection of the world itself. More than a guide, I curate immersive experiences that connect travelers to the city’s people, hidden histories, and cultural layers—revealing an authentic New York shaped by migration, creativity, and reinvention, one that resonates long after the journey ends. Read More