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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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
Nya Bowman A native New Yorker hailing from the vibrant Lower East Side, with over two decades of experience as a licensed NYC Tour Guide a professional Dancer, Actor, and Educator. Read More
Robert Zhu Growing up in Manhattan, I can’t imagine living anywhere else. Food, art, and history are the main focus of my tours. Your visit to this vibrant world city wouldn’t be complete without my tours, even if you’re a local. So, put on your vagabond shoes and let’s stray!

You can find my tours on BoweryBoysWalks.com and ToursByLocals.com.
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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
Joe Rosenberg Specialities:  Behind-the-scenes theatre visit; Theatre District walking exploration; all Manhattan neighborhoods; most Brooklyn neighborhoods, many Queens neighborhoods, many neighborhoods in The Bronx, some neighborhoods in Staten Island.     Bio:   In large… 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
Howard Birnbaum I am a native New Yorker who loves to share his knowledge as well as experiences of growing up with whomever is willing to listen. I can take you throughout Manhattan as well as my beloved Bronx and discuss the culture,history and points of interest of both. We will tour major venues as well as… Read More
Annie Desmond Hello there.  My name is Annie Desmond and I am proud to be a NYC tour guide.  I live in Manhattan in the fabulous upper west side.  I have a deep passion for this great city and guiding has become my life.  I am a true New Yorker.  I have a diverse background in finance… 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
Emiliano Perez As an official New York City Tour Guide with a license from the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, I would like to share my experiences in New York and compare them with other cultures and places around the world. In the early 1980s, I studied (BA and MS) in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), USSR—an experience that allowed me to discover dozens of countries and cultures.

Since the late 1980s, I have lived and worked in New York (DOE and UN), where I also pursued my studies (BA and MS). My personal journey enabled me to acquire proficiency in both Russian and English; in addition to my mother tongue, Spanish. Drawing upon this life path, I would like to share my experiences in New York and compare them with other cultures and places around the world.


Como licenciado oficial de guia turistico por el departamento del consumidor de la ciudad de New York. Me gustaria compartir mis experiencias de New York y compararlo con otras culturas y lugares del mundo. Estudie (BA y MS) a principios de los anos 80, en Leningrado/Sanpersburgo, URSS, esto me permitio conocer decenas de paises y culturas.

Desde los finales de los 80, Resido y trabajo en New York (DOE y UN) , donde tambien estudie( BA y MS) . Mi realidad personal, me permitio adquir el Idioma Ruso y el Ingles. Gracias a ese recorrido de vida, me gustaria compartir mis experiencias de New York y compararlo con otras culturas y lugares del mundo.

Как официальный гид по Нью-Йорку, имеющий лицензию Департамента по делам потребителей города Нью-Йорка, я хотел бы поделиться своим опытом жизни в Нью-Йорке и сравнить его с другими культурами и местами по всему миру, Однако в начале 1980-х годов я учился (бакалавриат и магистратура) в Ленинграде (ныне Санкт-Петербург), СССР — этот опыт позволил мне открыть для себя десятки стран и культур.

С конца 1980-х годов я живу и работаю в Нью-Йорке (DOE и ООН), где также продолжил своё образование (бакалавриат и магистратура). Мой жизненный путь помог мне свободно овладеть русским и английским языками, помимо моего родного испанского. Опираясь на этот богатый опыт, я хотел бы делиться своими впечатлениями о Нью-Йорке, сравнивать его с другими культурами и уголками мира.
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George Barabas  Do you want to discover what makes New York a city like no other- a vibrant, diverse metropolis with a fascinating history and a constantly evolving face? Let me, a  life-long  New York City educator and Licensed Sightseeing Tour Guide, be your guide to the many… Read More
Rayn Riel Rayn is a licensed NYC tour guide and AICP-certified urban planner with extensive experience in infrastructure planning and operations. A native New Yorker, he leads tours that uncover the hidden history, design, and behind-the-scenes workings of the city’s transportation infrastructure. From abandoned subway stations to major transit hubs, his walks offer a rare insider’s perspective on how New York City is built, maintained, and kept moving.
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GANYC Certified Guide Kevin Wilkinson New York can be a hectic place! Imagine how much easier it can be with your own private tour guide.   I am friendly, reliable and KNOWLEDGEABLE. I know this city inside and out, and I love to tell stories.   I offer a variety of services. Walking Tours - I have several amazing routes… Read More
Bob Gelber After retiring from the New York State Court System, I wanted to introduce tourists to my hometown of New York City.   During the past twelve years I have been leading American and foreign tourists, helping them discover places and neighborhoods most tourists will not visit on their… 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.
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GANYC Certified Guide Jeremy Wilcox I specialize in small-group walking tours, especially for those who are looking for something off the beaten path. I aim to provide something more personal and fun than the traditional group tours. My 5-star ratings on multiple platforms speak for themselves. 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
Federico Suro "I am a registered New York tour guide, working in English, French and Spanish. Highlighting different aspects of this city, my tours are diverse, from the general to the more specific. My areas of expertise include Art, Architecture, History, Film/TV and Popular Culture. I find it stimulating when… 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
Miriam Bourin Hi, I’m Miriam, a Swedish transplant that moved to New York from Stockholm in 2004. I live in the “hip”, historic Hudson Valley, in the small village of High Falls. Coming to New York City for the first time can be over-whelming for anyone. Coming to New York City as a foreigners can be quite… Read More
Joan B Vaccari Native New Yorker - resident of Queens County.  Holds NYC & Co Enchanced Guide Certificate.  Specializes in school groups and senior citizens with a special focus on Queens and select Manhattan locations such as Central Park, the Cloisters, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Ladies Mile area. Read More
Steve Clopper I'm Talking Tours – NYC & DC with Heart and Flavor
Discover the stories, rhythms, and flavors that bring New York City and Washington, DC to life. Led by a passionate guide with deep roots in Hispanic culture and a love for Queens, I'm Talking Tours bridges communities through shared experiences of food, music, and human connection. Whether you're exploring the rich diversity of Queens or the powerful symbolism of DC, you'll get more than a tour — you'll feel truly welcomed. Each journey is crafted to spark understanding, delight the senses, and celebrate what brings us together.

found on Social Media as El Guero Frijolero. Karaoke star of the Tri State Mexican Karaoke Circuit. Orale!
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Mike Gantcher Mike is a true New Yorker, deeply rooted in the city's vibrant culture and history. With over 30 years of experience, he offers unmatched insights into NYC's iconic landmarks and hidden gems. His background in Urban Studies and diverse career in finance, real estate, and technology give him a unique perspective on the city's evolving landscape. Discover NYC through the eyes of a seasoned local with Mike as your guide. 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
Karen Brueckner My background in customer service, travel and education has motivated and inspired me to become a tour guide. New York is where I was born, where I feel most alive and connected with the world. When you walk with me, you will feel energized by not only the narrative but with stops along the way to… 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.
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GANYC Certified Guide Mark Levy Mark Levy AKA The Tourfather is the founder and owner of The Levy's Unique New York! NY's First Family of Tour Guides and with his sons Matt Levy, Gideon Levy and Jonah Levy have created NY's most sucessfull tour guide company with a corps of 25 of the best guides in NY. I am a proud Bronx native (… Read More
Stan Kulp I've been pulling out all the stops--f-stops, that is--taking my photography obsession on the road as a New York City tour guide. After 15 years working in the financial industry, I'm doing what I really love, taking photos, and combining it with my second love, this huge marvelous place called New… Read More
Liz Young Join these New York City walking tour excursions focusing on culture, history, eco-tourism, and all things food and drink! A Westsider, Liz focuses on Hell's Kitchen, Midtown Manhattan, and Chelsea. She ran restaurants, led the world's largest avocational cooking division, and later was Managing Editor of a peer-reviewed nutrition journal. She is a culinary school graduate and holds an MA in Food Studies and Food Management.
Venmo | @LizYoung578
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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
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
Bruce Roberts An Actor, Producer, proud Husband and Father, Bruce added Licensed Tour Guide to his resume over 18 years ago ago.  Since that time, he has balanced his love for the arts with his passion for history.  Many years ago, while walking to work in the theater district, he was discussing the… 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
Shane Grogan Let me acquaint you with the greatest city in the world! Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Daria Walcott Daria is a colorful licensed NYC tour guide (and 20-year resident) with a flair for the quirky & creative!

A 20-year veteran of theatrical and event production, she's been a props designer for store windows, a lighting technician, a costume craftsperson and a scenic carpenter. She enjoys sharing her love for NYC via unique walking tours with several different companies, and is striking out on her own recently with "Strange & Unusual NYC Tours".
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Laura Campisi Sicilian by birth, New Yorker by choice! Read More
Maddy Levi Maddy, a native New Yorker and experienced, licensed tour guide, delights in sharing her passion and knowledge of New York with visitors from around the globe. She specializes in walking tours of historic districts and neighborhoods in Manhattan, and tours of her current hometown of Long Beach, New… Read More