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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Charlie Niessner Charlie Niessner, a licensed NYC Tour Guide and GANYC member, is a lifelong resident of NYC. Has led tours for the Municipal Art Society and for over 10 years unique walks for Big Apple Greeter in addition to  private tours.  He is also a  genealogy docent for the National Archives… 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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Laurene Hamilton After studying economics in France and art history in Spain, I worked in business in Switzerland — before moving to New York City, where I found a new calling: guiding people through the city's stories.At heart, I'm a professional storyteller, passionate about history and theater. My tours aren't… 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
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
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
Kelly Kopp Welcome to New York City! I moved to NYC 7 years ago from Florida.  I now consider myself a New Yorker!  The moment I stepped foot in this amazing city I immersed myself in all things New York.  I am a licensed New York City Tour Guide and love showing visitors my vibrant perspective… Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Ann C McDermott Born in Brooklyn and having lived and worked in NYC her whole life, Ann knows NYC like the back of her hand. She will customize a tour for you and show you the hidden gems of New York City, whether that's an architectural wonder or a little known great restaurant with good eats to fit your price… 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
Abby Ross Abby Ross founded NYC Water Tower Tours to highlight the wonder of water towers. Read More
Ludwina Lang I am orginally from Germany but live in the U.S. for many years.  I have a BA in Business Administration and a minor in History.  History was always my favorite and that is why I love to guide tours.  I worked for 25 years at Mercedes-Benz as an analyst, but always kept an eye on the… Read More
Alvin Alexis Born and raised in NYC.  Alvin has been a Licensed Guide over 15 years, hosting individuals and groups from student to seniors. Whether seeing NY by Foot/ Bus/ Subway, or Motor Coach  I  am very flexible and can cater tours to your individual needs.  I like to mix… Read More
Lydie Laurent A one-of-a-kind experience not to be missed in New York! Meet the artists (painters, sculptors, ceramists, muralists, musicians, etc.) in their studio. Hear their incredible story and be a part of their growing success. During Lydie's tours, a special manufacturing and creation process is always ongoing. Let's get a front-row seat to such an event and discover the incredible new works of the New York art scene before others know about it! Be those privileged! Read More
Laura Campisi Sicilian by birth, New Yorker by choice! Read More
Slava Shpigel I love New York and I love to show it off. My guiding style will fit best the curious and the passionate visitors who are not afraid to ask questions. Most of all in my job I love going into oratorial rabbit holes with a guest while discussing a historical trend and standing in front of a curious building/plaque/artefact/work of art. Read More
Kevin McKeever I grew up in Buffalo, NY and have lived twice as long in New York City. Having traveled around the world, I have enjoyed gaining a deeper understanding of the places I visit. For my tours, I give great pride in creating unique connections for my tour guest, informed by the rich history of New York City and filled with the many WOW moments found throughout the City. Read More
Merriwether Merriwether

I’m Merriwether. Supernatural by nature, New Yorker to the bone.

Take it from me, New York is best understood through its stories.

Story-driven tours of the people, places, scandals and surprises that made New York what it is.

I’m a character-driven storyteller by trade (two Emmys to prove it), fascinated by the collisions of personalities that make this city unlike anywhere else. In a city of 8.5 million people, the astounding, absurd and amusing are everywhere. Let’s walk and talk!

www.merriwetherwalkandtalk.com

Are you looking for something that really pulls you in?

Try my interactive game tours—but fair warning: there’s no sitting on the sidelines.

NO PHONES. NO AI. JUST YOUR WITS AND WIẞDOM.

www.sublimeandstinkystories.com

What kind of New Yorker are you?


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Cherie Davis I love NYC and want you to see the amazing sites we have here. I specialize in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. I have lived in NYC since 1996 and have been a guide since 2017. There is so much to see and do here. From the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge to tiny little stores that have been around for decades. Read More
Deborah Steigerwald Welcome to exploring NYC.  My name is Debbie and I am "The Happy Tour Guide", I design fun adventures that people love to go on! I have lived in NYC for 25 years and have a sincere love of travel and interacting with people from around the globe.   Marriott Vacation Club Activities… Read More
Matthew Apter Since summer 2008 Matt has been giving guided tours of New York City to all kinds of audiences: school groups on private coaches, travelers from all over the world on Water Taxis and double-decker buses, and small groups and families by foot and subway. The one constant in all these tours: Matt’s… Read More
Marion Baumgarten I am fully licensed in New York City, and do tours in English, Dutch, German, French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese! Also go "over the road" especially Northeast (Canada) and the South.     Read More
David Felsen David Felsen is the author of New York City Monuments of Black Americans: A History and Guide. He is an Emmy Award Winning producer who teaches American history to eleventh graders at Avenues: The World School in New York City. He has a master’s degree in American history from the Gilder Lehrman… Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Patrick Casey Hello, and thanks for looking me up. If you are seeking someone who can show you New York from a local's view, we should talk. Sure, we can do all the usual suspects and we should, they are wonderful places and sites. But with a little information from you, I'll tailor a tour that suits your taste… Read More
Leigh Hallingby Leigh is a licensed New York City tour guide who specializes in Harlem, Morningside Heights,  the Upper West Side and Washington Heights. She is passionate about exploring all five NYC boroughs and beyond on foot, mostly through organized walking tours. Leigh holds Masters degrees in both… Read More
Manny Sanudo Born in New York City, Manny has been leading bicycle tours here for the last dozen years. Read More
Evanna Wilbraham Let me help you discover New York in a new way! Read More
Maria Toromanova It was love at first sight, New York and me. After many years of living in, exploring and probing the five boroughs of this gem of a city, I decide to become a New York City tour guide. Twenty years later I still enjoy sharing my experience and knowledge with the many visitors who come here to this… Read More
James Maher My inspiration has always come from the people, history, and vibrant streets of New York City. Initially captivated by street photography—long before I even knew that’s what it was—I spent countless hours wandering Fifth Avenue, watching and documenting the city’s pulse. This passion led me deeper into New York’s unique neighborhoods, where I became fascinated by the city's incredible architecture and diverse communities. Along the way, I extensively studied New York's history and became a certified photography tour and workshop guide.

Since founding my photography business in 2006, my work has grown to include photography tours and street photography workshops that guide photographers from around the world. My goal is always to help people capture authentic images of New York’s distinctive energy and rich historical context. My tours combine practical photography instruction with immersive storytelling.

My commitment to documenting New York’s history is reflected in several extensive documentary projects. My recently completed 15-year series, Glass City and Hype, explore New York’s evolution in the post-9/11 era. East Village Stories, from 2012-2017, comprises nearly 150 portraits and detailed interviews with residents and business owners, creating a living archive of one of Manhattan’s most dynamic neighborhoods. Additionally, my 2017 project with the Manny Cantor Community Center, Storytelling in our Immigrant City, highlights the diverse immigrant experiences of the Lower East Side through portraits and powerful personal narratives.

I feel incredibly lucky to share my passion for photography, history, and New York City through tours, workshops, and documentary projects. If you'd like to work together or explore New York with me, please reach out directly at james@jamesmaherphotography.com. Read More
Svetlana Pézier I’m a French-American from Normandy, New Yorker by heart since 2014. I was a tour guide in France and I came to NYC to study the Tenement Museum, the city’s Architecture and History, and the People who made this city. In my tours, you’ll learn about those three and more, from my love of this place… 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
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
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! Read More
Walt Blenner Hi! I'm a Florida based NYC tour guide ready to bring your group from Florida to NYC or meet your group in Manhattan. My tour interests are lower Manhattan and the origins of New York City with a focus on historical sites, such as Trinity Church, Fraunces Tavern, Wall Street and current interests including the 9/11 Memorial and its surroundings. I'm also an art docent here in Florida as well as NYC. I'm a student of Salvador Dali and give tours. Read More
Christine Lazzara Hello! My name is Christine, and I'm thrilled to share the magic of my city with you. I curate unique, personalized adventures and then bring them to life, joining and guiding you every step of the way. My goal is to help you connect with NYC on a profound level while creating unforgettable moments in the process. Whether you're looking to explore the treasures of NYC or to celebrate a special occasion, I can help. Looking forward to meeting you! Read More
Michael Gray I am a graduate of the University of Minnesota (B.A. Philosophy) and Columbia University (M.A. Elementary Education).  I lived and worked in China (Hongkong, Taipei and China) for ten years, including four years of Chinese language study at the Beijing Language Institute and at the Mandarin… Read More
Tony Di Sante Tony has been a licensed guide since 1998. In January 2002, he began working with New York City Vacation Packages to build the first ever tour of the World Trade Center site (Ground Zero). For this reason, it makes him the foremost tour guide on September 11 and what has, is and will be happening… Read More
Michael Zufolo Michael is a born & bred New Yorker who loves the City and all that is has to offer. He's up on what's happening in the Big A twelve months a year. He can fill you in and offer you advice on where at what to do while you and your group see the sites. Michael's tours include NYC Landmarks,… Read More
Ronny Read More
Ingeborg Knottek-Hecht 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 Read More