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.

Certified Guide
Video
Website
Hiram L. Jacobs I am a licensed New York City Department of Consumer Affairs Tour Guide and a native New Yorker. Over the years, I acquired considerable experience organizing solo tours of the major European and East European capitals of the world, Toronto and Montreal, Canada, Sydney and Melbourne, Australia. I… 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
Debbie Wells Debbie Wells, President of Artful Buzz brings the NYC art world, including art galleries, museums, artist studios, art organizations, etc) directly to you with her engaging and enthusiastic style! You get the insider's perspective from a native New Yorker who has been an art and design professional for years. Also check out www.artfulbuzz.com to register for her free e-newsletter, Artful Morning Brew filled with original commentary and more! 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
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
Ed Perlmutter I am a lifelong New Yorker and a native of Brooklyn, and I have spent most of my career in information technology in the financial industry.    However, since 2011 I have been a license NYC tour guide so I could do something I passionately enjoy --- to use my extensive… Read More
David Turk Hello! I'm David, a lifetime New Yorker, and I'd love to be your guide and show you around. I have a passion for traveling around the world and for sharing with visitors from all over the world what makes New York City such a special place—its history, culture, food. Read More
Pim Philip Pim moved to New York in 2010. Besides being a (Dutch) licensed tour guide for all the 5 boroughs of New York City, he founded Pim Philip Experiences which offers customized travel and event experiences in New York City, catering to both private and corporate visitors. Tailor-made expeditions,… Read More
Susan Mills Birnbaum Susan Mills Birnbaum's lifelong fascination with history ignited a journey that transformed her into an ardent advocate for preserving the past and sharing its riches. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in History from Hunter College, Susan's affiliation with The Bronx, Brooklyn, and New York… Read More
Shane Grogan Let me acquaint you with the greatest city in the world! 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
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
Asad Dandia I am a born-and-bred New Yorker who leads unique experiences covering communities and themes not offered by anyone else. I have led tours for a range of seekers, from second graders to corporate staff to university students and faculty.

Check out my storytelling project, New York Narratives (www.newyorknarratives.com) to learn more. Or write to me directly at asad@newyorknarratives.com.

I can't wait to immerse you into my city!
Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Joseph Salvatore Knipper Look! It's a fashion-impaired hipster...No! It's a young Santa Claus! ...No! It's Joseph Salvatore Knipper! Read More
Alex Tervooren I am the Founder and Creator of the popular food and history blog Food Strolls Guided Tours. My passion is NYC food and history, and our guided tours are one of a kind NYC experiences! All of my tours focus on NYC history, with an emphasis on ethnic foods, immigration, and demographics. Our… Read More
Erik Hodgetts A long-time Manhattan resident, Erik has always loved all things New York City. From local history & neighborhood stories to food culture & the many delicious offerings found all over town, living here continues to delight and intrigue him every day. A practicing architect, he has deep insight into the built environment, and his own food hobbies & explorations contribute to making unique, memorable experiences for tour guests and event audiences. Read More
Sara Lyons I love my city for a living, and there's always more to love! 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
Jocelyn Taub I am a native New Yorker whose connection to the city began at Ellis Island when my grandparents emigrated from Eastern Europe.   My background is in promotion and marketing within the music business, radio and sports. I am therefore very well versed in the history of sports and music in New… 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
Janice Hoffmann Hello and welcome to the city that never sleeps!

I’ve been living in this amazing city since the mid 80s, so I have a lot of stories and insights to share with you. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, art, or entertainment, New York has something for everyone.
Read More
Laura Caparrotti My goal is to make people comfortable and able to fully enjoy the city, like the way I do. My first concern is always to make sure the client tells me what they cannot wait to see or experience, so I can add to the tour that element that will make the tour absolutely unique. I combine Historical… Read More