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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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
Mitch Paluszek A proud semi-retired City employee. A proud lover of this amazing City! Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Susan Soler Susan is a native New Yorker.  She is passionate about this city.  She is ready to explore what this city has to offer, focusing on the joy and the senses that her tour can bring. 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
Tom Coca My family’s roots in NYC date to the 1890’s, when my ancestors passed through Ellis Island. I’ve lived in the city my entire life; first in Brooklyn and now in Staten Island. After retirement from the IT industry, I’ve spent more than the past decade providing tours to NYC’s visitors.

I enjoy getting on the subway, exiting at one of the many stops within the 5 boroughs, and wandering into all corners of this vast city. When not roving throughout the city, or giving tours, I spend my time reading, writing, and with my grandchildren.

I prefer discussing a guest’s interests beforehand and customizing a tour to focus on those preferences. I also specialize in tours that cover several hours and territory, often 3-5 miles.

Loosen up, put on comfortable shoes, and roam through New York City with me! Read More
Alex Demac      I am a native New Yorker who knows the City from the perspectives of child and adult, walker and rider and biker, student and teacher, parent and youngster.         My particular areas of focus are the Metropolitan Museum, Central Park, Grand Central… 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
Frederic Gilbert Hi ! I was born in France and made New York my home a couple of years ago after backpacking over the world for a year. I felt in love with New York in 1995, and recently founded My Special New York, a tour company providing immersive and unique experiences in New York city, from tours for… Read More
Jerry Ostrover I am a former teacher who always enjoyed showing friends and family the amazing sights of New York City, so, it was a natural for me to later become a licensed New York City tour guide. I continue to study the history and architecture around the City. There is no other city like it in the world.… Read More
Kathleen Kobylarz Helping German and French speaking guests is my passion. As a lifelong resident of the NYC metropolitan area, I look forward to working with you soon!       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
Bob Rice My family and I have been native New Yorkers for generations.  New York is my playground.  I love to experience its venues.  What increases our enjoyment and appreciation is when we are in the company of those who are out to have fun while sharing each others energy. My varied… Read More
Evelyne André I am a French native,  Professional Franco/American Tour Director , originally licensed in France , now with 35 years of experience guiding visitors throughout the USA . In  NYC , where I hold the official sightseeing guide license ,  and where I reside,  I am constantly… Read More
Monia Bonaldo Buongiorno a tutti, sono felice di presentarmi a voi come Guida Turistica di New York! Sono Italiana e faccio questo bellissimo lavoro con passione e dedizione da alcuni anni. New York e' una citta' che non finisce mai di stupire, tradizioni e culture diverse sono all'ordine del giorno, profumi e… 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
Benedicte Charpentier When I was a kid, I wanted to become an archaeologist. But then I veered into languages and lived in Asia for a few years before coming to New York City two decades ago. My early love of finding history in the most mundane things, combined with my enthusiasm for communication and building bridges between cultures, brought me to become a tour guide in this city that I am still forever exploring and rediscovering.
NYC certified tour guide since 2020. Come discover the Big Apple with me!
Guide certifiee de New York depuis 2020, je vous ferai decouvrir la Grosse Pomme! 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 Robert Brenner Robert Brenner is a public historian specializing in 20th century New York City history. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in history at the CUNY Graduate Center. His fields of research include queer, Jewish, food, cultural, and political histories. He is also a licensed New York City tour guide and a certified member of the Guides Association of New York City (GANYC). 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
Joe Svehlak Native Brooklynite, historian, and community activist. Involved in planning and preservation issues in Brooklyn and in Downtown Manhattan for over 40 years. Former careers in Wall Street and Brooklyn real estate (brownstones and co-ops). Freelance custom tours for various organizations… Read More
Jonathan Dauermann Hello! American-born, though with many international experiences, I've been a resident of NYC for a decade now, and I'm a veteran tour guide with four years of experience and counting! Now a licensed NYC guide, I can help you and your group design a customized itinerary that both creates the New… Read More
Lisa Puccio 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
Andy Sydor Read More
Gloria Browne Discover the best New York City has to offer. With more than 20 years of experience, I will work with you to maximize your time in New York and take you beyond the city that you already know. I am fluent, and can offer assistance, in English, Italian (mother language) and German.     Read More
Michael Agovino My name is Michael Agovino and I am a native Bronxite transplanted into the wonderful world of Queens. I am a NYC DOE teacher and in love with New York City's colorful history. I am an avid genealogist, learner, and micro-historian. I believe that learning about the "every-day" people of our city… 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
Beti Rozencwajg I was born in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and have lived in the United States over 30 years. Besides being fluent in Portuguese and English, I speak several languages and have lived in other countries such as Mexico and Israel. Besides English, I do tours in Portuguese and Spanish. I am also an author of children's books. Please see website below. Read More
Nirupama Zaveri    My name is Nirupama (Neetu) Zaveri. I was born and nurtured in India, but for the past 24 years I have lived in New York. I was a global banker for 20 years and gave up my corparte job to lead tours in US and worldwide. I am a  NYC + DC guide and I am fluent in several languages.… 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
Seth Charles Used to just be a normal guy until NYC grabbed me and wouldn't let go.

Now I've been giving tours in the city for over 10 years.

Topics of interest include the Weird (capital W), the obscure, and the mystical.
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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
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
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
Ingeborg Knottek-Hecht 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
Eric Ramos Rodríguez Eric Ramos, a licensed sightseeing tour guide of the City of New York and founder of Big Apple Walks has over 20 years of experience in the fields of art and design. He studied architecture and urban planning at the University of Puerto Rico and at the Pratt Institute in New York. To his… Read More
Rob DeGennaro Passionate about NYC and Showing You Around! Read More
Ben Wagenberg Sesame, poppy, garlic, whole wheat, everything! New York’s bagel varieties are as distinct as its neighborhoods, which is why each Ben’s Bagel Walking Tour starts off with a fresh New York bagel! Led by Ben Wagenberg, dubbed “The Bagel Expert,” each tour offers Ben’s unique perspective into the nooks and crannies of NYC’s famed foods, landmarks and neighborhoods. Read More
Michael Koenig Born and raised, third generation New Yorker who loves to help visitors make the most of their time in the city. Over the years I have worked with student, adult and corporate groups, helping them to enjoy the city on their Motorcoach, on foot or by the subway. I firmly believe you should have… Read More