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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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
GANYC Certified Guide Gary Dennis   Gary Dennis was born and raised on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.  After attending the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Arts, Gary received his Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, with a minor in Theatre History (specializing in New York City) from Brooklyn College. … 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
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
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
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
Rob DeGennaro Passionate about NYC and Showing You Around! Read More
Maria-Leena Kerr I'm a native Dane who decided in 2006 to make New York City my home. Thirteen trips later I moved here, and I now call myself a professional NYC tourist and tour guide. I hold two degrees in hotel and tourism, manage an online concierge service for Danish tourists and speak fluently Danish and… Read More
Marie Rousseau I was born and raised in Paris, France and I've been living in New York since 2007. I have a MA in both History and Political Science from University of Paris-La Sorbonne. After graduation, she decided to live my dream and moved to New York City to work at NYU’s Institute of French Studies and for… Read More
Barbara Frank Lower East side tour includes synagogues. History of Tenements then and now. Food highlights from bialys to deli and everything in between. 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". 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
George Tonkin This tour explores the city of New York in Hamilton's life, and the deep impression he left behind. As we uncover the secrets behind his inexhaustible drive and his unimaginable achievements, it explains his relentless effort to leave his bold impression on his adopted nation. 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
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
Norman Oder Veteran tour guide Norman Oder("fast-walking, fast-talking") specializes in Brooklyn neighborhoods and also has branched out to a few neighborhoods in Queens and Manhattan. Read More
Eric Thomas Eric P. Thomas, tras una carrera de más de 35 años en la industria de viajes y turismo de EE. UU., ha desarrollado una reputación de experiencia en la programación de Visit USA. New York City, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Lancaster, Niagara Falls, Boston, Eastern Canada.

Guia licenciado de New York y Washington DC

Con fluidez nativa en inglés y español, Thomas lanzó su carrera profesional en la década de 1980 con City Tours USA, un operador turístico receptivo que se estableció como una pequeña empresa familiar que atendía visitantes principalmente de América del Sur, pero que ha crecido hasta convertirse en uno de los operadores turísticos receptivos más grandes de EE. UU. Con sede en el norte de Nueva Jersey. Read More
Marylou Selo I have been a member of GANYC from the time it was still the International Guides Association. I love New York City and I am good in sharing my enthusiasm and my knowledge with our guests. My best languages are Dutch, German, and English, but I can also do French and Spanish, since I have lived in… 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
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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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
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
Andy Sydor Read More
Libby Corydon-Apicella Introduction to New York City for families Walking the Brooklyn Bridge Read More
Liam Strain Liam Strain is a native New Yorker with over 30 years of experience interpreting the history of New York City for the public, first guiding visitors at and then managing historic sites. He is the owner & operator of The Streets Where It Happened Walking Tours, specializing solely on guided walking tours of New York City during the American Revolution era.
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Daryl Williams 3rd Generation New Yawker, Stuyvesant High School, Baruch College C.U.N.Y. Graduate. St. Albans Born, Ex East Villager, Ex-SOHOer and current Harlemite, who still has love for this City and ALL that it has to offer and willing to share it’s warts and gems…. 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
Carey Golden I'm Carey, a teacher turned tour guide! As a military wife, for twenty years, I moved to many states in the US and South Korea!  I'm now combining my passion for teaching and touring into an adventure for you!   I enjoy meeting people and sharing my love for architecture, history, and… Read More
John Hanke I’m a retired civil engineer who spent over 25 years designing and inspecting structures—including many of NYC’s major bridges and tunnels. My love for the city led me to become a licensed tour guide in 2019, and I’ve been sharing its stories ever since!

I’m also an art lover and a regular at NYC’s museums and galleries. My home away from home is The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where I lead tours for Walks, LLC.

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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
Chris Shelley A Red Sox fan who loves New York City? Now you've heard it all. I've lived in NYC since 1992. I've tried on identities as diverse as actor, Wall Street worker, entrepreneur, Massage Therapist and, since 2011, Professional Wedding Officiant. My career led me here, and my career has changed many times since being here. In that light, I can show you New York in the way my careers have introduced it to me. Read More
Dylan Fineman Hello! My name is Dylan. I'm a lifelong New Yorker and recently licensed tour guide! I do Manhattan neighborhood tours (specializing in Lower Manhattan) and more niche tours including Build a Bagel, Gods of New York: A Superhero Tour, and the Jewish Experience tour. Get in touch with me through email and lets make your trip to the Big Apple a memorable one! Read More
Evanna Wilbraham Let me help you discover New York in a new way! Read More
Eliot Niles Native New Yorker: played stoopball & stickball with a spaldeen in the streets, and skiball on old Coney Island boardwalk. Brooklynite who has also lived & worked in other cities/countries, always seem to boomerang back home. Experienced licensed tour guide, local, regional, and international clientele. Read More
Jay Huntington Originally from London, I bring a unique "transatlantic" perspective to the streets of New York. With a degree in Creative Writing from Middlesex University and a published YA novel, WIFI: Wizarding Information for Invoking, my approach to guiding is rooted in the art of narrative. I don’t want to just show you landmarks; I want to tell the stories of the people and the history that make this city’s architecture breathe. 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
Sy Lukin Native New Yorker who likes to share his love of the city. NYC walking tours for history, food and architecture. Big Apple Greeter. 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
GANYC Certified Guide Michael Dillinger I am a life long New Yorker and my family roots in this great city go back to the 1840's.  There is a lot of NYC in my DNA. As a guide I believe my job is to help visitor's fall in love with New York.  I have been a professional, full-time, guide for the past six years.  I love being… 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