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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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
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
Art Zuckerman I am a retired teacher, have had managerial positions in corporate America and have run a successful computer company.  Along with my wife, also a licensed guide, we host a radio show called "Z Travel and Leisure" which focuses on New York City, travel and cultural topics.  We have also… Read More
Heidi Zsa Zsa Benedikt I decided to become a licensed tour guide after the attacks of Sept 11, 2001. Strange to say I have the greatest job from the worst day in New Yorks history.  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
Liz Young Join these New York City walking and floating 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 water-based (river) tours. 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 a MA in Food Studies and Food Management.
Venmo | @LizYoung578 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
Matt Levy Over 20 years in the travel and tourism industry.
Native Brooklynite
Owner/Operator of Spread Love Tours, fka The Levys' Unique New York! 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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John Comerford Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Ricky Russo Ricky Russo was born in Trieste (Italy) in 1973 and has lived in New York since 2013. He is a tour guide, DJ, music journalist and historian, creator of radio and TV programs and musical event organizer (from the Peggy Guggenheim Museum to concerts of Italian artists in New York.) He holds a degree… Read More
Hardy Phippen Over 15 years of experience leading a wide variety of NYC tours, both general and specialized, for adults or students, organizations as well as individuals. Read More
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
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
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
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
Ian R. Goza My name is Ian Goza. I am a Manhattan resident, history educator, and tour guide with a passion for facilitating experiences that engage with New York’s vibrant past. I am a licensed sightseeing guide with 2 years of experience giving guided walking tours in New York City.
I have experience teaching history to students and adults of all ages. My favorite place to be is out walking in the city! 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
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
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
Tim Ries Founder of Tourist New York with 20+ years in NYC tourism. Former High Line Director, NYC-licensed guide, and proud member of the Guides Association of New York City. Passionate about sharing the best of NYC’s landmarks and hidden gems. 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
Rob DeGennaro Passionate about NYC and Showing You Around! 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
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
Eva Nagy Read More
Gordon Polatnick Most notable as New York City's premier Jazz Tour Guide, Gordon is a 3rd generation New Yorker with local, national, and international tour guiding experience. Join one his nightly jazz tours to Harlem or Greenwich Village via Big Apple Jazz, or engage his services for a customized Private Experience for groups large or small. Itineray consultations available on request. Read More
Alessia Nencioni Hello everybody, my name is Alessia Nencioni I'm from Florence, Italy and I came here 15 years ago as tourist myself and then fell in love with this vibrant city (and not only the city ...)  and decided to stay. I fell in love also with the amazing architecture, I'm very passionate about Art… 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
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
Fred Pflantzer NY See Tours is a NY City tour agency that has been joyfully conducting guided tours since 2010. NY See is a trusted and well-reviewed tour agency providing unforgettable NY experiences for groups, individuals, couples, families, and friends. Fred Pflantzer, the proprietor of NY See Tours, is a… 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
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
Joanne Kleidon 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
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
Myra Alperson I sometimes describe myself as a "professional amateur." An amateur is someone who truly LOVES what she does. And that's the story of my life as a food tour guide in NYC. Since 1983 I've been leading unusual, cutting-edge food tours. I go to many neighborhoods that no other food tours go to. Since… 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
Jeff Snop Read More
Sam Silverman Founder of BagelFest, NYC Bagel Tours, and Brooklyn Bagel Blog Read More