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.
Emily Kahn
I'm Emily - a public historian/historic preservationist, adjunct professor, licensed tour guide, and cookie enthusiast living on the Upper West Side. I love my neighborhood for many reasons: historic character, friendly neighbors, adorable dogs, and unparalleled access to cookies. From the classic…
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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…
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Ivan Shumkov
BUILD TOURS offers public tours and custom private tours for groups, companies and individuals to create memorable experiences of New York. Each tour highlights the distinct character of a specific area - weaving history, architecture, art, and design into engaging stories that help our guests experience, understand and connect with New York. We help our guests see, learn and enjoy the New York's architecture in new ways and on a deeper level.
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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…
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Jari Mattila
Whether you're planning to see the famous sights, the restaurants, the museums, the shopping, the sports, or just about anything else you can think of, your visit will surely be a success! The possibilities for fun are endless and New York will never disappoint you. My hope is to enhance your…
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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…
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David Herszenson
As a physician who lives and works in the Bronx, I have found a distinct pleasure in sharing the beauty and history of the borough's many vibrant and diverse neighborhoods.
Jim Dykes
Jim Dykes new email is JimDykesNY@gmail.com; All other emails are cancelled. Jim is a writer and actor who has been a licensed New York guide for many years. CHECK MY 5-STAR RATINGS on TRIP ADVISOR!! History, architecture and fabulous NYC real estate are passions: Jim is a former GANYC…
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Gordon Polatnick
This is going to be fun.
I can't wait to speak to you about what you'd like to get out of your New York tour. After more than 30 years of guiding, I'm more enthused than ever to create the perfect experience for each guest. The joy for me comes from listening to your needs and designing itineraries…
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Ronald Groenendyk
As a Dutchman who has been living in New York for more than 25 years, I offers walking tours under the name The MetaTourist since 2019. "Meta" in modern slang indicates something self-referential (self-aware). Having traveled for work and pleasure all of my life, I can be a visitor and an observer at the same time. As an immigrant, I can give you the inside and outside perspective. Why do people come to NYC? Why did I come to NYC? Why are you here?
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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…
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GANYC Certified Guide
Kevin Lawrence
After spending over a decade organizing and conducting tours throughout China and Taiwan, I have over the past couple of years shifted my professional touring expertise to my beloved hometown, New York City. I conduct river-to-river tours (i.e. lower Manhattan, West Village/East Village, 42nd…
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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.
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Maggie Browne
A born and bred New Yorker having lived in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Roosevelt Island. A passion for New York, food, music, theater, museums, the arts. Signature tours include "Where Broadway Shops," "Underground Artist Tour" and "College Neighborhood Tours." Happy to tailor tours to the…
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GANYC Certified Guide
Amy Cook
Whether you are visiting, or reside here without yet fully *living* here, Amy can share what it’s like to be a real New Yorker. She has been in Brooklyn for over 25 years and loves to share stories of the ever changing city. Insatiably curious, Amy is always absorbing new information and…
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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…
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Shane Grogan
Let me acquaint you with the greatest city in the world!
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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.
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GANYC Certified Guide
Pat Braun-Mazzucca
Although I was born in New York, my family moved to the Midwest where I lived for 12 years. Upon graduating college, I moved back to New York. This has given me the benefit of being able to view this dynamic city from a non-native’s perspective. After hearing stories from people who had visited New…
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Jeff Riback
Jeff Riback is a born and bred New Yorker, raised in Queens, and now a long-term resident of Manhattan's Upper East Side. Whether you’re visiting New York for the first or 15th time, Jeff is eager to share with you his love of the City, its history, and the ever-changing character of its many…
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Joseph Landon
For Joe, leading tours and curating experiences is not just a job, but a way of life. He is dedicated to sharing his love and appreciation of New York City with others, and helping to preserve the city's unique history and culture for future generations to enjoy.
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…
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Joseph Pizzingrillo
Lifelong native New Yorker. Solid experience and knowledge of Manhattan as well as all NYC boroughs (Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island)
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Lyall Croft
Lyall’s love for history is a lifelong pursuit and his research while writing tours is extensive. A Tour Guide for fifteen years, Lyall’s experience in tourism blossomed from being the owner of Boston Bike Tours (1999 to 2011), pioneering the bicycle tour industry in Boston. His tours are based on…
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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.
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Rod Lorenzo
I have lived in the New York area off and on for 20 years.
Originally from California, as a Certified International Tour Manager, I also do over-the-road tours of the Southwest, national parks, the Blues Route and the East Coast. My background is primarily in hospitality, therefore, I am accustomed…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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DEREK CHAN
DEREK CHAN is an experienced, professional New York City-based, licensed tour guide who has provided hundreds of tours throughout NYC. An avid urban explorer, Derek appreciates the storied architecture, varied neighborhoods, historic brownstones and mixture of styles, in addition to the iconic,…
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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…
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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…
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