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.
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,…
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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…
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GANYC Certified Guide
Kevin Wilkinson
New York can be a hectic place!
Imagine how much easier it can be with your own private tour guide.
I am friendly, reliable and KNOWLEDGEABLE.
I know this city inside and out, and I love to tell stories.
I offer a variety of services.
Walking Tours - I have several amazing routes…
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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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GANYC Certified Guide
Deborah Blau
The beauty and excitement of New York City speaks for itself. LOUDLY. It can be overwhelming, especially if you are a first time visitor, here to visit our famous attractions. Wouldn't it be great to have a friendly, funny licensed New York guide to decode the local lingo?
And if you are already…
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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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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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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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GANYC Certified Guide
Mark Levy
Mark Levy AKA The Tourfather is the founder and owner of The Levy's Unique New York! NY's First Family of Tour Guides and with his sons Matt Levy, Gideon Levy and Jonah Levy have created NY's most sucessfull tour guide company with a corps of 25 of the best guides in NY. I am a proud Bronx native (…
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Frederique Antoinette Barbier
I am a licensed tour guide in NYC and Washington, D.C., and have over 15 years of experience in tourism. I specialize in private, made to measure tours for individuals and small groups, opera/cultural tours, incentive & corporate travel, and medical conventions. Born in Switzerland…
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Gay Zizes
I am a native New Yorker with a vast knowledge of this city. Tours can be catered for all ages and interests.
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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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Jose Raudales
Jose has been sharing his love for New York City as a licensed guide since 2011. With a dual degree in Economics and History from Baruch College, he has a knack for uncovering the fascinating stories that make NYC the most vibrant and dynamic city in the world.On February 21, 2025, Jose gave his…
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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…
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Liz Young
Join these New York City walking 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 Chelsea. 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 an MA in Food Studies and Food Management.
Phil Desiere
Let my tours put the Big Apple at your feet!
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Sara Lyons
I love my city for a living, and there's always more to love!
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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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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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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!
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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.
GANYC Certified Guide
Jonathan Turer
Visitors say my tours are “witty” “fun” “informative” and “fascinating.” And this: “For 5 1/2 hours we did not want to miss a thing he said and more importantly, neither did our two teenagers. Now that is a feat!” and “My wife was born and raised in NYC and ... even she learned a whole bunch about…
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Kelly Kopp
Welcome to New York City!
I moved to NYC 7 years ago from Florida. I now consider myself a New Yorker! The moment I stepped foot in this amazing city I immersed myself in all things New York. I am a licensed New York City Tour Guide and love showing visitors my vibrant perspective…
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Peter Cohen
I am a native New Yorker with Brooklyn roots.
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Nya Bowman
A native New Yorker hailing from the vibrant Lower East Side, with over two decades of experience as a licensed NYC Tour Guide a professional Dancer, Actor, and Educator.
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Charlie Niessner
Charlie Niessner, a licensed NYC Tour Guide and GANYC member, is a lifelong resident of NYC.
Has led tours for the Municipal Art Society and for over 10 years unique walks for Big Apple Greeter in addition to private tours.
He is also a genealogy docent for the National Archives…
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