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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Matthew Apter Since summer 2008 Matt has been giving guided tours of New York City to all kinds of audiences: school groups on private coaches, travelers from all over the world on Water Taxis and double-decker buses, and small groups and families by foot and subway. The one constant in all these tours: Matt’s… Read More
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
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
Laura Caparrotti My goal is to make people comfortable and able to fully enjoy the city, like the way I do. My first concern is always to make sure the client tells me what they cannot wait to see or experience, so I can add to the tour that element that will make the tour absolutely unique. I combine Historical… 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
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
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
Dave King I arrived in NYC in 2002 with no job, no apartment, and no network. A time before Facebook, before smartphones—when the only way to truly connect was through real conversation. So I put myself out there, joining an open mic at an East Village dive and becoming a volunteer guide. Through these encounters, I began to see NYC not just as a city but as a story, unfolding on every corner. Read More
Anette Murgalla-Hollmann I transferred my passion for New York into a career and offer guided tours mostly in German, sometimes in English or in both languages if you have a mixed group. I am a NYC licensed Tour Guide and with my background as an Account Director in advertising agencies for digital solutions and as an Event Manager I am quite good in planing and executing your customized tour. Let me show you the city!

I am also a Marriage Officiant and and can perform marriage ceremonies within the City of New York. I offer this service in German. Read More
Minna Scharff Born in Brooklyn, a soccer mom in Greenwich Village (no minivan, just the "3" and "F" trains) and now a tour guide that explores everything old and new in her native city.  A social worker by profession and licensed New York City tour guide of 12 years. Has experience doing everything from… Read More
Annie Desmond Hello there.  My name is Annie Desmond and I am proud to be a NYC tour guide.  I live in Manhattan in the fabulous upper west side.  I have a deep passion for this great city and guiding has become my life.  I am a true New Yorker.  I have a diverse background in finance… 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
Alex Tervooren I am the Founder and Creator of the popular food and history blog Food Strolls Guided Tours. My passion is NYC food and history, and our guided tours are one of a kind NYC experiences! All of my tours focus on NYC history, with an emphasis on ethnic foods, immigration, and demographics. Our… 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
Andy Sydor Read More
Joe Rosenberg Specialities:  Behind-the-scenes theatre visit; Theatre District walking exploration; all Manhattan neighborhoods; most Brooklyn neighborhoods, many Queens neighborhoods, many neighborhoods in The Bronx, some neighborhoods in Staten Island.     Bio:   In large… Read More
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… Read More
Howard Birnbaum I am a native New Yorker who loves to share his knowledge as well as experiences of growing up with whomever is willing to listen. I can take you throughout Manhattan as well as my beloved Bronx and discuss the culture,history and points of interest of both. We will tour major venues as well as… 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
Shane Grogan Let me acquaint you with the greatest city in the world! Read More
Alfred Pommer I am: a college graduate, an author of four Manhattan guide books, a self employed licensed New York City guide and a native New Yorker born, raised and educated in New York City.  For over 28 years I have been giving private and publicly scheduled neighborhood walking tours in Manhattan's… Read More
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… Read More
Paloma Moro Hernandez Enamorada de NY desde la primera vez que nos vimos, he tenido la suerte de poder disfrutar la Ciudad en múltiples ocasiones como visitante, y finalmente, hacer realidad ese sueño que es convertirse en un verdadero New Yorker. Acompáñenme para conocer Nueva York en español, como nunca lo habían… Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Robert Brenner Robert Brenner is a licensed New York City tour guide, a certified member of the Guides Association of New York City, a docent for the Municipal Art Society of New York, and almost lifelong New Yorker. He has led walking tours for Barnard College, the Bowery Alliance of Neighbors, Google, the… Read More
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… Read More
Martine Dominique Like every New Yorker, I have a story and New York City has been my home for over 27 years. I came via: Paris, Spain, Haiti to settle in Manhattan. The lights of Broadway caught my soul, and I was able to reinvent myself many times. ​ I studied Theatre at the Cours Florent in Paris and at… 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
Sonja Bredel Licensed New York City tour guide offering tours in German, English, and Schwiizerdütsch. Eplore the city’s iconic sights, it´s history and learn about NYC’s vibrant art scene. 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
Sara Lyons I love my city for a living, and there's always more to love! 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
Richard Soden I'm excited for you to see the great things New York City has to offer and unlock the secrets upon which the city was built. Experience the best of Manhattan's vibrant streets, historic landmarks, and lesser-known wonders with a lifelong New Yorker... As a licensed New York City Tour Guide, I'm… Read More
Meri Haitkin I’m a New York City walking tour guide with a background in television and film. My focus is on downtown Manhattan, food, art, and pop culture. I am likely the only guide at the Statue of Liberty mentioning the movie “Remo Williams.” I love to center my tours around people -- the known and unknown New Yorkers who lived the wildly compelling story of this fantastic city.
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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… Read More
Cherie Davis I love NYC and want you to see the amazing sites we have here. I specialize in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. I have lived in NYC since 1996 and have been a guide since 2017. There is so much to see and do here. From the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge to tiny little stores that have been around for decades. Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Trisha Lynn Sullivan I'm a native New Yorker and have loved the city my whole life, but because my family moved when I was young I have also visited the city as a tourist. I have a background in both Fine Art and Elementary Education and am an avid traveler.. I studied Tour Guiding and Tour Management at ITMI (… 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
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… 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
Yaroslav Bondarenko "My name is Yaroslav and I'll be your tour guide today" - these are words that I start my every tour with. I've been doing sightseeing tours since I my college years - then I was showing my home town Kyiv and Ukraine to tourists from USA. Now I show my home New York City to tourists from all over… Read More