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.
Sonja Bredel
I was born and raised in Switzerland, studied in Vienna, and lived and worked in Beijing and New York. Discovering the history and secrets of the places where I live has always been a passion of mine. After eight years of living in New York and falling for NYC more and more, I decided to turn my…
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
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.
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
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
Debbie Wells
Debbie Wells, President of Artful Buzz brings the NYC art world, including art galleries, museums, artist studios, art organizations, etc) directly to you with her engaging and enthusiastic style! You get the insider's perspective from a native New Yorker who has been an art and design professional for years. Also check out www.artfulbuzz.com to register for her free e-newsletter, Artful Morning Brew filled with original commentary and more!
Read More
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…
Read More
Evelyne André
I am a French native Professional Tour Director originally licensed in France and now with 30 years of experience guiding visitors throughout the USA including NYC where I reside and never cease to be awed by the richness of the history, the amazing architecture and the unexpected sights. I have…
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
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.
GANYC Certified Guide
Kitt Garrett
Kitt Garrett, Founder and CEO of Kitt Garrett & AssociatesLecturer and JournalistExperience New York in an Intriguing New Way Fascinating Talks and Walks For Locals and Visitors with Kitt Garrett. Experience New York in comfort and see more than you would walking around on your own. …
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
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…
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.
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,…
Read More
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…
Read More
Emmanuel Hadar
I was born and raised in Jerusalem, Israel.
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!
Marion Baumgarten
I am fully licensed in New York City, and do
tours in English, Dutch, German, French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese!
Also go "over the road" especially Northeast (Canada) and the South.
Read More
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…
Read More
Bruce Roberts
An Actor, Producer, proud Husband and Father, Bruce added Licensed Tour Guide to his resume over 18 years ago ago. Since that time, he has balanced his love for the arts with his passion for history. Many years ago, while walking to work in the theater district, he was discussing the…
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
Beti Rozencwajg
I was born in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and have lived in the United States over 30 years. Besides being fluent in Portuguese and English, I speak several languages and have lived in other countries such as Mexico and Israel. Besides English, I do tours in Portuguese and Spanish. I am also an author of children's books. Please see website below.
Read More
Frederic Gilbert
Hi !
I was born in France and made New York my home a couple of years ago after backpacking over the world for a year. I felt in love with New York in 1995, and recently founded My Special New York, a tour company providing immersive and unique experiences in New York city, from tours for…
Read More
GANYC Certified Guide
Linda Fisher
I was born in Staten Island, grew up in the Bronx, lived in Brooklyn in the '70s, Manhattan in the '80s and have resided in Queens for 30 years. I've had my license since 1996, and specialize in neighborhood walking tours, focusing on local history and the "real people" of New York.
Read More
Joseph Pizzingrillo
Lifelong native New Yorker. Solid experience and knowledge of Manhattan as well as all NYC boroughs (Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island)
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
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
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
Anina Young
I first became a NYC tour guide in 2002.
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…
Read More
Ray Rosato
I was born and raised in Brooklyn and lived in New York City all my life. (So I guess that makes me a native.) I've been conducting guided tours of NYC for over a decade and loved every single minute of it. Some of my favorite spots are Chinatown with the wonderful soup dumplings, Greenwich Village…
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