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.

Find a Tour
Certified Guide
Video
Website
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… Read More
Lawrence Henderson Greetings. I’m a licensed New York City tour guide with five years of experience. I lead two walking tours: an African American History Tour of Lower Manhattan and the Soul of Harlem Tour. To date, I’ve conducted over 1,000 tours. Read More
Elke Vanhaecke As an art historian and radio journalist, I am captivated by the power of sound to uncover hidden stories. Now, as a city guide, I bring this passion to life in the streets of New York.
From the echoing chaos of Times Square to the melodic buzz of Central Park, I reveal the tales of history and diversity that every street corner holds.
I offer tours in Dutch, English, and French, infusing each experience with a touch of my Belgian heritage. Read More
Andrew Neuman I am a native New Yorker and have a deep love and appreciation for the history of New York City. My walking tours are unique and one-of-a-kind that delve into the untold stories, scandalous nights, and legendary figures that shaped New York City’s cultural heartbeat. From the glitz of the golden age of nightspots to the crooning-voiced rise of Frank Sinatra on the city’s stages. I don’t just guide you through history - I resurrect it. Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Gary Dennis   Gary Dennis was born and raised on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.  After attending the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Arts, Gary received his Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, with a minor in Theatre History (specializing in New York City) from Brooklyn College. … Read More
AJ (Ayinde) Stevens 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
GANYC Certified Guide Mark Mandel Born in Manhattan, I have lived in the NY area for most of my life and commuted into the city for over 25 years to financial services jobs in midtown and downtown, including the original World Trade Center. I have strong interests in the economic development and growth of New York City and the infrastructure, including mass transit, that supports this. Read More
Andy McNeil My name is Andy McNeil and I've lived in NYC for the past 13 years. I've always been fascinated with the history of the city and showing friends and family around so I figured not why make it official and become a licensed NYC tour guide. I'm looking forward to learning more about the city I love and sharing my experiences with new friends. 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
Joan B Vaccari Native New Yorker - resident of Queens County.  Holds NYC & Co Enchanced Guide Certificate.  Specializes in school groups and senior citizens with a special focus on Queens and select Manhattan locations such as Central Park, the Cloisters, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Ladies Mile area. Read More
Sumiko Mizumoto I have been working as a tour guide in NYC since 2000. If you need Japanese tour guides, please let me know! 日本語ツアーガイドをお探しなら、ご連絡ください。   Read More
Erik Hodgetts A long-time Manhattan resident, Erik has always loved all things New York City. From local history & neighborhood stories to food culture & the many delicious offerings found all over town, living here continues to delight and intrigue him every day. A practicing architect, he has deep insight into the built environment, and his own food hobbies & explorations contribute to making unique, memorable experiences for tour guests and event audiences. Read More
Zoe Foundotos Zoe offers private, educational and step-on tours, as well as corporate destination management services. Skilled at engaging groups of all ages, abilities and interests, Zoe is flexible and able to tailor a tour to suit a client's needs. She is dedicated to providing clients with unique and exciting New York City experiences that they will never forget... and make them want to come back again!
 Read More
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… Read More
Susanne Koster I'm Susanne, a native New Yorker from Long Island with lively and engaging custom tours.  Allow me to create an adventure for you, your family or group.  Let me be your personal guide and have your touring through New York like a local.  Consider me your best college friend that… Read More
Kathleen Kobylarz Helping German and French speaking guests is my passion. As a lifelong resident of the NYC metropolitan area, I look forward to working with you soon!       Read More
Robert Zhu You haven't been to New York City without my tours. 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
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
Mitch Paluszek A proud semi-retired City employee. A proud lover of this amazing City! 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
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
Gay Zizes I am a native New Yorker with a vast knowledge of this city. Tours can be catered for all ages and interests. 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
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
Richard Sanford Richard Sanford our Lingo Planet guide specializes in language immersion tours in The Big Apple...all by bicycle! Whether you want to practice your English, Spanish, Italian or Mandarin Chinese or are a native speaker of one of those languages you'll find a tour that is just right for you… Read More
Bryce Hill Flexible & Fun NYC tours. Experience the greatest city on earth! NYC arts/history/pop culture tours. 10 years experience with group tours (both student and adult) and with private tours. 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
Ken Falk Read More
Dave Gardner I am a fully-licensed tour guide in New York City.  I'm a speaker on the double-decker tour buses, the boats, and on foot. I am fluent in any general New York tour.  I am also the publisher of our tour-guide newsletter, GuideLines.My personal niche is that I run a Titanic-themed Walking… Read More
Anthony Robins "A magic carpet ride through Art Deco New York" National Arts Club "Anthony, with his wide brim hat, fast-talking New York accent and contagious enthusiasm [showed me that] the very real and iconic New York [Grand Central] terminal is the magical place to be discovered" Mail online… Read More
Joe Svehlak Native Brooklynite, historian, and community activist. Involved in planning and preservation issues in Brooklyn and in Downtown Manhattan for over 40 years. Former careers in Wall Street and Brooklyn real estate (brownstones and co-ops). Freelance custom tours for various organizations… Read More
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. 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
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 Kat Scaglione Sharing my favorite city with friends and visitors is one of my favorite things in life, whether we’re exploring art, history, food or iconic architecture. Join me on a tour, and let’s uncover the stories that make New York truly unforgettable! Read More
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… Read More
Bob Rice My family and I have been native New Yorkers for generations.  New York is my playground.  I love to experience its venues.  What increases our enjoyment and appreciation is when we are in the company of those who are out to have fun while sharing each others energy. My varied… Read More
Eva Nagy Read More