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.
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.
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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. …
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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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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…
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Rayn Riel
Rayn is a licensed NYC tour guide and AICP-certified urban planner with extensive experience in infrastructure planning and operations. A native New Yorker, he leads tours that uncover the hidden history, design, and behind-the-scenes workings of the city’s transportation infrastructure. From abandoned subway stations to major transit hubs, his walks offer a rare insider’s perspective on how New York City is built, maintained, and kept moving.
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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GANYC Certified Guide
Stan O'Connor
Hi, I’ve been licensed in New York City for over 25 years. I work with school groups, seniors, organizations, travel agents and coach companies from all over. With interest in history, architecture, geology, wildlife (important at our parks and beaches) and the myriad of cultures here in New York…
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Eric Ramos Rodríguez
Eric Ramos, a licensed sightseeing tour guide of the City of New York and founder of Big Apple Walks has over 20 years of experience in the fields of art and design. He studied architecture and urban planning at the University of Puerto Rico and at the Pratt Institute in New York.
To his…
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Carey Gibbs
I am a second generation new yorker, and a third generation show business guy;
MY tours are quite diverse, and all include photo ops, and a strong q&a session;
my history of nyc is quite strong,and I specialize in broadway, the great white way;
history of show business in nyc from early…
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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.
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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GANYC Certified Guide
Patrick Casey
Hello, and thanks for looking me up.
If you are seeking someone who can show you New York from a local's view, we should talk.
Sure, we can do all the usual suspects and we should, they are wonderful places and sites. But with a little information from you, I'll tailor a tour that suits your taste…
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Michael Agovino
My name is Michael Agovino and I am a native Bronxite transplanted into the wonderful world of Queens. I am a NYC DOE teacher and in love with New York City's colorful history. I am an avid genealogist, learner, and micro-historian. I believe that learning about the "every-day" people of our city…
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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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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…
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Eliot Niles
Native New Yorker: played stoopball & stickball with a spaldeen in the streets, and skiball on old Coney Island boardwalk. Brooklynite who has also lived & worked in other cities/countries, always seem to boomerang back home. Experienced licensed tour guide, local, regional, and international clientele.
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Jeff Liss
I am a history buff and have spent most of my life in and around New York City. My tours go past the usual landmarks to explore the little known facts around the city, particularly in Manhattan's Midtown East.
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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…
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Fumi Arai
I am bilingual in English and Japanese. I have had more than 10 years experiencce as New York City tour guide.
Before that I made tour guide books in Japanese for Japanese tour related company for their clients. Japanese is my strong language as I was born and raised in my…
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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…
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Julia Ryan
A Native New Yorker and expert guide, Julia has been touring with guests for over 20 years. Specializing in private tours, she works with some of the most exclusive hotels in the city. Tour New York with the exact itinerary and activities you want. The perfect combination of context, impeccable history, humor and fun -- plus the latest news and insights.
Phyllis Kaplan-Katz
Love this fabulous city as much as I do.
Join me as we walk and talk about the neighborhoods, the people, the food the changes, the buildings and the energy.
I am a born and bred New Yorker who continues to get excited about the happenings the energy and the life in New York.
Learn what it is…
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Nirupama Zaveri
My name is Nirupama (Neetu) Zaveri. I was born and nurtured in India, but for the past 24 years I have lived in New York. I was a global banker for 20 years and gave up my corparte job to lead tours in US and worldwide. I am a NYC + DC guide and I am fluent in several languages.…
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Allison Rihn
I love to show less often seen parts of NYC to people. II specifically like sharing the history and beauty of upper Manhattan. l immerse people into the city by showing them both the pretty and the gritty. The well known sites, as well as the secret ones often hidden in plain sight. I am also a certified Pilates instructor and integrate pilates and tours together creating fun new ways to see the city!
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Manny Sanudo
Born in New York City, Manny has been leading bicycle tours here for the last dozen years.
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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.
Kyle Hand
Kyle Hand holds a Master's degree in Screen Studies from Brooklyn College's Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema. For his thesis, he both analyzed and created virtual reality videos on New York City history (link above). Following his academic journey, he learned that history is best communicated in…
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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…
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Alfonso Pellegrino
Alfonso Pellegrino, Ph.D., is a licensed NYC Sightseeing Guide with over six years of international tour experience in Thailand, Italy, and Southeast Asia. As the founder of The Unusual Trip, he crafted unique and authentic itineraries. Fluent in English, Italian, and Thai, Alfonso offers personalized tours showcasing NYC’s rich history, hidden gems, and dynamic culture.
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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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Carey Golden
I'm Carey, a teacher turned tour guide! As a military wife, for twenty years, I moved to many states in the US and South Korea! I'm now combining my passion for teaching and touring into an adventure for you! I enjoy meeting people and sharing my love for architecture, history, and…
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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!
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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…
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Lisa Evreinoff Linker
I am a New York City passionate, multilingual and highly professional licensed New York City guide with 20 years of industry experience. I work for American and European agencies as a guide and a group manager for incentive and tourist groups from European countries. I also work with…
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