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.
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.
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Janet Solesky
I love New York, my birthplace & my home. When I travel, I miss city life and the high octane pace. My background is arts education, jazz (and other music) promotion. I've been a IGA certified Tour Director for EF Explore America for student tours to New York since '08.
Last year, I…
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Abby Ross
Abby Ross founded NYC Water Tower Tours to highlight the wonder of water towers.
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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…
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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…
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Chris Shelley
A Red Sox fan who loves New York City? Now you've heard it all. I've lived in NYC since 1992. I've tried on identities as diverse as actor, Wall Street worker, entrepreneur, Massage Therapist and, since 2011, Professional Wedding Officiant. My career led me here, and my career has changed many times since being here. In that light, I can show you New York in the way my careers have introduced it to me.
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Dena Brody
As a contractor and licensed guide for 3 years now, I lead Chinatown/Little Italy and Greenwich Village food tours as well as Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island walking tours. With expertise in numerous neighborhoods and a love for food, I have started my own tour company: Feast by the Foot and I am currently workshopping a SoHo food tour! Please reach out if you’d love to learn more about any of the above.
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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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Georgette Malliagros
New York isn't just a place, it's a live, breathing story of a fast-paced everchanging kaleidescope of history and anecdotes! Navigating this city with curiosity at heart, I lead tours with intuition, history, and a deep love of the details often overlooked. My walks are part poetry, part discovery and joyful wandering, where history flirts with the present and every detail shines through, as long as we notice. The breathtaking skyscrapers, crooked streets downtown and the hidden courtyards, the rhythm of a neighborhood at golden hour, the historical landmarks and museums, the rich tapestry of architecture, and beautiful views across the rivers will leave you dazzled whether its your first visit or fiftieth! Living among a diversity of cultures, languages, a plethora of art, music and a delicious variety of cuisine, I am truly horored to share our fascinating NYC with you!
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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.
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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…
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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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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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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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Mitch Paluszek
A proud semi-retired City employee. A proud lover of this amazing City!
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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.
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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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
Amy Cook
Whether you are visiting, or reside here without yet fully *living* here, Amy can share what it’s like to be a real New Yorker. She has been in Brooklyn for over 25 years and loves to share stories of the ever changing city. A GANYC member since 2019, she is one of the instructors for its guide…
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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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Sam Silverman
Founder of BagelFest, NYC Bagel Tours, and Brooklyn Bagel Blog
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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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Charlie Meany
Charles "Charlie" Meany is a highly rated, professional tour guide operating in New York City. Known for his engaging, charismatic, and theatrical storytelling style, he frequently works with top-tier tour agencies such as Walks (Take Walks), ExperienceFirst, and Babylon Tours.In addition to his career as a local expert, Charlie is a classically trained professional actor. Gives tours of Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island and Metropolitan museum.
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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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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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Daryl Williams
3rd Generation New Yawker, Stuyvesant High School, Baruch College C.U.N.Y. Graduate. St. Albans Born, Ex East Villager, Ex-SOHOer and current Harlemite, who still has love for this City and ALL that it has to offer and willing to share it’s warts and gems….
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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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Leila Luna
Leila Luna
I have lived in New York City since 1982 and have been a licensed Tour Guide, since 1987. I'm a former teacher with Law Degree and Master in Communication, and also Journalist writing about the City. I'm author and publisher for the first City Guide, Calendar and Map, in Portuguese: "…
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Emmanuel Hadar
I was born and raised in Jerusalem, Israel.
Michael Koenig
Born and raised, third generation New Yorker who loves to help visitors make the most of their time in the city.
Over the years I have worked with student, adult and corporate groups, helping them to enjoy the city on their Motorcoach, on foot or by the subway.
I firmly believe you should have…
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