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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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
Robert Driemeyer I'm Robert Driemeyer, a licensed guide, performer, Broadway producer, and creator of Broadway Barfly — a brand celebrating New York's legendary nightlife. From Broadway to cabarets, supper clubs to speakeasies, this is the New York I love. I explore the remarkable people, places, and events whose fabled history hides in plain sight. If you love the bygone world of smoky bars, elegant hotels, and racy nightclubs, I'm the guide to take you there! Read More
Rich Miller Rich Miller was previously NYC Energy Policy Chief (1998-2003) and recently retired as Vice-President for Energy and Environmental Law at Con Edison, the electric, gas and steam company for New York City. He has authored articles on New York City’s significant role in the early history of electricity. He gives a tour about the birth of the electric grid in New York City that tells the story of Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla. Read More
Oliver Grieb Gidday and "Grüß Gott", my name is Oli, your fun, fitness oriented, energizing and certified NYC Sightseeing Guide. I am not only your regular tour guide, but also your tour planer, tour fotograher and tour entertainer. To find out more about it, feel free to read my reviews on TripAdvisor: https… 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
Stephanie Azzarone A native New Yorker and longtime Upper West Sider, Stephanie is author of the award-winning book Heaven on the Hudson: Mansions, Monuments, and Marvels of Riverside Park. Her unique walking tours of Riverside Park and Riverside Drive provide an expert introduction to the history, architecture and people of an area that most visitors – and New Yorkers -- know little about. 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
Emiliano Perez As an official New York City Tour Guide with a license from the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, I would like to share my experiences in New York and compare them with other cultures and places around the world. In the early 1980s, I studied (BA and MS) in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), USSR—an experience that allowed me to discover dozens of countries and cultures.

Since the late 1980s, I have lived and worked in New York (DOE and UN), where I also pursued my studies (BA and MS). My personal journey enabled me to acquire proficiency in both Russian and English; in addition to my mother tongue, Spanish. Drawing upon this life path, I would like to share my experiences in New York and compare them with other cultures and places around the world.


Como licenciado oficial de guia turistico por el departamento del consumidor de la ciudad de New York. Me gustaria compartir mis experiencias de New York y compararlo con otras culturas y lugares del mundo. Estudie (BA y MS) a principios de los anos 80, en Leningrado/Sanpersburgo, URSS, esto me permitio conocer decenas de paises y culturas.

Desde los finales de los 80, Resido y trabajo en New York (DOE y UN) , donde tambien estudie( BA y MS) . Mi realidad personal, me permitio adquir el Idioma Ruso y el Ingles. Gracias a ese recorrido de vida, me gustaria compartir mis experiencias de New York y compararlo con otras culturas y lugares del mundo.

Как официальный гид по Нью-Йорку, имеющий лицензию Департамента по делам потребителей города Нью-Йорка, я хотел бы поделиться своим опытом жизни в Нью-Йорке и сравнить его с другими культурами и местами по всему миру, Однако в начале 1980-х годов я учился (бакалавриат и магистратура) в Ленинграде (ныне Санкт-Петербург), СССР — этот опыт позволил мне открыть для себя десятки стран и культур.

С конца 1980-х годов я живу и работаю в Нью-Йорке (DOE и ООН), где также продолжил своё образование (бакалавриат и магистратура). Мой жизненный путь помог мне свободно овладеть русским и английским языками, помимо моего родного испанского. Опираясь на этот богатый опыт, я хотел бы делиться своими впечатлениями о Нью-Йорке, сравнивать его с другими культурами и уголками мира. Read More
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.
My tours are 100% customizable and personal.
Just like having a best friend in the business! Read More
Bill Goodhart The tours I give always have a level of enthusiasm that is beyond scripted - because I live here and know that each day brings changes that will interest me and let me excite the tourist. I know why this is the Empire City, and can convey the excitement of discovery on virtually every corner.

I have learned to love this city; for me to make a real and true connection with it, I had to prove that I cared - and so I became a licensed guide!

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Ludwina Lang I am orginally from Germany but live in the U.S. for many years.  I have a BA in Business Administration and a minor in History.  History was always my favorite and that is why I love to guide tours.  I worked for 25 years at Mercedes-Benz as an analyst, but always kept an eye on the… Read More
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!

I’m also an art lover and a regular at NYC’s museums and galleries. My home away from home is The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where I lead tours for Walks, LLC.

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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
Emmanuel Hadar I was born and raised in Jerusalem, Israel.
Came to New York City on 9/11/2001, and have been working in the field of tourism since 2010.
Have been doing tours all over the north east region - Niagara Falls, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C and New York City. 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
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
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
Peter Cohen I am a native New Yorker with Brooklyn roots. Read More
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! Read More
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… Read More
Laurene Hamilton I’m a licensed New York City tour guide, passionate about sharing the city’s energy, diversity, and endless stories. I design unique, mostly French-speaking tours and immersive experiences that go far beyond typical sightseeing.Whether I’m contributing to Le Petit Journal New York, collaborating… Read More
Robert Semenza I love New York and it shows.  Read More
Marta Cooper Read More
Emily Kahn I'm Emily - a public historian/historic preservationist, adjunct professor, licensed tour guide, and cookie enthusiast living on the Upper West Side. I love my neighborhood for many reasons: historic character, friendly neighbors, adorable dogs, and unparalleled access to cookies. From the classic… 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
Mel Wasserman Born and raised in New York City, I have lived the culture, infrastructure and excitement of New York City my entire life.  Let me now share all this with you. I have been a licensed NYC sightseeing tour guide since 2010.  My specialties are: - the World Trade Center, original and rebuilt… 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
Monia Bonaldo Buongiorno a tutti, sono felice di presentarmi a voi come Guida Turistica di New York! Sono Italiana e faccio questo bellissimo lavoro con passione e dedizione da alcuni anni. New York e' una citta' che non finisce mai di stupire, tradizioni e culture diverse sono all'ordine del giorno, profumi e… Read More
Michael Gray I am a graduate of the University of Minnesota (B.A. Philosophy) and Columbia University (M.A. Elementary Education).  I lived and worked in China (Hongkong, Taipei and China) for ten years, including four years of Chinese language study at the Beijing Language Institute and at the Mandarin… Read More
George Barabas  Do you want to discover what makes New York a city like no other- a vibrant, diverse metropolis with a fascinating history and a constantly evolving face? Let me, a  life-long  New York City educator and Licensed Sightseeing Tour Guide, be your guide to the many… Read More
Manny Sanudo Born in New York City, Manny has been leading bicycle tours here for the last dozen years. 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
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 Henry I specialize in the cemeteries and burial grounds of NYC. I’m employed as a guide by Green-Wood Cemetery and I give cemetery tours in Manhattan for Bowery Boys Walks, and talks for NY Adventure Club and Lectures on Tap. Read More
Slava Shpigel I love New York and I love to show it off. My guiding style will fit best the curious and the passionate visitors who are not afraid to ask questions. Most of all in my job I love going into oratorial rabbit holes with a guest while discussing a historical trend and standing in front of a curious building/plaque/artefact/work of art. Read More
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. Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Kevin Wilkinson New York can be a hectic place! Imagine how much easier it can be with your own private tour guide.   I am friendly, reliable and KNOWLEDGEABLE. I know this city inside and out, and I love to tell stories.   I offer a variety of services. Walking Tours - I have several amazing routes… Read More
Art Zuckerman I am a retired teacher, have had managerial positions in corporate America and have run a successful computer company.  Along with my wife, also a licensed guide, we host a radio show called "Z Travel and Leisure" which focuses on New York City, travel and cultural topics.  We have also… Read More
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: "… 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