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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Jonathan Goldstein I have deep generational roots in New York City, mirroring the classic immigrant experience from Ellis Island to the Jewish Lower East Side. This has inspired an ongoing quest for the best of the city past and present, from the suspension cables of the Brooklyn Bridge to the hot pastrami at Katz's deli. Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Pat Braun-Mazzucca Although I was born in New York, my family moved to the Midwest where I lived for 12 years. Upon graduating college, I moved back to New York. This has given me the benefit of being able to view this dynamic city from a non-native’s perspective. After hearing stories from people who had visited New… Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Joseph Salvatore Knipper Look! It's a fashion-impaired hipster...No! It's a young Santa Claus! ...No! It's Joseph Salvatore Knipper! Read More
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. Read More
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… Read More
Lydie Laurent A one-of-a-kind experience not to be missed in New York! Meet the artists (painters, sculptors, ceramists, muralists, musicians, etc.) in their studio. Hear their incredible story and be a part of their growing success. During Lydie's tours, a special manufacturing and creation process is always ongoing. Let's get a front-row seat to such an event and discover the incredible new works of the New York art scene before others know about it! Be those privileged! Read More
Sumiko Mizumoto NYC Expert since 2000: Serving 30,000+ Japanese travelers with local insight. Read More
Eileen Gunn Eileen is a native New Yorker, world-traveler and travel writer turned tour guide. She has explored the city as a child, teen, single adult, as part of a couple and as a parent to a city-loving kid. She understands what parts of the city appeal to these varied audiences. She co-owns She Walks NYC Tours, a walking tour company that introduces fun, lesser-known parts of the city to women of all ages, starting with Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Read More
Tony Di Sante Tony has been a licensed guide since 1998. In January 2002, he began working with New York City Vacation Packages to build the first ever tour of the World Trade Center site (Ground Zero). For this reason, it makes him the foremost tour guide on September 11 and what has, is and will be happening… Read More
Joanne Kleidon Read More
José Francisco Ávila José Francisco Ávila is a NYC licensed tour guide, author and publisher, social justice activist, he is author of the books Garifuna Ancestry: and Pan-Garifuna Afro-Latino Power of Pride.

He is the founder of the Garifuna Experience in NYC website, a NYC Garifuna tourism destination brand. The vision is to position New York City as the Epicenter of the Garifuna Arts and Garifuna Culture, showcasing it as a vibrant destination for travelers.
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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
Bruce Bernstein I am a licensed NYC tour guide and have led tours of NYC for individuals, groups, camps and universities as well as Open House New York. My tours are fast paced and usually cover at least two miles. I have been leading tours for more than 12 years.   My fast paced walking tours of New York… Read More
John Comerford Read More
Brent Reno 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!
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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
GANYC Certified Guide Debbie Mason I am a native New Yorker who has been a licensed New York Sightseeing Guide since 2011, a photographer, storm chaser (chasing tornadoes & severe weather in the Midwestern, US) and a lover of all things New York. I am incredibly passionate about the city that I call home and I am extremely proud… Read More
Laura Campisi Sicilian by birth, New Yorker by choice! Read More
Myra Alperson I sometimes describe myself as a "professional amateur." An amateur is someone who truly LOVES what she does. And that's the story of my life as a food tour guide in NYC. Since 1983 I've been leading unusual, cutting-edge food tours. I go to many neighborhoods that no other food tours go to. Since… 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
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
Tom Coca My family’s roots in NYC date to the 1890’s, when my ancestors passed through Ellis Island. I’ve lived in the city my entire life; first in Brooklyn and now in Staten Island. After retirement from the IT industry, I’ve spent more than the past decade providing tours to NYC’s visitors.

I enjoy getting on the subway, exiting at one of the many stops within the 5 boroughs, and wandering into all corners of this vast city. When not roving throughout the city, or giving tours, I spend my time reading, writing, and with my grandchildren.

I prefer discussing a guest’s interests beforehand and customizing a tour to focus on those preferences. I also specialize in tours that cover several hours and territory, often 3-5 miles.

Loosen up, put on comfortable shoes, and roam through New York City with me! Read More
Sy Lukin Native New Yorker who likes to share his love of the city. NYC walking tours for history, food and architecture. Big Apple Greeter. Read More
Cherie Davis I love NYC and want you to see the amazing sites we have here. I specialize in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. I have lived in NYC since 1996 and have been a guide since 2017. There is so much to see and do here. From the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge to tiny little stores that have been around for decades. Read More
Mike Brennan I've lived in New York City all my life, and have been a licensed tour guide for over 25 years.  I love to show off my hometown, and all of my tours are tailored to what you want to see, whether it's the typical highlights or unique neighborhoods or city secrets (one of my specialties). … 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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Cynthia (Cindy) Ladopoulos THANK YOU for visiting NYC!!!

I’m a truly authentic “New Yorkah” as born, raised and even college educated in Manhattan!

My goal is to give you an educational and fun New York adventure!

“Let’s “Tawk” (or email) so we can “Wawk”… Cell: 646-709-8165, Email: NYCindyTours@gmail.com, Website: NYCindyTours.com.

Languages: English, French, Greek and “Newyawkeese”…
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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
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
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
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
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
Rosemary Shmavonian I am a New Yorker by choice who has lived here more than 40 years working in Fashion, Finance, Technology, and now as a Tour Guide. I can craft a perfect custom tour for your visiting family or for your office team-building event.

Some areas I find especially compelling are the Gilded Age, Brooklyn Bridge, Grand Central, and SoHo/the West Village. Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Jeremy Wilcox I specialize in small-group walking tours, especially for those who are looking for something off the beaten path. I aim to provide something more personal and fun than the traditional group tours. My 5-star ratings on multiple platforms speak for themselves. Read More
Liam Strain Liam Strain is a native New Yorker with over 30 years of experience interpreting the history of New York City for the public, first guiding visitors at and then managing historic sites. He is the owner & operator of The Streets Where It Happened Walking Tours, specializing solely on guided walking tours of New York City during the American Revolution era.
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Frank de Falco Award-winning licensed bi-lingual Italiani/English New York City walking tour guide.

Premiata guida gite a piedi bi-lingue italiano/inglese con licenza 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
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… Read More
Ingeborg Knottek-Hecht Read More