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.
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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Emmanuel Hadar
I was born and raised in Jerusalem, Israel.
Beth Goffe
I am a long-term Upper West Side resident and I love New York City history. I became a Licensed NYC tour guide so I may share my love with visitors with you.Ask me anything - I’m happy to answer!
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Gay Zizes
I am a native New Yorker with a vast knowledge of this city. Tours can be catered for all ages and interests.
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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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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…
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Mitch Paluszek
A proud semi-retired City employee. A proud lover of this amazing City!
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Annie Desmond
Hello there. My name is Annie Desmond and I am proud to be a NYC tour guide. I live in Manhattan in the fabulous upper west side. I have a deep passion for this great city and guiding has become my life. I am a true New Yorker. I have a diverse background in finance…
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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!
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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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.
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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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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.
Asad Dandia
I am a born-and-bred New Yorker who leads unique experiences covering communities and themes not offered by anyone else. I have led tours for a range of seekers, from second graders to corporate staff to university students and faculty.
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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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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Phil Desiere
Let my tours put the Big Apple at your feet!
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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…
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GANYC Certified Guide
Kyle Atkins
Your NYC Experience is all about discovering New York City your way. This company was built on one simple idea: the best tours are personal. Every traveler has their own version of the city they want to see — iconic landmarks, hidden local gems, movie locations, art and architecture, or a taste of New York’s incredible food scene. Discover New York City on a private, fully personalized tour blending history, culture, and storytelling.
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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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Deborah Steigerwald
Welcome to exploring NYC. My name is Debbie and I am "The Happy Tour Guide", I design fun adventures that people love to go on! I have lived in NYC for 25 years and have a sincere love of travel and interacting with people from around the globe.
Marriott Vacation Club Activities…
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Jocelyn Taub
I am a native New Yorker whose connection to the city began at Ellis Island when my grandparents emigrated from Eastern Europe.
My background is in promotion and marketing within the music business, radio and sports. I am therefore very well versed in the history of sports and music in New…
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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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Maggie Browne
A born and bred New Yorker having lived in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Roosevelt Island. A passion for New York, food, music, theater, museums, the arts. Signature tours include "Where Broadway Shops," "Underground Artist Tour" and "College Neighborhood Tours." Happy to tailor tours to the…
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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…
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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.
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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!
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Ivan Shumkov
BUILD TOURS offers public tours and custom private tours for groups, companies and individuals to create memorable experiences of New York. Each tour highlights the distinct character of a specific area - weaving history, architecture, art, and design into engaging stories that help our guests experience, understand and connect with New York. We help our guests see, learn and enjoy the New York's architecture in new ways and on a deeper level.
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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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