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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Sara Lyons I love my city for a living, and there's always more to love! 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
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 because I was born in the Dominican Republic. However, 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 and help our Beisbol Academy in Barahona, Dominican Republic.


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 porque Naci en Republica Dominicana. 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 y asi ayudar a la Academia de Biesbol en Barahona, Republica Dominicana.

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, поскольку я родился в Доминиканской Республике. 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, а также помогать нашей Бейсбольной академии в Бараоне, Доминиканская Республика. Read More
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… Read More
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. Read More
Hiram L. Jacobs I am a licensed New York City Department of Consumer Affairs Tour Guide and a native New Yorker. Over the years, I acquired considerable experience organizing solo tours of the major European and East European capitals of the world, Toronto and Montreal, Canada, Sydney and Melbourne, Australia. I… Read More
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… Read More
Gloria Browne Discover the best New York City has to offer. With more than 20 years of experience, I will work with you to maximize your time in New York and take you beyond the city that you already know. I am fluent, and can offer assistance, in English, Italian (mother language) and German.     Read More
Mike Gantcher Mike is a true New Yorker, deeply rooted in the city's vibrant culture and history. With over 30 years of experience, he offers unmatched insights into NYC's iconic landmarks and hidden gems. His background in Urban Studies and diverse career in finance, real estate, and technology give him a unique perspective on the city's evolving landscape. Discover NYC through the eyes of a seasoned local with Mike as your guide. Read More
Robert Zhu You haven't been to New York City without my tours. Read More
Ed Perlmutter I am a lifelong New Yorker and a native of Brooklyn, and I have spent most of my career in information technology in the financial industry.    However, since 2011 I have been a license NYC tour guide so I could do something I passionately enjoy --- to use my extensive… Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Michael Morgenthal A lifelong New Yorker born and raised in Greenwich Village, Mike is a seasoned tour guide who has designed and led great tours of New York for hundreds of clients from around the world. He loves to show visitors the real New York, off the beaten track places known and loved by locals! In particular… 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
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
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
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
Jerry Ostrover I am a former teacher who always enjoyed showing friends and family the amazing sights of New York City, so, it was a natural for me to later become a licensed New York City tour guide. I continue to study the history and architecture around the City. There is no other city like it in the world.… 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
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. … Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Mark Levy Mark Levy AKA The Tourfather is the founder and owner of The Levy's Unique New York! NY's First Family of Tour Guides and with his sons Matt Levy, Gideon Levy and Jonah Levy have created NY's most sucessfull tour guide company with a corps of 25 of the best guides in NY. I am a proud Bronx native (… Read More
Laura Campisi Sicilian by birth, New Yorker by choice! 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
GANYC Certified Guide Ann C McDermott Born in Brooklyn and having lived and worked in NYC her whole life, Ann knows NYC like the back of her hand. She will customize a tour for you and show you the hidden gems of New York City, whether that's an architectural wonder or a little known great restaurant with good eats to fit your price… Read More
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… Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Matthew Baker Matthew Baker has been a New Yorker since 1992 and a licensed tour guide since 2005. Having worked in such venerable institutions as the New York Public Library, Saks Fifth Avenue, and FAO Schwarz, he has seen, known, and loved an incredible cross section of New York City cultures. And now, he… Read More
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… Read More
Sonja Bredel Licensed New York City tour guide offering tours in German, English, and Schwiizerdütsch. Eplore the city’s iconic sights, it´s history and learn about NYC’s vibrant art scene. Read More
Jonathan Dauermann Hello! American-born, though with many international experiences, I've been a resident of NYC for a decade now, and I'm a veteran tour guide with four years of experience and counting! Now a licensed NYC guide, I can help you and your group design a customized itinerary that both creates the New… 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
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,… Read More
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.
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Alvin Alexis Born and raised in NYC.  Alvin has been a Licensed Guide over 15 years, hosting individuals and groups from student to seniors. Whether seeing NY by Foot/ Bus/ Subway, or Motor Coach  I  am very flexible and can cater tours to your individual needs.  I like to mix… Read More
Joanne Kleidon Read More
Patrick van Rosendaal Patrick van Rosendaal author of the besteller BE NY  an alumnus of the prestigious Vlerick business school and had seen quite a few corners of the world before he decided to move to New York. As a former Parisian and Londoner, big city life no longer held any secrets. Then his life… 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
David Turk Hello! I'm David, a lifetime New Yorker, and I'd love to be your guide and show you around. I have a passion for traveling around the world and for sharing with visitors from all over the world what makes New York City such a special place—its history, culture, food. Read More
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. Read More
Tony Tooslick Founder of SI Hospitality and Tooslick Communication.
Specialized in luxury experiences, tourism and corporate travel between New York and Italy.
Creating unique travel, events and lifestyle experiences for international clients. Read More
Lili Murad Hellooooo…. New York has been my playground for the last 35 years. I have lived in every borough (OK, apart from Staten Island, although I was born in the sister state of New Jersey, so…). My family's story is the classic immigrant's odyssey, beginning in Ellis Island, spanning the rich history of… Read More
Jim Dykes Jim Dykes new email is JimDykesNY@gmail.com; All other emails are cancelled.  Jim is a writer and actor who has been a licensed New York guide for many years. CHECK MY 5-STAR RATINGS on TRIP ADVISOR!!  History, architecture and fabulous NYC real estate are passions: Jim is a former GANYC… Read More