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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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
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
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
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
Andrew Neuman I am a native New Yorker and have a deep love and appreciation for the history of New York City. My walking tours are unique and one-of-a-kind that delve into the untold stories, scandalous nights, and legendary figures that shaped New York City’s cultural heartbeat. From the glitz of the golden age of nightspots to the crooning-voiced rise of Frank Sinatra on the city’s stages. I don’t just guide you through history - I resurrect it. Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Rita DeCassia I was born in Rio de Janeiro, and moved to New York City as a young woman, but I can say that I truly grew up here. Because of my fluency in many languages, friends encouraged me to become a tourist guide. Which opened an ongoing life of discoveries. And I love to share the complexities of our… Read More
GANYC Certified Guide Ricky Russo Ricky Russo was born in Trieste (Italy) in 1973 and has lived in New York since 2013. He is a tour guide, DJ, music journalist and historian, creator of radio and TV programs and musical event organizer (from the Peggy Guggenheim Museum to concerts of Italian artists in New York.) He holds a degree… Read More
Norman Oder Veteran tour guide Norman Oder("fast-walking, fast-talking") specializes in Brooklyn neighborhoods and also has branched out to a few neighborhoods in Queens and Manhattan. Read More
Jason Thompson Hello viewer - My name is Jason Thompson and I'm a lifelong resident of this fair city. I've had the full New York experience from specialized high school attendence to being a victim of gentrification to ignoring showtime on the subway! I run my own Sightseeing Theater tour called "Tour Noir: A… Read More
Michael Kaback I have been working in the garment district for almost 60 years now. I have watched the changes from up close.
On my tour, you will learn just what I have observed over these six decades.
In addition, you will learn about fashion from ancient Egyptian times through the haute couture of Paris, France, and into the current prominence of New York City as the fashion capital of the world.
I also offer a terrific Flat Iron District walking tour.
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GANYC Certified Guide Yue Wang Hey, this is hermit wang, my Chinese name is yue wang. I have been living in New York City for almost 14 years. I was born in Beijing China, but I set my family in New York City. The city is my mother town now. There are many museums in this city, some of them are brilliant, such as MET MOMA and… Read More
Ronald Groenendyk As a Dutchman who has been living in New York for more than 25 years, I offers walking tours under the name The MetaTourist since 2019. "Meta" in modern slang indicates something self-referential (self-aware). Having traveled for work and pleasure all of my life, I can be a visitor and an observer at the same time. As an immigrant, I can give you the inside and outside perspective. Why do people come to NYC? Why did I come to NYC? Why are you here? 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
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.

Check out my storytelling project, New York Narratives (www.newyorknarratives.com) to learn more. Or write to me directly at asad@newyorknarratives.com.

I can't wait to immerse you into my city! Read More
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. 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
Nachum David Niv New York City experienced Tour Guide in Italian, Hebrew, English I’m well presented, articulate, engaging and knowledgeable New York City licensed guide who love touring, enjoy presenting and are comfortable with those who are looking for a Genuine New York Experience. I’m dependable and… 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
Meri Haitkin I’m a New York City walking tour guide with a background in television and film. My focus is on downtown Manhattan, food, art, and pop culture. I am likely the only guide at the Statue of Liberty mentioning the movie “Remo Williams.” I love to center my tours around people -- the known and unknown New Yorkers who lived the wildly compelling story of this fantastic city.
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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
Libby Corydon-Apicella Introduction to New York City for families Walking the Brooklyn Bridge 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
Nya Bowman A native New Yorker hailing from the vibrant Lower East Side, with over two decades of experience as a licensed NYC Tour Guide a professional Dancer, Actor, and Educator. Read More
Marie Rousseau I was born and raised in Paris, France and I've been living in New York since 2007. I have a MA in both History and Political Science from University of Paris-La Sorbonne. After graduation, she decided to live my dream and moved to New York City to work at NYU’s Institute of French Studies and for… Read More
Heidi Zsa Zsa Benedikt I decided to become a licensed tour guide after the attacks of Sept 11, 2001. Strange to say I have the greatest job from the worst day in New Yorks history.  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
Lisa Puccio Read More
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… 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
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
Joe Rosenberg Specialities:  Behind-the-scenes theatre visit; Theatre District walking exploration; all Manhattan neighborhoods; most Brooklyn neighborhoods, many Queens neighborhoods, many neighborhoods in The Bronx, some neighborhoods in Staten Island.     Bio:   In large… Read More
Evanna Wilbraham Let me help you discover New York in a new way! Read More
Brian "BFAB" Bice Charismatic, fun and energetic guide with a background in fashion and retail. Local resident of Hell's Kitchen for over a decade, and owner of BFAB Tours, which offers dynamic walking tours of Hell's Kitchen that are equal parts education and entertainment. 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
Alessia Nencioni Hello everybody, my name is Alessia Nencioni I'm from Florence, Italy and I came here 15 years ago as tourist myself and then fell in love with this vibrant city (and not only the city ...)  and decided to stay. I fell in love also with the amazing architecture, I'm very passionate about Art… Read More
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… 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
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
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
Kyle Hand Kyle Hand holds a Master's degree in Screen Studies from Brooklyn College's Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema. For his thesis, he both analyzed and created virtual reality videos on New York City history (link above). Following his academic journey, he learned that history is best communicated in… Read More