Private tour in New York City Gary D
5.0
(3) reviews
3 hours
1
3 hours
1
Gary D.
5.0
Guide rating
159
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4 hrs
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I am a native New Yorker, born and raised on the Upper West Side, who's lived and worked my entire life almost exclusively within three blocks of my childhood home. I am the product of an insanely competitive family of "know it alls. " My parents, younger brothers and I all love New York City history and growing up, our dinnertime discussions were a chance to show off what you knew and get some parental attention for being historically correct and entertaining at the same time. I also old love movies, read up on Hollywood and Broadway history, studied old theaters and their architects, and ultimately threw all that into the dinnertime plea for attention. I'm the only one who ended up a New York City tour guide, so that gives you some idea of the depth of my passion for this place (or my desperate need for attention). Up until a few years ago, I owned and operated one of the largest independent movie rental stores in NYC, so unique and comprehensive that it was voted "Best in New York" by several publications including New York Magazine. In 2006, I petitioned the City of New York to rename West 103rd Street (between Broadway and West End Avenue) Humphrey Bogart Place to honor the late actor, whose childhood home on the block now bears a plaque with a dedication I wrote. That is me, by the way, with the late Miss Lauren Bacall in the picture to your left. Another New Yorker, she was just shy of 82 and was still breathtaking. Those eyes . . . I love this city and all it's peculiarities, and I love sharing it with new-comers, returning visitors or native New Yorkers—anyone who wants to know not only why Wall Street is called Wall Street, where is the "square" in Times Square or where are the batteries in Battery Park. I'll tell you these and other fascinating things you never knew about this amazing place I call home because "there are 8 million stories in the naked city" and I will share with you as many as possible. Licensed by The Department of Consumer Affairs of The City of New York. I am a veteran New York City tour guide. Proud member of the Guide Association of New York City.
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Having lived here for my entire life, I have always been amazed that New York City has so many different architectural styles. Because there is so much competition for attention, the best examples of various styles are represented. What I love though, is the stories about the people behind the creation of our iconic structures and created the most distinctive skyline in the world. I always love to share my favorite buildings and I admit that I do occasionally do a little NYC bragging. We also have here in NYC one of the most famous streets in the world - 42nd Street. Along this street there are so many architectural gems, the epitomes of everything from International, Late Modernist, Tudor Revival, Beaux Arts to Art Deco. The legendary personalities that came together to leave us this legacy on a street that has been written about, sung about, cursed about, lamented, reviled and respected is a story I love to tell.
My 18 years old daughter and I went to Williamsburg with Gary who was extremely knowledgeable and adaptive. We very much enjoyed the sited to which Gary guided us and the commentary was interesting for both of us despite the different ages. Highly recommended
Gary designed a perfect tour for our group based on our interests. He was high energy and entertaining, connecting well with children and adults. His extensive knowledge of the city, anecdotes and history gave us insights we wouldn't get from a guide book or self guided tour. We'd strongly recommend Gary!
Our guide, Gary, was amazing. Not only did he know his stuff backward and forward but he was also able to share his knowledge in an entertaining manner. If you have an interest in New York history and architecture this is well worth your time.
We will start at 42nd Street and First Avenue, across from the United Nations. We will continue along 42nd Street and see: One of the first large scale apartment complexes, a direct result of the creation of one of our stops and see find out why very few windows face the river a block away. The philanthropic arm of one of America's biggest corporations and the building built for it. Where Clark Kent worked. One of the top 5 most famous buildings in the world and a style icon The most perfect and most beautiful train station in the world. Thats right, I said it - the world. The second largest library in the United States. The block with the highest concentration of theaters ever built. Captain America's first home. This is a WALKING tour. The total distance is 1. 3 miles. The walk is relatively flat, however if there are walking limitations, please let me know. Due to covid restrictions, in most cases we will be viewing these structures from the outside. On this tour we do stop for a bathroom break.
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Walking. We walk just under a mile but we walk. At one location there are some steps.
New York, New York, United States
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: The corner of 42nd Street and First Avenue, across from the United Nations.
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