Roosevelt Island: Masterclass in Design, Democracy & Community - Private Walking Tour

Discover New York City through the eyes of a true global citizen, a passionate storyteller, and a guide who believes that history should never be boring! I am a New York City Licensed Tour Guide and a Certified Guide by the Guides Association of New York City (GANYC), bringing together a lifelong passion for history, art, architecture, and the extraordinary stories that make New York one of the most fascinating cities in the world. My journey has been anything but ordinary. I've had the privilege of calling Madrid, London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Istanbul, São Paulo, Mexico City, Bogotá, and Buenos Aires home. Living across continents has shaped the way I see the world—and, perhaps more importantly, the way I see New York. Every city has a story, but few can rival the extraordinary energy, diversity, ambition, and contradictions of NYC. Before dedicating myself to guiding, I spent over two decades in international luxury hospitality and travel, working with some of the world's most distinguished hotels and welcoming sophisticated travelers from across the globe. That experience taught me something invaluable: exceptional travel isn't simply about where you go, but how deeply you connect with a place. Today, I bring that philosophy to every tour I design. Whether we're exploring the architectural masterpieces of Fifth Avenue, uncovering the immigrant stories that built New York, discovering the artistic treasures of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or wandering through the historic streets of Lower Manhattan, my goal is always the same: to make the city come alive through captivating stories, unexpected connections, fascinating details, and a healthy dose of humor. I love connecting the dots between history and the present, between art and politics, between architecture and the people who shaped it all. Why does New York look the way it does? Who built its fortunes? What secrets hide behind those magnificent façades? And how did a small Dutch trading settlement become one of the world's most influential cities? These are the questions that make exploring New York so much fun! Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, I welcome curious travelers of all ages and backgrounds, from families with inquisitive children to seasoned travelers, architecture enthusiasts, art lovers, and anyone who enjoys a great story. My tours are personal, thoughtfully designed, intellectually engaging, and always flexible. I believe sophistication and fun belong together—and that the best experiences feel less like a history lesson and more like exploring the city with a knowledgeable, enthusiastic friend who happens to know an extraordinary amount about New York. Come curious. Leave inspired. And discover a New York you never knew existed. I look forward to sharing my city with you! JMM