Private tour in New York City Gary D
4.8
(4) reviews
2 hours
30 minutes
1
2 hours
30 minutes
1
Gary D.
5.0
Guide rating
159
Reviews
Tours delivered
4 hrs
Avg. response time
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.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Gary D.
There is so much to see in Central Park. All the bridges, structures, art, statues, stories behind the sculptures and all the stories and shenanigans involved in created the first large scale landscaped public park in the United States. In New York City there are older parks and there are larger parks (over 13% of NYC is park!) but come see why Central Park is the most visited park in the world.
The tour was first class and Gary was a first class tour guide, he was very knowledgeable very thorough and very amicable. would have no problems strongly recommending Gary to other groups Thanks Gary for a first class experience Regards DON
We were delighted we had Gary as our tour guide for Central Park. His knowledge of New York City is extensive, truly remarkable. He has lived in the City all his life and it shows. On top of that, he loves New York City which is contagious. We learned so much from him while enjoying his company - Gary is personable, has a sense of humor and is great to be with. We highly recommend him!
Gary was great fun. We enjoyed the tour very much. He had lots of great story's that went along with the history. A great few hours.
What a great introduction to New York City! Gary was a feast of information and kept us on our toes for the entire tour. We learned so much about New York and Central Park development and history. Our tour lasted much longer than the specified time and at the end of the tour, Gary assisted us in the use of the Sunway ticketing system. Highly recommended!
We will meet at the Maine Memorial. We will discuss the grid of Manhattan, go over a couple of hundred years of New York City history within a few minutes and talk about what was here before the park. Then we will get going to Central Park! We will see places that look familiar to you, even if you have never been in New York before but sites you might have seen in a movie as there have been over 350 pictures made in Central Park. You will see some of the original 36 bridges, some original structures, some depression-era intrusions, and "improvements". You will also see what 35 years of restoration looks like! No matter what time of year, this park is one of the most beautiful places in the world; different during each season but always incredible.
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Walking
New York, New York, United States
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: The Maine Memorial at Columbus Circle. This large sculpture group / fountain is the south west corner of the park. It is located right across Columbus Circle from the Time Warner Center and is near numerous New York City Subway lines and buses.
EnglishWho is this private tour in New York City best suited for?
Where does the tour start and end?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
2 hours
30 minutes
1
2 hours
30 minutes
1
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
How it works