Unscripted walking tours that take you beyond Times Square and into the neighborhoods, stories, and flavors that make NYC truly unforgettable.
See the Real New York
with a local
You want to understand how New York really works—why this neighborhood feels different from that one, where locals actually eat, and what stories are hiding behind those brownstones.
The problem? Most tours are surface-level sightseeing led by guides who don't actually live here. You deserve better.
Instead you get an insider's perspective from a lifelong New Yorker who combines urban studies expertise with genuine curiosity.
No megaphones, no rush—just real conversation, great food stops, and the kind of discoveries that make you feel like you're in on the secret.
You didn't travel all this way to follow a script or take the same photos as everyone else.
Most NYC Tours Miss the Point
Choose Your NYC Adventure
Skip the surface-level sightseeing. With NYC Explained Tours, you’ll go deeper. Each tour combines guided walking tours in NYC with authentic stories, food, and culture—whether you’re exploring Red Hook Brooklyn walking tours, uncovering the history of Greenwich Village, or joining a flavorful NYC food tour.
Most NYC tours follow a script. We don’t. You’ll get a licensed NYC tour guide who lives here, knows the neighborhoods, and shares real New York stories.
Landmark Eateries
Iconic Shops
Local Street Art
Legendary Places
César G
The experience with Mike was extraordinary. It took us to get to know residential areas, not so popular for tourists, but that are full of history, and that are indispensable to understand New York City.
We were delighted with wonderful markets and specialty shops. An experience not only full of learning, but also delicious food. Mike's bagel recommendation, it was amazing. Mike, he's an extremely nice person. He was making sure we understood, showing his real passion for explaining the history of New York City. His enthusiasm, in explaining things got infected and made everything a fantastic experience.
Do not hesitate for a second to take a tour with him. I promise you won't regret it. With people like Mike, it makes me want to get back to New York City soon.
"An experience not only full of learning, but also delicious food."
After 35+ years in NYC and a degree in Urban Studies, I've turned my obsession with this city into something I love sharing. What started as friends asking me to "show them around" became a business when my wife said,
"You're clearly meant to do this."
I'm a licensed guide with 100+ five-star reviews, but more importantly, I'm someone who still gets excited about discovering new corners of the city.
When we explore together, you're getting a conversation with a local who thinks NYC is the most fascinating place on earth.
No scripts, no megaphone, no rushed photo ops—just real NYC through the eyes of someone who's lived it, studied it, and never stopped exploring it.
Meet Mike
From Red Hook walking tours in Brooklyn to Upper West Side food markets, every experience reveals discoveries you won’t find in a guidebook. We’ll uncover the city through historical walking tours in NYC, authentic eateries, and local landmarks that most visitors miss.
Whether it’s a private Manhattan walking tour, a Brooklyn street art tour, or one of the most authentic food tours in NYC, you’ll see New York like never before.
See NYC Through Fresh Eyes
Let's plan your perfect NYC adventure. Whether you know exactly what you want to see or have no idea where to start, I'm here to help create an experience you'll never forget.
nycexplained@gmail.com
+1 917-533-9979
