Explore New York City Like a Local
Join Mike Gantcher on exclusive NYC walking tours to uncover the city’s hidden gems and rich history.
Discover vibrant neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and tailored private walking tours designed for an authentic New York City experience.
About NYC Explained Tours
Experience the best NYC walking tours with NYC Explained. Our tours offer a unique opportunity to uncover the city’s hidden gems, vibrant neighborhoods, and rich history. Go beyond the usual tourist hotspots and dive into private walking tours in NYC that reveal residential streets and local haunts rarely seen by visitors.
Stroll through tree-lined avenues, explore local stores, and connect with locals to discover what makes New York City truly unique. From authentic New York bagels to ethnic eateries in diverse neighborhoods, our tours provide a glimpse into city life like a true New Yorker.
After exploring the must-see attractions, let Mike Gantcher guide you through engaging historical tours of New York, unraveling the stories behind NYC’s past and present. Learn how this iconic metropolis became a cultural and culinary hub, with its blend of traditions and innovation.
About Mike Gantcher
Meet Mike Gantcher, your licensed guide for private walking tours in NYC. With over 30 years of residency in New York City, Mike brings a unique perspective to his historical tours of New York, offering insights into the city’s sociological, architectural, and economic evolution.
Mike’s diverse career—spanning roles from working in factories to the NY Stock Exchange and nonprofit affordable housing development—shapes his deep understanding of New York’s rich history and diverse communities. His firsthand experiences across multiple industries and his interactions with a wide range of people provide an unparalleled tour experience, blending personal anecdotes with the city’s vibrant stories.
Emphasis on Expertise
With three decades spent in the heart of New York City, Mike has witnessed the dynamic changes that have shaped the metropolis into what it is today. Whether you’re exploring iconic landmarks or discovering hidden gems off the beaten path, Mike’s expertise ensures you gain a true insider’s perspective, making every tour a memorable, informative journey through New York’s past and present.
Discover the True Essence of NYC
Immerse yourself in the heart of New York City with our private walking tours in NYC. Uncover the stories and hidden gems that make this city truly unique. From its iconic landmarks to lesser-known spots, our NYC walking tours take you beyond the ordinary and into the vibrant neighborhoods that define the essence of New York City.
Experience the city like never before with historical tours of New York that reveal the rich cultural tapestry woven throughout the city’s diverse communities. Let us show you the real New York, off the beaten path and filled with fascinating history, architecture, and local secrets.
Tour Packages
Upper West Side: Your Guide to Understanding NYC
If you’re a first or second-time visitor to New York City and have already explored the usual tourist attractions, it’s time to dive deeper into the “real” New York. Our private walking tours in NYC offer a unique opportunity to experience the Upper West Side like never before. Led by a local NYC expert with over 35 years of experience, this immersive historical tour of New York reveals the vibrant history and cultural richness of one of NYC’s most iconic neighborhoods.
This tour is more than just sightseeing—it’s a dynamic, action-packed experience that covers the Upper West Side’s rich cultural history, architectural evolution, and the everyday life of New Yorkers, offering a unique perspective on the city.
Why This Tour is Unique:
- Start Your Day Like a True New Yorker
- Explore the Neighborhood’s Rich Cultural History
- Discover New York’s Housing Evolution
- See Hidden Gems of the Upper West Side
- Visit a Legendary Family-Run Market
- Stand on a Corner that Changed New York Forever
Around the World in a Day: Brooklyn's Q Train Tour
Embark on a one-of-a-kind journey through Brooklyn’s diverse neighborhoods with Brooklyn’s Q Train tour. Experience the rich cultural tapestry that makes Brooklyn one of New York City’s most vibrant boroughs. This immersive NYC walking tour takes you from the historic charm of Brooklyn Heights to the lively boardwalk of Coney Island, unveiling the true essence of the city.
Hop on the Q train and discover the flavors, sights, and stories of Brooklyn’s communities, offering you the “Real New York” experience. This isn’t just a tourist tour—it’s an insider’s adventure where you’ll see Brooklyn through the eyes of its diverse residents. Whether you’re exploring historic sites or hidden gems, this tour provides a unique perspective on one of New York’s most iconic boroughs.
Some Stops on This Tour:
- Brooklyn Heights Promenade: Classic Views and Timeless Elegance
- Borough Hall: The Cultural Crossroads of Brooklyn
- Church Avenue: The Soul of Brooklyn’s Caribbean Community
- Victorian Flatbush: A Step Back in Time
- Cortelyou Road: Brooklyn’s Eclectic Heartbeat
- Avenue J: A Slice of Jewish Tradition and Flavor
- Brighton Beach: Eastern Europe by the Sea
- Coney Island: Brooklyn’s Playground
Mike Chooses: The Ultimate Custom NYC Experience
Let Mike Gantcher lead you on a truly one-of-a-kind NYC walking tour. With 35 years of local experience and a degree in Urban Studies, Mike brings a unique, insider perspective to every tour. His deep expertise in NYC history, real estate, and geology—enhanced by studies at Columbia University and Cooper Union—offers an unparalleled understanding of New York City.
If you’re seeking a private walking tour in NYC that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions, Mike is the perfect guide to show you hidden gems and untold stories of the city. Explore local markets, off-the-beaten-path restaurants, and unique spots that most visitors would never find on their own. Mike’s insider knowledge includes places like Russian banyas or the legendary Polar Bears Club in Coney Island, where brave souls swim in the icy Atlantic waters—a rare New York experience few know about.
Unlike typical tours that focus on well-known tourist hotspots, Mike Chooses is about discovering the true essence of New York City. From the local markets of Queens to hidden cafés in Brooklyn, and even exclusive private clubs in Manhattan, this tour lets you see NYC like a local. If you’re lucky, Mike might even invite you inside for a drink, offering you an unforgettable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cancellation Policy
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: We require at least 48-hour notice for cancellations. Please notify us as soon as possible if you need to cancel your tour.
Weather
Q: Do the tours run in bad weather?
A: Yes, our tours run rain or shine. If you’d like to reschedule due to weather, please check the 5-day forecast and inform us within 48 hours.
Pricing
Q: Is the tour pricing per person or per group?
A: Our tours are private and priced for up to 6 people. The listed prices reflect the total cost for the group, not per person.
Meeting Point
Q: Where do we meet for the tour?
A: We typically meet guests at their Manhattan or Brooklyn hotels. If needed, we can arrange a meeting at a mutually agreed location.
Suitability for Children
Q: Are the tours suitable for children?
A: Our tours are primarily designed for adults and teenagers. Children under 14 may find the tours challenging and tiring.
Statue of Liberty
Q: Why don’t your tours include the Statue of Liberty?
A: We focus on lesser-known, fascinating areas of New York City. We encourage you to visit iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty on your own.
Lunch Breaks
Q: Is there a lunch break during the tour?
A: Depending on your preference, we can stop for a quick bite like pizza or a hot dog, or sit down for a more leisurely meal. However, longer meals may affect the time available for other sights.
What’s Included
Q: Are subway fares and meals included in the tour price?
A: No, subway fares and meals are not included. Subway fares typically average $10 per person for a six-hour tour, and $4 to $6 for shorter tours. Meal costs depend on your choice of restaurant.
Tipping
Q: Should I tip the guide?
A: While tipping is not required, it is customary in the US to tip for excellent service. If you enjoyed your tour, your guide would greatly appreciate a gratuity.
