Jonathan

What do you enjoy about being a tour guide?

I love to be able to share the history of the city and its neighborhoods. People walk through them everyday not knowing where all of it came from or where it began and I love to be able to share that with guests. Seeing their faces light up with excitement when entering a new area for the first time is priceless to me.

I also love this job because many people save up their whole lives to visit New York City, and I am honored that I get to be part of their journey when traveling. I want to make the time I have with them special.

What brought you to New York?

I’ve always been in close proximity to the city and I knew I would live in the city one day. I grew up in Upstate New York near Albany and went to SUNY Purchase College in Westchester to study theater. I then moved to the city and I’ve loved every minute of it. You never know what you’re gonna get when you step outside on these streets.

What brought you to tour guiding?

I was a tour guide for my college and I loved being able to share my school with prospective students and their parents. I stumbled upon tour guiding again in the city and still have the same love for it as I did when I was in school.

What is your favorite place in the city to share with visitors?

My favorite place to show visitors is the Oculus at the World Trade Center. It is very unique in its architecture and visitors love it. I love seeing their faces every time we step inside! Also a great spot for a good Instagram pic.

What makes a great tour?

What makes a great tour is when the guests are having an amazing time. A tour is supposed to be fun, engaging, and educational all at the same time. Guiding is an art form that doesn’t exist without the guests, so the guests are what make a great tour! 

What is your favorite restaurant in NYC?

My favorite restaurant in NYC is Green Kitchen. It is in the Upper East side and their brunch is the best. Particularly their apple cider mimosa. 

What neighborhood do you live in?

I live in Yorkville which is in the Upper East Side! Very residential but filled with restaurants and close to the East River to hop on a ferry ride. You’ll also pass a couple of dog parks while you’re heading to the grocery store.

What would you recommend a visitor to New York City do while here?

I think a hidden gem of the city is Roosevelt Island (used to be known as Blackwell Island). If you aren’t afraid of heights, you can take the Roosevelt Island Tram and soar over the East River and land on the island. For a while, that was the only way to get there! It has amazing views of the city, an abandoned smallpox hospital, restaurants, the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse, a cat sanctuary, and the beautiful Roosevelt Island Four Freedoms State Park.