“BAG program is something that helps NYC in many ways. It builds awareness and it shows the capabilities that New Yorkers have as World citizens. ….. Long Live Big Apple Greeter and its amazing staff.”
Retired Volunteer Julian G.

“I have been a Big Apple Greeter since October of 2007, and I find it very rewarding! It is wonderful to meet people from all over the world. I enjoy showing my city to visitors, and making them feel at home. I love meeting people from different cultures and nations, and there is always a lot to learn from them. It is a mutually beneficial experience, not just for the visitor, but also for the Greeter. The exchange of ideas and customs only leads to better communication and understanding amongst people. Who knows...it could lead to world peace!” 
Volunteer Andrea C.

“…I've met more than 100 visitors from over a dozen countries and have yet to have a less than a most satisfying experience. Of course I get to learn so much about the visitors but my greatest joy is to have them tell me that they never knew how friendly New Yorkers are. NY still is a city of neighborhoods.”
Volunteer Dan A.

“I've been an office volunteer doing graphic design with Big Apple Greeter for over 6 years. As a lifelong New Yorker, this experience has given me the opportunity to take part in an organization that truly expresses the love I have for New York. Every member of Big Apple Greeter has an enormous love of this great city (and all its boroughs) and a desire to share "their New York" and all it has to offer with visitors from near and far. Almost every member is a volunteer, and — unlike most NY tour companies — every tour [visit] is free and personal.

These personal tours [visits] give visitors more reason to come back to visit New York again and again. This is why it's so important to keep this organization alive. In addition, Big Apple Greeter was the inspiration for Greeter programs worldwide, thus forming the Global Greeter Network. This reiterates the effect B.A.G. has had on people across the world, bringing our large world closer together by forming wonderful lasting memories and experiences.

I recently went abroad and took a tour with Paris Greeter, a sister organization. The volunteer on that tour expressed how much he enjoyed his own Big Apple Greeter tour when he visited New York, and what a large inspiration it has been to the whole greeter network.”
Volunteer Jennifer C.

“I've personally experienced the results of this organization in “Seeing the smiles on the faces of people as I show them around New York and share my knowledge of, and passion for, the city; and by periodically receiving email messages of thanks, holiday greetings, etc., from all over the world -- England, Ireland, Italy, Australia, etc. -- as people recall the wonderful, often life-changing experience they had here in New York City.” 
Volunteer Todd C.

“Since I was born in another country, I know how alien coming to a big city can be. The visitors who I've taken around are really happy to meet and spend time with someone who loves NYC. That's each of us volunteers. Help keep us greeting our guests with love.”
Volunteer Clara D.

“Big Apple Greeter is a blessing for multiple cultures and friendships. I have been a volunteer with them for almost 2 years. I can't tell you how delightful their service is. As a volunteer, I get to welcome people from all over the world by giving them a New Yorker's vision of The Big Apple. They get to see a side of New York they never would with tour buses or tourist sites, and in return, I have created wonderful friendships with people from all over the world.”
Volunteer Heather M.

“I've been a volunteer with this wonderful organization for two years. It helps new visitors navigate the city, gets many of their questions and concerns answered, and gives them a very positive view of New York (great for future tourism in the city) and Americans…. Most of the time I take them to Brooklyn and that is a real eye-opener for most guests --they often look at the borough as a dangerous place, and then are amazed at the beautiful residential areas, great restaurants and shops, and friendly people. Often, other New Yorkers on the subways, for example, will hear me talking to the visitors, and chime in with more information and help. I think it helps to spread good will in the world view of Americans.”
Volunteer Reva C.

“Big Apple Greeter is not only good for visitors to the city, to the neighborhoods they visit and bring revenue, but most important establishes relationships that encourage more and more visitors to the city again and again.”
Volunteer M. Scharff

“Using Big Apple Greeter is like having a friend in NYC before you had a friend in NYC. I've been a Greeter since 1996 and I've made many friends within the United States and around the world. I love being a Greeter and sharing my love for NYC with visitors!”
Volunteer J. Murray

“I'm proud to show off the city I love to visitors from all over the USA and the world.”
Volunteer K. Bernstein

“I'm a Big Apple Greeter enthusiast and I promote them every chance I get. When a visitor returns to their home base, they have great memories of a great city and its people. When visitors use a tour service, they still have great memories but the personal touch is missing and that's what they remember time and time again. Free Friendship!” You go BAGers!” Volunteer E. Lopez

“Big Apple Greeter helps demystify New York in general and introduces real people to visitors on a one to one or two etc., basis. It creates international and national good will through the generosity of the volunteers giving their time and experience.”
Volunteer R. Goldford

“Big Apple Greeter creates relations between nations, between cities, between human beings.”
Volunteer J. Laichmann

Big Apple Greeter Visitors

“Our compliments to our Big Apple Greeter John. We visit New York in May 2008.  On the day of our appointment it was raining and John suggested to object the appointment to the next day because the weather forecasts for the next day was good. On that day, Saturday actually the day of shopping with his wife, he showed us the big apple, see in a way we ourselves would not have looked. We had asked for Greenwich, Chinatown. We have seen a lot of these areas. Many of these areas we would not have detected by ourselves, but due to our Apple Greeter we have seen very much. Also he let us taste, for us, things we have never seen and eaten. That was also a very nice experience.  It was a very, very kindly man and we loved the way he showed us New York through his eyes.  So we hope that a lot of people can enjoy New York with a Big Apple Greeter. It gifs the visit of New York just something more.” 
Visitor van Laar, Netherlands

“Big Apple Greeters helped us very well. Thank you, to discover a (little) part, (unknown) city's sides, ( that the tourist don't see usually) and to permit us to make a free visit, for example, to take a bus , suburban, taxi, and to use different services , bank(take money) , restaurant (how to pay , tip, it's different here ) , to see the extraordinaris varios peoples museums , cooking......  At the end to make a visit’s personal selection that it was our choice e very interesting for us ...  In conclusion an excellent stay  Thank you very much.”
Visitor A. Fabre, France

“Our Big Apple Greeter made our visit to NYC special. She was very knowledgeable about her city and its history. We spent a delightful time strolling around SOHO, discovering wonderful stores, and places to eat. We ended our tour in Chinatown eating delicious dumplings. Thanks to Big Apple Greeters we visited parts of NYC that we probably would not have otherwise seen and we saw them through the eyes of a local.”
Visitor J. Heyman, Australia

“We spent a great time with our greeter in the end of March 2009. He gave us so much that we didn't know how to thank him. Big Apple Greeter is a wonderful idea and thanks’ to all the volunteers, you don't only visit this great city, but you also share a great human moment. And in the critical times we go through all around the world, it just makes you happier. Thank you so much... And good luck!”
Visitor, Guillaume, France

“We visited the Big Apple in April 2009 with the help of a "Big Apple Greeter". It was very great. Our greeter (Rena) was fantastic and very kind.  A few days after returning in France, we meet a New Yorker in France and we were very happy to receive him at home for a visit of our town (Rouen in Normandy). So that we were be able to give to a New Yorker what another New Yorker gave to us: a little of our time for the pleasure of welcoming a New Yorker.  Big Apple Greeter is something very generous and useful for visitors of all the world.  Warmest regards”
Visitor P. Caquelard, France

“We (me, my wife and our 2 children) had a wonderful and exciting experience with our greeter when we came from Germany to visit New York. Big Apple Greeter is one of the best ideas to get familiar with the town and the people.
Visitor B. Laumann, German

“Myself and two friends were lucky to have experienced the service of a Big Apple Greeter during our short break to New York in May 2003. Our Greeter (sorry forgotten his name but he was an ex - teacher, which made the experience even more interesting as we are all teaching assistants and we discussed the American education system over a lovely lunch in an excellent restaurant in Little Italy which we would never have found without him) enthusiastically showed us areas we would never have visited on our own and ride the subway - even providing us with free day passes! I have recommended the service to friends and colleagues some of which have been disappointed that a greeter was not available during their stay - so there must still be a genuine need for this excellent and free service.”
Visitor J. Mills, England

“Many thanks to Leonor, we spent a fantastic morning with her, discovering many places in New York. I hope we'll come back in NYC and have the chance to see her again or maybe in France. many many thanks from nadia and sophie.”
Visitor N. Villard, France

“Big Apple Greeters was the best thing about my 12 day New York City trip! Our greeter was absolutely perfect, making us feel safe and comfortable in NYC! We saw and did more in one day than we ever could have done without our greeter. He helped us understand the subway system, and other things that we were afraid to do on our own. Big Apple Greeters is such a valuable service to tourists like myself, who feel like they would have been quite overwhelmed in such a huge city. Big Apple Greeters allows NYC visitors to put a face with a city, giving it a personal touch, and in turn that helps everyone involved! NYC has had a bad reputation for many years: unfriendly, dangerous, unsafe, people won't look at you, no one will help, etc. After my visit to NYC, I found out that all those things are false, and I feel that Big Apple Greeters is helping to change that negative reputation into a positive one! I love NYC, and I love Big Apple Greeters!”
Visitor T. Berry, Texas

”…My daughter and I visited New York in March 2007 and on our second day, my daughters birthday, we walked with a Greeter through Central Park and surroundings. He showed us some marvelous art-items on and in buildings, we would never have seen without him. We had lunch in his favorite Chinese restaurant; we had coffee in the Central Park Zoo. And he told us how it is to live in this big city. He really made us feel at home. And we looked the following days with different eyes. Yes, New York Greeter is a great idea, because real New Yorkers welcome guests from abroad with a free gift: there love for the city and there spare time...” 
Visitor W. van Hoeven, The Netherlands.

“Léa et Vivien!   Merci à Big Apple Greeter et à Saul Raw pour cette aventure humaine avec un New Yorkais, passionné par sa ville et qui a su nous transmettre les valeurs de celle-ci. New York est une mosaïque de cultures et de quartiers en évolution permanente. Nous reviendrons dans la "Big Apple"...”
Visitors V. et L. Mommeja, France

“Our visit to New York City will always remain a wonderful, memorable, educational and endearing experience thanks to the magnificent guidance of Big Apple Greeter Chafin Elliott. Not only did we have the pleasure of his company and knowledge, we have also made a friend for life. Chafin's knowledge, his manner and patience have taught us some valuable lessons in life as well. Thank you Big Apple Greeter, and thank you Chafin.” 
Visitors P. & S. Naiker, South Africa

“This is the best idea ever - my husband and I used the program when we visited New York last year. I can't believe they offer this to visitors for free. We would have been more than willing to pay for what we received - Washington Heights is not an area we would have ever gone to on our own. And the history we learned was fantastic! Our tour guide was amazing and spent more time with us than was required. We will definitely use the program again when we come back to visit. Highly recommend it to anyone visiting NYC that wants to get off the normal tourist track! Thanks New York Greeters!!!”
Visitor N. Sheriff, Australia

“We were fortunate to be provided with Al Riggi who was a great ambassador for your city and for the USA generally. When we return we hope that he can show us a little more as we had time constraints this year.”
Visitor B. Halpin, Australia

“Took advantage of BAG hospitality in 2007 - Brooklyn was the destination and a Russian lunch - something I may not have done. A worthwhile service.”
Visitor M. Young, Australia

“Even though I am originally from NYC, I decided to schedule a walking tour of lower Manhattan with some cousins that had come down from various parts of the country. Jim, our [Greeter] not only taught them a thing or two about lower Manhattan but me as well! The tour was informative, funny, and flat out fantastic. The big apple greeters provide a valuable service to the community by celebrating the diversity and rich history that the greatest city in the world offers!”
Visitor D. Wontakal, California

“Recommend this to everyone! We saw parts of the NYC that we would never have explored on our own. Our greeter gave us insight to the city and people that live there. It also helped us feel more comfortable getting around during our week stay. We look forward to visiting NYC again.”
Visitor V. Kohler, Florida

“Ron Berthel walked with me across the Brooklyn Bridge & around Chinatown & Little Italy. Very enjoyable sightseeing & a new friend. Made a huge difference to my enjoyment of my first experience in the Big Apple. Hang in there Ron & way to go!”
Visitor S. Koh, Singapore

“The Big Apple Greeters are in my opinion New York’s biggest and best kept secret. If it gets others talking half as much as myself and my two teenage daughters did on our return to the UK then you really do have something special. My experience of our Big Apple Greeter was a true gentleman and Ambassador for your city. Out of our four days in New York, the day with the Big Apple Greeter is the most memorable. We will be back all thanks to Dan for making us feel so very welcome.”
Visitor J. Crawford, United Kingdom

“We loved meeting "Peter the Greeter” and seeing much of the Upper West side and hearing about his world. We tell all our friends in Australia about your great service. 
Visitor V. Green, Australia

“Last year my friend and I arrived from Australia and had the wonderful experience of being shown around New York by a native New Yorker. We were delighted with his company and what we were able to be see with such a knowledgeable person. We were very grateful to the Big Apple Greeter organization, and would give them as many votes as could be allowable in their quest for support. Big Apple Greeter provides a fabulous service for all Americans who visit New York, but it is even more wonderful that they extend this service to all the world. Go Big Apple Greeter!!!!!!”
Visitor J. Hillman Marks, Australia

“Best thing I did when planning my NY trip.  Was taken to places I would never have dreamed about! Keep up the good work; you are truly ambassadors for your city.”
Visitor S. Haywood, Great Britain

 “Merci big apple greeters !!!!  Grace à vous les greeters naiisent dans differentes régions du monde !  Bonne continuation et GOOG LUCK!”
Visitor M. Serge, France

Global Greeter Network

“We love Big Apple Greeter which is now an amazing international network bringing people together all over the world!”
D. Hounslow, Greeter 62 Pas-de-Calais