Visitor FAQs
How is a Greeter different from a professional tour guide or walking tour?
You’ll be shown around the city just the way a good friend would do it. You’ll learn what it’s like to live here, to enjoy the Greeter’s favorite neighborhoods, restaurants, shops, and hidden places. How to use our public transportation. Best of all, it’s your visit. Your interests. Your personal enjoyment that the Greeter wants most to provide. Just like a friend.
A Greeter is not a professional tour guide. He or she doesn't know the entire city. You’ll see places based on the Greeter’s personal knowledge gained through living, working, and experiencing the city.
How will I be paired with a Greeter?
By language and by the neighborhoods the visitor requests. Visitors’ personal interests are also considered and fulfilled if possible.
Am I guaranteed to be matched with a Greeter?
Unfortunately, no. Big Apple Greeter receives many more visitor requests than our volunteer organization can fulfill. Sometimes no Greeter is available, especially during New York City’s busy season, April through October.
When and how will I receive information about my Greeter?
You will receive an email the moment a Greeter is confirmed. It will have the Greeter’s name and contact information. Please be sure to look in your email spam folder!
Answer your Greeter’s email so you get to know each other and your Greeter can make plans.
IMPORTANT: You must contact your Greeter again after you arrive in New York City to reconfirm. Greeters cannot meet visitors who have not reconfirmed.
If no Greeter is available to me, may I join another group?
No, each Greeter meets with one visitor or group of visitors who are traveling together.
Other Important Information
Your Greeter’s knowledge of New York City is personal knowledge gained from living and working here. Greeter “visits” have no pre-set itineraries, themes, or start times.
To support our mission of enhancing New York City’s image, we require that visitors’ accommodations be within the five boroughs of New York City.
Because Greeters do not meet visitors on day of arrival or day of departure, a minimum two-night stay in the city is required.
Greeters meet up to six (6) people, including children.
If your plans change, it is important to contact your Greeter immediately.