The Nicest Tour Guides in New York City

Our guides are as warm as the hot dogs on the street corners. Expect a friendly, personal touch that ensures you feel like you’re touring with an old friend who just happens to know all the best spots.

Dante Mercadante

Sharing New York City’s flavors, stories, and laughter—one tour at a time.

Ian Campbell Dunn

Dynamic storytelling and history brought to life by a passionate guide.

Emmeline Prior

Expert guide blending history, humor, and Queens’ rich culinary scene.

Dave Frasure

Hospitality pro delivering unforgettable NYC food and culture experiences.

Walk. Talk. Eat. Repeat.

Local Experts Who Live the City They Love

Our guides are passionate locals who know New York City inside and out. Their deep knowledge of history, culture, and cuisine gives you insights and stories you won’t find in a guidebook, making every tour authentic and engaging. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve truly connected with the soul of the city.

Storytellers Who Bring NYC to Life

Each guide is a master storyteller, weaving tales of New York’s past and present into every step of your journey. Their ability to turn facts into captivating narratives means you’ll experience the city’s history in a way that’s both entertaining and meaningful, leaving you inspired by its vibrant energy.

A Personal Touch That Feels Like Family

Our small-group tours allow our guides to tailor each experience to your interests, ensuring a personal connection and memorable moments. This personalized attention means you’ll feel welcomed, cared for, and part of the Nice Guy Tours family.

Passionate Food Lovers Who Share the Best of NYC

Our guides are true food enthusiasts, carefully curating each stop to showcase the city’s most iconic and delicious flavors. Their dedication to finding the best eats ensures every bite is unforgettable, leaving you satisfied and excited to explore more.

"There are no strangers here; only friends you haven’t met yet.“ - Dante Mercadante

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Book A Tour Now!

Don’t wait to savor the flavors of NYC—book your tour now and secure your spot for an unforgettable culinary adventure!

Dante Mercadante

Licensed NYC Sightseeing Guide

Hometown: Yonkers, NY

Years of Experience: 13

With over a decade of guiding experience, Dante brings a unique blend of humor, passion, and expertise to every tour. A proud Yonkers native and licensed NYC sightseeing guide, he has led thousands of guests through the vibrant streets of New York, sharing its rich history and mouthwatering flavors.

Dante’s favorite tour? The Greenwich Village experience, where he loves walking through the charming West Village while showcasing its incredible food and stories. When he’s not guiding, you’ll find him spending time with his kids, or cheering for his beloved Yankees, Knicks, and Bills.

Fun Facts About Dante:

  • He’s been a contestant on three game shows!
  • When leading two tours in a day, he clocks over 20,000 steps.
  • He’s tasted pizza at more than 150 NYC pizza shops—and counting!
  • Known for his humor, he takes his work seriously but not himself.


Dante became a guide by chance but stayed for the joy of sharing delicious food with people from around the globe. His personal motto? “There are no strangers here; only friends you haven’t met yet.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable New York experience filled with laughter, stories, and incredible food, Dante’s the guide for you!

Ian Campbell Dunn

Actor, Storyteller, and NYC History Buff

Hometown: Nashville, TN

Years of Experience: 10

With a background in acting, hospitality, and storytelling, Ian brings a dynamic energy to his tours that makes New York City’s history come alive. A double major in theater and political science, Ian has spent the last decade blending his passions for storytelling and history to create unforgettable experiences for his guests.

Ian’s favorite part of guiding? Sharing the intricate stories of how NYC became the city it is today. Whether he’s leading a group through the streets or talking about his favorite spot, the Tenement Museum, Ian’s tours are equal parts informative and entertaining.

Fun Facts About Ian:

  • He’s an actor and an amateur musician who played in a comedic, improvisational storytelling rock band.
  • At just six years old, he starred in a first-grade play that shaped his lifelong passions for theater and storytelling.
  • Ian once reunited with a college friend’s parents while leading them on a tour, proving NYC is the smallest big city in the world.


When Ian isn’t guiding tours, you’ll find him writing plays and screenplays, reading history books, or enjoying dinner at Little Frankie’s in the East Village. His personal motto, from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, sums him up perfectly: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.

Join Ian for a tour full of stories, history, and the unique charm that only NYC can offer!

Emmeline Prior

Experienced Guide, Food Enthusiast, and Storyteller

Hometown: London, UK (by way of Cornwall)

Years of Experience: 25

With over two decades of guiding experience across the UK, Europe, and New York City, Emmeline brings unmatched expertise and charisma to every tour. Her journey began in the late 1990s at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London, where her passion for storytelling took center stage. Today, she combines her love of history, food, and culture to create unforgettable experiences for guests.

Her favorite Nice Guy tour? The Astoria Food Tour, which showcases her beloved Queens—a borough she’s called home since 2019 and her personal favorite in NYC.

Fun Facts About Emmeline:

  • She was nearly 40 when she learned to swim!
  • You might spot her on TV as an extra in shows like And Just Like That and Only Murders in the Building.
  • As a teenager, she was a member of Mensa, with an IQ in the top 1%—though her husband remains skeptical!


Outside of guiding, Emmeline enjoys swimming, reading, and indulging in her love of cheese (but not all at once). A passionate traveler and foodie, she’s always planning her next culinary adventure and working on learning Dutch—though she admits it’s not easy!

Her personal motto? “There’s always time for dessert.” And with Emmeline leading your tour, there’s always time for laughter, stories, and the joy of discovering NYC’s incredible flavors.

Join Emmeline for a tour filled with charm, humor, and a wealth of knowledge that only 25 years of experience can bring!

David “Dave” Frasure

NYC Licensed Guide and Culinary Enthusiast

Hometown: Akron, Ohio

Years of Experience: 14

With a passion for food, history, and making people smile, Dave combines his 14 years of hospitality and culinary experience with his love for New York City to deliver memorable tours. As a licensed NYC guide, he thrives on exploring the dynamic food scene of Greenwich Village, his favorite neighborhood to share with guests.

Fun Facts About Dave:

  • He’s a baseball fanatic and never misses a chance to catch a game.
  • His favorite movie? Toy Story—even after all these years!
  • He’s got a knack for card tricks that might surprise you during a tour.

When Dave isn’t guiding, you’ll find him reading about NYC’s history, checking out stand-up comedy shows, or trying new restaurants across the city. He decided to pursue guiding after the pandemic as a way to fulfill a dream he’d had since his teenage years—and he’s never looked back.

Dave’s favorite moments are when he gets to guide someone experiencing NYC for the very first time. His excitement is infectious, and he loves sharing the wonder of the city through fresh eyes. His personal motto sums up his NYC pride: “The cost of living in NYC may be high, but the cost of not living here is even higher!

Join Dave for a tour filled with great food, engaging stories, and a guide who truly loves helping people fall in love with the Big Apple.

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