REVIEWS
Cora
January 2025
Elie was amazing! He knew so much! If you are looking to learn a lot about history and know tons of fun facts this is the tour for you. The tour was an extra 1.5 hours with so many fun facts and locations. Highly recommend! Just amazing!!
Debbie
January 2025
Absolutely fantastic experience! It was the first time in the city for our kids & my husband and we only 48 hours to do & see as much as we possibly could. Our NYC tour was the highlight of our trip! Elie was incredibly knowledgeable, weaving fascinating history, local secrets, and great recommendations into every stop. It felt like exploring the city with a friend who truly knows and loves NYC. Highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for an unforgettable and unique way to experience the city! 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Neeltjie
December 2024
Elie is really amazing in telling you about the history of each area, building & it is amazing to see how proud he is of New York. This was a really cool tour for me as it takes you to spots that you might not go yourself & he even gave me ideas for NYE & to make the rest of my trip valuable! Definitely recommend! Thanks Elie!
Brooke
December 2024
Elie is a phenomenal storyteller, guide, and friend along the route of this tour. The time feels genuine, personalized, and conversational. Couldn’t have asked for a better plan for a day.
Andrew
December 2024
Wow! We spent the day looking and listening in fascination as Elie brought the history, landscape and psyche of the American experience that is New York. On the ferry ride we learned about the geography and history of New York, from the arrival of the Dutch, the Revolutionary era, the immigrant experience, it's boroughs, the harbor, Wall St and on and on. Great pizza, restaurant recommendations and other activities. He left us with lots of photo memories of our afternoon with him.
Highly y!
Salpi
December 2024
Elie is a first-rate tour guide, and I couldn’t have asked for a more satisfying tour. His passion for history and urban geography is unmistakable. His enthusiasm just pulls you in and keeps you engaged. I was grateful for someone to put the scenery and sights into context, because otherwise I would have been an aimless and wandering chicken without its head.
Elie is a fountain of knowledge. More than just information, his tour commentary included bits of wisdom throughout, such as the observation that pedestrian cities foster empathy. In fact, the gentleman at the table next to us who overheard us when we were dining at Adrienne’s Pizza Bar expressed his appreciation for Elie’s words on education as he was leaving.
Most importantly, Elie is supremely friendly, and put me at ease (which is a lot to say for this jittery ball of nerves). I’m going to insist to all my friends that they do a tour with Elie when they visit New York! I’m also really happy with the pictures that he took!
Jackie
December 2024
My experience on Elie’s tour of Manhattan was incredible!
It was my favorite part of my 3 day visit to NYC. I learned so much
about NYC’s history, architecture, and have a list of recommendations for my next visit. I would highly recommend to anyone visiting NYC!
Jessica
December 2024
Elie was an amazing guide! He is extremely educated and personable. I felt as though I made a new friend in NYC after our time together. I highly recommend this tour!
Emily
December 2024
Truly grateful we got to meet Elie and spend the day exploring and learning about New York City! Turned out to be a “private”tour for just my husband and I since the other group members couldn’t make it. Elie was VERY knowledgeable, easy going and personalized our tour based on our unique interests. He has a true passion and enthusiasm for the city that can’t be replicated and it made the tour special and worthwhile. We learned so much NYC history and culture which made us appreciate the city more than just the superficial stuff that is so often pushed. Highly recommend!! Thanks again Elie!!
Elan
November 2024
It was a great historical tour of NY. Ellie is very knowledgeable and made the tour fun and engaging. I would do it again!
Kriti
November 2024
Booking this experience was such a great idea. The passion that Elie has for New York is infectious. He shared so much great info about the history of the city and every location that we went to. Elie is also a pro at knowing all the perfect spots to take photos and directed us to pose exactly right. Being a solo traveler, this was a huge bonus! I would highly recommend this experience for any first time visitors to New York.
Imogen
November 2024
Such a wonderful tour. Elie was overflowing with stories, history, facts and joy about a city he clearly loves and knows inside out. We loved it and would thoroughly recommend.
Ronnie
November 2024
One of the best tours I have been on.
Elie provided an excellent perspective of New York City. He used his geography education to educate my wife and me on NYC history.
We were also grateful that he spent the time to take pictures of us.
It was an 11/10 experience. I would not hesitate to book this tour again, and I will definitely recommend it to my friends and/or family who are visiting New York City!
Thanks 🙏 Elie,
Ronnie
Sarah
November 2024
Elie is very an informative tour guide, he knows every corner of NY, he took a lot of pictures for me, as a solo traveler, I didnt need to worry about no one to help me for taking photos. He also guided
me on transportation to the meeting point and saved me from getting uber which cost a lot more money. I enjoyed the tour a lot.
Nina
November 2024
Elie was SO smart and informative as well as Very Kind! We felt so at ease with him as we learned SO Much along the way!! He personalized the trip for each of us! We met the sweetest couple from Canada who were originally from the Philippines! We all loved Elie!! We Highly Recommend his tour!! It begins in the Birthplace of NYC and had the perfect snippets of every wonderful aspect of NYC! He loves his Hometown and we felt like it was our Home where everyone in America began!!!
Molly
October 2024
Elie! Hands down the best tour I could have booked for NYC. Elie is so personable, passionate and just has a wealth of knowledge. Elie made this tour an immersive experience bringing together past, present and correlating historical components from music, architecture, and the founding fathers. I am in awe and fortunate for the connection!
Sherida
October 2024
We would highly recommend the tour with Elie.
My son (12 years old) and I had a great time. We did the tour the second day we arrived in NY. This was very convienent as we had plenty of time to follow up on the tips Elie gave us. Elie’s love for his city made us fall in love with NY too. Can’t wait to come back and visit NY with the whole family. I know for sure they would love to have the same experience as we had with Elie!
Raul
October 2024
Elie was a fantastic tour guide! The end that knowledge he has of New York City is amazing. It wasn’t just sighting, but it was storytelling too. There were so many significant historical places that you pointed out and gave an in-depth presentation on each and everyone. Statistics he shared were incredible. I would certainly recommend him to anyone. My wife and I are planning to go back with our two kids next year and will certainly give Elie a ring for a private tour.
Dixon
October 2024
Elie was incredible! Really loved every single part of the experience and his stories. I have New York City in a whole new light now (in a very good way!). Thanks Elie for taking the time to do this and share your knowledge with us. I'd 100% recommend this tour. There was a lot of walking! Which I actually liked because you get to see a lot things first hand and learn how to move around, but be mindful of this if you aren't that type of person. Though, it was worth every single step!!
Britta
October 2024
Elie was a great guide who has a lot of expertise. He takes his task seriously by not simply speaking, but first inquiring about what is important to us guests and is of interest to us... In our case, we learned so much from New York's founding history based on architecture, also hearing many practical tips and anecdotes from Elie's moving life... In between, Elie took many photos ( of us and for us - a great memory!) and gave practical tips (fastest way to the airport, best boutique for teenagers, tastiest cookie bakery...). It was a wonderful afternoon, which I will surely remember for a long time. Recommended!
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Quyen
October 2024
Our private group had an amazing time on the urban hike with Elie! He was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights about the city that we wouldn’t have found on our own. It was such a unique way to explore the area, blending time on the Ferry and city vibes seamlessly. What stood out most was how much he cared about making sure we had a great time, checking in with everyone along the way. I’d highly recommend this experience to anyone looking for a fun and meaningful way to see the city!
Michele
October 2024
Elie’s tour was a fantastic way to learn about lower manhattan and also so much fun! He took us to all the best spots, including introductions to some wonderful restaurants with beautiful interiors. Elie explained so much about the origins of this great city. I said wow about 100 times!
Valentin
October 2024
A very comprehensive guide who takes his job seriously even there is a single person tour. I like the way the guide gave a feeling of New York combined with accurate historic data.
Michele
October 2024
Fantastic tour! Elie is an awesome guide and storyteller. We learned so much about NYC that you don’t learn from blogs, articles, videos…. Just book it!
Sabine
October 2024
If you want to have an informative tour with a real New Yorker who knows every corner, I highly recommend the tour. Ellie gave us a very personal insight into today's New York and was also able to tell the story comprehensively. Elie also responded very kindly to the needs of each participant. We especially enjoyed his photos. This is a great opportunity for solo travelers or couples to have photos together.
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Ali
September 2024
After finishing the tour with Elie, I realized I was very lucky to have such a time with him and hear all his insights about the city highlights, the transformation that city experiences and overall the big cities in the world. If you would like to have an unusual experience of NYC with someone whom you would probably call a teacher/friend after the tour, do not miss this one.
And also a small note: He knows and he is known by many people in all neighbourhoods so you will be introduced to many nice bar/restaurant/cafe workers who would really recognize you when you go there afterwards. :)
Elizabeth
September 2024
Elie shared his love for Manhattan and showed us classic and less well known spots and stories. I really loved this experience and could not recommend it more highly.
Robert
September 2024
Do not miss this tour. Eli takes wonderful photographs so you can take it all in and then shares with you. His story telling is marvellous and personal and he is so enthusiastic about NYC. We now have great knowledge, a brilliant experience, wonderful photographs and were so lucky to have Eli' s company for the afternoon.
Andrea
September 2024
This is the second Metro Hike experience in 3 months with Elie and it did not disappoint!! If you want a New York history, walking experience look no further than Elie and his vast knowledge and LOVE of his city!! The intimacy of a small group of people that you get to know in the time you have with Elie is priceless. Elie takes numerous pictures of you and New York historical sites so that you are not distracted from his oratorical history of what you are seeing. I will continue to go on Metro Hikes with Elie whenever I visit New York. The best tour I have ever taken with a warm, kind and knowledgeable host, Elie :)
Britney
September 2024
After researching SEVERAL available NYC tours, I decided on this one due to the excellent reviews & special touches of the host taking photos throughout so guests could enjoy the tour. It’s an excellent way to hit some hot spots in NYC from a local who knows & loves this city. Several people knew him in the various neighborhoods we toured. We coined him the mayor of nyc! Our tour had a special stop for pizza on Stone St which was to die for! We had a great group which quickly became friends. Would recommend this tour to everyone!
Nkatha
September 2024
Elie made Monday in New York so special, and so did the other guests who came on the tour. It’s everything you expect of a great tour — a good amount of history, a good selection of attractions, and a passionate enthusiasm for a city one loves — and then a bit more because Elie makes it so — the wonderful photos he will take of you and your tour to share later; the thoughtful personalization that will make strangers relax, settle into the experience and become friends. So pleased I did this!
Bonnie
August 2024
If we could give more than 5 stars we would! This Airbnb experience with Elie was a highlight of our short trip to NYC. His storytelling and In depth knowledge of the history and geography of New York and beyond is extensive. The tour was engaging, fun, active and the photos were an added benefit. We stopped for a quick lunch and glass of wine midway through which was a surprise. Elie also coached us on using the subway and helped us get dinner reservations at Balthazar for the next night. (It was superb!) Elie exhibits a great love for his hometown in everything he does with this experience. Thanks for a great day!!
Conor
August 2024
Elie was fantastic, his depth of knowledge of New York City is second to none. He has a really engaging way of storytelling and a great personality. I could not recommend this tour enough.
Christina
August 2024
Ellie is amazing! Book him!!!! He is super knowledgeable and was a great person to spend the day with! He showed us so many things in just one day.
Overall, it was just a beautiful experience! My two daughters between the ages of 8-14 yrs old really enjoyed themselves. He made the whole experience great for us adults and my children.
We would book again with him! Very personable and made our day eventful and memorable.
Thank you so much!
Pierpaolo
August 2024
A memorable experience, Elie is friendly, experienced, and a great storyteller. Visiting New York with him was beautiful and we were able to feel a little New Yorkers!
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Marina
August 2024
amazing experience, I recommend the tour of Elie 100%. Elie gives a great tour and explanation, she knows a lot about this city and the information is very good, in addition to taking some excellent photos and videos, how much I thank you for this plus.
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Christopher
August 2024
Ellie’s tour is absolutely amazing! My wife was overwhelmed by NYC her first day. Elie took that into consideration and gave us the most amazing tour. My whole family had an incredible experience with Elie.
This was one of the best tours we’ve ever had. Elie is an absolute wealth of information, but he also makes you feel like you’re just hanging out with a friend. If you want a fabulous day please book this tour with Elie!!
Dipesh
July 2024
Highly Recommended if you are interested in the history and culture behind New York! Elie was an excellent host and tour guide. He took time to explain everything and took so many pictures in different locations! I would highly recommend anyone who is looking for a tour. Ferry ride and walking through historic buildings and knowing the history behind it was fascinating! He was very outspoken and very educated about his city and history.
Levente
July 2024
10/10 recommend to choose this experience. Elie is a wonderful person with wast knowledge and deep culture knowledge not just about New York, but about the USA and the entire world. He is a global traveller who can refer to individual architecture and demographics of your homeland and put it in context while explaining the changing history of New York. Amazing, life long experience for us.
Emily
July 2024
Elie did a amazing job and has great knowledge that is super interesting for groups new to NYC. I learned a lot about NYC and saw so many things! Bring comfortable walking shoes and dress accordingly. Definitely recommend.
Cez
July 2024
Elie is a great tourist guide, very generous in sharing informations and history, he is not just an ordinary tour guide, he gives his best! he will do an extra mile in making sure the client enjoys every part of the city and he took pictures very well, he knows where and when to capture the best moments in the tour! He is also a very good in communication and preparation before the tour.
Im excited to share him to my friends from Texas that will be visiting New York.
Sean
July 2024
Wow! What a gorgeous person - Elie from Metro Hike!!! Thoroughly enjoyed his personable approach - with a wealth of history and a love of what he does. So good to meet a normal, kind and generous person in Elie - made NYC even more special!!! He even went out of his way to deliver us to our next appointment on time. I would definitely do all his other tours!!! Thank you - much appreciated everything!!!!
Natalie
June 2024
I am so glad I joined Elie on his epic hike tour. Elie is a New Yorker and seeing and learning about New York from his point of view was insightful and something you cannot get by just walking alone. He is very passionate about meeting and wanting to tell people stories about New York.
Victoria
June 2024
Elie is more than your typical tour guide: you get information, photos, advice and many more insights about what it’s like to be a New Yorker. He sees the city with a soul and sense of beauty and it is what makes it a stand out and memorable time. We visited a few historical sites and trendy locales in midtown Manhattan and admired the view on the ferry but the most important was a connection and a chance of seeing NYC through Elie’s story. Book your tour with Elie next time in NYC to have the best time ever and to be wanting to come back for more.
Georg Martensen
June 2024
What can you say when all the superlatives have been used up? Amazing, awesome, brilliant, great, fantastic, ... whatever term you choose - you won't be able to do justice. Eli's Metro Hike tour is unrivalled and for me will be unforgettable. Eli "is" New York. Being a follower on his path you will get bodily experiences of grips of history that catches you at those multiple places he puts you in. Eli connects you with a breeze of an emotional impression about what it means to have been or to be a New Yorker from all angles possible. And by way of this you get profound information and insights. Walking and ‚subwaying‘ with him through NY makes connection of local and national history livable. — And let’s say that: He’s an absolutely nice and friendly guy who makes you feel family. So, do not miss Eli‘s Metro Hike.
Stefan
June 2024
Absolutely amazing tour that makes you fall in love with New York.
Elie is an amazing guide, super passionate about what he is doing and extremely knowledgeable.
If you look for a walking tour in NYC look no further book this one!
Lia
June 2024
Of the many tours I've had, in my travels in Europe and Asia, the NYC tour with Elie was the best. Here is why it was great in my opinion. Firstly, Elie clearly loves NYC, and his enthusiasm and the energy he put into making the case why NYC is one of the best cities in the world was convincing. His stories brought the deep and rich history of the city to life, while his insight into the city's current pulse kept the tour fresh and relevant. As an added bonus, Elie's tour included photographically chronicling our tour, which was curated into a wonderful digital photo album that he shared with us. The cherry on top was the unexpected personal service. Since we only had one day to tour NYC, he extended the time of our tour and also shared insider tips on free concerts and fireworks in Central Park that evening. This tour went above and beyond our expectations.
Andrea
June 2024
This was the best time with a walking tour that we have ever experienced. Elie was so informative and shared his vast knowledge of the history of NYC. You truly feel the love he has for the city. The tour was a great highlight to our trip to NYC and we saw things we would have never discovered on our own. The price is great for the wonderful experience you will have. We highly, highly recommend this Metro Hike tour! We will be back for another. Thanks Elie :)
Rachel
May 2024
I signed up for a tour program alone. However, Elie didn't cancel and the tour was proceeded as planned, so I was really grateful🫶
It was my first time traveling alone from Korea to New York. Everything was unfamiliar and I was quite worried about but Elie took great care of me and took a lot of photos (almost close to 400).
I'm so thankful once again for Elie sharing his amazing knowledge and experience. If I visit New York again, I want to sign up with friends again.
I apologize for the late review. Thank you so much. It was the best tour program I've ever experienced!🧡✨
한국에서 오신 분들 걱정 마시고 투어 신청하세요! 저 영어 완벽하지 않고요, 가이드님이랑 단둘이 6시간 동안 투어하고 사진도 400장 가까이 찍어주셨어요. 진짜 신경 많이 써주셨고 정말 좋은 분이었습니다. 할 말 없을까봐 걱정했는데 거의 박찬호급 입담이셔서 지루할 틈이 없습니다.🤣 진짜 추천해요!
Dalani
May 2024
Elie is such a knowledgeable and entertaining guide Of this magical City. In about 3 hours we were able to visit and learn about quite a few places. When the tour started, Elie told us that he hoped to make us feel as if "we had come home" and as we visited places that we had seen in movies, shows and news over the years, we realized how true that was. I highly recommend Elie and his Metrohike tour.
Abraham
May 2024
Eli's NYC walking tour was an absolute gem! His kindness and flexibility made our anniversary celebration extra special. With Eli, we experienced a sensory overload of NYC's magic. He went above and beyond, revealing hidden treasures and stunning vignettes. If you want an unforgettable NYC experience, Eli is the guide to choose. Thank you for an incredible adventure
Nancy
April 2024
Can’t say enough good things about Elie, such a nice man. His love and knowledge of the city is inspiring, and the photos he takes are so fun! We had so many laughs and learned much more than we expected. The tour truly made our first NYC trip the best experience!
K
April 2024
There’s a reason Elie gets only 5 star reviews. He’s professional and thoughtful. He loves what he does, and he loves his city and it shines through in how he carefully curates his tour. Highly recommend.
Robin
April 2024
I cannot recommend Ellie and his tour more. He’s an encyclopedia of knowledge about New York City. He was interesting, engaging, thoughtful and kind. He shared knowledge, but was able to anchor it into the world and context in a way that was masterful. The way he speaks about the city, her history, her people - so beautiful. We had the pleasure of taking the tour during the eclipse and he set us up to experience it beautifully- we’ll never forget it. He is so very obviously in love with this city. Watching him light up as he shared it with us was an experience that I couldn’t have expected, but was so grateful for.
Melissa
April 2024
This tour was fantastic. Ellie has a wealth of knowledge and my son and I learned some much about the city. It was a highlight of our trip and I can’t recommend it enough.
Vee
March 2024
hands down best guided tour . The amount of knowledge and education on New York you receive is beyond amazing. Not to mention the AMAZING photo ops he takes along the tour . 5 stars ⭐️ book with elie you won’t regret it 😊🙌🏼
Anni
March 2024
i enjoyed the tour throughly and not only was it really personal but also really immersive. I didn't feel like i was just talked to but i could also oartake in it. Almost as if you're out just enjoying a day together with your friend. Such a nice tour that i definitly recommend!!
Lenin
March 2024
I have done a lot of walking tours in different major global cities. This has by far been the best one. Just book already, I promise it will be a core part of your NYC experience.
Mariana
February 2024
I loved the tour, I would definitely recommend it to friends and family who are new to the city, Elie is very friendly and tells you a lot of relevant facts about the city while taking amazing photos
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Carlotta
February 2024
This tour is simply exceptional. Elie has a brilliant mind, he will show you many hidden gems and share precious information that will help you understand NY better. Absolutely recommended to any curious traveller who seeks for more than the regular tour.
Ilse
February 2024
Eli was a great guide! He shared so many interesting facts and information (he is super smart and fun) The tour was really interesting and creative. We particularly liked how he paid attention to each of our needs and interests and he focused on that. He gave us great advice for things to do and he was patient and fun!
Kovács
February 2024
The tour with Elie was amazing! He was such a nice guide with a lot of exciting stories about New York City. He is also a talented photographer so if you want to have some nice shots, you should definitely choose this tour.
Tulio
January 2024
Experience for discerning people, which mixes a tour guided by places of historical and tourist value with relevant and interesting information, added from amazing photos.
Emily
January 2024
All NYC visitors should spend their first day with Elie! We got so much great foundational knowledge of the city, and felt much more comfortable getting around for the rest of our trip. We were very nervous about navigating public transportation until Elie showed us how simple it is. We ended up feeling so comfortable with it that we took the subway and Q70 to the airport on the way home instead of an Uber.
Elie’s storytelling and presentation of information was spot on, and he even took a few minutes at the beginning of the tour to learn about our interests so that he could individual our tour for maximum engagement. I can’t recommend Elie’s tour enough!
Alyssa
December 2023
Grateful for this experience to start our trip in New York. Elie is full of knowledge. Highly recommend and we look forward to joining Metro Hikes all over the world.
Jouko
December 2023
Elie is a great tour guide, one of the best. He gave new perspectives to the great city of New York. I fully recommend this tour on NYC.
Jiyoon
December 2023
Elie was a top guide who knew all about New York's location and history! And photos…Lots and lots of photos! He captured for us with all the memorable moments with great pics. He is a dedicated and professional guide.
Shortly, it was the best choice I could know about New York!
엄청 열정적이고 전문적으로 뉴욕 투어를 할 수 있었어요! 관광 명소뿐만 아니라 그곳이 왜 뉴욕에서 의미가 있는 곳인지 자세하고, 재미있게 알려줘서 흥미로웠어요! 그리고 사진에 엄청 진심이에요ㅋㅋ 사진 잘 나오는 곳에서 엄청 찍어 줘서 사진 찍는것 좋아하시는 분이면 더더 좋아할 만한 투어에요:)
Joel
December 2023
After some flight issues, Elie was super flexible and accommodating in kindly allowing us to change dates and was keen to ensure that he was available to give us any advice we needed ahead of the tour. The tour itself was brilliant, really interesting history and well structured. Elie was very generous with his time especially considering our tour ended up just being the two of us. Would highly recommend.
Mary
December 2023
Elie was a great guide. He is very informed on all things NYC. Takes amazing photos as well. I highly recommend this tour. We had a great time.
Gennys
December 2023
MetroHike Tours gave us an awesome experience in NYC. Elie, our tour guide went above and beyond our expectations. He is knowledgeable, friendly, and takes the most amazing pictures. I highly recommend this tour with Elie.
Andrea
November 2023
This was an amazing experience! Elie knows the city and its history so well! We had beautiful views and spot to visit plus a lot of amazing pictures for us to keep this memory alive in our minds! I highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting New York for the first time!
Bailey
November 2023
Great tour! Elie had so much knowledge to share and took the best photos. Would recommend if you need an intro to NY
Lili
November 2023
Elie's tour was the highlight of our trip! He knows so much about NYC's origins - his stories made the places we visited much more meaningful. I'm glad we got to visit so many neighborhoods in a few short hours, which gave us a good feel for the city. Elie took amazing pictures of us at each location and my whole family loved the experience!
Helen
November 2023
excellent..5 stars and beyond. made our first day and trip to NY, brought to life with in-depth knowledge and stories. Amazing photos (huge plus) and knowledge of spots to snap. So accommodating, great pace with so many hidden gems. Everyone needs to do this. thank you
Tim
November 2023
Elie was an unbelievable tour guide. I have been to NYC all my life but never knew the history/culture of the city. I would highly recommend this tour!
Karyn
November 2023
Best tour we’ve ever taken!! Our day with Elie will standout as one of our favourite days in NYC. We learnt so much about the city, so many amazing historic to present day facts that help one gain a far deeper understanding and appreciation of the NYC. Elie is a true gem. He knows the city like the back of his hand and then some, he knows the best vantage points, he documented the day with photos and videos of us (over 200!!), he got us a last minute booking at Balthazar, I could keep going! This is a must do in NYC. We’ll be back for more the next time we’re in town. Thankyou Elie!
Jeff
November 2023
Elie is a terrific host and guide. He shared his insights of NYC, I look forward to future walking tours with MetroHike. He is an amazing photographer as well.
Lizzi
November 2023
Book this tour!! Elie is absolutely fantastic as a guide and you will learn so much on this tour. You’ll also end the tour with some really great photos so you don’t have to worry about taking them yourself. Had a wonderful experience and will definitely do another tour in the future
Kyle
November 2023
Great tour! Elie gave us a lot of the history as well as fun facts that most people wouldn’t know. Very knowledgeable and documented our stops with photos so we’ll always remember the trip!
Anja
October 2023
interesting, remarkable, amazing, recommended, fun, personal, thoughtful, individual, approachable, creative, informative ... the best tour we've ever taken! Thank you, Elie, for your remarkable expertise. We will never forget the smiling nuns, the super friendly restaurant owners and staff, the best pizza and the great places.
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Thiago
October 2023
Elie's "metrohike" is really something. Elie is a gentleman. He has profund knowledge about the city, it's history and it's natural and human geography. His memory is very powerful, so he can give you numbers that make possible to picture the dimensions and the proportions of New York's human achievements. Elie guided us through democratic spaces of the city: the Ferry, the Subway, the Public Library, the most beautiful streets etc. It was a great pleasure. Although we were in the meadle of the crowd of a huge town we felt confident to get rid of our vigilance and let Elie take care of our journey. Also he made us awesome photos. We strongly recommend Elies tour. Don't think twice.
Mathias
October 2023
Absolutely great! You HAVE TO do this tour when in Manhattan. There were only three of us and Elie was alone, which of course was perfect. Elie really got it all out of Lower Manhattan. Not going too deep, but also not too superficial, explanations were just right! Perfect overview of NYC, preferably right at the beginning of a NYC trip.
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Valentina
October 2023
Elie is the Wikipedia of NYC. The tour was beautiful. He transformed an easy hike into a beautiful walk full of fun facts, history and memories… and LOTS of pictures to remember it all! 100% recommended.
Christian
October 2023
Easily the best tour and experience in New York! Each day after the tour, my family and I still talk about how great the tour was. It really left a positive lasting impression on us. Elie is very accommodating to the older adults in my group. We had so much fun learning history and seeing arts and meeting people. I highly recommend this tour, whether its your first time visiting NYC or second or third, Elie will still make your experience like no other. Your pictures will be amazing too!
María
October 2023
Making this tour was one of the best experiences of my life, but that Elie was our tour guide definitely made it so much better.
Elie is the kindest, smartest, funniest person who exists, even the best photographer, knows too much about New York and gave us tips that helped me the rest of the trip, she made every place we visited more special than she was already on her own.
The places we visited were amazing, without a doubt an unforgettable experience I will do every time I go to New York, is something no one should miss.
Thank you Elie and thank you to my team who became good friends.
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Stephanie
October 2023
I have traveled extensively and taken many tours; this one rates at the top of the list! Elie did a fabulous job showing us New York City in a fun and personal way. The photographs he took only added to making the experience so fun and memorable. Whether you've never been to New York City or you spend time there often, you will have a great time exploring with a true native.
Alberto
October 2023
The best experience ever! Elie has proven to be the best when it comes to storytelling, history, entertainment, photographs and tour. Words cannot describe how amazing this tour was, me and my fiance enjoyed every single moment. He even acted as our personal photographer! Highly recommended :)
Pablo
October 2023
This is the first tour we took in NYC, and we found it a wonderful reintroduction to the city. We covered so much ground; it sometimes seemed that Elie had something interesting to say about every square foot of the city. He’s a great storyteller, but he also has an artist’s eye. He took several photographs of us against these amazing city backdrops. Turns out he’s a wonderful photographer, as well. We rarely get pics of ourselves as a couple while on vacation but by the end of the tour there were 30+ pics! This was the best, most comprehensive tour we took in NYC. I highly recommend it.
Beni
September 2023
Elie's guided tour is more than just a sightseeing activity; it's a holistic experience that provides in-depth knowledge and leaves you with keepsakes that you'll treasure for years to come.
Elie injects charisma into his narratives and shares a palpable enthusiasm for the city. This fervor is not just evident in what he says but also in how he says it – the emotion in his voice when discussing New York adds a layer of authenticity that you seldom find.
Exploring New York City could have been an overwhelming experience, given its sprawling landscape and countless landmarks. However, because of our guide Elie, it turned this potentially chaotic adventure into a very enjoyable, memorable and educational journey.
1. We kicked off our day with a serene ride on the Staten Island Ferry, which provided a view of the cityscape and its adjoining areas.
2. Elie was not only informative but also took on the role of a photographer, identifying the most photogenic spots for us.
3. Post-tour, Elie delivered on his promise by sharing over 100 stunning photographs. The images captured locales that even the most seasoned travelers might overlook, each accompanied by a thorough explanation.
We wish you all the best Elie!
Theo
September 2023
New York with a local the way I like it! Elie really knows all there is to know about his New York and so much more.
Stewart
September 2023
Elie's Metro Hike was out of this world. So much to pack into 3 hours, the experience was so worthwhile for me and my 15 year old son. I learnt so much about the history of NYC and loved Elie's personal touches. He photography is also amazing, and know's all the great photo spots. Would highly recommend.
Kanya
September 2023
If we could give this tour a 10 ⭐️ instead of 5 in airbnb, we definitely would.
We rescheduled the original tour date as it was raining in NY. On the actual day of the tour it was also raining but Elie said we can go ahead with customised itinerary, as that was the only day we have before we fly out.
Started great at the ferry, Elie is so much more than a tour guide! His NYC history and geographical knowledge is amazing. It feels like we are being transported throughout different time and period on NYC.
We closed our tour with an impromptu walk in to Baltazhar - one of top restaurants in SoHo and Elie managed to get us a table for early dinner. We had drinks together before the tour ended.
By the end of the tour we feel like we known Elie for some time. Definitely comfortable and we absolutely love the tour journey we have with Metrohike.
If you love history and also flexible with itineraries….open to fun new places (restaurants/bars/cafe) - Elie is your go to person.
Thank you, Elie from the bottom of our hearts for making our rainy NYC tour so memorable.
Ania
September 2023
We were in the group of three people with Elie today. He's an amazing person - he knows NYC - its history and secrets and can talk about it in very interesting way.He's passionate what he does and has a lot of knowledge . Independently Elie is polite and has a sense of humor. I absolutely recommend this trip to everyone who wants to see and het to know Manhattan !!!
Kaylin
September 2023
This trip was super fun and I loved learning while going through different parts of New York. His tour is well worth it and he takes the best photos!
Mark
September 2023
I can’t say enough great things about our tour with Elie!
The tour starts at the Staten Island ferry and while making sure we’re standing in the right places on the boat to get the best views , he shares his knowledge of the city and its history .
Elie made sure to take pictures of us in all the most interesting places and introduce us to many of the people he knows from his years of living in the city .
Elie , sincerely has a passion for the city and the people here and left us excited and ready to begin our trip .
Fiorella
September 2023
Simply THE BEST!!!!
I booked this last minute tour and was greeted by Elie in an amazing way. I'm traveling alone and my first day in New York was memorable!!!!Booking this experience with a true “manhattan” is the best way to understand and immediately get into the mood of this amazing city. It was like going around New York with a dear old friend: he's engaging the super authentic, really personalized, and unforgettable tour.
Absolutely book this experience if you want to experience the city like a local!!!
Thanks Elie!!!
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Tyler
September 2023
BOOK THIS TOUR!!!! If, like us, you're trying to decide between this tour and a regular bus tour - well, here are my findings after spending a day with Elie. This being a walking tour, we would have missed so much of Elie's knowledge had we been stuck on a bus. Elie's love for his city was overflowing and you can't help but get caught up in that energy - he had riveting stories to tell and unique facts about the Manhattan canvas at every turn. He keeps his groups small, which adds to the personalization. He takes great pics and videos along the way, which takes alot of pressure off knowing that you won't miss a great shot. He does a wonderful job streamlining his tour by omitting some of the fringe tourist attractions that can easily be done on your own should you choose to do so, while also adding lesser-known points of interest along the way that would have otherwise been missed.
Elie is very friendly, thoughtful and aware. He is one of the most interesting people to spend a day with. We just got home from a 6-day NYC trip and Elie's tour was by far one of our most talked about highlights. Experiencing Manhattan on foot was truly the best way to do so - NYC is a magical place that words truly can't describe the feeling you get while exploring it in such a way. Elie and his tour are quintessential New York and should not be missed - you will be beaming for hours after reflecting back on it.
Patrizia
September 2023
The tour was an excellent experience. Elie knows a lot about life and history of New York. It is a guided tour with personality. Thank you for this experience.
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Yuki
September 2023
Phenomenal tour! My mom went on this tour a year ago and she recommended it to me. Elie is a great storyteller! Top 3 walking tours I’ve ever been on.
Raphaela
September 2023
The tour with Elie was just magical. He gave me the special opportunity to explore NYC by bike. So I was able to visit many beautiful places of the city within a few hours, which I would probably never have discovered without Elie. Since I only had a short time to visit the city, Elie gave me a perfect package. I had a lot of fun and this tour will stay in my memory forever. Thanks again!!!
Alison
August 2023
This is a must do walking tour by a fantastic and knowledgeable host. Our family thoroughly enjoyed this experience with Elie. He is a very flexible guide and took fabulous photos of us too!
Abdellah
August 2023
I had a very interesting and instructive tour with Elie, he is very knowledgeable and knows a lot about NYC. I’ve learnt so many wonderful things about the city, the culture and somehow Elie made wanna come back again to New York. As a History lover I’m more curious about NYC after this Tour with Elie. If you wanna learn about NYC and American History I highly recommend to book this Tour with Elie
Chie
August 2023
The tour was amazing!
I was with 6 year old my daughter and 60's my mom but Elie supported us very patiently. The tour group was small and everybody was friendly. He took a lot of pictures of us and airdropped immediately. That was incredible!
Sonya
August 2023
If you have any hesitation about whether or not to do this tour, DO IT! Elie is a great tour guide, with a genuine passion for the city. He is knowledgeable, engaging, and answered all of my questions (an impressive feat).
The locations were breathtaking and we stopped to hear more about history and fun facts along the way. What I really enjoyed was that we kept moving! We stopped long enough to explore, see, and learn, however not to the point of a classroom lecture (as someone who likes to be moving at all times, this was especially wonderful).
In addition to a knowledgeable and friendly tourguide and beautiful sights, I also met a few travelers who were super friendly.
All in all, a wonderful experience!
Edward
August 2023
We went on the metro hike with Elie. First off, this was such a fantastic day! Elie truly loves NYC and knows his stuff. Every question we had, he answered and even gave us more! He took us to certain places and modified the tour- based on us! He is also a wonderful photographer, he gave us memories that we will cherish forever. And take Elie’s advice- always look up!
Fadum
August 2023
It was an amazing experience to have Elie . He showed around New York.
He was professional and took his explaining everything. He was very articulate, a good story teller. I'm was illicit to have him as a private tour guide.He did not rush me and took the time to make me comfortable. It felt that his like my best friend. He has truly made my experience in New York unforgettable. He took beautiful pictures and almost the pictures of a professional photographer. It was a great album photo. I got extra from him without charge. If I ever go back to New York, I'll not hesitate to book.
I definitely recommend you all try this amazing human being. I'll never forget my trip, you made it so special. Thank you so much. You are one of a kind.
Daniela
August 2023
I've been to different tours in different cities, I've been in NY several times and "knew" most of the places we went to. But Elie made me love NY more than I thought I could. He knows a lot and will be happy to answer any questions. He'll show you spots that don't seem important but actually have a lot of history and not even New Yorkers know... he will guide you and also take pictures and give you time to see what you want to see, he has no problem adapting to what the person or group likes. This was a special tour and I will never forget it. Thank you Elie!
Ayobami
July 2023
Absolutely amazing and very informative session. Mr.Elie is a seasoned tour guide and he even adjusted and accommodated us during the duration. We arrived a bit late but Mr.Elie was able to restructure the tour and we hit a lot of amazing areas. His storytelling and storytelling personal anecdotes showed that he is not only knowledgeable but an excellent orator. I would 100% do it again and I recommend any NYC tourists to participate!
Mathilde
July 2023
It was an absolutely amazing experience that Elie showed us around NY. He was great at telling us about the city, and eventually we got a great digital album with great photos.
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Chelsea
July 2023
Booking a tour with Elie was the single greatest decision I made when creating my itinerary for New York. It was magnificent. To say he was knowledgeable is a grave understatement. Our group learned so much but also had a great time. If youre thinking about just book it! You won't regret it!
Antoine
July 2023
Elie is passionate about NYC and feels like it! He is here to make you love this city ask him and he will take you wherever you want!
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Claudia
July 2023
Elie was wonderful. She has a wealth of knowledge of the area and culture. Made us feel very safe,our tour was fun and interesting. On our next visit we will look for it.
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Zaid
July 2023
Elie was amazing. Very enthusiastic host and showed us so many amazing areas and points. It was the best walking tour I’ve ever been on!
Aviel
June 2023
Elie has enlightened us with so many great stories about the origins of New York the history what made and still makes NYC the best city in the world. The emphasis is less about check in every sight but getting the stories behind those neighborhoods. Elie stories were fascinating which cause go over time. Time management could an opportunity but overall WOW! Elie thanks for sharing the time and knowledge.
Fiona
June 2023
Elie's tour is a great experience. He is very knowledgeable and really brings New York to life. He tailors it to the individuals on the tour and takes an interest in finding out about each person. I can highly recommend
Mimi
June 2023
Elie is very knowledgeable about NYC and all its history and statistics, which made the tour a lot more contextual and intriguing. He's flexible in accommodating our request to stop for a bite and change destinations due to interests. We would highly recommend touring NYC with Elie!
Richard
June 2023
This was a wonderful tour with an incredibly knowledgeable and interesting host. Elie was great to spend time with and he was very generous with his time and flexed the tour as needed for our interests. Highly recommend!
Nyezee
June 2023
The experience was truly incredible and couldn’t have asked for anyone better. Elie went above and beyond to make sure we had a bespoke experience that was curated for what we wanted to see and do. Not only he was very communicative and patient with us even though we were late. His experience and knowledge is priceless
Paigge
June 2023
Best walking tour in NYC. 🌟 Would 100% recommend!!
Elie is such a wonderful guide, he’s so passionate about New York, he has endless knowledge about the city, and is such a great story teller. I’ll definitely be bringing more family and friends on this tour when they visit the city.
Janine
June 2023
If you want to receive a tour from someone who literally knows about every aspect of NY city from its fascinating history to the best place to get a slice of NY pizza, then Elie is your man. We were so impressed with his knowledge, kindness and sincerity. He went out of his way to make sure we could find our way around the city Don’t think twice about booking your tour with him- you will love it!
Bridgette
May 2023
Elie is amazing! I loved his energy. His knowledge of the city and its history is remarkable. You can tell he loves this city. Skip the hop on/off bus crowds and take this tour instead.
Tanea
May 2023
Excellent tour of NYC. as others have said, Elie is extremely knowledgeable. He is personable and takes care and attention to set the appropriate level for his visitors. I enjoyed the tour very much and endorse it to all.
Leticia
May 2023
We spent 1 week in New York City and the highlight of our trip was our tour with Elie! He exceeded all our expectations. He is so knowledgeable that its mind-blowing, I am sure you can not come up with a question he wouldn't know the answer to, when it comes to New York...in addition he is sooo fun, kind, has the best recommendations where to eat and hang out! Seriously guys, if you come to visit the city do yourself a favour, and book your tour with Elie! its impossible to find a better tour and a better guide than him.
Nikki
May 2023
Elie was a fabulous tour guide. The tour went longer because he took us to more places than what was originally planned. Elie caters the tour to the participants and showed us even more fantastic places because he knew what the group would enjoy seeing AAA+
Maritess
May 2023
It was a great tour to learn about the common and lesser known history of NYC. Elie was really knowledgeable and friendly. We had a great group of people so it was nice to mingle with others.
Ajrina
May 2023
Thank you Elie for being the best tour guide for me. The tour was entertaining and informative, and I truly enjoyed your expertise, knowledge and stories. Highly recommended, Elie such a brilliant. History teller and bring the history to life!
Marcus
May 2023
One of the most informative tour i have done. There were numerous insightful and thoughtful sharing of the location by Elie. Elie had deep knowledge of the city and history. In addition, it was a photography tour as well because Elie will go out of the way to help you take portrait photos of yourself. I highly recommend anyone seeing this to join it.
Faustine
May 2023
my husband and I booked a tour on May 15 and it was amazing. after few days in nyc we were wondering what is leading to make NyC the greatest city. through history, geography, and the specificities Elie passed by during the city tour, we were able to feel it ! Elie was wonderful : he personalised the tour due to our questions and interests. Thanks a loooot Elie ! all the best for the next visits
Blaine
May 2023
My husband, two kids (18 and 14), and I really enjoyed this walking tour. It was small and personal, and Elie was incredibly knowledgeable about the neighborhoods, NYC history, and more. We highly recommend this tour!
Sean
May 2023
Elie was a fantastic human being to journey with through New York. He loves this city and it comes through with the wealth of information he provides and the heart he puts into it. We were already falling in love with New York and he expanded on it with information about the history, culture, and soul of the city. Thank you so much for a fantastic day.
Janine
May 2023
Elie is truly the best tour guide you'll ever meet. Passionate, thoughtful and very very very knowledgeable. He's just amazing. Reccommend him 100%
Gillian
April 2023
Elie was an amazing host - an engaging and informative guide, a wonderful storyteller and all-round lovely person. And while the tour covered a lot of ground as promised, Elie kept it flexible and in tune with our own questions and needs, making it a wonderful and dynamic New York City experience!
Nickie
April 2023
I had the privilege to have Elie’s company all by myself and the walking tour extended to 6 hours around the city with drinks and ice cream.
As this is my first time visiting NYC, this tour was just what I needed. Elie was knowledgeable about the city and I learnt so much in just one day.
Elie is very fun to be around and made me feel very welcomed.
Jason
April 2023
If Elie has availability, reserve your spot! You won’t regret it. As a guide, his personable style is only matched by his command of NYC’s rich history. Though only in town for two days, we left with a broader appreciation of New York thanks to Elie and MetroHike.
Gilad
April 2023
Elie is very dedicated to this tour and his guests. His knowledge is amazing and full with interesting details. Elie has the perfect vibe for tour like that which influence the interaction between the participants . Highly recommend and we will try to take another tour with Elie on the upper side of the city
Tyler
April 2023
Highly recommend booking this tour with Elie. He has a deep knowledge of the city and perspective that makes this tour much more special than a typical site seeing tour you might consider. Highly recommended!
Nadine
April 2023
This was a great way to get our bearings in NYC. We'd been here for a few weeks, but hadn't fully grasped the magic of the city until Elie showed us the sites and their significance. Elie did this tour even though only two of us showed up, and he personalized the tour to our specific interests. Don't miss seeing NY through Elie's eyes!
Markus
March 2023
I have really enjoyed the trip with Elie. He has a large knowledge and can tell you a lot about the history of NYC. The tour lasted longer than expected but it was worth it! Recommend it.
Kerry
February 2023
This was an unforgettable experience with Elie and I can’t recommend it enough. Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about NY but he was a great friend to spend the day with. Book this tour!
Dan
February 2023
Literally Epic! We’d do this tour again just to hang out with Elie. His passion for the tour and depth of knowledge was extraordinary. Don’t think about it, book it!
Lana
January 2023
Elie was a great storyteller and knows a lot about the city. I highly recommend his tour for anyone visiting NYC for the first or maybe even the second time and wants to get to see and learn about most of the key spots!
Philip
January 2023
I greatly enjoyed this tour, we covered a lot of ground and a vast array of information about numerous New York neighborhoods. Our wonderful guide Elie shared unforgettable stories throughout the tour and took fantastic pictures of each guest, making this tour my most memorable experience during my weekend trip. Thanks Elie!
Jeffrey
January 2023
Elie was an amazing tour guide… his knowledge of the history of the city was not only exceptional… his ability to communicate his knowledge was exceptional… we enjoyed our experience greatly… and made a new friend
Super super super!!!
Take this tour folks
Very much worth it
Mohammad Saber
January 2023
I had a wonderful experience in this NYC hike tour. The host was courteous, very knowledgeable about the sites visited and the history of NYC, a great storyteller, and accommodating to reasonable personal requests (for example taking nice photos of me at different locations). I definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a short yet enjoyable tour of NYC with a great host.
Becky
December 2022
After reading the reviews, I knew this was the perfect tour to book. Elie was as amazing as previous guests had shared. We therefore had high expectations of the tour and still walked away thrilled with the experience. I booked this for my daughter and her fiancè who are considering moving to NYC. They only had a few days in the city and this was the perfect way to learn as much as possible. Elie spent so much extra time with them and they were blown away. His knowledge, friendliness, genuine love of the city (and his amazing photography skills lol) made for a perfect day. Would highly, highly recommend!
Vaibhaav
December 2022
I landed on xmas morning, and wasnt sure what to do, so I took up this tour. Honestly, it has been one of the best Airbnb experiences i have ever been to. Ellie was extremely knowledgable about the city and had a great understanding about various subjects too apart from just showing me places. Truly a class apart in terms of showing someone a city like NYC that has a great diversity and history. Since it was xmas day, ellie made sure he gave me a good tour covering areas that would still be open on xmas, and truly it was a tour like none another. I wouldnt know alot of facts about nyc if ellie didnt inform me about them. Above all, he is very courteous- it was xmas day and probably no one would have taken someone on a tour (alone) just to spend their day away from their family, but he was kind enough to understand my position and showed me the iconic city in a great manner. I’d truly recommend anyone who is in nyc to take a tour with ellie, and you will surely not regret it. My highest recommendation to the best tour in NYC!!
Samantha
December 2022
Elie is truly a man who loves his city and sharing it with others. I had a unique experience in that the family that was supposed to be on the tour had to cancel bc of COVID. Well instead of canceling with me bc I was just one person, Elie changed the plan and added more than I ever expected. It went from a 3-hour highlights tour to a leisurely 6 hours of seeing and experiencing places I would have never seen or known to go. We stopped for breaks when we needed them, and talked the entire time. Elie has so much knowledge about NYC and I learned so much. What really made it special though was how he took the time to get to know me and made it such a personal experience with such an authentically personal connection. I would recommend his tours to anyone going to visit NYC.
Jason
December 2022
Our family of 4 (13 year old girl and 7 year old boy) had a fantastic time with Elie. He personally fashioned our hike to keep the kids entertained… and educated us all along the way. Fantastic historical facts and good conversation. We had such a great time we booked a second hike with Elie 3 days later! We highly recommend for anyone who would like to learn more about the great NYC.
Kandy
December 2022
Go with Elie.. he goes out of his way to make sure you experience the NYC he is passionate about. Absolutely loved my days with him. 100% recommend
Ife
December 2022
Elie was a fantastic tour guide and host!! We had a wonderful time learning about New York- its history, its present, architecture, and more! Elie even helped us get dinner reservations at an iconic restaurant, and took us to places off the beaten path.
Gerald
December 2022
Elie was an amazing guide and truly knowledgeable host to New York, and personalized the tour for us to have the best experiences possible despite the fog and drizzle. He even helped us for later parts of my trip to get a reservation and recommended further places to explore and things to do. Full 100, 5/5 score for this wonderful tour.
Michele
December 2022
This is a must-do tour of New York. Elie is very passionate about his amazing city and shares its highlights in a most engaging way with you as you explore the city together. He spent so much time with us today, adapting the tour to our interests and needs. We stopped for a fantastic pizza🍕, and he even managed to secure us a dinner reservation for later in the evening. He showed us the most amazing secret view point, and even though we'd been to a couple of the stops before, we realised that we had missed so much without Elie as our guide. I can not recommend this tour with Elie enough.
Dee
December 2022
Elie gave my boyfriend and I a day to remember in New York City! As there were only two of us that day, he went above and beyond to customize our tour. He is very knowledgeable about NYC. As an urban planner by trade, he used statistical, architectural and historical context to enrich every aspect of the tour. He also has a compelling personal story from growing up in New York. On two occasions, people on other tours leaned in to listen to him! All in all, A magical and memorable day! Highly recommend Elie.
Jennifer
November 2022
Elie is an amazing guide! His passion, appreciation and knowledge of NYC is extraordinary and you cant help but leave his tour feeling the same. He personalized the tour to our group and was very accommodating and went above and beyond. We left the tour feeling like we had found true resource and friend in the city. We had 4 teenagers in our group and he kept them engaged and interested and made excellent recommendations for the remainder of our stay. I highly recommend Elie if you really want to see the city from the perspective of a local who truly loves the city. We all have a much better appreciation of the city that we never ever would have received on any other tour.
Janet
November 2022
If I could give this experience more than five stars,
I absolutely would. Elie knows and loves this city and shared all of that with us in a way that was deeply engaging, educational and fun. I have been on private tours in Tokyo, Rome, Florence, etc. and this one was the best experience ever. If you want to see, hear and feel Manhattan through the eyes of someone who is not only professionally educated about the urban geography, but also calls this place home and shares all of that experience, this is your tour. You will not be disappointed.
Robert
November 2022
We selected Elie’s tour based on reviews/all reviews give an excellent summary of all Elie offers/would highly recommend for an introduction to NYC!
Russell
November 2022
Now look here and read my review about Elie’s MetroHike walk in NYC. Walking about a city is always the best to understand and feel a place, to get close to its soul. Everywhere I travel I always try and get a professionally lead walking hike, the only thing is some of those professionals aren’t overly passionate, or practically knowledgeable. I booked Elie’s walk on AirBNB, it was for three hours, and we met at the designated meeting point…and next I had one of the most amazing, soulful, beautiful, informative travel moments I’ve ever had. I’m 62 years old, I’ve travelled the world a lot, but nothing could beat the walk I did with Elie (and the lovely Lisa) around NYC. What started as a three-hour walk ended as an eight-hour epic. I also found a lifelong friend in Elie, and he made me fall in love with New York even more.
Sofía Lorena
October 2022
Hi guys!
I recommend Elie’s tours 100%, he turned my first time in NY into a high level experience, walk for NY streets like a local, live the NY in all senses, I just want to say THANK YOU ELIE, you are the most kind and profesional tour guide ever.
You made my dream come true, so know I understand why the iconic phase: I ♥️ NY…
Kathy
October 2022
Absolutely amazing tour for our family of four. Elie has insider information and tailored our tour to fit. Hands down the best tour we have taken in any city!
Egle
October 2022
Through Elie's storytelling and lead I felt in love with NY. Ellie was so resourceful and caring, and he made us, a small group of travellers, welcomed and curious. It was fun, interesting and easy to go along, take pictures, and to be shown all these little details, that normally go unnoticed if you don't known where to look. Yet, it's in those details that the spirit of the city is most alive. Loved the hike, and highly recommend to those curiuos about the invisible :-)
Antonia
October 2022
What an epic hike indeed! We were a small pleasant group of 4 women, following Ellie literally everywhere. If you only have limited time in New York this is the tour to book. We walked together for over six hours and at the end of the day I had the feeling I had seen all the important sites/neighborhoods of New York, great views and much more than that. Elie brings a personal touch to this experience and one can feel his passion for the city and his job. I would definitely recommend this tour to people who are not afraid of walking a lot, wear your most comfortable shoes, bring a drink and snack - there’s not too many breaks :-) Thank you Ellie and take care.
Kim
October 2022
Elie and his Urban Hike was AMAZING! He was so knowledgeable, informative and approachable that our tour was one of my most enjoyable tours ever! We visited so many neighborhoods and places of interest, and learned lots of interesting background stories. And since our group was small (myself and a friend, plus two other “new friends” from Germany and Lithuania, Elie was able to personalize our tour to our interests. He was also a great photographer!! I would highly recommend Elie and his tour to anyone who’s interested in seeing NYC in more detail!
Dima
October 2022
What an epic experience that was!
You can tell that Elie not only knows a lot about NYC, but he's also in love with it. It's difficult to find people who are so passionate about something.
I was the only person on the hike, but Elie didn't cancel it. We've started by foot and at some point we've decided to take Citi bikes. In the end, we've managed to explore even more areas than I expected. Elie also took some awesome photos of me!
If you love New York, this experience will be a cherry on top of your trip.
Laura
October 2022
I wholeheartedly recommend a MetroHike tour with Elie. His deep knowledge and passion for New York--and cities in general--shine through. His experience as a local means you're in good hands every step of the way; he'll navigate you through every neighborhood and street with ease and enthusiasm (and a good story or two!). Elie becomes not only your guide, but your friend. I learned a ton, but the best part about the tour for me was that it deepened my appreciation and awe for the great city that is New York. Looking forward to my next trip to NY and my next MetroHike!
Jane
October 2022
Eli’s tour of lower Manhattan was a great experience. We covered so much stuff including many secret gems, known only to a true local. He has great knowledge of the history and architecture of Manhattan.
A highly recommended tour, with a great guy, thanks Eli!
Jorge
October 2022
Awesome!!! I will encourage to be part of Elie Experience. Such a great guide, lot of experience and knowledge to share. But over all a great person that does this with passion.
Angela
September 2022
elie is amazing and this said from a very experienced traveller in my late 40s.
So where to start
first of all he is hugely knowledgeable - he knows and loves cities and travel himself. he is passionate about NYC but also super customer focused
he’s very intelligent, engaging and funny so he’s great company.
We booked his epic tour very late notice like midnight on a saturday for sunday and it turned out we were his only two guests that day. Lucky us! it also turned out it was the last day of an italian festival in little italy so we ended up sitting down and sharing a meal - 5 hours later and it was time to part but he still went over and above.
We checked out the financial district, tribeca, soho, little italy.
he then said let’s finish the rest of the tour tomorrow which was hugely generous given he had already spent 5 hours with us.
he is also an amazing photographer and captured some really beautiful unexpected photos.
so the next day we had another 5 hours together and he still wouldn’t let us pay anymore.
So now that NYC just wouldn’t be the same without Elies help we have booked two more bespoke tours with him. He’s going to show us around the boroughs taking us to brooklyn, queens and part of harlem too.
We are then going to do a night tour of great live music venues and bars.
Elie is passionate and so knowledgeable.
He’s really made a huge impact on our time in NYC.
Do yourselves a favour and book him! Best walking tour/urban hike i’ve ever been on and i’ve done over 30 around the world
Thxs Elie
Huge thanks from Ken and Angela from New Zealand
Neil
September 2022
Elie was a great guide. We walked through several neighborhoods in south Manhattan. He gave a lot of insight into the history of the area as well as details of the buildings and other landmarks. I'd suggest booking this early in your trip so that you have the chance to return to any neighborhoods or areas that seemed most interesting to you.
Josefina
August 2022
Such a passionate guide! Got an amazing hike and lots of fascinating facts and surprises. Highly recommend it for those who are energetic and want to get their steps in! Loved it!
Chris
July 2022
The MetroHike Elie led was much better than I expected. There were only 4 people taking the tour, which made for quite a personalized experience. It's obvious to tell that Elie really knows the history not only of NYC, but of the specific places we visited on the tour.
I can definitely say I got more out of this tour (including exercise) than just about any other tour I've been on. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see NYC the way most New Yorkers see it; by walking and using public transit.
Brett
July 2022
This tour was fantastic. It was more like walking around with a friend than a tour guide. But a friend who was a local who knew all the great spots and shared interesting information. Elie is friendly, knowledgeable, professional, and deeply cares about his subject matter. He clearly loves nyc and it’s contagious. Highly recommended. Elie also asked questions about us and subtly tailored the tour to our interests and abilities.
Cathy
July 2022
Elie was an incredibly passionate and knowledgeable guide. This is not a whirlwind your where you rush from one tourist attraction to another as fast as possible. Elie took the time to answer all our questions and really get into some of the interesting history and facts of the city. Of course in doing so we did also happen to see many noteworthy buildings and monuments. Overall a very interesting and engaging tour, if we had more time in the city we definitely would have joined some of his other tours!
Christin
June 2022
This experience was MORE than we could ever ask for! My husband and I make it a priority to do a walking tour of each new city we explore and this tour was incredible. From the amazing storytelling to suggestions on where we should go, I would recommend this experience to anyone and everyone!
Ben
April 2022
This is a fantastic hike through Manhattan. Elie knows the neighborhoods inside out and made it fun and entertaining. I went with my 3 teenage kids and Elie managed to keep them interested and engaged for the duration of the tour. I would recommend this for families as well as anyone looking for an experience that combines walking and storytelling
Garry
April 2022
Elie provided our family a one of a kind New York metro hike experience. As we walked through the different neighborhoods, Elie shared the history and his personal experiences living in New York a long the way. There's no other way to discover this city other than walking and learning. Elie is passionate about New York and it shows. We highly recommend metro hike. Thanks Elie!
Monica
March 2022
Ellie’s Metrohike tour of 9 iconic neighborhoods far exceeded our expectations! Ellie is a NYC native with a high level and wide breadth of knowledge. We had such a fun and memorable day. We’re pleased to recommend this tour to every person visiting NYC, and will certainly be seeing Ellie again in the future.
Aram
March 2022
This was one of the best travel experiences of my life. I’ve been to New York many times, but never experienced it like this. Elie is a exceptional tour guide, excellent speaker and a true believer in NYC. I think that even a local would have an amazing time on this tour, and I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to experience the city through the eyes of someone who truly loves it.
Mark
May 2023
For one who wants to learn . . . the experience exceeds expectations majorly.
Robbie
May 2023
Loved this tour. Elie was so knowledgeable about literally everything and created a great vibe.
Valerie
May 2023
New York expert ++. Must do when in NYC. Elie's knowledge and passion for his city is amazing.
Arnaud
May 2023
Elie has been a fantastic host and Metrohike is just such a great project! Thanks for showing us around your beloved city.
George
March 2023
Awesome tour with Ellie. He was so informative and showed us so many cool
things. It was our best NYC experience ever.
Craig
March 2023
Elie was fantastic. looking forward to seeing Metro Hike in Australia soon!
Brandy
March 2023
Ellie was absolutely great! He gave so many “extras” during the hike…stories, pictures and personalization!!!! Do this your!
Mauro
February 2023
Elie è un narratore emozionante, l’accuratezza delle sue informazioni rende unica questa esperienza per le strade di New York
Cindy
December 2022
The tour with Elie was delightful. Elie is knowledgeable, energetic, & fun.
Alex
November 2022
Great tour. Elie was awesome!
Liisa
October 2022
Elie was a great storyteller and we saw so many things we would’ve missed if we wouldn’t have had this tour!
Nicole
October 2022
only one word: outstanding!
Kristin
August 2022
Absolutely fantastic tour! I was looking for something different than your typical walking tour and Elie definitely provided it. Thank you!
Janet
April 2022
We heard about metrohike from a friend and given the reference booked. The experience far exceeded our expectations. We are a well-travelled family that loves adventure and new countries. We appreciate the famous spots but truly value the local experience and history. Elie surpassed all expectations giving us a once in a lifetime tour of his native NYC. This man knows his stuff and more importantly celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of NYC. We experienced several neighborhoods but really got to see and hear what is special about each. Elie we can't thank you enough for showing us your city. It was an experience that our family will cherish for years. I cannot recommend this experience enough!
Melissa
April 2022
Every time I have visitors in town, I make sure to set up a Metrohike. My guests always have such a fun, unique, and memorable experience that just isn’t your typical tour of New York. Plus, Elie is such a pleasure to spend an afternoon with, no matter how many times I go on one of his hikes, I always learn something new! The absolute perfect way to spend a day and be a tourist in your own city.
Carol
April 2022
I'm usually the "planner" when it comes to travel, and I booked a MetroHike for the 4 of us. The experience far exceeded my expectations. Elie's knowledge of anything New York - from the history, to restaurants, little holes in the walls for drinks or music, to where to get THE best pizza in Soho made the tour fun and exciting! My daughter and her friend (both 19) had an equally fun time. Elie recommended spots for them to discover should they want to come back on their own. Thank you, Elie for the white glove treatment -we appreciated it, and had a wonderful time. I will recommend Metrohike to anyone going to New York, first timers, or repeat visitors!
Ava
April 2022
I visited NYC for the very first time about two weeks ago. We were blown away. My friend Jade and I along with my parents were shown the best of the best of NYC. From the Staten Island Ferry up to Soho! We absolutely loved it. I knew NYC had a lot of history, but there was so much more to learn and discover about this wonderful city, thanks to Elie, the true New Yorker, we feel we now know and appreciate this unique city. We cant wait to go back, and after graduating college, may look into living in New York City. We loved it that much! Thank you, Elie!