We’ve Got Our Finger on the City’s Pulse
Come Explore New York with Us
Welcome to New York City! Whether you’re planning your first or fortieth visit to the Big Apple, we are thrilled that you’re considering joining us for a true New York experience. New York City is home to some of the most important events in American history, major milestones in urban planning and development, and amazing cultural diversity. A guidebook is a good resource to educate you on the basics, but we believe the best way to really get to know the pulse of this great city is through the eyes of local New Yorkers. That’s where we come in. We started Metro Tours with the goal of bringing a fresh and fun approach to educational walking tours.
Over our nearly 15 collective years here, we have cultivated comprehensive and ever-evolving guides to all things New York City to pass along to friends and family, and we look forward to being able to share them with you. We relish the chance to help a confused tourist find their way to the World Trade Center Memorial or navigate the subway system. We love to show visitors that while it may be true that New Yorkers are always busy, they are also warm, welcoming, and helpful. We believe that this hospitality-focused approach is what sets Metro Tours apart. We may only be together for a few hours of the day, but you can consider us your go-to source on all things New York City during your stay. It would be our pleasure to help ensure that you have the best visit possible.
It is our privilege to call New York City home. We met here, married during a two-year stint in Chicago, and returned in July 2018 with a renewed appreciation for all that we missed. To get to know us each a little better, check out the Q&A section of our site. We hope to meet you here in New York soon.
“You are here. Let’s explore it together!”
Warmly,
Justin and Laura
Meet Justin
How long have you lived in NYC?
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This is my second time living in New York City. After leaving the city for a job opportunity, we realized that our home was here in New York. We moved back in 2018 and are here to stay.
Favorite place to spend a sunny Saturday in NYC?
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For me, I love to walk around South Street Seaport on a sunny day. I am a sucker for cobblestone streets and eating outside. The perfect day is when you can catch a game on a big screen and sit outside. There’s nothing better. Plus, it’s dog friendly, so Riley gets to tag along.
Favorite restaurant in NYC?
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I’m not sure if it’s my favorite restaurant, but my absolute favorite food is Vongole pizza at Brunetti Pizzeria in the West Village. Clams and garlic butter — it’s incredible. I can neither confirm nor deny that I’ve eaten an entire pizza myself.
Favorite Broadway show?
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Fun Home is the show that pops into my head when you ask me that question, so I’ll go with that. It was one of the first shows I saw with Laura, so it holds some sentimental value as well. Can someone please tell her I said that?
Favorite place in NYC to catch a game?
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Yankee Stadium is iconic and everyone should go at least once, but being a soccer fan, there is nothing like watching local teams play pick-up games at small parks like Roosevelt Park in the Lower East Side.
Favorite NYC neighborhood?
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If anything can feel like a neighborhood in New York City, it’s the West Village. Brownstones and tree-lined streets with a great food scene, and did I mention that clam pizza??
Favorite NYC-based show or movie?
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I grew up in the 90s, how can I not say Home Alone 2? KEVIN!!!
Favorite destinations other than NYC?
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Growing up in the Midwest meant beaches weren’t exactly around the corner, so even to this day, my favorite places are near water. Santorini, Ko Samui, and Capri are a few of the places I’ve most enjoyed visiting.
Meet Laura
How long have you lived in NYC?
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10 years total: it was nine when we moved away, and we have been back for a year. I think after 10 years, I can officially call myself a New Yorker!
Favorite place to spend a sunny Saturday in NYC?
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Going for a run in Central Park is absolutely magical. There are so many different kinds of people out and about enjoying the nice weather, and you can take in some of the most iconic views of the city like the Plaza Hotel (see Justin’s favorite NYC-based movie…“KEVIN!”).
Favorite restaurant in NYC?
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Eleven Madison Park is the most incredible dining experience I have ever had.
Favorite Broadway show?
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Someone told me Justin said Fun Home, which is sweet. For me, it would be too close to call between Hamilton and Rent. New York City is such an important part of both of those stories, so I consider myself lucky to have seen both on their original stages in NYC.
Favorite place in NYC to catch a game?
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The Barclays Center. I’ve been able to catch Tar Heel basketball there a few times, and it has the very best food vendors.
Favorite NYC neighborhood?
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For me, the Upper West is classic, old-school NYC and feels a bit tamer than the rest of the city. I also love where we live in the Financial District – there is so much history here. A lot of people think that America’s foundation was laid in Washington, D.C. or Philadelphia, but NYC has a much bigger role than many know. Alexander Hamilton is buried just a few blocks from our apartment.
Favorite NYC-based show or movie?
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Could it BE any more obvious? Friends.
Favorite destinations other than NYC?
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I like to adventure and learn on vacation. Florence, Hong Kong, London, and Berlin have been memorable learning trips. There are important pieces of world history in each of those cities, not to mention incredible food! As for American cities, I have family in New Orleans and have spent a lot of time there in my life. I may be biased, but it is a special city unlike any other.
Want to join our team?
We’re always on the lookout for new talent and amazing personalities to add to our team. If you’re interested in working with us, please fill out the form below and attach your resume, and we’ll get back to you soon.