When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Greg Walks NYC
Why Greg Walks NYC is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Greg Walks NYC offers an exceptional opportunity to explore New York City's rich culinary and cultural heritage through engaging walking food tours in the vibrant neighborhoods of Greenwich Village and the East Village. Founded in 2016 by Greg Marro, a passionate licensed NYC tour guide with over 30 years of local experience, these tours are more than just tastings—they are immersive experiences that combine delicious food, fascinating history, and lively music. Greg’s personality, which blends humor, storytelling, and even spontaneous singing, creates a fun and interactive atmosphere that appeals to locals and visitors alike. The tours cover unique themes such as the Italian Food Tour, the Polish Pierogi Walk, the Music and Food Tour, and the LGBTQ+ History and Food Tour, all designed to reveal hidden gems and the rich immigrant and cultural stories behind the neighborhoods. Each 2-hour tour accommodates small groups to foster personal connections and interaction. Highlights include authentic food tastings like fresh pasta, mozzarella, pizza slices, meatball subs, and traditional pierogis, complemented by historical insights and musical interludes. Greg's dedication to his craft and the high-quality experience he offers have earned him a perfect 5.0 rating with over 500 reviews and prestigious accolades such as multiple Viator Badges of Excellence and Tripadvisor Certificates of Excellence, making Greg Walks NYC a premier choice for memorable, educational, and entertaining outings with friends or family.
Here's what people think of Greg Walks NYC
As of recent, Greg Walks NYC holds a 5-star rating based on 517 reviews.
User reviews of Greg Walks NYC consistently praise the exceptional quality of the tours, highlighting Greg’s upbeat, knowledgeable, and engaging guiding style. Many guests appreciate how the tours skillfully balance tasty food samples with rich historical narratives and cultural anecdotes, making the experience both educational and enjoyable across age groups. Positive reviews often mention the variety and freshness of the food offerings, the personal attention given in small groups, and Greg’s ability to create a friendly and lively atmosphere through storytelling and his occasional singing. The tours are described as family-friendly and inclusive, with accommodations for different languages including Spanish and Italian on request. On the less frequent side, some reviews note logistical matters such as limited availability on certain dates or tour size restrictions, but these are minor compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback. Overall, reviewers conclude that Greg Walks NYC provides an outstanding and authentic New York City experience that nourishes both the palate and the mind, with guests frequently returning for other tours and recommending them to friends and family, confirming Greg’s reputation as a top-tier walking food tour provider in NYC.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
A M
Greg was outstanding and a wonderful tour guide! We had a blast. The food was delicious and the walk wasn’t over tiring for a young child. Enough breaks and snacks along the way and good story telling of his family and of the area. We really enjoyed it and want to book his other tours next time we’re in the area. Recommend booking Greg 100 times over. I can still smell the amazing aromas of the places we went inside and I would request ANYTHING from the fresh pasta stop as my last meal. The history mixed with phenomenal bites will be remembered forever. Thank you Greg!
bruce atkins
Fantastic few hours spent with Greg with unrivalled knowledge of not only little Italy food scene but also NYC as a whole. What a lovely man, full of life, fun and love, highly recommended.
Susan C
Fabulous tour! Greg is knowledgeable, personable and a very fun tour leader! He shared great stories about the area with us and treated us to tasty bites from various proprietors. The food was delicious and better than similar food we had eaten elsewhere. Highly recommend this tour!
Ronny Pangia
What a wonderful time spent with Greg today during our NYC Greenwich Village Music and Food Tour. Not only do we get to try many delightful culinary treats but we get to hear the fascinating music history tidbits that this area had to offer. Food for your ears, mind and tummies. Greg is very engaging and has a natural ability to tell stories. Audio snippets will be heard, great musical facts be told, and mouth-watering samples such as pastries and NY staples such as bagels and pizza to be eaten. Thanks again Greg for making the Village shine through your passion.
Anderson Rojas
I’ve never been on a food tour before, so I went into this blind and curious as to what it would be like and I was left very grateful. Greg has such a welcoming and bright spirit that instantly makes you feel comfortable he has such a way to keep you engaged and have the whole experience be light and exciting. Such a great experience thank you.
How to reach Greg Walks NYC
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Why Greg Walks NYC may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Greg Walks NYC with your friends? Because it offers an exceptional, engaging, and memorable way to explore New York City’s vibrant food and cultural scenes, especially in iconic neighborhoods like Greenwich Village and the East Village. With a perfect 5.0 rating from over 500 reviews, Greg Walks NYC has earned a reputation for its friendly, knowledgeable guides and immersive, tasty walking tours that bring history, flavor, and laughter all into one experience. Gathering your friends here means you’re not just eating food; you’re sharing stories, learning about diverse cultures, discovering hidden gems, and creating lasting memories together as you stroll through some of NYC’s most charming and historic neighborhoods. The small-group formats foster an intimate, social environment perfect for connection and conversation, all while sampling a variety of authentic, mouthwatering dishes. Whether your group is into Italian classics, Eastern European delicacies, LGBTQ+ history, or the rich musical heritage of Greenwich Village, Greg Walks NYC provides customized, award-winning tours that are as entertaining as they are educational. This makes it a top choice for a meetup spot that is interactive, fun, and uniquely suited to groups looking for more than just a meal out—it’s an experience to share and savor.
What activities does Greg Walks NYC offer for group meetups? Greg Walks NYC specializes in immersive walking food tours around iconic NYC neighborhoods, blending delicious food tastings with rich cultural and historic storytelling. The main offerings include:
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Greenwich Village Meatball Tasting Food Tour: This two-hour tour dives into the history and variety of meatballs, sampling Italian, Spanish, and other cultural versions throughout Greenwich Village. It combines food exploration with visits to landmarks like Washington Square Park and Bleecker Street, perfect for groups interested in a culinary adventure paired with urban discovery.
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East Village Polish Food Tour: Celebrating Polish-American heritage, this tour offers hearty Eastern European pierogi, spicy kielbasa, apple cake, pazcki donuts, and classic New York egg creams. It also explores historical sites like St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and the Yiddish Walk of Fame, ideal for groups who appreciate food tied to rich immigrant stories and fun communal energy.
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Greenwich Village LGBTQ+ History and Food Tour: This newest addition looks at important LGBTQ+ landmarks and history in the Village while sampling iconic neighborhood eats such as Black and White cookies, Italian ice, and fresh mozzarella sandwiches. Groups interested in social history, cultural appreciation, and great food find this tour especially rewarding.
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Greenwich Village Music and Food Tour: For groups that love music history as well as food, this tour explores the Village's musical roots alongside tastings of local specialties. It’s a multi-sensory experience combining the cultural vibe of NYC’s bohemian past with flavorful eats.
Each tour is designed for small groups to maximize interaction, dialogue, and fun. The guides speak English, Italian, and Spanish, catering to diverse groups and making the experience inclusive. Private, team-building, and bilingual tours are also available, enhancing flexibility for different group sizes or special occasions.
Why is Greg Walks NYC perfect for group meetups? The business focuses on intimate, engaging tours that foster connection through shared experiences, which between sampling delicious food and exploring lively streets creates an atmosphere conducive to bonding. The small group sizes (usually capped at 12 people) means nobody feels lost in the crowd; everyone gets to participate fully, ask questions, and enjoy the personalized attention of the guides. Moreover, the neighborhoods visited—Greenwich and East Village—are themselves perfect for groups, offering a blend of iconic sights, colorful culture, and bustling local spots that spark conversation and excitement.
The food tastings scattered across the tour act as natural pauses where groups can relax, compare flavors, and enjoy a communal feast without the constraints of a traditional meal setting. It’s an interactive, informal alternative to sit-down restaurants, making it easier for groups to mingle and engage more dynamically. The tours’ blend of history, culture, and gastronomy are also highly customizable, ensuring that any meetup—whether a casual gathering or a celebratory event—feels unique and meaningful.
Additionally, Greg Walks NYC’s strong reputation, evidenced by numerous positive reviews and awards for excellence, assures groups that they will receive a high-quality experience from expert guides who are passionate about NYC’s food and history. This reliability builds trust, making it a safe, enjoyable option for anyone planning group outings.
What unique food experiences can I expect on the tours? Greg Walks NYC tours expertly pair local foods with neighborhood histories, offering tastes you might not find easily outside NYC’s diverse communities. For example, on the Italian Food Tour in Greenwich Village, expect fresh-made pastas, decadent chocolates, savory paninis, and classic meatballs representing over a century of Italian immigrant culinary tradition. The flavors tell a story of family and neighborhood pride.
On the Polish Food Tour, the pierogi sampled are authentic, with fillings and preparations passed down through generations. Along with sweet apple cake, traditional kielbasa, and luscious Polish donuts, the tastes are hearty, comforting, and perfect for groups who love trying genuine ethnic dishes. The inclusion of classic New York egg cream and top-rated challah bread acts as a nod to NYC’s broader food culture.
The LGBTQ+ Food and History Tour offers a colorful spectrum from sweet to savory, including rainbow Italian ice and classy pan au chocolates, serving as culinary landmarks that enhance the poignant historical sites visited. Similarly, the Music Tour includes foods linked by local tradition and iconic venues, inviting groups to taste history as much as flavors.
Why is the cultural and historical context important in these tours? Each tour weaves together food sampling with storytelling about the people, places, and pivotal moments that shaped the neighborhoods. This approach transforms a simple meal into a deeper appreciation of the city and its multi-ethnic roots. For groups, it creates topics for conversation and shared insights, enriching social interactions beyond eating.
Learning about immigrant histories, social movements, artistic revolutions, and the evolution of NYC’s diverse communities gives groups a collective sense of discovery and education. This makes the meetup not only enjoyable but intellectually stimulating and culturally meaningful, which is especially rewarding for groups who value more than just eating out.
How can I book and customize a group tour with Greg Walks NYC? Booking is straightforward through the official Greg Walks NYC website or by contacting Greg directly via phone or email. The tours can be arranged for public times, private groups, or corporate team-building events. Bilingual tours in English/Spanish or English/Italian are also available, accommodating diverse groups.
Groups can request specific food focuses, time slots, and custom routes depending on interests and group size. This flexibility means whether your meetup is casual with friends or a special family gathering, you can tailor the experience to suit your occasion. The company offers discounts, such as promo codes, making the tours accessible as well.
Overall, Greg Walks NYC provides a dynamic, food-centered way to experience New York City that checks every box for group meetups: interactive, social, delicious, educational, and fun. Whether your friends and family are local or visiting, these tours offer a memorable way to strengthen bonds over shared stories and flavors.