Big Apple Greeter

A Greet may last just a few hours, but the friendships can last a lifetime. This summer, former Greeter Todd Cherches reunited with Maunie and PJ Timmins - 27 years after he first showed them around New York City. Back in 1998, Todd took the Timmins, visiting from Dublin, to the Lower East Side. This July, they caught up over lunch on the Upper East Side before strolling through Carl Schurz Park and stopping by historic Gracie Mansion. It’s a wonderful reminder of the lasting connections that start with a simple Greet. #BigAppleGreeter #Volunteer #NYC

When visitors from Germany meet New York’s Bravest! 🚒 On a recent Greet, we welcomed a couple visiting from Germany, both volunteer firefighters, with the husband serving as fire chief! While walking through Harlem with their Greeter, they made a special stop at New York City Fire Department Engine 59 / Ladder 30, where the crew opened their firehouse and trucks, shared stories, and showed what it takes to answer 7,000 calls a year. Moments like these make a Greet more than sightseeing, it’s about connection and the heart of NYC. #BigAppleGreeter #Volunteer #NYC #FDNY

✨ Celebrating 100 Years of Arnold Strauch ✨ Born in Watertown, NY, and a New Yorker since age 3, Arnold’s story is as remarkable as the city he loves. A World War II veteran, textile entrepreneur in the Garment District, and longtime volunteer with Bellevue Hospital, Arnold has always given back to his community. Since 1992, he’s also been one of Big Apple Greeter’s most dedicated volunteers, leading more than 750 Greets and welcoming over 2,000 visitors from around the world. His energy, warmth, and encyclopedic knowledge of New York City have left countless visitors feeling, in their words, “adopted.” Today, we honor his 100th birthday and celebrate his extraordinary life. Please join us in wishing Arnold the happiest of birthdays! 💙 #BigAppleGreeter #Volunteer #NYC

New Yorkers know the best way to see the city is through the eyes of a local! Since 1992, Big Apple Greeter has been helping visitors experience New York City through the eyes of locals. We’re not guides, we’re New Yorkers sharing the hidden stories, favorite spots, and unique neighborhoods that make this city so special. From discovering street art in the Bronx, to grabbing bagels on the Upper West Side, strolling the High Line, or enjoying quiet moments along the Brooklyn waterfront, our Greeters create experiences and memories that go far beyond the usual tourist stops. A huge thank you to our staff and volunteers for bringing New York to life for thousands of visitors every year. Your generosity, local knowledge, and warm spirit are what make our work possible. Have you had a memorable Greeter experience? Share your story below! And if you’ve ever thought about volunteering, today is the perfect day to join us. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/dqq4g7b Happy National Nonprofit Day! Let’s keep sharing the magic of New York, one Greet at a time. #BigAppleGreeter #NewYorkCity #Volunteer #NationalNonprofitDay #Nonprofit

Earlier this week, Big Apple Greeter joined the celebration at Harlem Week with a table at Grant’s Tomb, and what a day it was! We met members of the community eager to share their love of the city. Harlem Week is all about culture, community, and connection, values that are at the heart of what we do. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hello, share a story, or learn more about volunteering. Every conversation helps us spread the word that New York is best experienced with a local by your side. 🍎 🏙️ #BigAppleGreeter #HarlemWeek #NYCVolunteers #NewYorkCity

🚔 A special moment from one of our recent Greets... Petra, a visitor from Germany who has been a police officer for 20 years, mentioned to Greeter Leigh that she brought a cloth badge from her department, hoping to exchange it with an NYPD officer. When the group passed a precinct, they stepped inside, and Officer Denton generously cut a patch from one of his shirts to give to her. Petra was thrilled by the gesture, and it became a highlight of her time in New York. These small moments are what Big Apple Greeter is all about, bringing people together through kindness and shared stories. Learn more about what we do and how to get involved: https://lnkd.in/dqq4g7b #BigAppleGreeter #Volunteer #NYC #InternationalGreeterAssociation #WorldwideGreeters #MeetALocal

At Big Apple Greeter, we believe every visitor deserves a personal connection to New York City. Phil’s story beautifully illustrates how volunteering as a Greeter creates meaningful moments, whether it’s exploring historic sites, sharing local stories, or making new friends. Thinking about becoming a Greeter? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dUX8MUa

In July 2026, New York City will host America’s 250th birthday with a historic celebration, including a Parade of Tall Ships, Blue Angels flyovers, and fireworks - welcoming an estimated 6 million visitors and bringing $2.85 billion to our city’s economy. At Big Apple Greeter, we’re excited to help visitors experience NYC with a warm, authentic welcome. Our Greeters proudly share the hidden spots New Yorkers love, the places you won’t find in tourist guides, offering guests a genuine taste of the city. As we prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime celebration, we’re looking for passionate volunteers to share New York’s spirit with the world. Join us as a Greeter and be part of NYC history! https://lnkd.in/dUX8MUa

At Big Apple Greeter, gratitude is more than a gesture, it’s part of our culture. Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting a donor appreciation event that truly reflected our mission: to enrich the NYC experience for visitors by connecting them with enthusiastic local volunteers. We kicked off the afternoon with a guided tour of the Surrogate’s Courthouse, a stunning 1907 Beaux Arts gem that’s home to the NYC Department of Records and Information Services. From there, we stepped into a beautifully transformed tea room (courtesy of our dedicated volunteers!) where supporters gathered for an intimate celebration of connection and community. A special thank-you goes to Kate Backdrop for donating two large, high-quality backdrops that helped turn our office into a cozy, intimate space for gathering. It was a lovely reminder of how meaningful it is when an organization’s mission is woven into every experience, even a thank-you event. #BigAppleGreeter #NonProfit #Volunteer #NewYorkCity #NYC

For over 30 years, our dedicated volunteer Greeters have welcomed visitors from across the globe with warmth and a personal touch, offering a true New York City experience through the eyes of locals. In The New Yorker’s special centenary issue , Patricia Marx highlights Big Apple Greeter's mission to foster meaningful connections — not through trivia, but through authentic, shared experiences. Whether it's a stroll to a beloved neighborhood bakery or bearing witness at a City Hall wedding, every Greeter encounter is deeply personal. 🔗 Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/eybQpvDC