More than a tour. A shared experience.
History That Sticks
We don't lecture - we perform. Every story is told theatrically, with the kind of detail and humanity that makes New York's past feel immediate and personal.
Community First
Telltale Tours was founded to support minorities and fellow storytellers. A portion of every booking goes to organizations that combat child trafficking in the tourism industry.
Licensed & Credentialed
Every guide holds a New York City tour guide license. Our founder Rory Lipede is a Gold Star licensee - one of the most rigorous certifications available in the city.
Meet Your Guides
Licensed NYC tour guides and professional storytellers. Every single one.
Rory's experience as a NYC tour guide spans the better part of two decades and has helped cement her reputation as one of the most sought-after guides in the city. She was named one of New York's Top 8 Tour Guides, holds a Gold Star Tour Guide license from the City of New York, and most recently received a Women in Tourism nomination and a 2026 Emmy nomination for her work in June Bug. She founded Telltale Tours to support minorities and fellow storytellers, and to donate to organizations that combat child trafficking - a prevalent issue within the tourism industry.
Armed with a tour guide background, training in musical theatre, and an uncanny ability to absorb random history, Ryan brings energy and wit to every tour. Originally from San Jose and shaped by years in Miami, he has always felt the pull of New York City's rich, vibrant, and sometimes disturbing past.
From Hollywood to Broadway, Arielle is ready to reveal the secrets of NYC's past - and weigh in on which coast is superior (spoiler: New York wins). Actor by day, tour guide by night, she blends storytelling, history, and cocktails into an unforgettable experience.
A born-and-bred New Yorker, Walter has been a licensed NYC tour guide for over a decade. He knows the nooks and crannies of this city the way only a native can - with genuine love, passion, and deep historical knowledge.
Jonathan is a New York City-based actor who graduated from the Atlantic Theater Company's professional conservatory program in spring 2025. He brings theatrical energy and a love of storytelling to every tour.
An actor, singer, and improviser, Amy is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. With high energy and a love of NYC nightlife, she turns every tour into a full-on performance - and makes sure every guest has the time of their life.
A professional NYC actor working in film, television, and on and off Broadway, Julian brings storytelling expertise and genuine enthusiasm to every tour. He loves bringing history to life and connecting with guests from all over the world.
George is a New York City-based Lead Mixology Instructor, Head Bartender, and Certified Sommelier with over 20 years of experience at venues including The Royalton Hotel, Lucien, and Flûte Champagne Lounge. Renowned for classic cocktail craftsmanship and innovative program development, George teaches the history of spirits and helps guests build cocktail skills they can use for years to come.
Book a tour and experience the difference.
Award-winning tours through New York City's most fascinating history. From $36 per person.