New York Like A Native
New York Like A Native
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Lively, wide-ranging walking (& vehicle) tours of numerous Brooklyn neighborhoods (plus the Lower East Side in Manhattan and Long Island City in Queens), touching on culture, history, architecture, landscape, and urban planning. Personal service. Veteran guide offering tours since 2000. Brooklyn overviews and custom tours also available.
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New York Like A Native
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
5.0
32 reviews
Excellent
31
Very good
0
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Lauri B
New York City, NY17 contributions
Aug 2021
Our group loved our Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO tour! Norman was so responsive to our group's needs and gave us a really interesting and informative tour. I lived in Brooklyn Heights for a few years and still learned so much from our two hour tour! He adjusted the tour as we needed because it was a really hot day and he kept things moving and interesting without an overload of information that some tour guides do. I highly recommend Norman for a fun and different Brooklyn tour!
Written August 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stefan V
Broechem, Belgium5 contributions
Sep 2013 • Couples
After visiting so many times Manhattan, my girlfriend and I decided to have a "nothing but Brooklyn" city-trip....But how does one start with it? Our plan was to kick-off our first day with a guide so we could go more "in depth" on our own the next days. We 'googled' a little left and right and found out about 'NY Like a Native'. The site seemed to offer what we were looking for....first it was a private tour (group tours...thank you but no thanks...it goes too slow and everybody has different things that he/she is interested in). But the second thing that the site showed was a love for walking & exploring everything on foot (as opposed to the city visits in an AC bus or van). But since there were no 'user reviews' (hence this one), we decided to try it out and here is our experience!
It has to be said out very loud, Norman (the company owner) and communication are two and the same words. Prior to our visit he was more than helpful on to discuss what we wanted to see and things that he advised us to do also. I got emails filled with links, pictures, book suggestions,...Also the fee & deposit were discussed crystal-clear. No surprises!
The first trip we booked with Norman was a day-trip (10 AM - 5 PM) on foot (with a little subway and boat on top) through all the different variety that Brooklyn offers. Historical center, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Bushwick, Flatbush,...Norman helped us set our feet in all kind of different parts in Brooklyn and laid on top of it wonderful stories (how the neighborhood started, how it evolved, his personal views on how it is now, what plans the city has in mind,...). Once again, his communication skills are awesome, he tells stories about the history and when your mind wanders off, you could re-open your eyes and feel yourself thrown into that time. Really, Norman is a great storyteller. After this day, we were more than curious to re-discover certain parts that we had 'touched' with Norman.
Being such a wonderful experience, we booked him again for a day trip (yes, Norman is THAT good). This time it was all about the jewish side of Brooklyn. So we returned once again to Williamsburg (Satmar, Puppa, Breslov) and Crown Heights (ChaBaD) and discovered that Norman has an unmeasurable vast knowledge on these jewish topics. So we learned where Hassidic judaism came from, why they moved to these spots exactly, the relationships between those hassidic movements, the tensions AND solutions with other non-hassidic people living in those neighborhoods....before we knew it, it was evening again!
You know, Norman always keep saying "hey, it's YOUR tour"....but often a phrase like this stands for tours like "hey, let's just walk, I'll tell you some stuff that you can find easily on the net and if you want I can take a picture of you before a building".....No, not with NYLikeANative....this phrase reminds us of a library...Norman has a lot of knowledge and (inside) stories on Brooklyn and it's up to us (although Norman has pre-made tours if you can't decide) to decide what places and perspectives we would like to see.
Oh yes, and it was on foot, a whole day long....yes yes yes, we loved that....
One thing for sure, it's not a question IF we will visit Brooklyn again, but WHEN it's going to be....and it's not a question who our guide will (once again) be....guess that one....we have allready decided :-)
Best wishes
S & C (Belgium, Europe)
It has to be said out very loud, Norman (the company owner) and communication are two and the same words. Prior to our visit he was more than helpful on to discuss what we wanted to see and things that he advised us to do also. I got emails filled with links, pictures, book suggestions,...Also the fee & deposit were discussed crystal-clear. No surprises!
The first trip we booked with Norman was a day-trip (10 AM - 5 PM) on foot (with a little subway and boat on top) through all the different variety that Brooklyn offers. Historical center, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Bushwick, Flatbush,...Norman helped us set our feet in all kind of different parts in Brooklyn and laid on top of it wonderful stories (how the neighborhood started, how it evolved, his personal views on how it is now, what plans the city has in mind,...). Once again, his communication skills are awesome, he tells stories about the history and when your mind wanders off, you could re-open your eyes and feel yourself thrown into that time. Really, Norman is a great storyteller. After this day, we were more than curious to re-discover certain parts that we had 'touched' with Norman.
Being such a wonderful experience, we booked him again for a day trip (yes, Norman is THAT good). This time it was all about the jewish side of Brooklyn. So we returned once again to Williamsburg (Satmar, Puppa, Breslov) and Crown Heights (ChaBaD) and discovered that Norman has an unmeasurable vast knowledge on these jewish topics. So we learned where Hassidic judaism came from, why they moved to these spots exactly, the relationships between those hassidic movements, the tensions AND solutions with other non-hassidic people living in those neighborhoods....before we knew it, it was evening again!
You know, Norman always keep saying "hey, it's YOUR tour"....but often a phrase like this stands for tours like "hey, let's just walk, I'll tell you some stuff that you can find easily on the net and if you want I can take a picture of you before a building".....No, not with NYLikeANative....this phrase reminds us of a library...Norman has a lot of knowledge and (inside) stories on Brooklyn and it's up to us (although Norman has pre-made tours if you can't decide) to decide what places and perspectives we would like to see.
Oh yes, and it was on foot, a whole day long....yes yes yes, we loved that....
One thing for sure, it's not a question IF we will visit Brooklyn again, but WHEN it's going to be....and it's not a question who our guide will (once again) be....guess that one....we have allready decided :-)
Best wishes
S & C (Belgium, Europe)
Written October 31, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stefan, thanks for your enthusiasm, during the tour and in sharing your experience.
I would add that learning about Brooklyn is a continuing challenge and ongoing project for me. The short story writer Thomas Wolfe famously warned, "Only the Dead Known Brooklyn." It's that big, and complicated!
Norman Oder/New York Like A Native
Written November 1, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sydney70
Sydney69 contributions
Sep 2019
We had an excellent half day tour in Brooklyn with Norman. He is very knowledgeable and informative. Attention to detail was impressive. Norman gave us precise details of how to get to the meeting point by subway from our hotel .
Communication prior to tour was efficient and even post tour Norman gave us links to sites related to the tour , for more information.
His enthusiasm for the tour showed his love of Brooklyn and it was a pleasure to be with a local and a professional guide. We also appreciated his maps and photos.
We enjoyed our tour very much and have no hesitation in recommending Norman .
Communication prior to tour was efficient and even post tour Norman gave us links to sites related to the tour , for more information.
His enthusiasm for the tour showed his love of Brooklyn and it was a pleasure to be with a local and a professional guide. We also appreciated his maps and photos.
We enjoyed our tour very much and have no hesitation in recommending Norman .
Written October 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks so much--Brooklyn can be complicated, so I always aim to deliver the level of detail and context that I would want as a visitor myself!
Norman Oder
New York Like A Native
Written October 25, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LeslieF54
Chicago, IL15 contributions
Apr 2015 • Friends
Norman knows so much about Brooklyn. This was our second tour with Norman and we can't wait to return to see what we missed. He really does his homework and gives us little insights to the people and history. He also takes us to little treat stops which are quaint and give you the "neighborhood" feel. This time we saw the street art of Bushwick - FABULOUS!
Written April 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brad F
Gastonia, NC183 contributions
Jan 2019
My wife and I had the pleasure of spending 3 1/2 hours with NY Like A Native Tours owner, Norman. From our first contact via the website, Norman was beyond helpful. He offered us so much information on things to see and do in Brooklyn even before we met! He is a journalist by trade, and has an encyclopedic knowledge of the city and its history. We enjoy walking, so this is all walking with some subway rides as needed. Norman took special care to inquire our interests and goals prior to the trip. Our tour was fantastic, finding places like Park Slope neighborhood (a real gem), and other great sites. He crafted our tour on what we wanted to learn. This is not a “canned” trip. I can’t say enough of the level of professionalism from Norman. We’ve done dozens of private tours, and this one was the best. Be sure to check out a Norman for your Brooklyn tours. Thank you Norman!!
Written January 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BillyTeddy
Saint Louis, MO485 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
So, especially for our foreign visitors; If you don't want a real Brooklyn tour by a REAL New Yorker, then get on a Circle Line tour. Otherwise, book Norman for a historical introspective on Brooklyn. Fast talking? yes. Factual? Yes. Opinionated? As any New Yorker is and in a good way of course. Fast walking? Yes, Brooklyn is HUGE and SOOO much to take in.
Norman was punctual and like "Hamilton," non-stop energy. My wife and I ( 58 ) loved the 6 hours of landmark, after park, after understanding the historical demarkations from one neighborhood to the next as we walked, talked, Uber'd, Taxi'd, bused our way with Norman. Part journalist and now mostly tour guide ( who pays writers anyway ? ) his grasp of local politics, real estate and commercial issues was impressive. He was cognizant of our needs to stop, take a break and go at a pace we needed. Although he is keen to your needs he is also "pushy" to make sure you get what you pay for; facts and coverage. Brooklyn in one day? "Forgetaboutit."
Let him help you design the day. As most visitors make the mistake in staying in Manhattan, he will guide you to the the best initial meeting spot, design the time around your requirements and interests. Take time to detail out what it is you are interested in and he will work through an itinerary and adjust on the fly as needed.
Just wear comfy shoes. listen fast and know; Brooklyn is New York:-)
Norman was punctual and like "Hamilton," non-stop energy. My wife and I ( 58 ) loved the 6 hours of landmark, after park, after understanding the historical demarkations from one neighborhood to the next as we walked, talked, Uber'd, Taxi'd, bused our way with Norman. Part journalist and now mostly tour guide ( who pays writers anyway ? ) his grasp of local politics, real estate and commercial issues was impressive. He was cognizant of our needs to stop, take a break and go at a pace we needed. Although he is keen to your needs he is also "pushy" to make sure you get what you pay for; facts and coverage. Brooklyn in one day? "Forgetaboutit."
Let him help you design the day. As most visitors make the mistake in staying in Manhattan, he will guide you to the the best initial meeting spot, design the time around your requirements and interests. Take time to detail out what it is you are interested in and he will work through an itinerary and adjust on the fly as needed.
Just wear comfy shoes. listen fast and know; Brooklyn is New York:-)
Written September 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks so much for the review--I aim to be the Brooklyn tour guide who can customize the route and make it work for the specific visitor. We had a lot of great experiences that day, but so much more to see!
Norman Oder
New York Like A Native
Written September 9, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Howard M
Washington DC, DC39 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
My wife and I had a Brooklyn 101 tour a few days ago and it was wonderful. He is so knowledgeable and so personable that it was 2 1/2 hours that was jam-packed with sights and history about a Brooklyn that he so obviously loves. We covered a large section of the borough by walking and subway but there is so much more to see that we'll be back for more. This is the best tour of any urban area we have ever had!
Written October 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks so much! I hope/expect your appetite was whetted to return and explore on your own, or even another tour with me.
Norman Oder/New York Like A Native
Written October 31, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gailnjerry
Baltimore, MD23 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
We had driven through Brooklyn, but never knew what we were seeing or the best places to go. We have guides in Europe...why not Brooklyn? Read reviews, hired Norman, and had the most fun and informative day! Also, lots of cookies, chocolate, great lunch, wonderful hidden art and the joy of sharing with a great guy who knows his business.
Written July 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gail, thanks so much.
Your group was among the most enthusiastic eaters/testers I've met, and I especially appreciate your willingness to taste-test chocolate chip cookies to achieve scientific certainty.
All the best,
Norman Oder
Founder/Guide
New York Like A Native
Written July 3, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lauremm m
New York City, NY488 contributions
Feb 2016 • Couples
Norman is the first guide i enjoyed thoroughly. Most of the time, i get bored with guides because they repeat what you can find in a guide book . Not him. He is fast paced and interesting every step of the way. The information covers the historical, architectural , political of williamsburg as well as the today's life of the neighborhood. For the foodies, let us not forget stops for goodies from pastries to chocolates to delightful coffee or the most delicious ice cream. This was a real treat. all of us enjoyed this tour a lot.
Is this tour for family with young children? i am sure Norman can adapt to the crowd and the kids will really like the goodies. but It seems more interesting for teens and adult
Is this tour for family with young children? i am sure Norman can adapt to the crowd and the kids will really like the goodies. but It seems more interesting for teens and adult
Written February 19, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks so much for your review, Laure. I appreciate it that your group was eager to and energetic enough for an extended tour of Williamsburg--we spent nearly 5.5 hours, including lunch, and we saw a lot, but still not everything.
As I said, my typical 2.5-hour tour of Williamsburg is a strong introduction, but it's a large and complicated enough place--with several distinct sectors--to make a longer tour worthwhile.
Hope to see you again!
Norman Oder
New York Like A Native
Written February 20, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nicolekensington
Richmond, VA2 contributions
Oct 2015 • Business
I am a university professor who recently hired Norman Oder (New York Like a Native) to lead college students on two walking tours—one through the Lower East Side and another in Brooklyn. I found Norman to be incredibly knowledgeable, dynamic, and engaging. So did my students! Norman showed us the hidden dimensions of each neighborhood’s present and its past. He worked with me to customize both tours. Indeed, Norman went out of his way to do research in advance of our tours. Simply put, if you want to learn more about Lower Manhattan or Brooklyn, you cannot do better than New York like a Native!
Written October 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
No questions have been asked about this experience