Meet Christian Neely

Actor by training, historian by passion, archaeologist by aspiration.

You could say storytelling is in my nature.

I have always had a voracious and never-ending appetite for learning new things and since childhood, have been reading everything I could get my hands on, whether it’s a topic I’m passionate about or not. The more I can learn about any given subject, the better. I’ve been known as the “did you know?” guy most of my life.

I moved to NYC in 2014 as an actor, bound and determined to make it to Broadway or Hollywood. Much of what we studied to get a degree in theatre was the art of storytelling. We were taught how to keep audiences engaged, enthralled, and entertained. It only made sense that I made use of my love of history and storytelling, as well as showing people around my amazing city by becoming a tour guide in 2019.

As a queer New Yorker, I have a unique perspective of the city and its history for the LGBTQIA+ community. From the beginnings of the Queer Liberation March and Pride, to the people and spaces that made our freedom of expression possible, it is a topic I am VERY passionate about.

In 2022, I was able to participate in an archaeological excavation in the UK which only deepened my thirst for knowledge pertaining to what came before. New York has a densely packed history full of intrigue, ambition, and the quest to find ways to relax when we’re able to leave the rat race behind for a short while. I am always looking to deepen my knowledge of what came before what we can see today, from the Indigenous Lenape people who gave Manhattan its name, to the Dutch and British colonists, the history of war in NYC, the Queer Liberation Movement and Pride, and the preservation of historic architecture throughout the city.

However, I don’t only enjoy talking about the past. New York is a diverse, vibrant, humming-with-life environment full of amazing activities, food, sights, and entertainment. In addition to the listed tours I offer, I also craft custom, curated tours, adapted specifically to guests’ (like you!) interests. Let me show you around and help to make your trip one you’ll remember for life!

Key interests include: LGBTQIA+ history, archaeology, historic architecture, intrigue and crime, the history and importance of immigration, food, Indigenous history, diversity and how it has positively affected the city, and deeper exploration of topics of my guests’ interests.

Tours Offered:
Grand Central Terminal: Gateway to New York City
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: Stories of Hope and Determination
The Meatpacking District, the High Line, and Chelsea Market

I also offer Customized Tours. Let me design a memorable tour based on your interests!
Duration: 1-6 hours
Cost: Starting at $100 per person, 2 guest minimum
Contact me to set up a tour