Susan Birnbaum

Teaches at SusanSez NYC Walkabouts

Susan Birnbaum is the owner and operator of SusanSez NYC Walkabouts. She is a personable, witty New Yorker with a passion for the city’s incredible history. Susan takes you to quirky neighborhoods throughout NYC, crafting unique experiences full of interesting stories and tasty treats. Her love for the city of New York is infectious – even Native New Yorkers get new perspectives on a SusanSez Walkabout! She offers well-organized, but non-scripted NY tours. Susan doesn’t mind poking a little fun on historic figures or herself. Susan has held a license as an NYC Sightseeing Guide by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs since 2002. She is a on the board of directors for Guides Association of New York City (GANYC), the oldest and most active tour guides associations in America. She is also a member of NYC & Company (NYCGo.com), the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization of the City of New York, and an active member of the Bronx, Brooklyn and New York Historical Societies. Susan is also a docent for the Museum of the City of New York.

(17 Reviews)

The International Food Tour of Astoria, Queens

Reviewed by Samuel M. on 2/25/2018

Tour started about 20minutes late because the meeting point was not clear. Cross roads were given and to meet out from of tobacco store - ends up there are two tobacco stores. Guide fumbled through information without much confidence at all and did not really provide much information about international food in the area other than broad sweeping remarks. Focused on stories about the Steinway piano, the film A Bronx Tale, and some social housing in the area more than food. Used poor quality, blurry black and white photocopies to complement stories, but even then couldn't find half the ones they wanted so gave up. Forgot names of things crucial to stories and then just blamed poor memory. Told us where restaurant used to be (why?), pointed out one restaurant that they said was popular but the food wasn't great - yet didn't focus on the ones we should visit. And most disappointingly, merely went into (or walked by) a few food shops, and only one restaurant. Food samples were sub standard, the guide even pointing out that the first sample (spanakopita) is much better served hot/warm...as we ate a cold sample. I found this tour to be so bad, that I snuck off about 30minutes before the end. It certainly wasn't worth the money, the time, or the extra $70 it cost for me to get there and back. I was quite excited about this tour and the idea of exploring an area of New York I was not overly familiar with (I'm from Australia but have spent a lot of time in NYC) - I gained nothing at all from this tour.
The Arthur Avenue Tour of The Bronx: Little Italy

Reviewed by Eric H. on 9/24/2017
The International Food Tour of Astoria, Queens

Anonymous review on 9/11/2017

A delightful tour through Astoria Queens and its incredibly diverse culinary cuisine. It was chockful of delicious treats from cultures around the world. If you are a native New Yorker like me and would like to know more about a certain area I highly recommend one of these tours.
The International Food Tour of Astoria, Queens

Anonymous review on 5/8/2017
The Arthur Avenue Tour of The Bronx: Little Italy

Anonymous review on 7/24/2016

My husband and I, both life long Bronx residents, found this tour very informative and insightful. Susan was very knowledgable about the neighborhood and her pleasant personality made the tour very enjoyable. We encourage tourists as well as New York residents who only know The Bronx through negative headlines to take this tour and see the real Bronx.
The Arthur Avenue Tour of The Bronx: Little Italy

Anonymous review on 3/19/2016

Amazing neighborhood to discover - really the REAL Little Italy in New York. And the food is amazing. Will definitely be back.
The International Food Tour of Astoria, Queens

Anonymous review on 1/19/2016

Thought we would have more tastings. It felt more like a lesson on the neighborhood rather than a food tour in my opinion.
The International Food Tour of Astoria, Queens

Reviewed by michael r. on 1/11/2016
The International Food Tour of Astoria, Queens

Reviewed by Mina T. on 7/28/2015
The International Food Tour of Astoria, Queens

Reviewed by Dave W. on 7/26/2015
The International Food Tour of Astoria, Queens

Reviewed by Alexis R. on 7/20/2015
The Arthur Avenue Tour of The Bronx: Little Italy

Reviewed by Diane T. on 5/30/2015

I love the tour. Susan is really good with her knowledge of the neighborhood. Also provided all the food tasting on the tour. However, my one complaint is the meeting point direction is horrible. Did not state that it is to meet inside the Grand Central Station by the Information Desk Clock.
The Knitting Crawl Tour of Manhattan

Reviewed by Margie C. on 5/14/2015

Met good natured ladies of like-mind. Our leader prepared a list of treasure trove of shops which are so cool. Enjoyed browsing thru the shops and shared lots of knitting tips among the ladies. I'd a great time.
The International Food Tour of Astoria, Queens

Anonymous review on 4/12/2015
The Arthur Avenue Tour of The Bronx: Little Italy

Anonymous review on 11/16/2014

A load of fun. Susan is knowledgable and wonderfully engaging
The Immigrant Experience Tour of the Lower East Side

Reviewed by Kay Foster on 6/2/2014
The Immigrant Experience Tour of the Lower East Side

Reviewed by Susan Reid on 6/2/2014