So you're hoping to spot celebrities in New York City? You're not alone, but the secret is that most New Yorkers and tourists spot famous people purely by accident. But there are ways, including placing yourself at celebrity hangouts, to spot the rich and famous.
Things You'll Need
- New York City street map
Tips For You
- Take a guided bus tour with Rich and Famous Tours, which explores Manhattan's Upper East and West Sides with a guide who is a "celebrity expert." Although you're not likely to meet celebrities up close, this handy tour takes you past the luxurious homes of the Rockefellers, the Vanderbilts, movie stars and more, including the buildings that rejected Madonna, Elizabeth Taylor and Barbra Streisand as tenants. You'll also see the homes of Donald Trump, Jerry Seinfeld, Martha Stewart, Tom Hanks, Yoko Ono, Robert De Niro and others. Tickets are $20, as of 2008, and you must reserve in advance. The tour meets at Rockefeller Plaza.
- Dine at the restaurants celebrities love. In 2008, the hot celeb eating spots include the Waverly Inn and Garden at 16 Bank Street, Koi at 40 West 40th Street, Socialista at 505 West Street, Pastis at 9 Ninth Avenue, and Spice Market at West 13th Street. See Broadway stars at restaurant row eateries like Joe Allen's and Sardi's, but know that they won't show up until after 11 p.m.
- See Broadway stars simply by hanging out after the shows by the theater stage doors. If you see a show, bring your show playbill to be autographed and a camera. It will take a good 15 to 30 minutes for cast members to exit the stage door. But most Broadway stars, even many big names, will eventually appear and provide autographs, pose for photos and graciously accept your accolades.
- If you want to see celebrities at the nighttime clubs, the most popular hangout these days is Butter, located at 415 Lafayette Street. Also popular are Bungalow 8, at 515 W 27th Street; the West Chelsea lounge where stars and supermodels love to drink; the Rose Bar at 2 Lexington Avenue, a luxurious lounge that's picky about its clientèle; and Marquee Night Club at 289 10th Avenue.
- Subscribe to "New York Magazine" and "Time Out New York," or visit their websites (see the Resources section), to check on the whereabouts of popular celebrity hot spots. You can also check these magazines for information about special events, including red-carpet film openings, the Tribeca Film Festival, book signings, special outdoor performances and more. You are bound to see celebrities at these singular events.
- Check websites like Broadway, Playbill and Live Broadway for information about show openings and to find out when Bryant Park will host its free "Broadway in the Park" series, in which stars of current shows perform. In the past, the series has taken place every Thursday during the summer from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
