How to See A Celebrity on your first trip to NYC

How To See A Celebrity On Your First Trip To NYC

You might be surprised to know it’s incredibly likely that you’ll see a celebrity when walking the streets of New York City. You can pretty much bet that unless they’re in LA or filming someplace around the world, they’re probably someplace around The City That Never Sleeps.

Crossing paths with a celebrity can, for those who live in New York City, be a daily occurrence. But if you’re just visiting for the day or the week, and want to up your chances of spotting Sarah Jessica Parker walking through Washington Square Park, or Kanye West taking a stroll down Madison Avenue, here are a few tips on where to go, and who you might see…

The Spots

Head over to ABC Kitchen for a bite and some “sightseeing.” Natalie Portman, Katy Perry, Kanye West, and Kim Kardashian have all been spotted chowing down recently at this Union Square eatery. ABC Kitchen is dedicated to offering the freshest, safest ingredients to its customers. If you’re looking for a delicious meal, for celebrities and us common folk alike, it’s a no-brainer.

These next two might seem a little obvious, due to both their locations and price point—and that’s because they are. Bergdorf Goodman and Barney’s New York on Fifth Ave and Madison Ave, respectively, attract some of the most sought after celebrities in the business.

When Sarah Jessica Parker, or SJP, isn’t with her kids and hubby Matthew Broderick (Bueller, Bueller…?) walking the eclectic streets of Greenwich Village, she can often be spotted at Bergdorf’s. SJP is, like her Sex and the City character Carrie, a big fan of designer shoes. So make sure to head over to the shoe department if you’re trying to spot her.

Similarly, since the release of their high-end clothing line, Elizabeth and James a number of years ago, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have been seen spending a great deal of time in Barney’s, checking out what’s newest on the racks, and getting on the ground floor to see how their line is doing in stores.

After you’ve exhausted yourself walking the many floors and thousands of square footage that is both Bergdorf’s and Barney’s, grab a drink and burger at The Spotted Pig in the West Village.

The Spotted Pig, which offers up an interesting and delectable menu of British/Italian fused foods, also has some of the best comfort food in NYC—along with dozens of hungry celebrities.

If you step into “The Pig” late at night, it is genuinely difficult not to be in the company of some of America’s most recognizable faces, including Taylor Swift and boyfriend Calvin Harris, Lindsay Lohan—even Beyoncé and Jay Z. Yes, you heard right: Beyoncé and Jay Z. In 2015, brother-sister pair Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal were around so often, people started to describe them as “regulars” to the eatery! Pretty cool.

Now You Know Where To Go—So Get Going!

Everyone likes a good bite, and a good day of shopping (or, window shopping maybe if you’re taking our advice and heading Uptown to Bergdorf and Barney’s). If you’re trying to get on SJP’s level and buy the newest and most beautiful pair of Louboutins—more power to you!

Conversely, if you’re just trying to watch as SJP tries on the most expensive pair of Louboutins in the store, that’s also all right. So depending what you’re in the mood for—and whom you’re in the mood to see—head over to ABC Kitchen or The Spotted Pig after your Uptown shopping spree or late into the night. And don’t forget to enjoy the view!

Check out our Guide to spot celebs in Greenwich Village like a Paparazzi below.

Paparazzi Guide to Greenwich Village