Stay at the five-star hotels in New York City and you are more than likely to spot celebrities. The Plaza Hotel is at the top of the list and is the favorite stop for celebrities such as Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone. Next on the list is the W New York and its famous Blue Fin restaurant, where Gwyneth Paltrow and Leonardo DiCaprio are known to dine.
Dress in your best clothes and try to gain access to some of the exclusive bars and cafes in downtown Manhattan. The Rose Bar and the Marquee Night Club are good examples. It helps to have the right attitude and a full pocket. If you do get inside, you may be able to spot celebrities like Jessica Simpson or Paris Hilton.
Get pampered at one of the top spas in New York. Surprisingly, prices are accessible and not only will you be able to spot celebrities but will also enjoy the process as well. Susan Sarandon is a regular at Clarins Skin Spa while Naomi Campbell prefers the Susan Ciminelli Day Spa on 5th Avenue.
Hang outside the MTV Studios on 42nd Street. Total Request Live tapes here, as do other music and talk show programs. If you're lucky, you may be able to get a ticket to go inside and watch the taping of the show, but even if you don't, you can still watch from the street, as the studio's walls are made of glass.