Top Spots to See Celebrities in New York City

Dec. 17, 2010— -- You know what diets they're on, what they're wearing and who they date, but do you know where they hang out? LaLa Land's not the only place for rubbing elbows with celebs, so on your next trip to New York City, be sure to check out the hotspots on our guide for some A-list celebrity spotting.

Late Show with David Letterman: For most celebrities, a promotional tour of any sort includes a stop at "Late Show." Letterman, whose studio is located in the heart of the theater district at 54th Street and Broadway, has interviewed virtually all of today's popular celebrities. His access can be yours as free tickets are offered regularly to fans -- and even if you're unable to score a ticket, celebrities often do appearances and autograph signings immediately outside the Ed Sullivan Theatre. If you're planning to be part of the action, be sure to park outside the studio at least 75 minutes before the show.

Waverly Inn: Graydon Carter's exclusive restaurant doesn't have a listed phone number, a publicist and lacks a distinguishable entrance. This doesn't deter a celebrity clientele, but, rather, ensures them an unmatched level of privacy when noshing on traditional comfort foods with an English gastro-pub twist. If you're lucky enough to have secured a reservation, don't stare -- could that be Jay-Z, Beyonce, Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay's Chris Martin on a double date sharing plates of tuna tartare? Why yes, it is....

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The Boom Boom Room: This nightclub, in the penthouse space of the quissentially downtown-cool Standard Hotel doesn't just host the party -- it's the only party in town where your favorite celebrities gather to celebrate glittery excess. Glass floor-to-ceiling walls overlooking the Hudson River? Check. Buttery soft leather banquettes? Check. A hot tub? Check again. Madonna, Lindsay Lohan, Kanye West, and John Mayer have all partied here, so slip on your slinkiest black outfit and join the line to join the fun.

Trump International Hotel: After a late night of hitting up the town, many celebs crash at the Trump International Hotel, just blocks from Fifth Avenue shopping and across the street from Central Park. This hotel -- luxurious in every sense of the word -- offers its clientele personalized attache services to arrange almost anything they need, not the least of which is arranging for a dog-walker (you know, for those whose pets require a level of attention similar to that of their owners). The hotel's close proximity to a variety of news outlets and popular movie filming spots ensure that the hotel hosts a variety of celebrity clientele -- recent sightings included Casey Affleck, Kevin Jonas (of Jonas Brothers fame), Tiger Woods, Don Johnson and comedian Chris Rock.

Barney's Department Store: Few words aptly describe this shrine to designer goods other than "fabulous" and "pricey," but the experience of shopping at its flagship location on Madison Avenue is unparalleled. A favorite of visiting celebrities. Be sure to make the shoe department your first stop, as Victoria Beckham, Vanessa Hudgens, and Katie Holmes have all been spotted trying on the designer heels here.

Simyone Lounge (aka SL): Low lighting, leather banquettes and mirrored walls make this intimate space a favorite of celebrities, musicians and fashion-industry types alike -- Kim Kardashian, Madonna, and Elle McPherson, Canadian rapper Drake, Quincy Jones, and crooner John Legend have all danced the night away sipping champagne to the rhythmic beats of house and hip hop music in this venue. Don't let the velvet rope deter you.

Lavo: Courtney Love, Tinsley Mortimer, Kelly Bensimon, Mariah Carey and hubby Nick Cannon have all been spotted chowing down on the upscale Italian food at this midtown hot spot since its opening in September. Finance-types and their model girlfriends can be seen sipping champagne before heading down into Lavo the nightclub. It's see and be seen here -- a sentiment that has many calling this spot the new Studio 54.

Meatpacking District/Pastis: It's one thing most celebrities are likely to agree on -- shopping and a plate of French fries can be good for the soul. Celebs such as Sarah Jessica Parker and reality TV star Whitney Port have been seen enjoying the shopping in the Meatpacking District -- defined as the old meat factory area between Gansevoort and 15th Street on the water front -- which has kept some of its gritty edge by hosting a variety of upscale design studios and boutiques. Pastis, a French bistro in the epicenter of it all, offers bistro favorites popular with celebrities for weekend brunch and afternoon coffee. We hear that even Marc Jacobs goes for the pommes frites when he orders his favorite sandwich....