Tim Gunn, Diddy, Jimmy Fallon and other stars pitch NYC

Tim Gunn, Julianne Moore, Jonathan Adler and Kevin Bacon are just a few of the New York City-based celebrities that have come together for the expansion of the official city tourism campaign “Just Ask the Locals” that launched on April 28.

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The ads, spearheaded by NYC & Company, provide advice to New York City visitors on restaurants, shopping and hot spots from the creme de la creme of New York, including top restaurateurs Danny Meyer and Marcus Samuelsson, Barneys creative director Simon Doonan and musician Itzhak Perlman.

While Cynthia Rowley recommends shopping at Resurrection and Economy Candy, Diddy suggests clubbing at Butter, Marquee or 1 Oak. Debbie Harry’s music venues of choice? Bowery Ballroom and Mercury Lounge.

Other suggestions are a bit abstract. Jimmy Fallon suggests “everything tastes better late at night” and Julianne Moore says, “Even if your kids say they want to walk, bring the stroller.”

The “Just Ask the Locals” campaign pairs the celebrity tips with an open message board for other New York residents to leave suggestions.

The tourism campaign can be found on NYCvisit.com, as well as in print and outdoor advertising throughout the city.

NYC & Company, the official marketing and tourism organization for New York City, is run by chairman of the board Emily K. Rafferty and CEO George Ferrita. Rafferty is the president of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

“Just Ask the Locals” is sponsored by American Express and JCDecaux North America, an advertising firm that donated $5 million in advertising space at JFK airport.

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