She has just finished promoting one of the biggest upcoming movies and is one of the most recognised faces in the world.

But it appears that Emma Watson’s famous face didn’t work in her favour today, as she struggled to hail a cab on a busy New York street.

The 21-year-old Harry Potter spent some time on the road chatting to a taxi driver, trying to explain which direction she was travelling in, but he turned her down because he was off-duty.

Take me!  Emma Watson struggled to hail a cab on a busy New York City street today

Perhaps it was the actress’ dress down attire that didn’t catch the cabbies eye, to perhaps make an exception for the star.

Emma has spent the last few weeks in an array of stunning designer dresses, but today the she opted for some more low-key casual attire as she takes a well earned break from the spotlight.

The elfin beauty slipped into a pair of skinny legs jeans, a baggy grey sweater and some flats for her outing in the Big Apple.

She accessorised with a cream satchel and some fifties style shades and slicked her short brunette crop back with a headband.

Earlier in the day, she was out shopping with friends at stores including British favourites All Saints and Topshop.

They also stopped by a street stall to look at some jewels.

Emma walked the red carpet for the final time for Harry Potter on Monday night.

‘But it’s just up the road!’ The 21-year-old Harry Potter spent some time on the road chatting to a taxi driver, trying to explain which direction she was travelling in

The actress dazzled in a stunning strapless bronze creation by Bottega Veneta at the premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 in New York.

Emma, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint were joined by other stars of the film including Tom Felton and Alan Rickman, and celebrity guests Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick and Seth Green at the event.

Of her dramatic gown, Emma said: ‘New York is such a fashion capital, I felt I could push the envelope a bit. With London I went a bit more classic (in her fairytale Oscar de la Renta dress) but for today I wanted to do something edgier.’

The 21-year-old wore her gamine crop slicked and looked very grown up in elaborate gold leaf eye make-up.

On the go: Emma raced around the city, enjoying spending some much deserved time off

Earlier in the day, she slipped into a glittering minidress for an appearance on The David Letterman Show.

On the show, Letterman grilled the young actress, especially about her co-star Daniel Radcliffe’s recent admissions about drinking.

The fellow Harry Potter star recently shocked his fans with an admission that he’s sober after struggling with an addiction to alcohol.

In an interview with GQ, Emma admitted he had become reliant on drink to help him cope with life in the spotlight.

The young man sketches a past where he was, by his own admission, ‘f***ing up all the time,’ but co-star Emma Watson, who has worked closely with him on the franchise for a decade, claims she knew nothing.

Shopping spree: Earlier in the day, she was out shopping with friends at stores including British favourites All Saints and Topshop

During the awkward interview with Letterman, Emma was quizzed about Radcliffe’s admission – and her attitude towards alcohol.

Of Radcliffe and his former vice, she said: ‘To be honest, it’s really not something that I genuinely know much about.

‘But as far as I know, he never took a sick day. He was like the most professional, amazing guy ever.’

The actress then admitted she and Radcliffe have a very different relationship when it comes to their consumption of ‘controlled substances.’

‘I mean, yes, I have tried spirits! Of course, I’ve tried spirits,’ she admitted awkwardly.

‘I mean err, there are substances, whiskey… I’m dying here,’ she stammered and giggled as she tried to avoid the question.

Digging for gold: They also stopped by a street stall to look at some jewels