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Knightsbridge and Chelsea, two of the oldest and prettiest areas of London, are where many well-heeled Londoners shop. If you want to avoid the chaos and tourists of Oxford Street, but still feel part of the action this is where you should start. If you are pressed for time you can flit between the areas two famous department stores – Harrods (87-135 Brompton Rd.; 011-44-20-7730-1234; www.harrods.com) and Harvey Nichols (109-125 Knightsbridge; 011-44-20-7235-5000; www.harveynichols.com) – and satisfy most shopaholic tendencies. Harrods is an old-fashioned grande dame; Harvey Nics is sleek, buzzy and trendier. It’s definitely the more fashion savvy of the two and attracts modern ladies-who-lunch who enjoy the organic juice bar and cheap noodles from Wagamamma in the basement, as well as the chic Fifth Floor restaurant.

If you want to visit the major league fashion houses, step outside Harvey Nics and onto Sloane Street, where you’ll find pretty much all the big names. Don’t miss its more unusual finds though. Coco Ribbon (133 Sloane St.; 44-20-7730-8555; www.cocoribbon.com) is a girly haven of feminine, flirty fashions; Gina (189 Sloane St.; 44-20-7235-2932; www.ginashoes.com) sells the hazardously high shoes coveted by London’s party girls; Pickett (149 Sloane St.; 44-20-7823-5638; www.pickett.co.uk) is an eclectic mix of gorgeous accessories and handmade leather luggage; Jo Malone (150 Sloane St.; 44-20-7730-2100; www.jomalone.co.uk) offers deliciously scented bathroom goodies.

Continue down Sloane Street and you’ll soon hit the King’s Road (during the 17th century it was King Charles II’s private thoroughfare between Whitehall and Hampton Court Palace), made famous by a lively local scene during the swinging ‘60’s and punk ‘70s. It remains one of London’s most vibrant spots. The further west you walk, the more one-off stores you’ll find. Top of the lot are Austique (330 King’s Rd.; 011-44-20-7376-4555; www.austique.co.uk) and Mimi (309 King’s Rd.; 011-44-20-7349-9699), both high-end boutiques with interesting mixes of glam designer labels. For kiddies, Daisy & Tom (181 Kings Rd.; 011-44-20-7352-5000; www.daisyandtom.com) provides another kind of thrill. This fantasy toyshop comes complete with a working merry-go-round, children’s hair salon and a huge array of toys, books and clothing. Just down the road is Steinberg & Tolkien (193 King’s Rd.; 011-44-20-7376-3660) a vintage clothes hot house that spans the 1940’s to the 1980’s– John Galliano pops in for inspiration. Further down, past World’s End—how some Londoners refer to the end of King’s Road because nothing really exists past Chelsea!—you will hit the iconic Vivienne Westwood (430 King’s Rd.; 011-44-20-7352-6551; www.viviennewestwood.co.uk) boutique – where high drama meets outrageous tailoring. It’s fun to look even if you don’t buy. Those in search of gifts should look out for the Organic Pharmacy (396 Kings Rd.; 011-44-20-7351-2232; www.theorganicpharmacy.com), the only one of its kind, offering a selection of wonderfully pure, natural products.

Rococo (321 Kings Rd.; 011-44-2- 7352-5857; www.rococochocolates.com) is a chocolate heaven of fancy flavors from traditional violet creams to passion fruit truffles. Just opposite is Bluebird (350 Kings Rd.; 011-44-020-7559-1000; www.conranandpartners.com) located in the original 1924 Bluebird Garage, then the largest in Europe, and complete with a brasserie, pit-stop café and a new deli bursting with delicious French and Italian treats. It now also boasts its own impeccably-edited fashion store, where an ever-changing mix of fresh designer labels such as Bella Freud, Mint and Park Vogel.

Where next? It’s got to be what’s known by locals as Brompton Cross, where Sloane Avenue meets the Fulham and Brompton Roads, home to a chic enclave of designer stores and cafes, including arty Walton Street. At its center lies the magnificent Art Deco Michelin Building housing British designer Sir Terence Conran’s superb flagship store (Michelin House; 81 Fulham Rd.; 011-44-20-7589-7401; www.conranshop.co.uk). Stylish displays include furniture, kitchenware, books, and gadgets. Round the corner, little Walton Street offers a handful of some of the most eclectic shops in the city. Blossom (164 Walton Street; 011-44-20-7589-7500; www.blossommotherandchild.com) is London’s hippest maternity store (both Gwyneth and Posh shopped here), with exclusive pregnancy pieces by top designers like Diane Von Furstenberg; Laurence Tavernier (77B Walton St.; 011-44-20-7584-8860) sells luxurious nightwear in old-fashioned styles. Nina Campbell, (9 Walton St.; 011-44-20-7225-1011; www.ninacampbell.com) London’s leading interior designer, showcases elegant knick-knacks for the home. Then there is the Monogrammed Linen Shop (168 Walton St.; 011-44-20-7589-4033; www.monogrammedlinenshop.com), which sells superb sheet sets, table linen and nightwear, and old-fashioned Bentleys (204 Walton St.; 011-44-20-7584-7770; www.bentleyslondon.com) brimming with expensive antiques, vintage luggage, bowler hats and 1920’s airplane propellers.

While you’re in the area, you can ease your tired feet at Reflexions (250 Kings Rd., 011-44-20-7349-9475; open from 12pm –8pm) a walk-in massage parlor where you can enjoy seriously good reflexology ($54 for 30 minutes, $85 for an hour or $38 for a seated back massage). And fashionistas must not miss the fashion exhibits at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Rd; 011-44-20-7942-2000; www.vam.ac.uk)– just a short taxi ride away in South Kensington. The exhibition charts the history of dress from 17th-century ball gowns to the latest Juicy Couture tracksuits.

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If you prefer a more bohemian vibe, you’ll love trendy Notting Hill for its laid-back village atmosphere and for one of the most famous markets in London, Portobello Road Market on Portobello Road, the area’s geographic backbone. On Saturdays it’s a riot of antiques, clothing and food stalls and is the ideal place to roll up your sleeves and unearth that perfect find. Portobello Road is also home to several slighty outre, fashion-forward stores. Olivia Morris (355 Portobello Rd.; 011-44-20-8962-0353; www.oliviamorrisshoes.com), a new star in the making, is known for her unique heels with quirky detailing, Sasti (8 Portobello Green Arcade and 281 Portobello Rd.; 011-44-20-8960-1125; www.sasti.co.uk) is a funky children’s wear mecca, Preen (5 Portobello Green Arcade and 281 Portobello Rd.; 011-44-20-8968-1542) carries romantic Victoriana looks and Skins (232 Portobello Rd.; 011-20-7221-4203) and One of a Kind (259 Portobello Rd.; 011-44-20-7792-5284; www.1kind.com) makes a virtue out of cool vintage clothes.

Nearby, Westbourne Grove is an exciting oasis of sleek stores that attract the beautiful crowd. These include Heidi Klein (174 Westbourne Grove; 011-44-845-206-2000; www.heidiklien.co.uk), a year-round summer holiday shop with the most flattering bikinis and pretty kaftans; Nicole Farhi (158 New Bond St.; 011-44-20-7499-8368; www.nicolefarhi.com), a British designer famous for her classic, comfortable clothing; and Emma Hope (207 Westbourne Grove; 011-44-20-7313-7490; www.emmahope.co.uk) whose shoes combine sophistication with wearability. Adjoining Ledbury Road has equally finger-on-the-pulse stores. You’ll find familiar names like Paul & Joe (39-41 Ledbury Rd.; 011-44-20-7243-5510; www.paulandjoe.com), alongside up-and-coming boutiques such as Matches (60-64 Ledbury Rd.; 011-44-20-7221-0255) and Aimé (32 Ledbury Rd.; 011-44-20-7221-7070; www.matchesfashion.com). Bodas (38b Ledbury Rd.; 011-44-20-7229-4464; www.bodas.co.uk) is an excellent source for refreshingly simple underwear in natural fabrics and original styles.

Don’t miss Portland Road, a quiet lane with small but excellent one-off shops. The Cross (141 Portland Rd.; 011-44-20-7727-6760) has swiftly become a cult boutique beloved for its cute children’s clothing, unusual designer pieces and scented candles. Virginia (98 Portland Rd.; 011-44-20-7727-9908) stocks wonderful vintage clothing – lots of frills and lace—in a boudoir setting, and then there is Summerill & Bishop (100 Portland Rd.; 011-44-20-7221-4566; www.summerillandbishop.com), a stylish, unusual kitchen shop with a period French look.

Another must-walk street is Blenheim Crescent. Here, the Travel Bookshop (13-15 Blenheim Crescent; 011-44-20-7229-5260; www.thetravelbookshop.co.uk) stocks fiction and non-fiction covering every part of the planet (and was the inspiration behind the bookshop in the film “Notting Hill”); Books For Cooks (4 Blenheim Crescent; 011-44-20-7229-1992; www.booksforcooks.com), sells new and old culinary literary gems, as well as offering cooking classes; and the Spice Shop (1 Blenheim Crescent; 011-44-20-7221-4448; www.thespiceshop.co.uk) seems to stocks every herb and spice known to man. All are natural, additive free and freshly ground.

While you’re in the area, stop by hip hangout Tom’s Deli (226 Westbourne Grove; 011-44-20-7221-8818; www.tomsdelilondon.co.uk), owned by Sir Terence Conran’s son. It has a buzzing café and a deli section that’s filled with cakes, chocolates and other treats. The Electric Cinema (191 Portobello Rd.; 011-44-20-7908-9696; www.electriccinema.co.uk) is the most relaxing movie theater in London. Recline in huge leather seats (with footstools) and munch on delicious snacks, all while watching the latest blockbuster or art house movie.

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It’s inevitable that you will also want to visit the West End, home to some exceptionally good department stores, each with their own particular character. Liberty of London (210-220 Regent St.; 011-44-20-7734-1234; www.liberty.co.uk), housed in a landmark Tudor mansion, exudes an off-the-beaten track charm; Selfridges (400 Oxford St.; 011-44-870-837-7377; www.selfridges.com) is bright, modern and fun, Fenwick (63 New Bond St.; 011-44-07-629-9161; www.fenwick.co.uk) is renowned for showcasing hot new design talents, and Fortnum and Mason (181 Picadilly; 011-44-20-7734-8040; www.fortnumandmason.com) has been a landmark in Piccadilly for over 300 years and offers a taste of old world England, especially in its food department, filled with traditional English delicacies and famous for its hampers – perfect for summer season jaunts to the races and picnics at Glyndebourne.

You will already know of glamorous, albeit predictable Bond Street, said to have more royal ‘By Appointment’ awards than any other thoroughfare. Here you will find iconic British labels like Burberry (21-23 New Bond St.; 011-44-20-7968-0000; www.burberry.com), Mulberry (41-42 New Bond St.; 011-44-20-7491-3900; www.mulberry.com), Alexander McQueen (4–5 Old Bond St.; 011-44-20-7355-0080; www.alexandermcqueen.com) and Pringle (112 New Bond St.; 011-44-20- 7297-0088; www.pringle-of-scotland.co.uk). Smythson of Bond Street (40 New Bond St.; 011-44-20-7629-8558; www.smythson.com) is the Queen’s favorite purveyor of leather goods and stationery. For the traditional British bespoke tailoring so admired the world over, gentlemen should head to legendary Savile Row and Jermyn Street. Many of these shops have been here for generations and all offer an extremely personalized service. Gieves & Hawkes (1 Savile Row; 011-44-20-7434-2001; www.gievesandhawkes.com) has occupied the prized No.1 Savile Row address for over ninety years and offers exemplary custom tailoring which combines classic craftsmanship with design-led collections. For more modern tailoring head to Richard James (29 Savile Row; 011-44-20-7434-0605; www.richardjames.co.uk) beloved by Tom Cruise and Elton John. On Jermyn Street, Turnbull and Asser (71-72 Jermyn St.; 011-44-20-7808-3000; www.turnbullandasser.com) produce sharp shirts cut from 400 fabrics and worn by the likes of Prince Charles and Al Pacino. Meanwhile Emma Willis (66 Jermyn St.; 011-44-20-7930-9980; www.emmawillis.co.uk) is one of the few female tailors, renowned for her skills and fabrics. She also has a small women’s shirt collection, bespoke and hand-finished.

When you want to veer off the main drag, jump in a cab to Marylebone High Street (about a ten minutes journey) which provides a low-key antidote to the glossy world of Bond Street. It’s a charming, tranquil street with independent, one-off shops that feels far from the hustle bustle. Among its star players are Brora (81 Marylebone High St.; 011-44-20-722-5040; www.brora.co.uk), bursting with gorgeously soft cashmere in a range of mouth-watering colors, Rachel Riley (82 Marylebone High St.; 011-44-20-7935-7007; www.rachelriley.com), whose Fifties-inspired children’s clothing are sweet but enduring, and Madeleine Press (90 Marylebone High St.; 011-44-20-7935-9301; www.mpress.com), renowned for her immaculate, minimalist pieces and urban cool. There are also a number of lifestyle stores. Calmia (52-54 Marylebone High St.; 011-44-845-009-2450; www.calmia.com) has everything you need for a holistic good time, including chic yoga clothing, aromatherapy products, an Eastern tea bar and a day spa. Emma Bridgewater (81a Marylebone High St.; 011-44-20-7486-6897; www.emmabridgewater.co.uk) is beloved for her chunky pottery in colorful, fun patterns that can be spotted in most English country kitchens. Domestic goddesses will adore Divertimenti (33/34 Marylebone High Street; 011-44-20-7935-0689; www.divertimenti.co.uk), a mega kitchen store which also holds cooking classes.

While you’re in the area, pop into the Wallace Collection, a little known gem of a museum established from the private collection of Sir Richard Wallace (1818-1890), an art collector and philanthropist. See paintings by Old Masters Rembrandt, Velázquez and Titian, along with superb collections of arms and armour, gold boxes, porcelain and furniture. (Hertford House; Manchester Sq.; 011-44-20-7563-9500; www.wallacecollection.org.)