Forget shopping centres. Oxford Street, Paddington is definitely the best place to shop in Sydney. It has the odd high street store (Witchery, which is a more expensive version of Zara, and Diesel) but it’s the Australian designers that steal the show: Collette Dinnigan, Morrisey, Satch, Alannah Hill. Not to be missed.

Venture from the main strip to the tree-lined back streets and you’ll find some great boutiques. There are also plenty of chic cafes and restaurants for when you are shopped-out. And keep an eye out for celebs. I saw Britney Spears (pre-baby, of course). Don't drive though: parking is a nightmare. Take the bus.

Oxford Street, Paddington; Catch bus 380 from the city towards Bondi Beach

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This is the best pizza place in the inner city. No, I would go as far to say in all of Sydney. Hidden away behind the Star Casino in the revived suburb of Pyrmont, this place never fails. Pizzas are great, pastas excellent, salads fresh and large and it is BYO (bring your own alcohol). Nothing flash, and seating is limited, but Made In Italy always impresses.

104 Miller Street, Pyrmont;
tel: 9518 8182;
Fish Market light rail stop

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The blurb on the website describes the hotel as boasting "an air of mild eccentricity". This couldn't be more true. It is chic, classic, odd and quirky all in one. Hanging from the roof in reception are dozens of puppets and all the bedrooms are adorned with prints of Kandinsky's work. The bar is a lovely place to start the night (even though nearby Montpellier has plenty to offer) and there is a nightclub as well. The staff are friendly but match the hotel's slightly offbeat atmosphere. It is deserving of its four stars.

Bayshill Road, Montpellier. Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 3AS. 01242 527 788 www.aliashotels.com/alias_html/index.php?hotel=kandinsky

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