Paddington Shopping Precinct

Paddington is famous for its elegant tree-lined streets, big old pubs with modern bistros, stylish galleries and restaurants, and footpaths brimming with understated chic.

Its also a fantastic place to sip espresso, people-watch and shop til your credit card is screaming for reprieve.

Oxford Street is Paddingtons main shopping thoroughfare, and a walk from one end to another will take you past cutting edge design, eclectic home decor, name brand fashion and brimming bookshops.

Start at the top end of the street on the corner of Queen Street for a cluster of Australias top young clothing designers like Akira Isogowa, Alannah Hill and Lisa Ho. Wander down the hill past shop after shop of casual and streetwear brands like General Pants Co, Esprit and Marcs for men and women.

And dont get too attached to Oxford Street because there are gorgeous finds in side streets like Glenmore Road and William Street, and you could miss something really special like designer Collette Dinnigans effortlessly feminine creations.

There's a lot more to Paddington than clothing. Long-standing favourites include the well stocked Folkways Music shop and Ariel Bookstore. The latter is open until midnight, which is just as well because you can lose yourself for hours just browsing.

Dinosaur Designs sell a unique selection of jewellery, bowls, lamps and vases - all made from brilliantly coloured resin. The Mambo Friendship Store pokes good-natured fun at Australian culture with its irreverent designs and edgy style.

Paddo (as its affectionately known) is extra-buzzy on Saturdays when the Paddington Markets set up shop. Located on the site of the Paddington Uniting Church on Oxford Street, the markets have started the career of many a successful fashion designer or artisan, and theyre a great place to find a one-off piece art piece or chic clothing at bargain-prices.

Retail hours vary and the following is provided as a guide only: 9:30am to 6pm Monday to Saturday with Thursday nights til 8pm and Sundays 11am til 5pm.