By Andrea McVeigh.

The City of London's Square Mile is the heart of all things money related (where you'll find the Bank of England) but it's also within walking distance to the most amazing shopping in the world.

For our pre-Christmas gift-buying spree in the big smoke we plan on bedding down in the sumptuous five-star luxury boutique hotel, Threadneedles, a 19th century former banking hall. It's elegant yet modern, refined and luxurious, and it's in a great location.

Last time we stayed we loved the rose petals scattered on the bed and in the bathroom, the gorgeous Korres toiletries, the comp newspaper, the TV in the bathroom and the bath menu (you can order a glass of champagne, strawberries and cream before luxuriating in a deep, relaxing, petal-filled bath - bliss).

We also loved the room service movie menu (hot buttered popcorn, drinks and ice-cream) as well as the 'what's happening' leaflet, detailing all the events taking place in the area, that's left in your room every day. Staff even went out of their way to fulfil our request for rice milk for breakfast - no wonder it was voted by Conde Nast Traveller as one of top hotels in the world. Yet it's still surprisingly affordable.

On your doorstep is St Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and the Tate Modern.

But what we really loved, location-wise, were the numerous fab and funky shops and markets that are within strolling distance. You can pick up designer labels in the Royal Exchange, a spectacular listed building that rivals Bond Street for its list of top brands.

The amazing Borough Market, on the south side of London Bridge, is a foodies paradise, with stalls selling everything from scrummy chocolate brownies to super-juices and exotic meats.

Petticoat Lane Market, on Wentworth Street, is a tourist institution. Want vintage clothes? Food? Leather goods? Toys? It's all here.

Head to Brick Lane Market on Sunday mornings for bric-a-brac, bagels and Bengali restaurants before picking up a bunch of blooms in Columbia Road Flower Market.

And don't leave town without checking out the goodies at Old Spitalfields Market - everything from antiques and old records to up-and-coming clothes, accessories and jewellery designers (Sunday is the best, and busiest, day to go, with hundreds of stalls to browse from).

*Threadneedles, 5 Threadneedle Street, London EC2R 8AY, tel 020 7657 8080, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.theetoncollection.com. From 24-28 December it's offering a festive package that includes all things Christmassy, from £195 per night while its December River Cruise Package starts from £495.