We all know what a fuss us Australians like to make when we have a bona fide celebrity on our soil, whether it be Zac Efron or homegrown talent like Hugh Jackman. Well, imagine living in a city where celebs roam the streets in droves and where the person sitting next to you slurping down their ramen could be Robbie Williams. I'm not talking about Hollywood or even New York — I'm talking about old London town.

Here's a celeb spotting guide to the big smoke to maximise your chances of a sighting that would make even Perez Hilton's mouth water.

Shopping

Are you after an alternative shopping experience? Wander the streets of Camden Market and beautiful Primrose Hill where shopping and celebrities mix like milk and honey. Local residents include Stella McCartney, Kate Winslet, Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue. If you're after a pair of shoes that've just graced the pages of Vanity Fair or In Style magazine, head to Spice Shoes on Regent Park Road. Studio 8 and Pamela Shiffer are also local favourites among the celebutantes.

If you're after something a bit more upscale, Selfridges on Oxford Street may be your place. On-and-off couple Lindsay Lohan and Sam Ronson were spotted here bickering amongst the Prada and Clinique counters.

You can also head to Harrods in Knightsbridge if you want to join the likes of Julia Roberts, George Clooney and Rachel McAdams in the high shopping stakes.

Songstress Lily Allen prefers something a bit more quirky and that's why she's a fixture at the multi-level fashion store, Dover Street Market. This upmarket store carries brands like Junya Watanabe and Lanvin.

If all else fails, head to the Oxford Street megastore, Topshop. This fashion-forward, youth-orientated store caters to such celebs as Kelly Osbourne and Kate Moss, who's even designed some of the clothes herself.

Eating

If you're in the mood for some star-quality food, then head down to luxurious Mayfair. Nobu Matsuhisa's Nobu on Berkley Street is a constant reminder of where the rich and famous like to eat. Kate Moss and Tom Cruise are regulars, and you'll be able to work out if there's an A-lister inside by the pack of equally hungry paparazzi hanging around the entrance.

George Michael and Elton John are regular diners at the Ivy restaurant on West Street, Covent Garden, but if you want a chance to be seated next to them, it's best to plan early. Reservations need to be booked at least six months in advance, unless you have a well-connected hotel concierge.

Nightlife

Boujis in Kensington has a reputation around the world for catering to the rich and famous — particularly members of the royal family. It was outside Boujis that Prince Harry was caught drunkenly lunging after a photographer and subsequently falling on his royal behind.

Arguably the most popular night at Boujis is Tuesday, when there's a good chance you'll catch someone inebriated and aristocratic inside. If Hollywood is more your style, you might be in luck also, as it has also become popular with such celebs as Lindsay Lohan, Mischa Barton and Uma Thurman.

Although this member's only club has a strict entry policy, if you look the part or have a good hotel concierge you might have a chance of getting in. Another option if you're desperate enough is to book a table — but charges tend to go into the thousands and ordering a single bottle of vodka will cost you upwards of $500.

Another favourite spot among members of the royal family is Mayfair's popular Mahiki bar. The place is decked out with a very tacky South Pacific/Hawaiian theme, but somehow still manages to pull in some pretty heavy hitters, with Paris Hilton, Kelly Osbourne, Emma Watson and Prince Harry all regulars.

Getting into this club isn't too much of a problem — as long as you have the cash. Entry is generally in the neighbourhood of $50 and once you're inside, cocktails are upwards of $45. A simple vodka tonic will also set you back around $20, but I guess that's to be expected when you're surrounded by millionaires.

Mayfair clubgoers may be rich, but they're not generally that hip. Low-key Studio Valbonne, just off Regent Street, though, is as cool as it gets, the entry policy isn't as tough as other places, it's not too expensive, and everyone from Jennifer Aniston to Nelson Mandela has had a few drinks at this Kingly Street haunt.

If you're after the most glammed-up and fabulously "it" spot to be, then Bungalow 8 in St Martin's Lane is your place. This discreet location is haunted by throngs of paparazzi, but once you get past the stunning young doormen you'll be guided into a Swarovski-designed paradise. Regular DJ's include Mark Ronson and past guests have included Amy Winehouse, Sadie Frost and Victoria Beckham.

Getting into these places is hard, but it's not impossible. Here are some tips on cracking the doors of London's celebrity hangouts:

• If you're staying at a nice hotel — try the concierge. They're bound to have some good connections and they usually can get you into a lot of the members-only bars.
• Dress the part — if you look like you belong then you probably do. I'm not saying go with a ball gown and black-tie, but try to look classy.
• Be polite and friendly to the doorman, but don't try to name drop your way in. Saying you're good mates with Nicole Kidman probably won't fly.
• Never try and bribe your way in. Ever!
• If you don't get in, don't make a scene. Have a good night somewhere else.

Still not sure you can cut it on your own? The Metropolitan Hotel on Park Lane offers Party Like a Rock Star packages from $550 per night, including a pre- and post-hangover party kit, "purple haze" cocktail shots, priority dinner reservations at Nahm or Nobu and the services of a concierge to help you get VIP access to a range of nightclubs.

Got any more tips for doing London like a ligger? Give us your thoughts using the comments form below: