'I spent a day in Knightsbridge exploring the charming streets behind its luxurious facade'

If you're wanting to treat yourself to a luxury day out in London, you can't get more fancy than Knightsbridge. 

Sandwiched between some of the capital's most affluent spots, including Kensington, Belgravia and Mayfair, visitors can not only check out the area's many designer stores and high-class restaurants but also explore its rich history.

As soon as you step off the tube, Knightsbridges' opulence can be felt. After walking through the station's marbled interiors, arriving on street level, visitors are soon greeted by the area's grand architecture. 

A visit at Christmas time feels especially festive as the area's merry light displays and store windows will no doubt have any Christmas fans swooning. The designer store displays down Sloane Street and Harvey Nichols' bright window display with bauble-headed mannequins will surely get any Scrooge or Grinch in the festive spirit.

I started my day in Knightsbridge with a walking tour with a friend around some of the area's local landmarks, including the Hyde Park barracks and the flat novelist Jane Austen once stayed at in Hans Place. 

Following the Knightsbridge Partnership commissioned map, we made our way around the featured 13 iconic landmark spots as well as its 14 listed blue plaques of historical figures who have links in the area. 

While it can be easy to be absorbed by the area's fancy stores and fashionably dressed passersby, walking around offers a real insight behind its luxurious facade as you learn more about the history behind its charming streets.

Having worked up an appetite with our self-guided stroll, my friend and I headed to Sette for a spot of lunch. Housed within the luxury 5-star Bulgari hotel, the spot offered a quieter dining experience tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Knightsbridge's more busy places.

Offering authentic Italian food with a Manhattan twist, my friend enjoyed a creamy Burrata, flavourful Scarpetta Spaghetti and NYC Cheesecake, while I had salmon with a trapanese pesto, roasted chicken and a gelato for dessert. The service was really quick and efficient, and the calming atmosphere was just what we needed after walking around Knightsbridge.

With its streets lined with familiar designer names and iconic department stores, no visit to Knightsbridge is complete without some shopping. After lunch, my friend and I browsed some of the area's retail spots, including, of course, Harrods and Harvey Nichols. 

Shoppers could easily spend a day in both department stores exploring their array of wares, from fashion to toys and decor, spanning across their multi-shop levels. My friend and I, in particular, got lost looking around Harrods and Harvey Nichols' beauty floors.

Ending the day, we headed up to the fifth floor of Harvey Nichols to enjoy some Christmas cocktails and a few light bites at the store's cosy rooftop bar. For the festive season, it has a few merry offerings, including a Christmas take on the classic espresso martini. 

Filled with classic yuletide flavours, the menu also has a cocktail (Sleigh Bells All The Way) created by one of the Knightsbridge bartenders. The service was quick and friendly and the staff were committed to ensuring guests were having a good time. 

Located at the top of Harvey Nichols, the swanky bar's welcoming atmosphere was the ideal spot to wind down from a day exploring Knightsbridge.

From fine dining to luxury shopping, Knightsbridge is certainly the place if you're looking to splash out in the capital.