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Wall Street may be considered the financial capital of the world, but compared to London's historic city core, it's the new kid on the block. The City's business men and women have been leading global markets since the 16th century, but after 400 years of overflowing wallets, streets of gold and bespoke tailoring, London's fabled Square Mile is facing more than just a recession-it's having an identity crisis. What Londoners lack in cash, however, they make up for in flash-the City is still about style, class and exclusivity. Want to impress despite your non-blueblood status? Consider this your crib sheet to the inside track. -Nancy Won

The office For a quintessential English pied-à-terre that's a little less stuffy and a little more glam, check into Claridge's, a luxe art deco gem that has been hosting hip high-rollers and heads of state for more than a century. Located in Mayfair, a.k.a. Hedge Fund Central, this posh pad offers easy access to local business haunts and shopping on Oxford, Regent and Carnaby Streets. Rooms start at $472. Claridges.co.uk

The reservation The hottest meal ticket in London right now is Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley. A former Gordon Ramsay acolyte, Wareing flew the coop after a much-ballyhooed falling-out with his mentor. He stays above the controversy by offering heavenly haute cuisine (foie gras with black figs, suckling pig with braised chicory) at not overly haute prices (a set lunch runs $58). If you're out to make an impression, book the chef's table ($1,650).

The-berkeley.co.uk

The local fare Fancy a pint? In London, the answer is always yes. If you're in town often, you can avoid queues (and drink past 11 p.m.) by joining a members' club. About $1,600 will buy you an international membership at Home House Club or Shoreditch House, and gain you access to all the City's schmooze-worthy movers and shakers. If you don't have a card to flash, the Phillippe Starck-designed Long Bar is swanky enough to weed out the plebs. Homehouseclub.com; shoreditchhouse.com

Change of clothes Savile Row's young and happening business clientele are keeping up appearances as the economy struggles, by buying off the rack (shh!) and tailoring to get that bespoke fit. Designer Richard James is credited with pioneering a new, modern approach to traditional suiting, and when it comes to ready-to-wear, his collection is the tops. City ladies (who, unlike their male counterparts, enjoy a variety in their wardrobe that extends beyond the shade of shirt) can complement inexpensive pieces from High Street shops with name-brand accessories à la Marc Jacobs and Chloé-the best of which reside at luxury department store Liberty.

Richardjames.co.uk; liberty.co.uk

TERMINAL TIP

Re-energize between flights at London Heathrow's Be Relax Spa (Terminal 5, satellite 5B). Go for the anti-jet-lag facial and oxygen aromatherapy.