If Los Angeles were a band, Hollywood would be the showy lead singer. And Silver Lake would be the understated, contemplative bassist -- the George Harrison of LA neighborhoods. Here’s how to spend a day in this artsy section of the city.

Breakfast: Start your day with one of the scrambles -- Benedict or Florentine -- at Millie's, where they do everything the pain-in-the-ass, old-fashioned way: by hand and from scratch.

Walk: Think nobody walks in LA? Well, you’re probably right. But if you head down to the Silver Lake Reservoir, you’ll find plenty of locals cruising the newly opened walking path or sunning in the three-and-a-half-acre meadow, all part of a $2.1 million “all natural” project.

1. Yummy Cupcakes (Santa Monica) - With 140 cupcake flavors, Yummy offers a rotating daily menu in jumbo, classic, and mini sizes; recent specials include cupcake biscotti and cupcake-in-a-jar for Valentine’s Day.
2. Famous Cupcakes (Hollywood) - Start your day off right with Famous’ Good Morning Cupcake with vanilla beans and a sprinkled blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, and graham crackers. Custom cupcake bouquets cover everything from weddings to Jewish holidays.
3. Sprinkles Cupcakes (Beverly Hills) - Possibly the most popular cupcake in the class with ingredients including bittersweet Belgian chocolate, pure Madagascar Bourbon vanilla, and natural citrus zests. Sprinkles made the cupcake trendy again; their “modern dots” on flavors -- including mocha, pumpkin, and red velvet -- make them the leader of the pack.

C’mon! Big money! Big money!

1. Aureole (Strip: South) - Nothing says “winner” like a $500 bottle of wine before dinner. Nothing says big winner like ordering a $1,000 bottle of wine with the appetizer.
2. Fred Leighton (Bellagio) - Because an 8-carat diamond ring is vulgar, but a 16-carat emerald, diamond and platinum art deco bracelet is not.
3. Pinball Hall of Fame (Off-Strip East) - Go ahead, buy that Kiss pinball machine. You’re on your own getting it home, though.

Suddenly everything in your suitcase seems so ... blah.

1. Barney’s New York (Shoppes at the Palazzo) - Quirky flagship store where the sculpture and décor are as fabulous as the clothes. An entire floor of handbags!
2. Bettie Page (Miracle Mile Shops) - If your idea of stunning is more Ava Gardner than Mischa Barton. Lace petticoat dresses and vintage-inspired lingerie.
3. Prada (Bellagio) - Their shop window compels women toward the craps tables in hopes of a big win. “Mama needs a new pair of shoes” has never had more meaning.

1. Amoeba (Hollywood) - This is the go-to spot for anyone in your life who likes music or movies. Pick up the entire series of My So-Called Life, the latest MGMT or a hefty gift certificate for the undecideds.
2. The Farmacy (Venice) - For the stoner in your life, package this little stocking stuffer with some homemade cinnamon rolls, and you’ll be all set.
3. New High (M)art (Downtown) - She’ll appreciate the labels, you’ll appreciate the prices.

1. Moma Design Store (Soho) - Designy gifts for anyone on your list.
2. Flight 001 (Greenwich Village) - Laptop bags, pretty patterned luggage, and all kinds of other travel do-dads.
3. Swiss Army Soho (Soho) - Gadgets for people who like to tie knots and cut them open. Plus oodles of other techie gadgets.

Strapped for time, but not for cash? Get spendy on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. Start at Montana Avenue and 16th Street, then work your way towards the ocean.

● a.b.s. by Allen Schwartz - Fashion for the backstage side of the Hollywood industry.
● Margaret OLeary - Not just fashion for an Aunt Doris; fresh looks for the on the go girls.
● Cabana: Swinging 60s poolside Palm Beach party fun for the family.

If you've got two hours and room left on your plastic, we've got your personal shopapocalypse. These seven Soho streets will help you enjoy wonderful, personal economic collapse in record time.

START: West Broadway (between Houston and Broome)
● Max Mara - Newly accessorized office couture for the career-minded urbanite.
● Swiss Army Soho - High-quality accessories don't just includes knives.
● Reiss - Britain's answer to Barney's.

If you watch The Hills or read any gossip rag, LA comes off like a celebutante-super-chic-hipster on a weekend coke bender, stopping only to pose (pantyless) for the paps. While this may be true if you hang in Weho or Hollywood, there's plenty to scope out on the more mellow west side of town. Things like, say, the beach. Here's our guide to having fun in Venice, CA.

Stay: You might as well get as close to the ocean as possible and stay at Shutters on the Beach. Your backdoor (or your front, depending on the suite) is sand, and beyond, water. The hotel maintains a private stretch of beach for guests, and service is quick and reliable. The brunches are legendary.

Welcome to the gayborhood. Known as one of the most notable gay villages in the country, WeHo is also home to some of the best bars, restaurants, and shopping in all of Los Angeles. The vibe is friendly and the streets are walkable -- this is one spot in LA where you can get all you need within a few blocks. The 90069 is filled with hot young things walking their dogs -- due in part to the tight rent control in this area (cheap rent!) and the extremely dog-friendly landlords. For the first-time visitor, here’s your primer.