For antiques, the best time to visit is Saturday (from 7am to 2pm), and this is the only time that most of the outside stalls, and indoor arcades, are open.

If approaching from Notting Hill tube station, the first part of Portabello Road is very pretty with colorful houses, but you won’t find any antiques until you cross Chepstow Villas and reach Rogers Gallery (the first arcade). After that, you’ll find plenty of stalls, shops and arcades as you go down the hill. When the shops and stalls turn to clothes and food, you’ve missed most of the antiques, although there are a few more stalls further on, between The Westway and Golborne Road.

The best way to enjoy this place is to try and buy a bargain. Ideally something you could sell for a profit if you wanted to. And don’t let a lack of experience, knowledge, or money stop you. It’s not too difficult and it's a great feeling to buy something you think you could sell for more, even if you do decide to keep it for yourself.

Ask questions and chat. The dealers turn up because they enjoy it, and if there’s one thing they like doing almost as much as buying and selling antiques, it’s talking about buying and selling antiques, but best to not get them started on "business isn't what it used to be". If you’re not sure of something’s age or condition, just ask, and you'll (almost always) get good honest information. The exception to this is when you're told the "best price" which is never true. It will always be possibe to negotiate that down.

You’ll find prices range from a couple of pounds to thousands. The majority of items on the stalls and in the arcades sell for between £20 and £100.

All dealers prefer cash. Only a few accept credit cards, but those who don't can always find someone to take a card payment on their behalf. But they may need to charge for that.