A unique, sustainable, architectural spectacle in the heart of Rotterdam. The biggest indoor market in the Netherlands.
If you love architecture, love food, love art or just want to see something really cool on your lunch break, then checkout Rotterdam’s market hall - aka the Markthal. This marvelous building is an apartment block, shopping centre, indoor market, and giant work of art all in one. Forget visiting, we kinda want to live here!
Designed by architects Wint Maas, Jacob van Rijs and Nathalie de Vries, this was part of an urban transformation project to create a sustainable multi-purpose structure in Rotterdam's urban core. It was even built with ecological considerations and created safe spaces for bats and swifts to nest, don’t worry they won’t bother you. This is a place that’ll definitely expand your green horizons.
- The giant arch is made up of apartments and beneath is the football-pitch sized indoor market floor which you’ll find covered in over 100 stalls selling fresh food and other delicacies. There are also plenty of restaurants and cool bars to try out. Do you want to visit somewhere dubbed a “Food Valhalla”? Yes, you do.
- The setting is made even more unique with the ceiling being the canvas of the largest artwork in the country. Called the ‘Horn of Plenty’, this magnificent multi-layered painting will have your neck aching in no time as you try to soak it all in. If you’re an artist looking for a giant piece of inspiration, there’s even more reason to check this place out.
- Needless to say this would be the perfect subject for a spot of urban photography too.
Tips and Tricks
- Pop over to the Cube Houses opposite the Market Hall to see more architectural and design genius on display.
- For another foodie experience try Fenix Food Factory. It's a little out of the way and more of a hidden gem. The factory is a big hit with local Rotterdammers.
Getting There
- By Car: parking underground at the Market Hall
- By Bus: Rotterdam Blaak Station stop is closest to the Market Hall, served by the 32 bus.
- By Train: Rotterdam Blaak station is next to the Market Hall. It’s served by Intercity and Sprinter lines. Blaak metro station is here also.
- By Tram: Station Blaak tram stop is outside the Market Hall.
Market: Open, M - Th, Sa, 10:00 - 20:00; F, 10:00 - 21:00; Su 12:00 - 18:00
All seasons
Free
N/A
This larger than life food market is big enough to meet anyone's hunger needs! Even if you've already eaten, the walk through the market to see the painted ceiling is worth it.
— An American expat abroad