Situated in the heart of Rotterdam, Market Hall is a popular open-air food market, locally known as ‘Markthal’. Established in 2014, this building complex houses several market shops, food stalls, restaurants, bars and around 228 apartments. This striking architecture has a unique horse-shoe-shaped structure. Additionally, the colourful floating murals of vegetables, flowers and fruits inside the structure are famous for being the largest artwork in the Netherlands.
The market is famous for offering a wide variety of typical Dutch food items, along with international cuisines like Indonesian, Turkish and Spanish. A fun fact is that this market offers tons of free samples to try before you buy. You can try Dutch cheese, stroopwafels, macarons and doughnuts. Additionally, Market Hall is home to some of the best restaurants including Ahoy, Oude Haven, Euromast and De Doelen.
Market Hall also hosts occasional events like food festivals which is the best time to witness the lively and vibrant local culture. It also renews its decorations during major festivals like Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
By Car: Market Hall is located at a distance of around 1.4 km from the city centre of Rotterdam. You can easily reach the market in approximately 10 minutes via the Coolsingel route.
By Train: The nearest train station to Market Hall is Rotterdam Blaak station which is around 1.3 km from the city centre. Once you reach the station, you can enjoy a one-minute short walk, covering 58 metres to reach the market.
By Bus: You can take the Sprinter bus from Rotterdam Central to Rotterdam Blaak, taking approximately 8 minutes to cover 2.4 km. Once you reach the station, you can enjoy a short five-minute walk, covering around 400 metres to reach the market.
The best time to visit Market Hall is during the morning or early afternoon when it’s less crowded, allowing you to explore comfortably. Weekdays are ideal for a quieter experience, as weekends tend to be busier. If you're looking for fresh produce, visiting early ensures the best selection. For those interested in local cuisine, afternoons offer a chance to enjoy a relaxed meal at the various food stalls. Avoid peak hours to make the most of your visit.
Market Hall is one of the largest food markets in the Netherlands, offering a diverse range of fresh food ingredients and gourmet items. You can shop for fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, fresh meats and seafood. You will also find several varieties of Dutch cheese including Gouda, Leyden and Edam. If you have a sweet tooth, you can shop for doughnuts, macaroons and croissants. Some other items that are available in the market are local wines, cookbooks, and packet foods.
One of the best places to try out traditional cuisines like Hutspot or Kapsalon is the Market Hall. There are several food stalls for quick bites like fish and chips, burgers, fries and tacos. For a fine dining experience, you can head towards some of the popular restaurants like Copper Branch, Restaurant Fitzgerald, Savor & Nosh and Stoba. Apart from traditional Dutch cuisine, you will also find international cuisines like Indian, Thai, Mexican, Spanish and Italian.