Markthal Rotterdam: How to Enjoy the City's Famous Food Hall

Few buildings in Rotterdam pull in as many visitors as the Markthal. From outside it is a huge grey horseshoe with glass ends; inside, a colourful mural of fruit, vegetables, fish and flowers covers the entire curved ceiling above dozens of food stalls. Apartments are built into the arch itself, and some of their windows look straight down onto the market. It opened in 2014 and quickly became one of the city's best-known landmarks. For more nearby sights, see our guide to things to do in Rotterdam.

What you will find inside

The ground floor is a mix of fresh-food sellers and places to eat. You will find cheese, bread, fish, fruit and spices next to counters serving everything from Dutch snacks to dishes from around the world. Around the edges are cafés, shops and a supermarket, and there are more restaurants on the upper level overlooking the hall.

When to go

• Weekday mornings are calmest — good for photos of the ceiling and for browsing the produce.
• Lunchtime and weekend afternoons are lively and can be crowded; expect queues at popular stalls.
• Early evening is a pleasant time for a relaxed dinner, as some stalls close earlier than the restaurants.

Opening hours differ between stalls and seasons, so check before planning a late visit.

How to graze well

1. Walk a full lap before buying anything. Many stalls look tempting, and you will make better choices once you have seen them all.
2. Share small portions so you can try several things.
3. Try at least one Dutch classic — cheese from a local farm, a portion of kibbeling (fried fish pieces) or freshly made stroopwafels.
4. Find a seat on the edges or on the upper level rather than crowding the stall counters.

The outdoor market next door

On market days, a large open-air market sets up on the Binnenrotte square beside the hall, with stalls selling produce, fabrics, household goods and snacks. Traditionally it runs a couple of days a week; check the current days before you go. Together, the covered hall and the open market make this corner of the city a great place to shop for a picnic.

Look up — and around

Don't forget to look at the building as well as the food. The ceiling artwork is best seen from the middle of the hall, and the view out of the glass ends towards the old church of St Lawrence (the Laurenskerk) and the Cube Houses is a nice reminder of how old and new sit side by side here. The Markthal is also a stop on our modern architecture walk.

Good to know

• The nearest stop is Blaak, served by metro, tram and train.
• Card payment is widely accepted; some small stalls may prefer it to cash.
• Bring a bag if you plan to buy produce to take home.