It is claimed to be the first indoor market in the Netherlands and after seeing it myself, I can say it is a spectacular one!

Inside of Markthal Rotterdam

Markthal Rotterdam

Surrounding of Rotterdam Markthal

The construction started in 2009 and finally, the Markthal Rotterdam opened on the first October 2014, inaugurated by Dutch Queen Maxima. It is a popular place in the Netherlands at this moment. I was there a couple weeks ago and we did not get any place to dine as all restaurants and bars were full.

Markthal Rotterdam is an indoor food market, and yes, it is inspired by the indoor markets in Barcelona, Valencia and Stockholm. The building is designed by Rotterdam architects Winy Maas, Jacob van Rijs and Nathalie de Vries. Its outside arch constructed for 228 apartments with view to inside of the markets and outside. The market has 96 units for fresh food and beverages plus 20 hospitality or retails units. Additionally it has underground car park with 1,200 parking lots and don’t worry, the parking fee in Rotterdam is way cheaper than Amsterdam.

One thing that strikes me is the painting artwork by Arno Coenen with co-partner Iris Roskam that called “Hoorn des Overvloeds” (The Horn of plenty) on its inside archway. Simply stunning and huge! It was claimed as the biggest artwork in the Netherlands: 11,000 meter square with 4500 panels.

The Horn of Plenty by Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam

The Horn of Plenty by Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam

Inside of the market, we can find good quality food products plus plus: there are favorite stuffs the Dutch likes such as cheese and flowers; also fresh vegetables, fruits, meats and seafood. The dogs are allowed to enter the market.

Besides of shopping, you can have a nice hot drinks in one of the café or having wine in a wine bar. There are some restaurants inside where you can eat at their “roof terraces” and enjoying the artwork by Coenen.

Going to the restaurant’s terrace

Restaurant’s terrace

Official Website: Markthal Rotterdam

Location:
Located in the central of Rotterdam: Ds. Jan Scharpstraat 298, 3011 GZ Rotterdam
To visit by public transport – direction to Blaak Metro/Subway Station OR Blaak Train Station
Opening Time:
Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 10:00 to 20:00
Friday from 10:00 to 21:00
Sunday from 12:00 to 18:00
Attraction nearby
Kubuswoningen (Cubicle Houses) and Oude Haven (Old Port) of Rotterdam