Markthal Rotterdam Guide: What to Eat, See & Do Inside the Iconic Market Hall

Welcome to Markthal, the beating heart of Rotterdam’s culinary and architectural scene. As your local tour guide, let me walk you through one of the Netherlands’ most fascinating attractions—a place where cutting-edge design, international food culture, and historical discovery all come together under one iconic arch.
 

Located in the lively Laurenskwartier district, Markthal is much more than just a food hall—it’s a bold architectural statement, a vibrant community hub, and a sensory feast for locals and tourists alike. From the moment you step inside its grand horseshoe-shaped structure, you’ll understand why Markthal is one of Rotterdam’s top attractions.

📍 Quick Overview of Markthal

Location: Dominee Jan Scharpstraat 298, Rotterdam, Netherlands

Opened: 2014

Architects: MVRDV

Key Features: Indoor food market, restaurants, apartments, underground archaeological exhibit

Visitors: Over 7 million annually

Opening Hours: 10 AM–8 PM (Mon–Sat), 12 PM–6 PM (Sun)

🏗️ The Architecture – A Modern Icon

An Arch of Innovation

Markthal’s horseshoe design, created by acclaimed Dutch architecture firm MVRDV, combines modern housing, commercial space, and a market hall under one dramatic roof. The result is an urban icon that reflects Rotterdam’s futuristic spirit.

11-story building housing over 200 apartments

Interior hall spans 100m long, 70m wide, and 40m high

The exterior is made from natural grey stone, blending tradition with innovation

The Horn of Plenty – Interior Artwork

As you look up, you'll be greeted by the world’s largest artwork inside a public building: “Horn of Plenty” by artists Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam.

Spans 11,000 m² across the curved ceiling

Features hyper-realistic images of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and insects

Printed on aluminum panels using digital 3D techniques

Often referred to as the “Dutch Sistine Chapel”

🍽️ Inside the Market – A Food Lover’s Paradise

With over 100 food stalls, shops, and restaurants, Markthal is a paradise for foodies. Whether you’re craving Dutch delicacies, Mediterranean tapas, Asian fusion, or fresh baked goods, you’ll find it all here.

🧀 Must-Try Dutch Specialties

Stroopwafels – Try freshly made caramel-filled waffles

Haring – Traditional raw herring served Dutch-style

Gouda Cheese – Taste aged and flavored varieties from local vendors

Kibbeling – Battered fish bites served with garlic mayo

🍣 Global Street Food & Gourmet Bites

Sushi and Poké Bowls

Italian pasta and truffle pizza

Spanish chorizo and Iberico ham

Middle Eastern falafel and Turkish baklava

Vietnamese spring rolls and pho

🥐 Bakeries & Sweet Treats

Artisanal bread from Le Perron

Fresh pastries, macarons, and Dutch apple pies

Chocolate truffles and exotic desserts

🥂 Wine Bars & Specialty Shops

Taste Dutch gin (jenever)

Wine tastings from local and international vineyards

Boutique spice shops, tea emporiums, and organic oils

🛍️ Shopping Beyond Food

Markthal isn’t just about eating—there are retail shops selling:

Culinary souvenirs and local crafts

Cookware, knives, and Dutch kitchen tools

Home goods and decorative items

Specialty items like cheese boards and branded Markthal merchandise

🏛️ Historical Discovery – The Time Stair

As you descend into the underground parking or take a look around the lower level, you’ll come across the “Time Stair” (Tijdtrap) – an archaeological exhibit displaying historical finds from the site’s excavation.

Showcases Roman and Medieval artifacts, coins, pottery, and tools

Offers insights into Rotterdam’s early settlements

A unique blend of modern design and deep history

🧭 Things to Do Near Markthal

While Markthal is a destination on its own, it’s also within walking distance to other top Rotterdam attractions:

🏰 Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk

Historic church from the 15th century

Only remaining medieval building in central Rotterdam

Offers panoramic views from its tower

🧱 Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen)

Famous tilted yellow cubes designed by Piet Blom

Located just across the square from Markthal

Visit the Show Cube Museum to peek inside one

🌳 Binnenrotte Market

Rotterdam’s largest outdoor market (Tuesdays and Saturdays)

Stalls selling produce, clothes, flowers, and more

Held in the square outside Markthal

🗓️ Best Time to Visit Markthal

📸 Instagrammable Spots

Inside the hall beneath the Horn of Plenty ceiling

Outside shots with the Cube Houses and Markthal façade

Colorful food stalls and cheese towers

Close-ups of stroopwafels and seafood platters

🏨 Where to Stay Nearby

CitizenM Rotterdam – Stylish, affordable, great views

Ibis Rotterdam City Centre – Budget-friendly, walkable to Markthal

NH Atlanta Rotterdam – Classic 4-star in city center

Mainport Hotel – Luxury with riverside spa and rooftop

🧳 What to Pack

Comfortable shoes for walking

Camera or phone with wide-angle lens

Reusable shopping bag (for goodies)

Appetite and curiosity!

✅ Insider Tips

Visit early in the morning or after 6 PM for fewer crowds

Tuesdays and Saturdays are busiest due to the outdoor market

Many stalls offer free samples — don’t be shy!

Combine your visit with a Rotterdam food tour

Bring cash as some stalls may not accept cards

🚇 How to Get There

By Metro: Blaak Station (Lines A, B, C) is directly underneath

By Train: Blaak is also a train stop on the national rail

By Foot: 10-min walk from Rotterdam Central Station

By Bike or Tram: Easy access via multiple lines and bike paths

Parking available underground (Markthal Parking Garage)

🎪 Events & Activities

Seasonal food festivals inside the hall

Workshops on cheese, chocolate, and wine

Guided architecture tours (available in English and Dutch)

Holiday markets in December

💬 Why You Should Visit Markthal

Whether you’re a gourmet enthusiast, architecture buff, or casual traveler, Markthal is a destination that delivers on all fronts. It’s a place where you can enjoy a snack under a massive digital fresco, learn about Rotterdam’s past, and try food from every corner of the world—all in one visit.

Markthal embodies Rotterdam’s spirit of innovation, resilience, and multiculturalism. It’s vibrant, welcoming, and never the same twice.