The Markthal is Rotterdam's landmark covered market, designed by architecture firm MVRDV and opened in 2014, world-famous for the vast 11,000 m² ceiling mural 'Hoorn des Overvloeds' (Horn of Plenty) that covers the inside of its horseshoe-shaped arch. Its ground floor holds around 100 fresh-food and international street-food stalls, while the arch itself contains 228 occupied apartments, making it a rare building where market, housing and retail are fused into one structure. Now past its 10-year anniversary (2024), it remains a defining architectural and culinary stop in the city — and, being fully indoors and free to enter, an easy half-day of eating and browsing even on a rainy day.
The ceiling-filling 11,000 m² digital mural 'Horn of Plenty' by Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam — giant fruits, vegetables, fish and flowers often called the 'Sistine Chapel of food'
Roughly 100 stalls to taste and buy: Dutch cheeses, pickled herring (haring), fresh stroopwafels and street food from around the world
MVRDV's horseshoe-arch architecture and one of Europe's largest suspended-cable glass façades — worth studying from both inside and outside
The 228 real, lived-in apartments wrapped around the arch, whose windows look down into the market hall
Pairing the visit with the Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen) two minutes away and the open-air Blaak market (Binnenrotte) on Tuesdays and Saturdays
Good to know
SafetyThe crowded hall, nearby Blaak station and the outdoor market are prime spots for pickpockets. Wear your bag in front and zipped, and never leave your phone or wallet on the table.
RulesEntry to the market hall is free, but restaurants along the long sides of the arch often have their own entrances and hours. Stalls and shops close in the early evening while sit-down restaurants stay open later, so check current opening times and prices on the official website before you go.
MannersThe Netherlands is largely card- and contactless-first, and many vendors don't take cash. At sit-down restaurants a tip of about 5–10% or simply rounding up is plenty; there's no expectation to tip at grab-and-go stalls.
CautionWhen paying by card, decline 'dynamic currency conversion' — if the terminal offers to charge in your home currency instead of euros, always choose EUR for a fairer exchange rate.
SeasonThe July summer peak and weekends — especially Tuesday and Saturday when the outdoor market runs — get very busy. For calmer photos and browsing, arrive on a weekday shortly after opening.
SafetyRotterdam is a city of heavy bike and tram traffic. Looking up at the mural while walking, take care not to drift onto the red-paved cycle paths or tram tracks outside.
Practical info
The Markthal is a 2–3 minute walk from Blaak station, served by metro (lines A, B and C), trams 21 and 24, and mainline/RandstadRail trains; the address is Ds. Jan Scharpstraat 298. The hall is generally open Mon–Thu 10:00–20:00, Fri 10:00–21:00, Sat 10:00–20:00 and Sun 12:00–18:00, and entry is free, but individual restaurants vary — confirm opening hours, parking and any events on the official website before visiting.
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