Rotterdam: a tradition in street markets
Being an industrial city with one of the biggest harbours in the world, Rotterdam’s street market places have been the main location where trade took place throughout the centuries. Merchandise was imported from overseas, traded at one of the Rotterdam markets and transported upstream the river Maas. Even now many street names still carry names of markets of those days, for example Botersloot (butter), Hooimarkt (hay) and Veemarktstraat (cattle), Those nostalgic places are still worth a visit, although the traditional street markets don’t take place there anymore.

Twelve market places in Rotterdam
Nowadays, Rotterdam has 12 market places within its city borders. A vast choice of produce is being offered, from mobile telephone accessories to cheese and from clothes to fresh fruit and vegetables. Both Dutch and imported goods are offered. Strolling at the market place and looking for today’s bargains is a typical habit of Rotterdam’s inhabitants. This is a nice experience that enables you to meet local people who tend to be not such a big spenders. Generally in the Netherlands prices are quite low to Western-European standards, but prices at the markets are unbeatable!

Binnenrotte market
The biggest street market is at Binnenrotte, where more than 450 merchants welcome you. In the afternoon this market can be quite crowded, especially during the weekend. On rainy days the market has a cosy shelter by means of plastic covers.

Summer Sunday Market
In the summer you can visit the Rotterdam Summer Sunday Market. It's a very nice attraction and ideal to combine with a day of shopping in Rotterdam city center. In the middle of the market you can find the 'city lounge' with a variety of stalls with delicious snacks or cold drinks. Here you can taste the famous Dutch fries or exotic snacks from the multiculturural community in Rotterdam. Children can enjoy a ride in the merry-go-round. In short, the Summer Sunday Market is a great place to visit! The Summer Sunday Market has different themes during the season, such as drapery or books.

Tip : Towards the end of the market day street traders are willing to sell their fresh goods with a serious discount, so if you’re smart (and lucky) you can get your cheapest and most beautiful flowers ever.

Tip : A typical Dutch tourist orientated market is Gouda’s famous Cheese market. This market is really worth a visit on a day trip and takes place at regular intervals.

More shopping in Rotterdam?
Haven't you finished shopping yet? Go and follow our complete shopping tour in Rotterdam city center! Do you prefer shopping in a mall on a rainy day? The metro takes you to the Zuidplein Mall or to the Alexandrium Mall in 25 minutes. Zuidplein offers another 150 shops and Alexandrium has many home decoration stores and a big shopping center. Another option is the indoor Market Hall at Blaak next to the street market.