![\"Markthal](\"http:\/\/www.mostlyfood.co.uk\/img\/rotterdam-market-mural-2-web.jpg\")
We are thinking about a pre-Christmas break, a rejuvenating Spring get-away, a Summer city break, and there are the familiar cries of \u2018Let\u2019s go to Rotterdam.\u2019 OK, OK, so I am pulling the leg of my dear reader. It\u2019s a shame that we don\u2019t have Rotterdam as our first thought \u2013 and I can\u2019t see why.<\/p>\n
The Netherlands is easy to get to from the UK and all other European countries. Rotterdam has great transport connections from airports, sea ports and by rail. It is overlooked by travellers who think that Holland only has one city and that\u2019s called Amsterdam. That is indeed a fine and iconic town, but Rotterdam is a shining yet undiscovered gem.<\/p>\n
But why exactly would one go to Rotterdam? Ask any previous visitor and they will all recommend a trip and likely all give different reasons. It seems to be one of those cities that charms and captivates with quirky good humour. The architecture is a big draw, not only for those who study the subject, but for us mortals who just admire striking, beautiful, historic or contemporary buildings. Rotterdam is compact with great bus and tram networks, so it\u2019s simple to visit the 100 year-old Town Hall as well as the Stilt Houses and the new Markthal.<\/p>\n
Thankfully most Dutch people speak English but many words are similar, such as \u2018Market Hall\u2019 and \u2018Markthal\u2019. And, yes, I truly am urging you to visit a market \u2026but a very special example of that genre and one that will make an impression in every regard.<\/p>\n
The Markthal is easily found in the middle of the lively Laurens district right in the centre of Rotterdam and within walking distance of Blaak station. There is still an outdoors market and that mostly caters for non-food items \u2013 everything from big knickers to tablecloths. The new hall is a showcase for local produce as well as far-flung-fare. One can not only buy food to take home and enjoy but one can also eat at the numerous on-site restaurants. One doesn\u2019t have to be a fanatical \u2018foodie\u2019 to enjoy the Markthal, but just have an appetite for colour and taste. It\u2019s all here and much more than the expected cheese. Yes, there is plenty of it to buy, but also lots more that will hopefully change your expectations of Dutch food. It\u2019s eclectic, international (remember, Holland also had colonies) and imaginative.<\/p>\n One can actually live at the Markthal. That might conjure pictures of poor vagrants sleeping under stalls but that couldn\u2019t be further from the truth. There are 228 stylish apartments for sale or rent in the arch of the Markthal. Many have views across the market and some even have views down on the market via windows set in the The Markthal is a showcase for fine Dutch foods, casual restaurants of every ethnic hue, outstanding design that pushes the envelope of the conventional. Perhaps that\u2019s the reason that the Markthal will be a magnet for those interested in food and architecture, and those two words are seldom found in the same paragraph. And it\u2019s also an ambassador: I don\u2019t think that too strong a word. It will be an ambassador for the individuality of the Dutch. It will represent the fun and freedom of this small but vibrant country. It will shout that it\u2019s been done well, differently and remarkably.<\/p>\n Visit the Markthal here<\/a><\/p>\n For more pictures of Rotterdam, follow me here<\/a><\/p>\n Learn more about other destinations in The Netherlands here<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"Markthal](\"http:\/\/www.mostlyfood.co.uk\/img\/rotterdam-market-mural-3-web.jpg\")
<\/span>There has been a buzz around Rotterdam for quite a while and I can understand why. This brand-new Markthal is an architectural stunner that will raise a gasp even from folks who don\u2019t know the difference between a flying buttress and a Corinthian cantilevered somethingorother. This is a market to rival any of the celebrated markets across Europe.\u00a0 This horseshoe-shaped building makes a statement at night as well as during the day.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Markthal](\"http:\/\/www.mostlyfood.co.uk\/img\/rotterdam-market-mural-4-web.jpg\")
floors! An apartment here would be the dream of any food writer, chef, gastronomist or glutton.<\/p>\n