Shopping

Shopping in Rotterdam: shops, markets and shopping centres

Rotterdam is one of the best cities in the Netherlands for shopping. In the city centre you will find major international brands, independent boutiques, department stores, markets and plenty of vintage and second-hand shops.

In this guide you will find the main shopping areas in Rotterdam, markets, shopping centres, supermarkets and second-hand shops, as well as practical information on where to shop depending on what you are looking for.

Best shopping areas in Rotterdam

Lijnbaan, Koopgoot and Coolsingel

This is the main shopping area in central Rotterdam. Lijnbaan is home to many international chains and fashion stores, while Beurstraverse — popularly known as the Koopgoot — connects several of the busiest shopping streets in the city centre.

Around Coolsingel you will also find major brands, technology stores, cosmetics shops and other retailers.

De Bijenkorf Rotterdam

De Bijenkorf is one of the best-known department stores in the Netherlands. Its Rotterdam branch offers fashion, cosmetics, accessories, homeware and international brands.

Meent and Pannekoekstraat

Meent and Pannekoekstraat are good choices if you are looking for boutiques, independent brands, design shops and stores that are a little different from the large chains around Lijnbaan.

Van Oldenbarneveltstraat and Oude Binnenweg

These streets combine fashion, footwear, specialist shops, independent businesses and long-established Rotterdam retailers. They are a good alternative if you want to explore beyond the city’s largest shopping streets.

Witte de Withstraat

Witte de Withstraat is best known for its restaurants, bars, galleries and cultural atmosphere. You will also find a number of shops and design-focused businesses, making it easy to combine with an afternoon of shopping in the city centre.

Markets in Rotterdam

Weekly markets are an important part of everyday life in Rotterdam. You can buy fruit, vegetables, fish, clothing, flowers and many other products. These are some of the city’s main markets:

Opening times may change on public holidays or due to special circumstances, so it is worth checking current information before travelling.

Markthal Rotterdam

The Markthal is different from Rotterdam’s weekly markets. It is a large covered building next to Blaak with food stalls, restaurants, cafés, shops and a supermarket. It is also one of Rotterdam’s best-known architectural landmarks.

Supermarkets in Rotterdam

Rotterdam has supermarkets of all sizes and price ranges. If you live in the city or need groceries during your stay, these are some of the chains you will see most often.

Wholesale supermarkets

Makro, Sligro and HANOS are mainly aimed at professional and wholesale customers. Their access requirements differ from those of ordinary supermarkets, so check the current conditions with each company before visiting.

Supermarket opening hours

There is no single opening schedule for supermarkets in Rotterdam. Many branches stay open until late in the evening and also open at weekends, but hours vary by location. Always check the individual store before visiting.

Vintage and second-hand shops in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a good city for buying second-hand clothing, furniture and household items. Alongside traditional Dutch kringloopwinkels, you will find specialist vintage shops and stores focused on reused fashion.

Buying second-hand online

Marktplaats is one of the most widely used classified-ad platforms in the Netherlands for furniture, bicycles, electronics and almost every kind of second-hand item. Vinted is particularly popular for used clothing, shoes and accessories.

Shopping centres in Rotterdam

Home and furniture stores in Rotterdam

If you need to furnish a home, Rotterdam and the surrounding area have several large shopping zones for furniture, kitchens, DIY products and home decoration.

Alexandrium Woonmall: part of the Alexandrium complex, with numerous shops specialising in furniture, interiors and home decoration.

Vierhavens / Dakpark area: this part of Rotterdam-West has large-format stores and specialist retailers for the home and other everyday needs.

IKEA Barendrecht: one of the closest IKEA stores to Rotterdam for furniture and household products. Online ordering and home delivery are also available.

Where to shop cheaply in Rotterdam

If you want to keep costs down, Rotterdam has plenty of options for groceries, clothing, everyday essentials and household items.

Shopping tips for Rotterdam

Compare weekly offers: supermarkets and major chains regularly publish promotions through their apps, websites and digital leaflets.
Check opening hours: many shops in the city centre also open on Sundays, but hours can vary by store and on public holidays.
Make use of the markets: Binnenrotte, Afrikaanderplein and Visserijplein are useful places for fresh produce and many other everyday products.
Buy second-hand: if you have recently moved to Rotterdam, kringloop stores and platforms such as Marktplaats can be useful for finding furniture, bicycles and household items at lower prices.

Other options to go out in Rotterdam

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