# Shopping
Just come!
Only in Rotterdam: visit these unique shops
Blaak is the perfect place to tick off several Rotterdam highlights in one go. From architectural landmarks and lively markets to great restaurants, there's plenty to discover. It's also an ideal starting point for exploring the rest of the city.
From Blaak, you can easily walk to the MaHo Quarter, the Hoogkwartier or the Old Harbour. Each area has its own character and is just a short stroll from the station.
You can't visit Blaak without taking a look inside the Markthal. This iconic building is one of the first things you'll spot when walking underneath the Cube Houses or leaving the metro or train station.
The exterior is impressive enough, but we definitely recommend heading inside too. This covered market is packed with stalls selling all kinds of delicious treats, from street food to local produce. While you're there, don't forget to look up at the colourful artwork covering the ceiling, often referred to as Rotterdam's very own Sistine Chapel.
Directly in front of the Markthal, you'll find Binnenrotte Market. Every Tuesday and Saturday, hundreds of stalls line the square, making it one of the largest markets in the Netherlands.
You'll find all sorts of things here, including fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, flowers, nuts, clothing and everyday essentials. It's a great place to pick up a few groceries, but also worth a visit simply to browse the stalls and grab something tasty to eat.
Another architectural eye-catcher in Blaak is, of course, the Cube Houses. At first glance, the unusually angled cubes might not look like the most practical places to live, but people really do live and work here.
The complex consists of 38 residential cubes and several commercial units. Curious to see what the interiors look like? Visit the Kijk-Kubus, a museum house where you can discover what it's like to live in one of these unusual homes. Alternatively, you can spend the night at Stayokay Rotterdam, a hostel housed in one of the Cube Houses.
Fancy a good steak? Head to Loetje Blaak on Binnenrotte, right next to the Markthal. The restaurant is famous for its signature steak, served in a rich gravy, and is a great spot for lunch, drinks or dinner.
If you love Middle Eastern food, Nabäti Eatery on Keizerstraat is well worth discovering. Just a few minutes' walk from Blaak, this Jordanian vegetarian restaurant serves Levantine classics such as falafel, hummus, fatteh and foul medames.
You can order a selection of dishes to share, or choose from sandwiches, bowls and generous sharing boxes. The best part? Most dishes are vegan as standard, and the remaining options can also be made vegan, for example by replacing dairy products. There's plenty of choice for plant-based diners.
You can eat in, order takeaway or have your food delivered.
Between the Cube Houses and Binnenrotte, you'll find Madam Chen, a bar serving cocktails and Asian street food. It's a great place to enjoy Asian-inspired flavours, drinks and music during a night out.
There's an extra reason to visit with friends: you can hire a private karaoke room. It's the perfect way to combine dinner, cocktails and a bit of singing.
For a relaxed atmosphere and a good burger, head to Baek. This casual eatery on Blaak is a welcoming spot for lunch, drinks or dinner.
The menu features burgers alongside other dishes for those who fancy something different. It's a great place to take a break during a day exploring Rotterdam or to meet friends for a bite to eat and a drink.
If you're a fan of Asian cuisine, a visit to Wah Nam Hong in the Markthal is well worth adding to your itinerary.
This Asian supermarket stocks all kinds of ingredients and products that you won't always find in a regular supermarket. Think noodles, tofu, Asian snacks, mochi, tea and a wide range of sauces and seasonings.
Even if you're not looking for anything specific, it's fun to browse the shelves. You might even discover a new ingredient to experiment with at home!
From Blaak, you can also head towards Westblaak, where the city centre connects with the area around Witte de Withstraat and the Beurs district.
Here you'll find a skatepark where skaters practise their tricks, various restaurants and lunch spots, and the well-known Cinerama cinema. It's a great area to explore if you want to extend your walk around Rotterdam city centre.
