Eat, Shop & Explore
From grand café terraces to designer boutiques — Arnhem rewards those who wander
A City Worth Lingering In
Arnhem punches above its weight for food and shopping. The Modekwartier (Fashion Quarter) is genuinely one of the most distinctive retail districts in the Netherlands — home to independent Dutch designers, vintage stores, and concept shops you won't find anywhere else.
For food, the Korenmarkt terrace cafés are the social heart of the city, the Rhine embankment has waterside spots for sunny days, and the weekly food market brings local producers from across Gelderland together in one place.
PopularArnhem City Centre
The Korenmarkt has served as a market square since 1563 and operated as an active grain-trading hub until the purpose-built Korenbeurs building closed at the outbreak of WWI in 1914. The square and surrounding streets form the social heart of the city, with the main pedestrian shopping area running between the station and the Rijnkade. Ketelstraat, Vijzelstraat, and the surrounding side streets hold the most interesting independent retail, while the Korenmarkt itself hosts major city events including King's Day celebrations and the Ascension Day fair.
PopularModekwartier (Fashion Quarter)
Modekwartier Arnhem was formally established in 2006 as a creative district in the formerly working-class Klarendal neighbourhood, built around the ArtEZ fashion academy (formerly HKA, merged under the ArtEZ name in 2002). Around 60 independent shops and studios now operate here, covering design ateliers, concept stores, vintage boutiques, photography studios, and a modelling agency. Notable ArtEZ alumni include Viktor & Rolf, who graduated in 1992, launched their label in 1993, won all prizes at the Salon Européen des Jeunes Stylistes, and were later knighted in the Order of the Lion of the Netherlands.
PopularRozet Cultural Centre & Bookstore
Designed by Neutelings Riedijk Architecten and opened on 10 December 2013 by Princess Beatrix, Rozet integrates a public library, regional heritage centre, art centre, and community college under one roof. The building won the Best BNA Building of the Year award in 2014. The bookshop is one of the best-stocked in the region. Entry to the building and library is free; exhibition spaces and events may charge separately.
LOCALS & BLOU
Two concepts at Hotel Haarhuis: LOCALS brasserie on the ground floor, BLOU rooftop bar with views over the station square — both open to non-guests.
Arnhem Food Market
Around 200 stalls at the Markt square every Friday from 07:30 — fresh produce, cheese, fish, flowers, and street food at one of the region's best markets.
ReShare Store Arnhem
A well-curated vintage and second-hand clothing store in the city centre, known for its sustainable approach and welcoming atmosphere.
Winkelcentrum Presikhaaf
A covered indoor shopping centre in east Arnhem with 88 stores and around 1,200 free parking spaces — the most practical option when the weather turns.
Winkelcentrum Kronenburg
A covered two-level shopping centre on the west side of Arnhem with more than 100 stores — open seven days a week, with Thursday evening hours until 21:00.
Le Grand Café
Arnhem's classic grand café on the Korenmarkt — a long terrace, an extensive menu from breakfast to dinner, and a reliably good beer list.