Amsterdam · Food Market

De Hallen & Foodhallen: Amsterdam's Food Hall in an Old Tram Depot

In Amsterdam-West, a century-old tram depot has become one of the city's favourite places to eat. De Hallen holds Foodhallen — a lively indoor market of street-food stalls — along with a cinema, shops and a hotel. Here is its story, what you'll find, and how to visit.

By the AllTrips Editorial Team ·

Long wooden tables, hanging lamps and food stalls under the iron and glass roof of Foodhallen in De Hallen, Amsterdam
Inside Foodhallen: shared tables and street-food stalls beneath the old depot's iron roof.

De Hallen & Foodhallen at a glance

Location: Bellamyplein, Kinkerbuurt, Amsterdam-West. Allow: about 1 hour. Entry: free; pay for food and drinks. Nearby: Vondelpark and Leidseplein.

The story of De Hallen

De Hallen was built in the early 1900s as a depot for Amsterdam's trams, with long brick halls and iron roofs where the trams were parked and repaired. After the depot closed in the 1990s, the buildings stood empty for years and faced demolition.

Local residents pushed to save them, and after a major restoration De Hallen reopened in 2014 as a cultural centre. You can still see old tram rails in the floor and the original iron structure overhead. Foodhallen, the indoor food market, quickly became the building's best-known part.

What you will find

  • Foodhallen — dozens of small food stalls and bars around long shared tables.
  • The industrial halls — brick walls, iron beams and tram rails from the old depot.
  • A cinema — Filmhallen, an arthouse cinema in the same building.
  • Shops and makers — independent shops, a library and craft workshops along the central passage.
  • Markets — regular weekend markets held in the halls (check the agenda).
A dim sum stall at Foodhallen with menus between bamboo steamer baskets and vintage posters on the counter
A dim sum stall decorated with bamboo steamers — one of many kitchens at Foodhallen.

Entry and prices

Entry is free. Each stall sets its own prices, and you order and pay at the counter, then sit wherever you find a free seat. Card payment is widely used.

Official information

Foodhallen & De Hallen — official websites

For current opening hours, the list of food stalls and upcoming markets and events, check the official websites before your visit.

Visit foodhallen.nlVisit De Hallen

Getting there

De Hallen sits in the Kinkerbuurt, just off the Ten Katestraat street market. It's about a 10-minute walk from the north side of Vondelpark, and several trams stop close by.

Practical tips

  • Go on a weekday lunchtime for the easiest time finding a table.
  • Share several small dishes from different stalls — it's the best way to try more.
  • Stop at the Ten Katestraat market outside before or after your meal.
  • See every stop on our Amsterdam attractions map.

Frequently asked questions

Is Foodhallen free to enter?

Yes. Entry to De Hallen and Foodhallen is free — you only pay for the food and drinks you buy at the stalls.

What is De Hallen?

De Hallen is a former tram depot in Amsterdam-West, built in the early 1900s and reopened in 2014 as a cultural centre with a food hall, cinema, shops, a library and a hotel.

What kind of food is at Foodhallen?

Foodhallen gathers many small stalls under one roof, from Dutch bitterballen to dim sum, tacos, burgers, sushi and desserts, plus bars for drinks. Stalls change over time.

How do I get to De Hallen?

De Hallen is in the Kinkerbuurt neighbourhood, close to the Ten Katestraat market. Several trams stop nearby, and it is about a 10-minute walk from the northern edge of Vondelpark.

When is Foodhallen busiest?

Evenings and weekends are busiest, especially Friday and Saturday nights. Go at lunchtime or early evening on a weekday for an easier time finding a seat.

Sources