Korenmarkt, Arnhem

Area, Market and Square in Arnhem

Grain Market Arnhem
Grain Market Arnhem
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Henk Monster

Korenmarkt is one of Arnhem's best-known central squares, famous for its cluster of cafés, bars, and restaurants set among historic-looking buildings in the city center. It's the kind of place you naturally pass through while exploring Arnhem on foot, and it quickly becomes a convenient “meet here” landmark for locals and visitors alike.

If you're doing a self-guided walking tour of Arnhem, Korenmarkt works well as a mid-route pause: grab a drink on a terrace, scan the surrounding streets for shops and side alleys, and then continue toward nearby highlights in the inner city. For first-timers, the best way to “see” Korenmarkt is simply to arrive once in daylight for the architecture and again after dark for the atmosphere.

History and Significance of the Korenmarkt

Korenmarkt’s name points to its origins as a grain market, and the square still hints at that past through the older warehouse-style buildings around it. Even if you’re visiting for modern nightlife, it’s worth taking a moment to notice how the square’s layout and surrounding façades reflect a working, trade-focused city center.

Over time, the square evolved from commerce to culture and social life, becoming a go-to hub for evenings out in Arnhem. Today, its significance is less about a single monument and more about what it represents: a compact, walkable core where Arnhem's dining and nightlife scene concentrates.

Because it's so central, Korenmarkt also functions as a practical waypoint between shopping streets, museums, and riverside walks. Many visitors experience it as part of the rhythm of the city: arrive, linger, and then branch out into the surrounding neighborhoods.

Things to See and Do in the Korenmarkt

The main “attraction” here is the atmosphere. Start with a slow loop around the square to pick a terrace that matches your vibe, then settle in for people-watching—especially on weekends when the area feels most animated.

If you like casual food-hopping, Korenmarkt is ideal: you can start with coffee, move to a late lunch, and finish with drinks without needing transport. In the evening, it becomes a nightlife base where you can choose between relaxed bars and more energetic spots depending on the night.

For a more visual visit, come in late afternoon to give yourself time to notice the older buildings and the way the square opens into small streets and passages. It’s also a handy place to regroup if you’re exploring Arnhem’s center with friends and want an easy, recognizable meeting point.

How to Get to the Korenmarkt

The nearest major airports are Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), Eindhoven Airport (EIN), and Düsseldorf Airport (DUS), all with onward connections to Arnhem. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Arnhem on Booking.com.

Arnhem is well connected by rail, and arriving at Arnhem Centraal makes it straightforward to continue into the city center on foot or by local transit. Train tickets and schedules are available directly through NS Dutch Railways and NS International for international services. However, for a smoother experience, we recommend using Omio, which simplifies the booking process and lets you compare prices and schedules all in one place.

If you’re traveling by car, aim for a central parking garage and finish the last stretch on foot, since the inner city is easiest to explore without driving.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Korenmarkt

  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours.
  • Best time to visit: Go in late afternoon for a calmer feel and return after dinner for the liveliest atmosphere, especially on weekends.
  • How long to spend: 30–60 minutes is enough for a quick drink and a look around; 2–3 hours works well if you’re doing dinner and a bar hop.
  • Accessibility: The square is generally flat and walkable, but surfaces and busy terrace layouts can make navigation slower at peak times.
  • Facilities: You’ll find plenty of food and drink options around the square; public restrooms are typically tied to venues, so plan to use facilities when you stop for a drink or meal.

Where to Stay Close to the Korenmarkt

Base yourself in Arnhem Centrum if you want to walk everywhere and keep evenings effortless.

Holiday Inn Express Arnhem A reliable, modern option close to the center that’s convenient for short stays and easy morning departures.

Hotel Haarhuis A classic pick right by Arnhem Centraal, great if you want maximum transport convenience while staying close to Korenmarkt.

NH Arnhem Rijnhotel A quieter riverside stay with a more relaxed feel, ideal if you want a calmer base after a night out.

Boutique Hotel The Church A characterful boutique stay in the center, good for travelers who want something more memorable than a standard chain.

Stayokay Arnhem A budget-friendly hostel option that works well for social travelers and cyclists, with easy access back into town.

Is the Korenmarkt Worth Visiting?

Yes—Korenmarkt is worth visiting because it's one of the simplest ways to experience Arnhem's social energy in a single, walkable spot. Even if you're not planning a big night out, it's a convenient place to pause during a city-center walk, grab a drink, and get your bearings.

Honest Pivot: If you dislike busy nightlife areas, loud terraces, or crowds (especially on weekend evenings), you can skip spending much time here and focus instead on Arnhem’s museums, parks, and quieter streets—then just pass through briefly in daylight.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (28)

Reviews are strongly positive overall, describing Korenmarkt as a lively, fun hub and a go-to spot in Arnhem for drinks and a night out. Visitors repeatedly praise the variety of cafés, restaurants, and bars in one compact area, plus the sociable terrace atmosphere and convenient central location. A minor downside implied by the nightlife focus is that it can feel busy and more geared toward going out than quiet sightseeing, especially at peak times.

Ray
a year ago
"The place to be 😘"
D.A. Rutgers
2 weeks ago
"Always pleasant with nice cafes and restaurants"
Geert-Willem Klinker
3 weeks ago
"Beautiful surroundings, nice square, nice drinks"

For Different Travelers

Korenmarkt is flexible: you can treat it as a quick stop on a walking tour, a casual dinner zone, or your main nightlife base. The key is timing—daytime for a low-key look around, and evenings for the full atmosphere.

Families with Kids

In daytime, families can enjoy an easy stroll through the square and pick a casual place to sit for a snack or early meal. It’s central, so it works well as a “reset stop” between more kid-focused attractions.

In the evening, it can get crowded and noisy, so families may prefer to visit earlier and head elsewhere before nightlife ramps up. If you do come later, choose a calmer terrace on the edge of the square.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples will like Korenmarkt for its effortless date-night logistics: you can start with a drink, choose a restaurant on the fly, and linger without needing taxis. It's also a fun place to people-watch together.

For a more romantic feel, arrive around golden hour, then take a short post-dinner walk through the nearby streets before deciding whether to stay for another drink. The square’s energy is more lively than intimate, but that can be part of the charm.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers can use Korenmarkt as a central meeting point and then choose venues carefully—prices can vary a lot between terraces. A simple strategy is to have one drink here for the atmosphere, then eat in a side street where menus may be better value.

It’s also a good area for walking-based sightseeing: you can spend time soaking up the city-center vibe without paying an entry fee. Just be mindful that late-night spending can add up quickly.

FAQs for Visiting Korenmarkt

Getting There

Yes, it’s an easy city-center walk from Arnhem Centraal. If you prefer, local buses and taxis can shorten the trip, but walking is often simplest.
Walk—Korenmarkt fits naturally into a city-center loop. It’s also a convenient meeting point if your group is splitting up for shopping or museums.
You can get close, but the inner city is easier on foot. Use a central parking garage and walk the last stretch.

Tickets & Entry

No, the square itself is a public space. You only pay for what you eat, drink, or book at nearby venues.
Not typically; it’s mainly a dining and nightlife area. Any costs depend on the specific restaurant, bar, or event you choose.
Yes—strolling, architecture-spotting, and people-watching are the main free experiences. It’s also a good place to pause during a walking tour.

Visiting Experience

It’s best known as a lively hub for cafés, bars, and restaurants in Arnhem’s center. The vibe is especially strong on weekend evenings.
Yes, if you want a calmer look at the square and an easy lunch or coffee stop. Daytime is also better for photos without heavy crowds.
It can be, particularly later in the evening and on weekends. If you want a quieter experience, visit earlier or choose a venue on the edge of the square.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, it’s a natural stop because it’s central and easy to navigate. Many visitors use it as a break point between other sights.
Use it as a lunch or evening base, then walk to nearby museums, churches, and shopping streets. It works well as a “start here, branch out” location.
No—Korenmarkt is straightforward and best experienced casually. A guide can add historical context, but the atmosphere is the main draw.

Photography

Late afternoon and early evening give you the best light and a lively but manageable crowd level. Night photos can be fun too if you like neon and terrace scenes.
Yes, especially from terrace seating where you can frame the square’s movement and energy. Be respectful of privacy when photographing close-up.
No—your phone is enough for most shots. If you’re shooting at night, a steady hand or small tripod helps.

Accessibility & Facilities

Generally yes, as it’s a central square with pedestrian access. At peak times, terrace layouts and crowds can make movement slower.
Facilities are usually tied to cafés and restaurants. Plan to use restrooms when you stop for food or drinks.
Most of the seating is at terraces, so availability depends on time and weather. Arriving earlier makes it easier to choose your preferred spot.

Food & Breaks Nearby

You’ll find a broad mix of casual dining and bar food, with plenty of options for drinks and snacks. It’s a good area for flexible, last-minute choices.
Both work well: dinner is convenient, and it’s easy to continue with drinks afterward. If you want a quieter meal, go earlier.
Yes, nearby side streets often have additional restaurants and sometimes a calmer feel. They’re great if you want to stay close but avoid the busiest terraces.

Safety & Timing

It’s a busy nightlife area, so it’s generally well-trafficked. As anywhere, keep an eye on your belongings and stick to well-lit routes when heading back.
Typically on Friday and Saturday nights, especially later in the evening. If you prefer less crowding, visit on weekdays or earlier in the night.
Yes, but choose daytime or early evening. You can still enjoy the square without the peak nightlife intensity.

Nearby Attractions to the Korenmarkt

  • Eusebius Church: A landmark church in central Arnhem with striking architecture and a strong sense of place.
  • Rozet: A modern cultural building with library spaces and viewpoints that's easy to combine with a city-center walk.
  • Airborne Museum at the Bridge (Airborne at the Bridge): A compact museum experience connected to Arnhem's WWII history.
  • John Frost Bridge: A famous bridge and riverside walk that adds historical context to a visit in Arnhem.
  • Sonsbeek Park: A large, scenic park for a nature break not far from the center.

The Korenmarkt appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Arnhem!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours.

Price:

Free.

Address: Korenmarkt, 6811 Arnhem, Netherlands
Arnhem: 1 km

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