The New Market, despite its name, has been the center of Rostock since the 13th century and remains a focal point for civic life. Crowned by a strikingly pink town hall and surrounded by patricians’ homes painted and decorated to look almost like cakes, it is a delightful place to start or end a day visiting Rostock’s Old Town. Shop for local produce in the daily market, have breakfast or lunch in one of the restaurants or simply sit back and watch the activity as the trams rumble through and people mill about.
Begin your day relaxing in front of one of the cafés on the square, letting the town wake up around you as you sit surrounded by the pastel colors of the historic homes. Finish your coffee and venture into the small but comprehensive market held here daily, picking up local fruit or handicrafts alongside locals doing their daily shopping. Wander slowly along the edges of the square, being sure to appreciate the elaborate decorations, some restored and some original.
Pause in front of house number 16, which is the oldest on the market. First built in 1280 and rebuilt in 1600, then again in 1965 after being damaged during the war, it is known as the “Renaissance House” for its distinctive Dutch Renaissance style.
Admire house number 12, whose elaborate decoration outshines the other façades. The unique Möwenbrunnen is a distinctive modern statue that features a seagull perched atop a pillar surrounded by the four ancient gods of the sea. Take a photograph of Rostock’s famed town hall with its seven turrets.
The New Market is in the middle of Rostock’s Old Town, near the Marienkirche. Walk here in 20 minutes from the train station or drive here in 10 minutes. Find free parking on the street nearby. The New Market itself is closed to vehicular traffic. Take the tram easily from the rest of the city, as New Market is a hub for several lines. The farmers market takes place daily except Sunday, from early morning to early evening.
