Gouda combines beautiful architecture with a world-famous cheesemaking legacy. Stroll along cobbled streets lined with handsome historic buildings and watch the action unfold at the legendary cheese market. The picturesque Krimpenerwaard region, famous for lush green landscapes and postcard-perfect mills, is at your doorstep.
Things to do in Gouda
From the Gothic-style City Hall topped with fairytale turrets to the charming Weighing House designed by celebrated 17th-century architect Pieter Post, Gouda boasts a jewel box of historic buildings. Beautiful Sint Janskerk church soars over the city and features magnificent stained-glass windows.
Experience the sights, sounds and aromas of the Gouda Cheese Market. Held every Thursday from April to August, the market pops up in the main square and is a centuries-old tradition. Watch horse-drawn carts pull enormous blocks of cheese into the square, where they’re then weighed on a set of antique scales. You can also watch cheese-making demonstrations, sample a variety of cheeses and stock up on your favourites.
Enjoy a scenic cruise along the picturesque Gouda canals. The waterways wind through the city and offer uninterrupted views of beautiful historic buildings. Along the way, you can learn plenty of fun facts about the unique history, culture and culinary heritage of the city.
Rent a bike to venture out of the city and explore the Dutch countryside. Pedal through lush green farmland in the Krimpenerwaard region and admire historic wooden windmills. The region is dotted with charming towns and villages where you can stop for coffee and caramel-filled stroopwafels.
Learn about local history at the Museum Gouda. It’s housed in a medieval hospital and showcases religious relics, glazed earthenware pottery and paintings by Dutch masters like Isaac Israels and Ferdinand Bol. The sunny courtyard café serves excellent cakes and light lunches.
Getting around Gouda
Gouda is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot or by bicycle. The city is easily accessible by train from Amsterdam in around one hour. Schiphol Amsterdam Airport is a 45-minute drive away.