Gouda is a charming Dutch town with a rich history and plenty of sights to see. Known for its namesake cheese and seasonal cheese market, Gouda is a great town to explore. If you are following the Ultimate Netherlands Road Trip, this is a day stop from Delft. You can easily explore Gouda Netherlands for a full day or a few nights. Read on and plan your trip!
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BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT GOUDA
The best time to visit Gouda is during the Cheese Market. The famous market is held every Thursday morning from April to August in the Markt square. Here you can see the traditional way of trading cheese, watch the weighing of huge cheese wheels, and taste some of the world-famous Gouda cheese. It is quite a sight to see. However, if you are unable to make it during this time there is still plenty to do and lots of cheese to taste.
If you do plan on spending a few days here, check out my pre-filtered Gouda Hotel List for the best places to stay in the area.
WHAT TO DO IN GOUDA, NETHERLANDS
Tour the Historic Town
Once you arrive in Gouda, start the day by exploring the historic city center. Use my Google Maps as a reference. Take a stroll through the charming streets of the city center, lined with traditional Dutch buildings, canals, and beautiful architecture. Visit Stadhuis, the city hall, which is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the Netherlands.
Stroopwafel Factory
Taste the ORIGINAL Stroopwafel at the Stroopwafel factory! Gouda is actually where the first stroopwafel was created. A stroopwafel is a thin waffle cookie filled with syrup (if you haven’t come across one yet – you are in for a treat). The tour is fun, educational, and you get to sample lots of stroopwafels. Plus there is a fun slide at the end!
Taste Gouda Cheese
Now it’s time to try some cheese! There are many cheese tours where you can learn how cheese is produced. Or you can just pop your head into one of the many cheese shops and sample some cheese.
Sint-Janskerk
Admire the Sint-Janskerk. This impressive Gothic church is known for its stunning stained-glass windows, some of which date back to the 16th century. You can also go inside and tour the church and even climb the tower for a panoramic view of the city.
Gouda Museum
If you are a history buff, explore the Museum Gouda. The Museum houses a collection of art, ceramics, and artifacts from the city’s history. Admire the famous Gouda pottery and learn about the city’s role in the Dutch East India Company.
Cultural Events
Gouda hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, such as the Gouda Cheese and Craft Market in December, the Gouda Water Day in August, and the Gouda Summer Festival from June to August. Check the events calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.
For tickets and even more things to do in Gouda check out GetYourGuide:
I hope you enjoy exploring Gouda Netherlands! If you need any help planning or have any questions, please reach out or message me on my contact page!
I would love to hear about how your visit went. Did you go down the slide at the Stroopwafel factory?
Following my Ultimate Netherlands Road Trip? Check out the next stop: Dordrecht (COMING SOON!)
