Gouda

Gouda, a historic city in South Holland, is famous for more than its namesake cheese. As you walk through its medieval streets, you'll see the 15th-century City Hall dominating the Markt square. Inside St. John's Church, you can admire 72 stained glass windows dating back to the 16th century. On Thursdays from April to August, the traditional cheese market brings the Markt square to life. You can also paddle through the city's canals, taste locally-made stroopwafels, or explore Gouda's commitment to sustainability.

Exploring Gouda's Historic Center

The heart of Gouda is its historic center, where narrow streets and canals create a charming atmosphere. At the center stands the Stadhuis, Gouda's Gothic City Hall, built between 1448 and 1450. This freestanding structure in the Markt square is one of the oldest Gothic city halls in the Netherlands. Across from the City Hall, you'll find the Waag, a 17th-century weigh house that now hosts a small cheese museum. As you walk around, you'll notice the medieval architecture that characterizes much of the city center.

The Cheese Market Experience

When you visit Gouda, you can experience its famous cheese market. Held every Thursday morning from April through August, the Gouda Cheese Market (Kaas en Ambachtenmarkt) takes place in the Markt square. Here, you can watch farmers and traders haggle over wheels of the city's namesake cheese, following a tradition that dates back centuries. To learn more about Gouda's cheese heritage, visit the Gouda Cheese Experience. Located in a yellow building in the city center, this interactive attraction takes you through the world of Gouda cheese, from its production to its cultural significance.

St. John's Church and Its Stained Glass Windows

Sint-Janskerk, or St. John's Church, is a key landmark in Gouda. At 123 meters long, it's the longest church in the Netherlands. Its main attraction is its collection of stained glass windows. Created between 1530 and 1603, these 72 windows are considered the most important stained glass collection in the country. You can take an audio guide tour to learn about the artistry and historical context of these windows. The church also hosts regular organ concerts, adding another dimension to your visit.

Canals and Water Activities

Gouda's network of canals allows you to see the city from a different angle. You can explore these waterways by SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) or canoe, navigating under houses in the oldest part of the city. The Museum Harbor (Museumhaven) houses historic ships and provides insight into Gouda's maritime past. For a different water experience, take a short ferry ride from the Museum Harbor to GOUDasfalt, the city's industrial area, where you can enjoy modern art and cultural events.

Stroopwafels and Local Cuisine

While Gouda cheese may be the city's most famous export, you should also try stroopwafels, another local specialty. These syrup waffles, consisting of two thin layers of baked dough with a caramel-like syrup filling, originated in Gouda. Visit the Kamphuisen Siroopwafelfabriek to learn about the production process and taste these treats. Gouda also has a rich brewing history, once home to 200 breweries in the 15th century. Today, you can still enjoy local beers at various pubs and restaurants throughout the city.

Sustainable Gouda

In recent years, Gouda has made progress in sustainability. The New York Times recognized the city as one of 52 places worldwide working towards positive change in sustainability. Gouda was also voted the most bee-friendly municipality in the Netherlands in 2023. As you explore the city, you'll see many sustainability projects, including the country's first Fairtrade Street, where you'll find a concentration of sustainable entrepreneurs. If you're interested in sustainable shopping and dining, Gouda has many vintage clothing stores and eco-conscious eateries.

Getting Around and Day Trips

You can easily explore Gouda's compact city center on foot or by bicycle. Rent bikes to explore both the city and its surrounding areas, known as the Green Heart of the Netherlands. The city's rail connections make it easy to visit as a day trip from larger cities like Rotterdam, The Hague, or Amsterdam. Conversely, Gouda serves as a good base for exploring nearby attractions. You can take day trips to towns like Oudewater, known for its witch weighing house, or visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, famous for its windmills.