Visiting Gouda? Discover cheese, culture, hidden treasures and more

For a true cheese lover, there is one place in the Netherlands that feels like coming home: Gouda. Imagine starting the weekend at the historic cheese market, surrounded by giant round cheeses and hand-clapping traders. Moments later, you are cruising through the atmospheric canals on 'Bootje Kaas', with a piece of artisanal golden-yellow happiness in hand while the sun glints on the water. Gouda is the perfect city to lose yourself in for an entire weekend. In this guide, we take you along the best things to do and the most beautiful places to see . Of course, you will discover where to eat the very best food and where to get a wonderful night's sleep after a day of indulgence.

Discover: the highlights of Gouda

A cup of coffee at Flossy

When I step off the train, I walk via the old Turfmarkt to the center of Gouda. I soon notice how charming the canals are that wind through the city. On the corner of Blauwstraat and Hoogstraat, I step inside Flossy ; an award-winning coffee bar that is also a decoration shop, with a beautiful collection of silk flowers. Here, I enjoy a freshly made matcha latte accompanied by a little work of art from Luux Patisserie. A moment of peace before I go explore the city.

Gouda from the water: Bootje Kaas

The most beautiful way to discover Gouda is from the water. The boats of Bootje Kaas depart from the Kattensingel , and in about an hour you sail along the historic canals while the skipper tells fascinating stories.

I feast my eyes as we sail through the longest lock in the world. This Donkere Sluis dates back to the thirteenth century and has a length of no less than 900 meters. It once connected the city center of Gouda with the Hollandsche IJssel. Now you sail past it in silent wonder.

Along the way, you also pass the striking 'Jack-Ass' statue by Gijs Asseman from 1998, a nod to the topsy-turvy world. Another special location are the fish stalls on the Gouwe ; once used to clean freshly caught fish, they now form the covered terrace of restaurant Kamphuisen, surprising and atmospheric. At the Turfmarkt, you can see the high water level that used to facilitate the unloading of peat boats, but also regularly caused flooding. Here, I admire the Trappenbrug : the only remaining stair bridge in Gouda, with steps on either side to allow the peat boats to pass underneath.

Upon arrival at the jetty where we also departed, I got a good impression of the canals and the city center of Gouda. Time to explore the rest of the city on foot.

Visiting special spots in Gouda: The Vintage, Vegan & More walking route

A fun way to discover Gouda's hidden gems is via ExploreGouda.nl : a web app from VVV Gouda with no fewer than 12 walking routes. I'm going for the Vintage, Vegan & More route, curated by Gouda entrepreneurs themselves.

The route starts on Groenendael , one of the coziest streets in the city center. At Nieuwe Kans Boeken, you can find a cool second-hand book for a bargain. Chocoladeatelier PUUR creates personalized chocolate artworks, from a drawing by your child to a unique bonbon, while you watch the chocolatier at work in the open kitchen. Heb ik VIA is a concept store where small entrepreneurs offer their creations: jewelry, clothing, and home accessories. Ideal for an original gift or souvenir. And at Decades Vinyl Vintage on Nieuwehaven, you dive into a delightful seventies decor full of soul, funk, and disco.

Strolling through the picturesque Zeugstraat, you also pass Van Klei , with typical Gouda ceramics, and the adjacent Club Klei , where you can take workshops to make your own ceramics. On the corner of the Lange Tiendeweg, I see 't Kaaswinkeltje' : the oldest cheese shop in Gouda. Tasting is a must.

The Gouda Cheese Experience

Cheese is never far away in Gouda, and the Gouda Cheese Experience playfully immerses you completely in it. My adventure begins inside a giant Gouda cheese, where, together with mascot Ralphie, I discover everything about cheese production via an audio tour: from the cow's milk to the famous handshaking. You can virtually milk a cow, turn cheeses, and play the cheese trading game yourself.

The absolute highlight? The mini cheese tasting at the end, where you get to sample various delicious Gouda varieties. Even the most seasoned cheese lover will discover something new here.

Centuries-old tradition at the cheese market

Every Thursday morning from April to August (10:00–12:30), the Gouda Cheese Market is held on the market square, and it is completely free to attend. I settle down on a bench well in advance, because shortly afterwards the square is filled with spectators.

Precisely at ten o'clock, the bell is rung. Cheese farmers meet cheese traders, and the price is agreed upon through the age-old hand-clapping tradition : they clap until both parties are satisfied, then hands are shaken, and the deal is sealed. The cheese girls and boys load the sold cheese onto the cart and take it by horse and cart to the scales. When you visit Gouda, this unique spectacle is not to be missed!

Admire stained glass windows in the longest church in the Netherlands

At 123 meters , St. John's Church is the longest church in the Netherlands , but what truly makes it special are the 72 world-famous stained-glass windows from the sixteenth century. They all survived the Iconoclasm of 1566, and during the Second World War, on the orders of Prince Bernhard, they were dismantled as a precaution and hidden in the milk cellars of local farmers. After the war, they were reinstalled undamaged.

I admire the images on the various stained-glass windows via a free audio tour (available in several languages, approximately 40 minutes) and discover the stories behind each window. A fascinating and moving experience.

Gouda, a city to die for

Besides cheese, Gouda is known for its stroopwafels. What makes it extra special is that syrup waffles are also made there. Curious, I step inside the Kamphuisen syrup waffle factory . In this charming shop (Markt number 69, founded in 1810), I am immediately greeted warmly and offered a piece of syrup waffle. Delicious!

Through an interactive audio tour, I learn how syrup waffles are made. After a short introductory film, you literally step inside the factory. I get to help knead the dough right away by stepping into a large wheel and setting the dough machine in motion. It smells delicious in here! Next to the wheel, I discover various syrup flavors that you can taste on small pieces of waffle. Nearby, the baker is at work in the factory where the waffles are made. Naturally, I have to know what the different flavors are and how many waffles are produced here. That is no less than 2,000 per hour. So what distinguishes the syrup waffle from regular stroopwafels? The syrup waffle is made with real butter and consists of two separate waffles with the syrup placed in between. Moreover, it is deliciously crispy. Unfortunately, the recipe is kept safe in a safe, and I am not given access to the secret of these tasty waffles. At the end of the tour, upon returning your audio, you are rewarded with a freshly made syrup waffle. I settle down on the terrace and enjoy this treat with a delicious cup of coffee and a shot of syrup liqueur.

🎟️ Tip: Buy the 'Goudse Geheimen' combi-ticket for access to the Gouda Cheese Experience, the Kamphuisen Syrup Waffle Factory, and St. John's Church. More info at combiticketgouda.nl .

Eating in Gouda: our favorite spots

COCO in the old Orphanage

The stately building from 1542 of the former Gouda orphanage stands on Spieringstraat. Today, it is the unique boutique hotel Relais & Château Weeshuis Gouda . The atmospheric courtyard, the cheerful colors, and the impressive interior leave no doubt: this is a special place.

On the right is COCO , the coffee, cocktail, and champagne bar where old and new come together perfectly. The interior is based on the famous Gouda earthenware ceramics, featuring floral and plant motifs in purple and green tones. COCO is named after Coco Chanel. I take a seat in the Regentenkamer, the oldest room in the building, and enjoy a tasty salad. In addition to a casual lunch, you can also come here to enjoy a special afternoon tea. On the left, you will find Michelin-starred restaurant Lizz, the only restaurant with a Michelin star in the heart of Gouda. Star chef Remco Kuijpers is at the helm here. The name is a nod to Liz Taylor and Queen Elizabeth, two iconic women.

In addition to the colorful decor, I also see various black-and-white touches in the interior, such as the tiled floor. Owner Sharon explains that this refers to the contrast between the change in purpose from the past to the present. In the sixteenth century, the building was inhabited by orphans, who certainly did not stay here voluntarily, whereas it is now a beloved hotel and restaurant where people are only too happy to spend their time. The property is also regularly used for weddings and events.

More tasty treats in Gouda

• Flossy : for the best coffee and a lovely piece of pastry from Luux; here you will also find a beautiful collection of silk flowers from Silkka and even more fun accessories.

• Restaurant Kamphuisen : lunch or dinner on the historic fish stalls along the Gouwe

• San Juan : This brand-new restaurant brings the atmosphere and flavors of Mexico to Gouda. Delicious tacos, burritos, and cocktails such as the frozen margarita.

• Museum Café : atmospheric and centrally located in the courtyard of the Museum Gouda

Sleeping in Gouda

• Relais & Château Weeshuis Gouda for those who love luxury, history, and a unique story. Boutique hotel in a building dating back to 1542, featuring the Michelin-starred restaurant Lizz and bar COCO on-site.

• City Hotel Gouda : centrally located, comfortable, spacious rooms and a good breakfast. Each floor tells a story in unique colors and artworks that bring Gouda's cultural heritage to life. Parking directly at the hotel.

Practical: Visiting Gouda

Accessibility: From Antwerp by train in ± 1 hour 15 minutes. From Brussels ± 1 hour 45 minutes. By car: ± 120 km, allow about 1.5 hours.

Cheese Market Every Thursday morning from April to August, 10:00–12:30. Free admission.

Bootje Kaas Departure from Kattensingel. Cruise of ± 1 hour. Book this unique cruise here .

St. John's Church Audio Tour free, available in multiple languages, ± 40 minutes.

Walking routes Discover 12 thematic routes via exploregouda.nl .

More inspiration 🌐 welkomingouda.nl

Frequently asked questions about Gouda

When does the Gouda Cheese Market take place?

Every Thursday morning from April through August, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM on the Market Square. Admission is completely free.

How does a siroopwafel differ from a stroopwafel?

Kamphuisen's syrup waffle is made with real butter and consists of two separate crispy waffles with syrup in between. It is crunchier and richer in flavor than a regular syrup waffle.

Is Gouda suitable for a day trip?

Certainly, but with an overnight stay, you get much more out of the city. You can leisurely catch the cheese market in the morning and enjoy dinner at San Juan or Michelin-starred restaurant Lizz in the evening.

What is the 'Goudse Geheimen' combi ticket?

With this ticket, you have access to three attractions: the Gouda Cheese Experience, the Kamphuisen Syrup Waffle Factory, and St. John's Church. More information at combiticketgouda.nl .

How far is Gouda from Antwerp or Brussels?

From Antwerp, it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes by train. From Brussels, count on just over an hour and a half.