Things to see and do in Gouda
Gouda is more than just a place where cheese comes from it’s a vibrant city with a rich history, dating back to the Middle Ages. Walking through its charming streets, you’ll find traditional Dutch houses, cozy cafés, and plenty of places to enjoy the city’s famous delicacies. And did you know that stroopwafels (syrup waffles) were invented here? That alone makes it worth a visit! Ow and if you like cheese and charming old city streets than Alkmaar is also a must on your bucket list.
Top 10 things to do and see in Gouda
Gouda offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. Here are the top things you shouldn’t miss when visiting this charming city.
#1 Gouda Cheese Market
If there’s one thing you must experience in Gouda, it’s the cheese market. Held every Thursday from April to September, this historic market dates back to the 14th century and still operates much like it did back then. Farmers bring their giant wheels of cheese, which are weighed, tasted, and sold in a traditional handclap ritual. Even if you’re not a cheese lover, the spectacle is a piece of living history. Fun tours about cheese in Gouda that we can recommend;
#2 Stadhuis van Gouda (City Hall)
Standing proudly in the middle of the Markt (central square), Gouda’s city hall is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the Netherlands. Built in 1450, this stunning Gothic-style building looks like it came straight out of a fairytale. If you’re there at the right time, you might hear the carillon play as tiny mechanical figures reenact a medieval scene above the entrance.
#3 Sint-Janskerk (St. John’s Church)
Gouda’s St. John’s Church is the longest church in the Netherlands and is famous for its breathtaking stained glass windows. These “Goudse Glazen” are over 400 years old and depict biblical scenes and Dutch history in incredible detail. When the sunlight shines through, it’s a magical experience.
#4 Museum Gouda
Gouda museum tells the story of Gouda, from its medieval past to its industrial history. It also houses an impressive collection of 16th-century religious art and exhibits about Gouda’s famous pipe-making industry (yes, before cheese, the city was known for its clay pipes). It’s a great stop if you want to dive deeper into the city’s heritage.
#5 The canals of Gouda
Like Amsterdam, Gouda has beautiful canals, but here they are much quieter and more relaxed. Rent a boat, go on a guided canal tour, or simply take a peaceful walk along the water’s edge. The reflections of the historic buildings in the canals make for some fantastic photos.
#6 De Waag (The Weighing House)
Next to the cheese market, you’ll find De Waag, the historic weighing house built in 1668. This was where all Gouda cheese was officially weighed before being sold. Today, it houses a cheese museum, where you can learn more about the history of cheese-making in the region and even try a tasting session.
#7 The Gouda Stroopwafel Experience
Did you know that stroopwafels (thin waffles with caramel syrup in between) were invented in Gouda? At The Stroopwafel Factory, you can watch how these sweet treats are made and even create your own. Freshly made stroopwafels are warm, crispy, and absolutely irresistible.
#8 Kamphuisen Siroopwafelfabriek
If you love sweets, this is another must-visit. Kamphuisen is one of the oldest stroopwafel makers in the Netherlands, and their recipe is secret and unchanged since 1810. You can take a tour of their factory and taste their unique, extra crispy version of this Dutch favorite.
#9 De Goudse Hout & Reeuwijkse Plassen
Just outside the city, De Goudse Hout is a beautiful green park perfect for biking and picnicking. Nearby, the Reeuwijkse Plassen (a collection of lakes) is a favorite spot for locals who love sailing, swimming, and windsurfing. It’s a perfect escape into nature.
#10 Gouda Kaasboerderijen (Cheese Farms)
For an authentic experience, visit a cheese farm just outside the city. Here, you can see how Gouda cheese is traditionally made, from milking the cows to the aging process. The best part? You get to sample freshly made cheese, straight from the source.
Best places to stay in Gouda
Gouda is for most tourist a daytrip from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht or Den Haag. However, if you want to stay in Gouda the best places to do so are Relais & Châteaux Weeshuis Gouda (#1 stop in our opinion), Betty Blue Bed & Breakfast (budget) and Campanile Hotel & Restaurant Gouda (for business travel).
Food and local specialties
Gouda is a paradise for food lovers and offers a wide range of the Dutch cuisine. Besides its world-famous Gouda cheese, you must try:
- Stroopwafels – The original Dutch sweet treat, best eaten warm.
- Goudse kaassoufflé – A deep-fried cheese snack, perfect with a cold beer.
- Oude Kaas (Aged Gouda) – The older, the better! Aged Gouda is nutty, crumbly, and full of flavor.
- Goudse stroop (Gouda syrup) – Used in baking and even drizzled over cheese.
For the best experience, visit Kaaswinkeltje for cheese tasting or grab a fresh stroopwafel at Bakkerij Van den Berg.
Events and festivals
Gouda has a lively cultural scene with events happening year-round.
- Gouda Cheese Market (April – September) – The most famous event in town!
- Gouda by Candlelight (December) – A magical evening where thousands of candles light up the Markt.
- Stroopwafel Festival (June) – A paradise for stroopwafel lovers.
- Kaarsjesavond (Christmas Candle Night) – The city’s Christmas tree is lit, and the whole town celebrates.
Where to buy as an expat
Gouda is an attractive place to live, with a mix of historic charm and modern convenience. Popular neighborhoods for expats include:
- Binnenstad (City Center) – Lively, historic, and full of character.
- Kort Haarlem – A green and peaceful area, perfect for families.
- Oostpolder – More modern, with newer houses and easy access to the highway.
The city offers good schools, international connections, and a friendly community, making it an ideal place to settle. The population of Gouda is approximately 72,000, and the city’s economy is largely driven by the food industry, particularly the production of Gouda cheese. The city is also home to several large companies, including a major pharmaceutical firm.
A bit of history
Gouda’s history dates back to the 12th century when it was a trading hub for beer, cloth, and, of course, cheese. The city flourished in the Golden Age but later declined due to wars and economic struggles. Today, it has transformed into a thriving city that still honors its deep-rooted traditions.
5 fun facts about Gouda
- Gouda cheese is not actually made in Gouda! It’s produced in the surrounding countryside and brought to the city for trade.
- The stained glass windows in St. John’s Church survived World War II because they were hidden in secret locations.
- Gouda is home to the narrowest house in the Netherlands, only 2.5 meters wide!
- The city has its own beer, Goudsch Bier, brewed using traditional recipes.
- Locals call Gouda “Kaasstad” (Cheese City), but they also love their stroopwafels just as much.
Things to do in the area
- Rotterdam (30 min) – A modern city with stunning architecture.
- Waddinxveen (5min) – Perfect place for young families to live
- Kinderdijk (45 min) – Famous for its UNESCO windmills.
- The Hague (45 min) – Home to the Dutch government and great museums.
- Zoetermeer (25 min) – Living in the middle of the polders, perfect for inline skating or biking.