The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the Netherlands is cheese. And who hasn’t heard of Gouda cheese – one of the most popular cheeses in the world? Gouda cheese originated in Holland and is named after the Dutch city of… that’s right, Gouda! You can even visit Gouda as a day trip from Amsterdam!
Gouda is a charming town in South Holland, Netherlands. Direct trains connect Gouda with major Dutch cities such as Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. The historic town center of Gouda is just a 10-minute walk from Gouda Central train station and is absolutely worth a visit.
Gouda Town Hall
In the heart of Gouda’s central square (Markt) stands the 15th century Town Hall, one of the oldest Gothic buildings in the Netherlands and a beautiful piece of medieval architecture. Visitors can explore the Town Hall (for a fee) to see the mayor’s office and council chamber. While we didn’t go inside, we walked around to admire its beautiful exterior. Don’t miss the charming clock on the side of the Town Hall, where figures move every hour (if you’re travelling with children – ask them to spot it).
Tip: If you want to take a nice photo of the Town Hall on Markt square, avoid visiting on a Saturday (like we did) when the weekly street market is held. The square becomes packed with stalls, which spoils the view of the Town Hall.
Gouda Cheese
Gouda’s central square – Markt – is the place where the famous Gouda Cheese Market takes place every Thursday from April to August. Arrive early (the market runs from 10:00 to 12:30) to watch the scenes from Dutch cheese trading traditions – horse-drawn carts loaded with cheese, farmers and workers dressed in somewhat traditional clothing and wooden shoes, and the old-fashioned way of bargaining cheese price by clapping hands. It’s a unique experience and a popular tourist attraction.
Tip: For an authentic cheese market experience, where real farmers bring and sell their cheese, visit Woerden. Unlike Gouda’s market, which is primarily a tourist attraction, the Woerden Cheese Market if the place where real cheese trading happens. It takes place on Kerkplein every Saturday morning from late April to August.
You can still experience and learn about Gouda cheese traditions even if you are travelling outside the cheese market season. Visit De Goudse Waag, a 17th century building that historically hosted a weighting station for large quantities of cheese and other goods. Today, it houses a souvenir shop and a cheese museum. Visit the museum to learn the cheese history of the region, or simply browse the shop and admire the old scales with the iconic cheese rolls.
Whenever you visit Gouda, you will find many cheese shops open throughout the town, where you can taste and purchase some of the finest Dutch cheese. Also, on Saturdays, a farmers’ market takes place in the central square, featuring many stalls with even more cheese to enjoy.
Stroopwafels (or Syrup Waffles)
Stroopwafels can be found in nearly every souvenir shop, supermarket, and farmers’ market across the Netherlands. This iconic Dutch treat, made of two thin waffles with syrup in between, has actually originated from Gouda.
When in Gouda, treat yourself to freshly baked stroopwafels at one of the stalls at the farmers’ market or cheese market, or get them from a shop in the town center.
Having lived in the Netherlands for a few years, we have tried many types of Dutch syrup waffles – and, naturally, we love them! So, during our visit to Gouda, we decided to check Kamphuisen Syrup Waffle Factory to see how these waffles are made, learn about the history behind the popular Dutch treat, and, of course, enjoy tasting them fresh from the factory.
Please note, Kamphuisen Syrup Waffles are different from traditional Stroopwafels. Altough both originated in Gouda and feature syrup between two thin waffles, Kamphuisen waffles are based on a different recipe. To my taste, they are a bit sweeter than Stroopwafels.
Tip: Visiting the Kamphuisen Syrup Waffle Factory is a great experience, especially when travelling with children. Even if you don’t plan the factory tour, be sure to stop by their shop in the central square – kids will love tasting the waffle samples inside the shop and watching the waffle carousel in the shop window.
Sint-Janskerk in Gouda
Right next to the Markt lies the Church of Sint-Jan, renowned for its beautiful stained glass windows. I would say it’s a must-see attraction in Gouda. This 15th century church has over 50 stained glass windows, each showing a biblical or historical scene.
To enter the church and view the stained glass windows, you’ll need to purchase a ticket, but it’s absolutely worth it. The ticket includes an audio tour (available in Dutch, English, German, and French), allowing you to admire the windows while learning about their history and the meaning of the displayed scenes.
Tip: The entry is free with the Netherlands Museum Pass.
Gouda Museum
If you’re interested in learning more about Gouda’s history, visit the Gouda Museum. It showcases 16th century paintings, old pottery, and other historical treasures of the region. The museum is conveniently located in the town center, right next to the Sint-Janskerk.
Even if you don’t plan to visit the museum itself, take a walk around it. On the quaint Achter de Kerk street, you will find an old gate that serves as the entrance to the museum yard. Access to the yard is free, and there’s also a charming café with a lovely old courtyard and sculptures to enjoy.
Tip: The entry is free with the Netherlands Museum Pass.
As you walk past the museum, take a route around the Sint-Janskerk and stop by some of the historical landmarks, such as the Oude Weeshuis, Jeruzalemkapel and Joods Poortje.
Windmills
The Netherlands is famous for its windmills, and naturally, seeing one is a must when you visit. In Gouda you will find not just one but four windmills – Haastrechtse Molen, Mallemolen, De Roode Leeuw, and Molen ‘t Slot.
Both Molen ‘t Slot and De Roode Leeuw are flour mills located within walking distance of the city center. You can walk there from the Markt square. Be Check their website for details on opening times and guided tours.
Example walking route in Gouda:
Is Gouda worth visiting?
Absolutely! Even if just for the Sint-Janskerk, with its beautiful story telling stained glass windows. But there is so much more to enjoy in Gouda – cheese shops, a compact city center, historical buildings, the cheese museum in the old weighting house, and more!
Read next: Visit Leiden – canals, history and museums.
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There are also great Antique & Brocante shops to visit!
Like mine 😊 Miekje’s Antiek en Brocante, in one of the smallest & oldest buildings of Gouda, dating back to, before 1500!!
Check my Facebook :
https://www.facebook.com/miekjesbrocante/
Thanks for the tip! Will definitely visit your shop next time we are in Gouda! 🙂
Sadly we didn’t get to Gouda on our trip. The market was on the wrong day for us so we went to Aalkmar instead. That was still cool even if done for tourists. I’d definitely try Gouda next visit, just to eat. Cheese and waffles sounds really good.
Aalkmar is great for cheese market too! No doubt you had cool experience there:)
I’d love to visit Gouda, if anything just for the cheese! But I do like small Dutch towns. The walking map is so helpful!
Really happy to hear that you found it helpful! 🙂