Gouda, Netherlands

Gouda

A Gothic town hall on a big market square, famous for its cheese.

  • All year
  • 1 night
Explore on the map
Nearby hidden places
KinderdijkNetherlands · Nature spotKinderdijk15 kmLeidenNetherlands · CityLeiden22 kmDordrechtNetherlands · Hidden townDordrecht22 kmDelftNetherlands · CityDelft24 kmUtrechtNetherlands · CityUtrecht29 kmAmsterdamNetherlands · CityAmsterdam42 kmHaarlemNetherlands · CityHaarlem42 kmZuid-Kennemerland National ParkNetherlands · Nature spotZuid-Kennemerland National Park46 km

Things to do

2 days in Gouda

Day 1

  1. MorningVisit the Thursday morning cheese market in summer, held on the square since the 1300s.
  2. AfternoonSee the Gothic town hall and the stained glass windows of the Sint-Janskerk.
  3. EveningHave dinner on the market square.

Day 2

Visit the windmills of Kinderdijk, or cycle through the Krimpenerwaard polder.

What to eat

Aged Gouda cheese and fresh syrup waffles, stroopwafels, invented here.

Local tips

Make the most of Gouda

Beat the crowds

Thursday mornings in summer are busy during the cheese market.

Best photo spot

The Gothic town hall on the market square.

Getting there

Trains from Rotterdam and The Hague take about 20 minutes.

Don't miss nearby

Kinderdijk and Rotterdam.

Good to know

Gouda's stained-glass church windows are among the best in the country. Try a fresh stroopwafel.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Gouda

Our most hidden places around Gouda: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Gouda to take with you.

30 km away
44 km away
48 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Gouda

Getting there

  • Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM)20 km away
  • Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)35 km away
  • Leiden20 km away
  • Delft25 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeHidden town
Good forOld towns & architecture, Food
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryNetherlands

Questions

Gouda: good to know

Is Gouda worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns and food. A Gothic town hall on a big market square, famous for its cheese.

How many days do you need in Gouda?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Gouda?

You can visit all year. Thursday mornings in summer are busy during the cheese market.

How do you get to Gouda?

The nearest airport is Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM), about 20 km away. Trains from Rotterdam and The Hague take about 20 minutes.

What is there to see near Gouda?

Nearby hidden places include Kinderdijk (15 km), Leiden (22 km) and Dordrecht (22 km).

More hidden places in Netherlands (28)