The 11 Best Things to Do When It Rains in Gouda

In the historic Catharina Gasthuis, where Museum Gouda is located, you step into a world full of art, stories, and centuries of city history. While the rain pours down outside, inside you can wander past remarkable paintings, altarpieces, and the colorful world of Gouda pottery. The interactive city model shows what Gouda looked like in 1568, and with changing exhibitions, there’s always something new to experience. Children up to age 17 get in for free, and there’s a special tablet tour for children ages 6 to 12. 

It's gray outside, but inside the St. John’s Church , the 72 famous Gouda stained-glass windows, which depict biblical and historical stories, are a burst of color. Take your time to admire the details and discover the stories behind the windows with the audio tour. The church dates back to 1278 and, at 123 meters long, is the longest church in the Netherlands. There’s also a special kids’ tour where children, with a die in hand, go on a hunt for boxes containing hidden tasks to uncover the church’s secrets.

At the Gouda Cheese Experience , you’ll discover in an interactive way how milk is transformed into the world-famous Gouda cheese. Learn about cows, cheese-making, and the traditions behind this quintessentially Dutch product. Try your hand at virtual milking, test your skills at the traditional high-five game, and answer quiz questions. Of course, cheese tasting is part of the experience. And who knows—you might even go home with the title of Cheese Master! The attraction is a fun stop for families, groups of friends, and anyone who wants to get to know Gouda in a different way.

For true cheese lovers: head over to the Goudse Waag on the Markt to—if it’s still raining—dry off in the historic building from 1668, where goods, including cheese, used to be weighed for trade and taxation. Today, you can learn more about Gouda’s trading history and the “Made in Gouda” products that have made the city famous. You can also buy Gouda cheese there, and the Gouda Tourist Information Office (VVV Gouda) can provide you with even more tips on Gouda.

Sometimes a rainy day is just the push you need to try something new and get your hands dirty with clay. At Club Klei at Zeugstraat 92, you can do just that and step into a creative world full of ceramics. In the studio, you’ll get acquainted with clay and new ceramic techniques. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve spent time at the potter’s wheel before, there are workshops, courses, and masterclasses for all skill levels. In addition, at Club Glaze for a fun introductory workshop on ceramic painting. You can also indulge yourself in Gouda with workshops on making bonbons, baking stroopwafels, and painting. 

For more information, see Workshops in Gouda

At Foodbar De Zalm , you can enjoy delicious food, but you can also challenge each other to a game of bowling or pool and sing your favorite songs during a karaoke session. With so much fun, sports, and good company, the rain quickly fades into the background. Once the music starts and the first bowling ball rolls, there’s little time to look outside. Whether it’s a night out with friends, a family day, or a spontaneous afternoon for two, this is a great way to enjoy Gouda when the weather’s bad.

Find a cozy café, warm your hands with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, and treat yourself to some Gouda pastries. We’ve already rounded up the best coffee spots for you. Or make it an afternoon of indulgence with a high tea. Small sandwiches, sweet treats, hot tea, and—most importantly—plenty of time to catch up: that’s all you need to turn a drizzly afternoon into a cozy one. Check here for the best high tea spots.

If there’s one treat that’s synonymous with Gouda, it’s the stroopwafel. At the Siroopwafelfabriek , you’ll learn all about this sweet specialty. It’s a fun way to get acquainted with a bit of Gouda’s history and culture, especially if you enjoy tasting and exploring.
Together with the Gouda Cheese Experience, the Siroopwafelfabriek makes for a tasty combination on a cloudy day. You’ll learn something new, experience the city in an interactive way, and discover why Gouda is so much more than just a beautiful historic city center. Combination tickets are available for extra savings.

Right in the heart of the historic center, you'll find Spa Gouda, an intimate wellness destination housed in a restored bathhouse dating back to 1920. The distinctive building was constructed in the Amsterdam School style and offers a surprising retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A visit to Spa Gouda is ideal if you want to turn a rainy day into a relaxing mini-vacation. 

A trip to the movies is a classic bad-weather activity. At Cinema Gouda , you can kick back with a bowl of popcorn and let yourself be swept away by a thrilling thriller, romantic comedy, or family film. Prefer something a little less mainstream and want to get away from the blockbusters? Then check out the lineup at Filmhuis Gouda for films that are just a little bit different.

If you prefer live entertainment and enjoy curling up in a plush seat, check out the current theater and events schedule at the Goudse Schouwburg or the Theaterbakkerij. It’s pouring rain outside, but inside, the curtain is rising.

For kids who love to be active, there are indoor play areas where they can climb, scramble, jump, and slide. Examples include Monkey Town, Ballorig or You Jump Gouda. Because: rainy weather and kids with excess energy aren’t always the easiest combination. Check in advance which location best suits your children’s ages and interests. Or check out KECK. Gouda, a kid-friendly café serving delicious coffee, pastries, and climbing fun in a special play area. It’s located near the Gouda train station. 

Finally, it is the Groenhovenbad is an option for those who’d rather take a dip than watch the rain. 😉

Once you’ve discovered just how much there is to do here, you might not want to go home at all. And why should you? Every visit to Gouda is a great excuse to make a full weekend of it. Start with a museum visit, sit down for a leisurely lunch, explore a creative hotspot, and round off the day with a nice dinner. Afterward, a comfortable bed awaits you at one of Gouda’s unique hotels or B&Bs.

Check out Hoteldebotel in Gouda: Stylish Accommodations in Hotels and B&Bs for more inspiration.