As soon as the sun comes out, it’s time to head to the terrace! Experience the ultimate terrace season in Gouda in hidden city gardens, at the Museumhaven, along the lively city canal, and on the historic Market Square. Gouda has the best terraces, surrounded by history, canals, creative artists, and monuments.
Outdoor seating areas on and around the Market Square
Foodbar De Zalm
On the terrace of Foodbar De Zalm—a 16th-century inn and gathering place—sunlight, city sounds, history, and conviviality come together. A quick stop at this hotspot for a refreshing cocktail with appetizers or a hearty dinner can easily turn into a long, sultry evening. With the historic city hall and the lively Market Square as a backdrop, this is one of those “always-a-good-spot” places you’ll definitely want to return to. Pair it with a live sports game, a game of bowling, pool, or karaoke.
Brasserie Copper
A local favorite: Brasserie Copper. This cozy brasserie has made it into the top 100 best outdoor dining spots in the Netherlands. On the Markt, you can people-watch and enjoy a front-row seat with the best view. Looking for something a little quieter? Behind the building, on Zeugstraat, Copper has an urban garden where you can enjoy a drink surrounded by greenery. Take your pick!
Belvedère Restaurant
One of Gouda’s oldest restaurants, with over 150 years of history. Belvedère features a large terrace right on the old market square. It’s the place to go for great coffee, delicious drinks, crisp salads, sandwiches, and dinners. Is it a bit chilly? Then you can sit comfortably on heated terrace cushions.
Grand Café Central
With a gorgeous terrace on the Markt where you can settle in for a coffee, a great draft beer (from the tap wall featuring 21 varieties!), or lunch and shared pub food, Grand Café Central is a wonderful place to hang out. The menu changes regularly and surprises you every time. Is your mouth already watering at the thought of Mexican Loaded Nachos with a glass of Texels Geheim on tap?
Intimate, secluded urban gardens
Brunch Boutique
Fancy a leisurely tea party or brunch with fresh cakes, muffins, and other treats? You can do just that at Brunch Boutique on Zeugstraat. Through the conservatory, you’ll step into the charming city garden—an ideal brunch hotspot and the perfect spot for afternoon tea or a festive gathering with a small group.
Café De Goudse Eend
Tucked away behind this oldest beer café in Gouda is a cozy terrace. At De Goudse Eend, a Gouda institution, the beer flows freely, with at least 180 varieties on the menu. Here you’ll find that perfect beer to quench your thirst while soaking up the sun.
Museum Garden of Museum Café Gouda
As soon as you walk through the Lazarus Gate on Achter de Kerk, you step into 14th-century history. The walled garden belongs to Museum Gouda and Museumcafé Gouda, which is located in the former Catharina Gasthuis. On warm, sunny days, it’s a little paradise in Gouda. Perfect for tea, drinks, and an exquisite lunch!
Relais & Châteaux Weeshuis Gouda
Tucked away in Gouda’s historic cultural quarter lies Relais & Châteaux Weeshuis Gouda, a top-tier boutique hotel featuring the Michelin-starred restaurant LIZZ. The red shutters of this former orphanage lead you to the beautiful courtyard, where stylish black-and-white striped parasols shield you from the sun. This is the perfect spot for Afternoon Tea, a cocktail, a fine glass of wine, and refined cuisine.
Outdoor seating areas near St. John's Church
Jantje once saw some plums hanging
This charming home goods and bookstore with an art studio features a terrace at the back of the shop. It’s small and cozy, with a view of St. John’s Church. You can sit here in style when the sun is shining, and the team working in the community center will treat you to delicious drinks.
Vidocq Gouda
Hidden gems you might easily walk right past—they still exist! Take the terrace at Vidocq in the narrow Koster Gijzensteeg, right next to St. John’s Church. Take a seat at a table within the old walls of this French-inspired eatery (the Café de Paris entrecôte is a must-try!). Here, conversations last longer than planned, and you’ll momentarily forget that you’re right in the heart of the city.
Waterfront terrace in Gouda
IJsselhuis Museum Harbor Café
A former skippers’ lounge on the Museum Harbor with a waterfront terrace. The IJsselhuis Museum Harbor Café is characterized by its relaxed, cozy atmosphere and maritime charm. On the menu: homemade IJsselhuis bitterballen, specialty beers, and lemonades, along with delicious regional dishes that you can enjoy while taking in the view of historic ships.
Restaurant Brunel (Visbanken)
The chefs at Restaurant Brunel are more than happy to treat you to seasonal dishes. When the sun is shining, tables are set on the terrace beneath the Visbanken on the Hoge Gouwe. In the past, fish was cleaned and sold at the Visbanken. Now you can spend long, lazy summer evenings here with passing boats providing live entertainment.
Kamphuisen Eatery & Bar (Visbanken)
Brunel shares the Visbanken terrace with Kamphuisen Eatery & Bar. There, they welcome you in the late afternoon with drinks or dinner on the terrace, accompanied by something tasty. The atmosphere is relaxed and cozy, the service is warm and welcoming, and the menu is hearty, featuring timeless classics.
City Beach at Gouwestrand Restaurant
If you’re looking for a city beach, head to Gouwestrand restaurant on the industrial GOUDasfalt site. You can get there by bike, by car, or via the Gein and Korne ferries. With your feet in the sand, a cold drink in your hand, and a view of the Hollandsche IJssel, it feels like you’re on vacation.
Unique at De Kleischuur
As soon as the sun comes out, the terrace at Unique in De Kleischuur is a wonderful place to relax outdoors. Situated on the banks of the Goudse Vest, you can watch boats, stand-up paddleboarders, and canoeists pass by. De Kleischuur itself is a historic building where the white clay used for the famous Gouda pottery was once stored. A delightful blend of refined cuisine, history, and the rhythm of the water.
