These are the highlights of Gouda that you shouldn't miss during your city trip or day trip to Gouda
As soon as you step into Gouda’s historic city center, you’ll see centuries-old facades, hear the bells of St. John’s Church ringing, smell the aroma of cheese, and immediately want to try a warm stroopwafel.
The Old City Hall – a fairytale-like icon on the Markt
Right in the middle of the Markt in Gouda stands one of the most beautiful and photogenic city halls in the Netherlands. Walk around it for the best view of the late-Gothic facade and the steps. Outside, you can enjoy the charming carillon. Please note: the town hall is undergoing renovation and sustainability upgrades through 2027, so the building is temporarily closed to visitors.
St. John’s Church and the Gouda Stained Glass Windows – a sea of light and history
At 123 meters, this is the longest church in the Netherlands, with its 72 stained-glass windows—known as the Gouda Stained Glass Windows—as the highlight. They are truly breathtaking, especially when the sun shines through. Set aside some time for this, because you’ll never tire of looking at them. The audio tour is included with admission and explains the history of the church and the Gouda Glasses. There’s also a special children’s tour to discover the secrets of the church. Admission is free for children up to 17 years old.
Gouda Cheese Market – tradition, bargaining, and mountains of cheese
From April through September, the Market transforms into a bustling scene full of traditions every Thursday morning (except Ascension Day). Cheese boys and girls lug around wheels of cheese, horses pull carts through the streets, farmers haggle, and a slice of Gouda cheese is irresistible. A typical Gouda spectacle that’s a lot of fun to experience. Bring the kids to the Children’s Cheese Market!
Courtyards and alleys – wander through historic Gouda
Gouda is home to beautiful courtyards, originally built for single people or the elderly. Today, they are green, peaceful oases in the heart of the city. The Hofje van Letmaet and the Willem Vroesenhuis are highly recommended. The Gouda Guides Guild and Ontdek Gouda will take you on a tour of these and other historic sites. Or explore the historic alleys with the 25 Steegjeswandeling, on your own or with a guide. ExploreGouda.nl is also highly recommended: with this handy web app, you can choose from various themed walks. From Vintage, Vegan & More to Art & Gallery, from the Museum Harbor Route to a walk about Land Subsidence, and from the impressive Stolpersteineroute to the Erasmus Audio Trail.
Museum De Goudse Waag – at the heart of Gouda’s centuries-old cheese trade
Cheese used to be weighed in this 17th-century building. Today, you can discover how Gouda grew to become one of the most important trading cities in the Low Countries. In the museum, you’ll take a journey through the crafts and products that made Gouda great. On the ground floor, you’ll find the Gouda Tourist Information Office for all your travel questions, and you can buy delicious cheese there.
Gouda Cheese Experience – step into the world of Gouda cheese
The Gouda Cheese Experience is an interactive cheese attraction where you’ll learn everything about cows and cheese. For example, discover how many hours a day a cow chews its cud, step inside a giant Gouda cheese, and follow the “Milky Way.” You can try virtual milking, practice hand clapping, answer quiz questions, and taste Gouda cheese. Maybe you’ll even be crowned Cheese Master!
Museum Harbor – strolling past ships and warehouses
Amid old ships and historic warehouses, you can soak up the atmosphere of inland shipping from days gone by. A picturesque, charming spot. From the Museum Harbor Café IJsselhuis, you have a beautiful view of the harbor with the Gouwekerk in the background.
The Streets of Gouda – Shopping Among Boutiques and Unique Finds
Stroll through the charming streets of Gouda and discover unique boutiques offering fashion, accessories, and local gifts. From that one special piece of clothing to original finds for your home, you’ll always find something unique in Gouda. Combine your shopping with a coffee break on a cozy terrace on the Markt!
Cheese Shops – Taste Gouda’s Most Famous Export
Taste, choose, take home—in Gouda, you can’t escape cheese! Every shop has its own charm. Take ’t Kaaswinkeltje on Lange Tiendeweg, a classic. Or the Gouds Kaashuis, known for the best farm cheeses. There’s also the specialty cheese shop Say Cheese on the Markt and Kaaswinkel Gouda, which partners with Kaasbar Gouda where you can enjoy cheese platters. Do you prefer young, aged, or spicy? In Gouda, you’ll find cheese in every flavor. Let the cheese experts guide you!
GOUDasfalt – a creative hub on the IJssel
GOUDasfalt is located on the outskirts of Gouda, along the Hollandsche IJssel. It serves as an incubator for aspiring entrepreneurs, creative makers, and social projects, but it’s also a place where you can relax, enjoy an urban beach, participate in workshops, or experience a festival.
Gouda from the water – cruising through canals and under bridges
See Gouda from the water! Join Bootje Kaas Gouda or Reederij de IJsel for a canal tour and hear fascinating stories about the city. During the summer months, you can go canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding—a surprisingly active way to see the city. Glide under low bridges, past historic facades, and through narrow waterways. It might be a bit wobbly at times, but it’s a true Gouda adventure!
