Amid the historic facades and picturesque canals, you’ll find a city brimming with creativity, craftsmanship, and sustainable initiatives.
Whether you’re looking for vintage treasures, organic local products, or want to explore the city’s green side, Gouda offers sustainable and eco-friendly activities all year round. Here are our tips for a conscious city trip! Gouda is a city steeped in history and traditional crafts, with a history spanning over 750 years, but above all, it’s a city focused on the future. Even the New York Times put Gouda in the spotlight as one of the 52 cities in the world that want to be part of “positive change in the field of sustainability.” The tips below demonstrate just that!
Vintage finds at Gouds Montmartre
The largest open-air antique and curio market in the Netherlands! That's Gouds Montmartre. More than 150 stalls fill the city center with old books, vintage furniture, collectibles, and pre-loved clothing. As you stroll past the stalls, you can taste the special mix of history, craftsmanship, and French flair, enhanced by the terraces and charming decor of Gouda's city center. Gouds Montmartre takes place on Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the summer months.
To Gouds Montmartre
Go green by E-Chopper, canoe, or bike
Explore the greenery in and around the city and hop on an eco-friendly E-Chopper or E-Fatbike. An outdoor adventure takes you past the Reeuwijkse Plassen lakes and green polder landscapes with cheese farms, windmills, and historic villages. Make it even more fun with a picnic basket or snack box from Kruim. Not interested in a trip on wheels? Reserve a canoe or SUP board at JABA Sup and experience Gouda from the water, paddling through the canals and waters surrounding the city.
Discover Gouda actively
Sustainable shopping in the streets of Gouda
The streets of Gouda are known for their green and fair trade boutiques and artisan shops. Take the Groenendaalkwartier, for example, where you will find the only Fair Trade Street in the Netherlands. More than ten shops, restaurants, and concept stores are on the Fair Trade Shopping list. These include the small department store HebikVia and Antiek Curiosa 'Altijd'. For beautiful vintage clothing, visit Love4yourcloset, and for old vinyl records, head to Rock Maniac and Decades Vinyl & Vintage.
More Shopping in the streets of Gouda
Recycled and creative at GOUDasfalt
GOUDasfalt was once an old factory site that has been given a new lease of life as a bustling urban oasis and creative hub on the IJssel river. It is a place where makers, doers, and entrepreneurs feel at home. Browse the vintage homewares at Wievanzoethout, discover second-hand treasures at Lompenloods, and buy a recycled belt at Vuigmakers. Or take a look at the Typewriter Factory of the Netherlands, where old typewriters are lovingly refurbished. The site exudes creativity, circular thinking, and a touch of quirkiness. GOUDasfalt is also the setting for markets, sustainable festivals, and cultural events. Hop on the Gein or Korne ferry and let it take you to this lively place.
More about GOUDasfalt
Sustainable organic and vegetarian restaurants
Combine an afternoon of ethical shopping with lunch or dinner made from local and sustainable ingredients. Lunchcafé Curcuma excels in colorful organic dishes, while Museumhavencafé IJsselhuis serves delicious regional cuisine. At Miss Nice Banana, you will discover how creative and tasty plant-based food can be. Don't forget to pick up a piece of organic Gouda cheese, which you can find at the cheese shops in the city center or at the farmers' market (Thursdays and Saturdays). And pop into the Biowinkel for the largest selection of organic products in the region.
Food and drink in Gouda
Vintage, Vegan & More Walking Route The Vintage, Vegan & More route fromExploreGouda.nlis the ideal walk if you want to experience Gouda sustainably. Start at Korte Groenendaal 17 and stroll through the historic streets of the city, passing countless shops, restaurants, and studios that value sustainability, fair trade, or circular entrepreneurship. Think fair trade chocolate at Chocoladeatelier PUUR, vintage clothing and furniture in second-hand boutiques such as Love4yourCloset and Studio KieWie for kids.
Plan your sustainable city trip now and discover for yourself how green and fair Gouda is!
