Other 24 July 2025

A day out in Gouda: discover the city and taste the flavour of Holland!

Welcome to Gouda, one of the most charming cities in the Netherlands! This historic city is known worldwide for its cheese, but has so much more to offer. From beautiful monuments and canals to culinary delights and artisan traditions, Gouda is the perfect destination for a day out. Be surprised by the unique combination of history, culture and, of course, the tasty products the city is famous for.

With this daily schedule, you will get the most out of your visit to Gouda. We take you along the most beautiful places, introduce you to local specialities and make sure you leave the city with memories to remember!

The historic town hall on the Market Square in Gouda.

Morning: Waking up in the heart of historic Gouda

10:00 - Start your day with coffee and a treacle waffle
Start your day at a cosy Gouda café such as Kruim or Barista Café Gouda. Here you can enjoy a fresh cup of coffee with an authentic syrup waffle. You couldn't wish for a better start to your day of discoveries!

10:30 - Visit the Market Square and the Town Hall
Walk to the historic heart of the city: the Market Square. Here you will find the beautiful Gothic town hall, one of the oldest in the Netherlands. Take a few photos of this iconic building and enjoy the cosy atmosphere. On Thursdays, you're in luck, as this is when the weekly cheese market (from April to August) is in full swing!

11:30 - Discover St John's Church
St John's Church, famous for its impressive stained-glass windows, is an absolute must-see. Take a leisurely stroll through this extraordinary church and admire the stories told by the windows. This experience will give you a unique insight into Gouda's history.

Afternoon: discovering the tasteful side of Gouda

12:30 - Lunch at Markt
Settle down at one of the restaurants or terraces around Markt, such as De Zalm or Belvedère. Order a cheeseboard or a local speciality and enjoy the view of the lively surroundings.

14:00 - Gouda Cheese Experience
No visit to Gouda is complete without the Gouda Cheese Experience! Step inside this interactive and educational attraction where you'll learn all about the making of Gouda cheese, from cow to cheeseboard. Taste different types of cheese, take fun photos and discover how Gouda cheese has become a global icon. This is not only an experience for cheese lovers, but also a great activity for families.

Complete your experience with a combi ticket! This ticket gives you access to both the Gouda Cheese Experience and the Siroopwaffle Factory. Discover how these iconic Gouda products are made and taste the magic of cheese and syrup waffles.

Afternoon: Peace, art and hidden gems

15:30 - Discover the Gouda courtyards
After your visit to the Gouda Cheese Experience, it's time for a leisurely stroll. Explore Gouda's hidden courtyards, such as the Catharina Gasthuis. These hofjes breathe tranquillity and history and let you experience the city in a different way.

16:30 - Visit Museum Gouda
For art and history lovers, Museum Gouda comes highly recommended. Here you will find an impressive collection of paintings, pottery and objects from the city's rich history.

Evening: A tasty and atmospheric farewell

18:00 - Dinner at a local restaurant
End your day with dinner at one of the city's atmospheric restaurants. For example, try a meal at Vidocq or Restaurant L'Angolo. Many of these restaurants incorporate local cheeses into their dishes.

20:00 - Evening walk and conclusion
After dinner, take one last walk through the illuminated streets of Gouda. The city has a romantic atmosphere in the evening, especially around the Market Square - a perfect end to your day in Gouda.

See you soon in delicious Gouda!

Gouda is a city that surprises time and again with its rich history, unique culture and delicious specialities. Whether you enjoy a stroll through the courtyards, a visit to the impressive Sint-Janskerk, discover the Gouda Cheese Experience or simply settle down on a terrace at the Market Square, there is always something special to discover.

Get inspired by the atmosphere, flavours and stories of this charming city. With this day plan full of highlights, you are guaranteed to take home great memories. Gouda awaits you with open arms - have fun!