Gouda is the perfect day trip from Amsterdam.
Of course, cheese lovers will want to try the famous Gouda cheese where it's made.
But Gouda is such a picturesque town that you might want to consider staying a little longer.
I'll tell you more about it in the following lines.
Gouda: article summary
Gouda near Amsterdam: at a glance
The town of Gouda is almost a thousand years old. Here, the small rivers Gouwe and Hollandse IJssel meet. Gouda was an important Dutch trading center, due to its location at the crossroads of these riversµ. The town prospered in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Many buildings in downtown Gouda date back to the city's golden age. Plagues and war brought disaster, but life picked up again during the Industrial Revolution in the Netherlands.
When Utrecht and Rotterdam were connected by rail, Gouda was has once again become a bustling hub.
How to get to Gouda
Gouda is a fairly easy day trip from Amsterdam. Simply hop on a train and you'll reach the city in 50 minutes. You can also buy your tickets at the station before you leave.
When you arrive in Gouda, just walk from the station to the town center. It only takes a few minutes.
Top things to do in Gouda
As with every other town in the country, Gouda offers a wide range of unique activities to enjoy with friends and family.
Take a walk in the city
Being a hidden gem, it's easy to imagine that you don't know much about Gouda.
If you'd like to find out more about the city, its main sights and its interesting history, I highly recommend taking part in a walking tour with a local.
You'll see many beautiful monuments and courtyards, and discover all their secrets.
Cycling: from windmills to cheese
If there's one bike tour in the Netherlands I'd highly recommend, it's around the sights of Gouda.
The bike tour usually starts at one of the windmills in downtown Gouda. Afterwards, you'll visit other historic windmills and a number of cheese farms where you'll learn about the Gouda region. you'll taste the famous cheese.
Back in town, you'll pedal along the canals and the magnificent historic market square.
Traditional cheese market
Every Thursday morning, between April and OctoberReal Gouda cheese is auctioned on the market square in front of the town's pretty town hall. Farmers and vendors in traditional dress sell cheese in the traditional way.
It can get crowded, especially during the summer months.
The surrounding traditional market is a great place to buy real Gouda cheese, as the shopkeepers will let you taste different kinds, and if you decide to buy cheese, they'll pack it for you. so you can take it home with you.
Visit Gouda town hall
The town of Gouda boasts one of the most beautiful marketplaces in the Netherlands, thanks in no small part to its magnificent town hall.
It was built after a great fire in the 15ᵉ century. virtually destroyed everything in its path.
The town was completely rebuilt, and one of the first buildings to be erected was the present-day town hall on the market square, which at the time was nothing more than a peat bog.
Gouda near Amsterdam: De Kaaswaag
De Kaaswaag (the weighing house) is one of the most beautiful buildings on Gouda's market square, opposite the town hall. In days gone by, cheese was weighed and traded here at the weighing house.
There's a small cheese museum where you can learn all about the history of Gouda cheese and the cheese trade in the town. It's also a great place to taste and buy real Gouda cheese.
The Sint-Janskerk
Gouda's Sint-Janskerk should have been the city's cathedral. It's not too tall, but it's grandiose.
The first things you see when you enter are the 72 magnificent stained-glass windowswhich have been created with great attention to detail.
They let in golden light, adding to the divine atmosphere. This church is a must-see when visiting Gouda.
The Gouda Museum
The Gouda City Museum is housed in a magnificent historic building behind the church, which was once a 17th-century hospital.
It covers the history of the town and often hosts special exhibitions. The particularly pretty walled garden is a great place ideal for relaxing and enjoying a cup of coffee.
Kamphuisen waffle factory
Have you ever tasted a real Dutch stroopwafel? They're one of the best sweets in the Netherlands, and were actually invented in Gouda.
There used to be many factories making them, but now only a few remain. You can visit the Kamphuisen syrup waffle factory to see how stroopwafels are made and, of course, bring back these sweets from your trip.
The town of Gouda is well worth a visit. It has all the charm of a small Dutch village, yet is still within easy reach of Amsterdam. A detour not to be missed on your vacation.
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