Short on time to visit Gouda Netherlands? This guide will share how to get to Gouda, and what you can see and do in the city just one day.
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How to visit Gouda Netherlands
Gouda is a small medieval city in the Netherlands, about an hour southwest of Amsterdam. It takes roughly the same amount of time to drive or to take the train. Unless you already are renting a car (which isn’t necessary for most of the Netherlands) I strongly recommend taking the train. It’s easy to use, cost effective, and more relaxing, especially for a day trip.
Visit Gouda Netherlands on a layover
If you have a layover in Schiphol, don’t let that stop you from exploring! Amsterdam is only a 20 minute train ride, but if you want to skip the crowds for a more quaint and local experience, Gouda is a great alternative. This only works if you have an extended (7 or more hours) layover.
Arriving from out of the Schengen Zone? You will need to pass through customs/passport control first. However, if you are checking a bag those will continue to your final destination, so long as they are on the same airline, or partner airlines.
Read more about navigating the Schiphol Airport: How to Maximize a Layover in Amsterdam
Gouda by Train
There are a few different train routes available to have a Gouda day trip from nearby cities. If you are traveling during “off peak hours” (outside of normal commuter times) you may be able to purchase discounted tickets.
For trips within the Netherlands, review tickets and schedules on the NS Train site or book your tickets through Omio.
Schiphol
From Schiphol there are a few different routes you can take to visit the city of Gouda. Either the train through Rotterdam, or the train through Utrecht will both take just about an hour including the time to switch trains. This cost about €33 for a same day round trip ticket with the Intercity Direct surcharge.
Amsterdam
Like Schiphol, this route takes just under an hour and with a cost of €28 for the round trip pass.
Rotterdam
The trip from Rotterdam is only 20-25 minutes and much cheaper at €9 RT at the discounted off peak rate.
Utrecht
The closest large city is Utrecht at just a 20 minute train ride. This round trip will cost €11.
Antwerp
Planning a visit to the Netherlands from nearby Belgium? Since the city is so close to the border, this isn’t that much further of a train ride than from Amsterdam at around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Since this is an international trip, tickets will vary based on popularity and availability, so plan to book in advance during busier times of year like summer. Tickets can range from €30-44 for a round trip, but can cost much more if there is high demand. Review tickets and schedules on the NS International site or book your tickets through Omio.
Getting to the city center
Once you arrive at the train station it is a very easy walk into the city. It is only 5-10 minutes to the canals surrounding the old portion of the city, and another 5 or so minutes to the markt (or central town square).
Things to do in Gouda Netherlands
Like many of the more widely known cities in the country, Gouda is filled with old world historic charm and also has a small canal system that is a staple throughout the Netherlands.
Enjoy the Markt
In the center of the old city is the Markt or historic town square. Right in the middle you’ll find the beautiful gothic town hall with bright red shutters that dates back to the 15th century. Gouda city hall is open from 10am – 5pm, where you can quickly pop in to see the well preserved interiors.
Gouda Cheese Market
Every Thursday from around the middle of April, through the end of August, you can visit the Gouda Cheese Market. This takes place in the market square and is open from 10am – 1230pm. Here you will not just have the cheese vendors but you’ll get a glimpse into Gouda history and the centuries old traditions with horse drawn carriages and both men and women dressed in traditional garb.
Outdoor dining
In true European fashion, most of the central market is lined with various restaurants, full of outdoor tables in the summer. Here you can enjoy a leisurely break for food, coffee or a cocktail while people watching.
View the Canals
Canals are fairly ubiquitous to the Netherlands, and they’re not just in Amsterdam and Haarlem. Gouda has its own smaller canal system surrounding the bulk of the city centre, with small channels inside as well. For only $20, you can take an hour-long tour to learn the Gouda history while viewing it in a way you wouldn’t get just from walking.
Unique Gouda tours
One of the main reasons to visit Gouda Netherlands is to enjoy their most famous export, Gouda cheese.
Gouda Cheese Experience
I’ll be honest, this was the main reason I went to Gouda to begin with. This is not your typical museum, it truly is an “experience”. You walk through the space with the help of an audio guide and you’re given a sheet to fill in the blanks for a prize at the end of the experience. They have done a great job making this informative while not being boring, and also interactive but not in an excessive way. The whole tour takes anywhere from 75-90 minutes and will end with an obligatory cheese tasting. The price is €16 for adults and the last entry time is around 4pm.
De Goudse Waag
South of the Gouda Cheese Experience is another cheese staple in the Gouda, De Goudse Waag. If you didn’t get your fill in cheese information, this museum is the 17th century building that was historically used for weighing cheese before going to market.
Kamphuisen Syrup Waffle Factory Tour
Another Dutch staple are stroopwafels, or thin hard waffles with a layer of syrup in between. Kamphuisen has been making their syrup waffles since 1810 with a long standing secret recipe. In recent years, they have managed to automate the production process and set up a small factory at its location in the Markt. Here you can spend just under an hour learning the process behind making these famous sweets and get a sample of your own to eat and enjoy.
Visit Gouda Netherlands FAQs
Where is Gouda Netherlands?
Gouda is a small town in the west/central Netherlands located halfway between Rotterdam and Utrecht.
Is Gouda Netherlands safe?
Yes, it is very safe to visit Gouda Netherlands either solo or with a group.
What is Gouda Netherlands known for?
Gouda city is best known for being the namesake to Gouda cheese. The city was founded nearly 1000 years ago with the cheese dating back over 4 centuries.
What are some good cities to visit near Rotterdam or Utrecht in the Netherlands?
Gouda is a great option for a day trip from Rotterdam or Utrecht as it is roughly 30 minutes by train from both cities.
Which city could lay claim to being the cheese capital of the Netherlands?
Gouda is definitely the cheese capital of the Netherlands with the world famous cheese named after the city of origin.
