Gouda Cheese Market
August 7 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Gouda cheese has been traded every Thursday on the Markt in Gouda for centuries. Every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m, the traditional Gouda Cheese Market still takes place on the Markt. And just like in the old days, farmers and cheese traders make a price by means of ‘hand clapping’. In addition to the world-famous cheese, you can enjoy stalls where stroopwafels and poffertjes are made and where old crafts are practiced.
Cheese market trading
The Cheese trade was a flourishing trade: in 1937, 4.5 million kilos of cheese were traded on the Gouda cheese market. This cheese was supplied in that year with 15,245 wagons. Real trade now often takes place elsewhere and in other ways. But since the 1980s, the cheese market has been maintained by a large number of volunteers to show how the buying and selling of cheese used to be done.
Say cheese
Visiting a cheese market is a perfect location for taking some great pictures. The traditional setting lets you experience Holland at it best.
Price
Visiting the Gouda cheese market is free.
How to get to the Gouda Cheese Market
If you would like to visit the cheese market, make sure you are on time. In good weather, many visitors come to the event on the Market. You will have various options for traveling to Gouda.
New in 2025: Book a direct tour from Amsterdam
A convenient way to experience the Gouda Cheese Market is via an organised half-day tour from Amsterdam. Perfect for visitors without a car or those looking for a relaxed and well-organised trip.
Tour schedule:
- 08:30 – Departure from Amsterdam
- 10:00 – Arrival at the Gouda Cheese Market
- 12:00 – 14:00 – Free time to explore Gouda at your own pace
- Receive a map with highlights and tips to help you get the most out of your visit
- 14:00 – Departure from Gouda
- 15:30 – Arrival back in Amsterdam
Places are limited so book your tickets in time. Check current availability and prices below and book your tickets easily.
Gouda is easily accessible by car via the A12 and A20 highways. The city center is car-free, but there are several nearby parking garages:
- Q-Park Bolwerk – Sint Mariewal 3, 2801 WS Gouda
- Parkeergarage Nieuwe Markt – Nieuwe Markt 1, 2801 GR Gouda (Closest to the cheese market – about a 2-minute walk)
- Parkeergarage Klein Amerika – Klein Amerika 30, 2806 CA Gouda (Spacious and often less crowded)
Tip: Use the Gouda Park+Walk system if you plan to explore the city for the whole day.
- Direct trains from Amsterdam Central Station to Gouda Station take around 55 minutes.
- From Gouda Station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the market square.
| Train tickets | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Train Ticket Amsterdam – Gouda | € 14.20 | More info |
