Gouda is one of the most iconic cities in the Netherlands, known for its famous cheese markets, delicious cheese, charming canals, and historic buildings. A visit to this picturesque city is a must for lovers of culture, tradition, and culinary delights. The Gouda Cheese Market, held every Thursday morning from April to August, is one of the city’s top attractions, where visitors can experience the traditional cheese trading rituals.
Why visit Gouda?
Gouda is more than just cheese—it’s a city rich in history, culture, and Dutch traditions. Whether you’re strolling through the medieval streets, exploring the stunning Sint-Janskerk, or visiting a local cheese farm, Gouda offers a perfect blend of heritage and modern charm. The city’s welcoming atmosphere, authentic Dutch markets, and scenic canals make it an excellent day-trip destination from Amsterdam. Gouda also played a significant role in the creation of one of the Netherlands’ most beloved treats, the stroopwafel. Originating in Gouda, this delicious caramel-filled waffle is still made in the city today, and a visit isn’t complete without tasting an authentic Gouda Stroopwafel.
Gouda’s traditional cheese market
The famous Gouda Cheese Market takes place every Thursday morning from April to August in the historic Market Square of Gouda. Here, you can witness the centuries-old tradition of cheese trading, where farmers and traders negotiate using the traditional handclap method. In 2026 the cheese market is held every Thursday from 2 April to 28 August, 10:00–12:30 (not on Ascension Day). Admission is free.
What to Expect?
- Demonstrations of traditional cheese weighing and trading.
- Farmers and traders dressed in historical attire.
- Stalls offering artisanal cheeses and local delicacies.
- Live performances by folk musicians and traditional craftsmen.
In addition to the cheese market, you can also visit the Gouda Cheese and Crafts Museum, where you can learn more about the city’s rich cheese-making history.
Other attractions in Gouda
Beyond the cheese market, Gouda has plenty more to offer:
- Sint-Janskerk: Admire the impressive stained-glass windows.
- Gouda Town Hall: A beautiful Gothic building from the 15th century.
- De Waag: Formerly used to weigh cheese, now a museum.
- Canals and Courtyards: Explore picturesque streets and hidden courtyards.
- Kamphuisen Syrup Waffle Factory: Visit this artisanal factory and discover the secret behind the original Gouda syrup waffle.
Events in Gouda
The city hosts many events every year. The most popular events are listed below:
- Gouda Cheese Market – Every Thursday morning (10:00–12:30) from 2 April to 28 August 2026, except Ascension Day.
- Zotte Zaterdag – Medieval Festival Gouda – Annually in October.
- Gouds Montmartre – Weekly art market on Wednesdays in summer (June–August).
- Gouda Ceramics Days – Annually at the end of May.
- Open Monument Day Gouda – Annually in the second weekend of September.
- Gouda by Candlelight – Friday 11 December 2026.
How to visit Gouda from Amsterdam
The city is located in the Groene Hart, a rural area south-east of Amsterdam. Keep in mind that it can be busy during Gouda’s cheese markets. Therefore, leave on time. If you are staying in Amsterdam and would like to visit Gouda, you have the following options:
Car
Coming by car? Then you can easily park in or around the city centre in one of the car parks. Below are some parking locations in Gouda:
- Parking Klein Amerika – Klein Amerika 30
- Parking Nieuwe Markt (Q-park) – Conventstraat 7-13
- Parking Schouwburgplein – Boelekade 67
- Parking Bolwerk (Q-park) – Sint Mariewal 3
- P+R NS-station Gouda – Burgemeester Jamessingel 1
- Parking Vossenburchkade – Vossenburchkade 50
Train
Gouda is an intercity station. That means many direct trains per hour to Gouda. From Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague, Gouda can be reached in just 20 minutes. From Amsterdam, the train ride takes about 50 minutes, either directly or with only 1 change in Utrecht. From Gouda train station, it is about a 5-minute walk to Gouda city centre. Check 9292.nl for up-to-date departure and arrival times
Tour to the Gouda Cheese Market from Amsterdam
Are you staying in Amsterdam and do you want to visit the Gouda Cheese Market hassle-free? Book a gouda cheese market day tour from Amsterdam and enjoy a worry-free and authentic experience.
Want to combine Gouda with more Dutch icons? Visit the Cheese Experience Gouda, see the windmills at the Zaanse Schans, compare the cheese traditions at the Alkmaar cheese market, or travel around the region with the Dutch Countryside Card.
Frequently asked questions about Gouda
When is the Gouda Cheese Market?
The traditional cheese market takes place every Thursday morning from 10:00 to 12:30, from 2 April to 28 August 2026 (not on Ascension Day), on the Markt in the city centre. Admission is free.
How do I get from Amsterdam to Gouda?
By train it takes about 50 minutes from Amsterdam, either direct or with one change in Utrecht. Gouda is an intercity station, and from the station it is a 5-minute walk to the historic city centre. By car, count on about an hour depending on traffic.
What is Gouda famous for?
Gouda is world-famous for its cheese, traded in the city since 1198, and for the stroopwafel (syrup waffle), which was invented here. The city is also known for the stained-glass windows of the Sint-Janskerk, the Gothic town hall and the historic Waag cheese-weighing house.
Is Gouda worth a day trip from Amsterdam?
Yes. Gouda combines a compact medieval city centre with canals, museums and cheese tradition, and is easy to reach by train in about 50 minutes. Thursday is the best day in spring and summer, when the cheese market takes place in the morning.
Where can I park in Gouda?
There are several car parks in and around the city centre, including Klein Amerika, Q-Park Nieuwe Markt, Schouwburgplein and Bolwerk, plus a P+R at Gouda railway station.
Ready to taste the city of cheese? Book a tour to the Gouda Cheese Market from Amsterdam below, or plan your own trip with the events calendar above – Thursday mornings in spring and summer are when Gouda is at its most traditional.