Established in 1272, Gouda’s historic city centre has centuries of history. The city is world-famous for the famous Gouda Cheese that originated here and to which the city owes its wealth. However, Gouda has much more to offer than just cheese. In summer, Gouda still hosts traditional cheese markets. This free event is a must for anyone who loves cheese.
Why visit Gouda?
Gouda is world-famous for its Gouda cheese, which is sold all over the world. Cheese is therefore an important product in the city. But cheese is certainly not the only attractive thing about Gouda. The famous Dutch stroopwafel originated in Gouda and to this day, many stroopwafel makers can still be found in the city. The city is also known for candles, beer and ceramics
Because of its rich past, the city also has a beautiful city centre where you can experience the past. Several monuments are open to visitors.
Events in Gouda
The city hosts many events every year. The most popular events are listed below:
- Gouda Cheese Market – Every Thursday morning from April to August.
- Zotte Zaterdag – Medieval Festival Gouda – October
- Gouda by Candlelight – Mid december
- Open Monument Day Gouda – Second weekend of September
- Gouds Montmartre – Weekly on Wednesdays, will be started from 7 Jun 2023, until 30 Aug 2023
- Gouda Ceramics Days – 18 & 19 May 2023
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 or 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