In this guide
- 1. Admire St John's Church
- 2. Buy a real stroopwafel from the artisan baker
- 3. Stroll around the Markt
- 4. Visit the historic cheese market
- 5. Visit Museum Gouda
- 6. Discover the canals and almshouse courtyards
- 7. Gouda pipes and pottery
- 8. Cycle to the Reeuwijkse Plassen
- 9. Take a canal cruise
- 10. Dine at Gouds Glas on the Markt
Plan my day in Gouda with AI
Open this page with a ready-made prompt in your favourite AI. The AI reads the guide and helps you plan.
ChatGPT
Claude
Gemini
PerplexityWhether you are visiting Gouda for the first time or have lived nearby for years, there is always something new to discover. Here are our ten favourites, put together by the team at Gouds Glas, Markt 40.
1. Admire St John's Church
The absolute number one: St John's Church (Sint-Janskerk) with its 72 world-famous stained-glass windows. The church is the longest in the Netherlands and the windows date from the 16th and 17th centuries. Each window tells its own story in colour and light. Allow at least an hour for this. Our name, Gouds Glas, is directly inspired by it.
2. Buy a real stroopwafel from the artisan baker
The stroopwafel was invented in Gouda, and here you taste the difference. Buy one fresh from the waffle maker, while it is still warm. Rest it on top of your cup of tea or coffee so the syrup softens. That is the proper way.
3. Stroll around the Markt
Gouda's Markt is one of the largest and most beautiful market squares in the Netherlands. In the middle stands the Gothic Town Hall from 1450, free-standing, so you can walk all the way around it. Around the Markt you will find terraces, shops and of course Gouds Glas at number 40.
4. Visit the historic cheese market
From April to August, the Gouda cheese market takes place on the Markt every Thursday morning (10:00 to 12:30). Cheese carriers in traditional dress bring in the farmers' cheeses, which are then inspected and weighed. A centuries-old tradition you will not see anywhere else.
Hungry after the cheese market? Come straight to Gouds Glas on the Markt. You are welcome for coffee from 10:00, and from 11:30 we serve lunch: perfect after the market.
Book a table →5. Visit Museum Gouda
Museum Gouda (Oosthaven 9) has an impressive collection of paintings from the Gouda School, Delft Blue and temporary exhibitions. There is plenty for children to see and do as well. A good rainproof activity in between.
6. Discover the canals and almshouse courtyards
Behind the busy Markt lies a network of quiet canals and historic almshouse courtyards (hofjes). Walk along the Turfmarkt and the Nieuwe Haven, where the colourful canal houses are mirrored in the water. Gouda at its calmest and most beautiful.
7. Gouda pipes and pottery
For centuries, Gouda was the centre of the Dutch pipe-making industry. In the Pijpenkabinet and at various antique shops around the city you will find beautiful Gouda pipes and pottery. A unique souvenir to take home.
8. Cycle to the Reeuwijkse Plassen
Just 5 kilometres from the centre lie the Reeuwijkse Plassen, a beautiful recreation area with lakes, beaches and extensive cycling routes. Hire a bike in town and take a ride along the water. In summer, ideal for a stop with an ice cream.
9. Take a canal cruise
Seeing Gouda from the water is a completely different experience. In season, tour boats depart regularly from the harbour and show the city at its finest. A relaxed way to admire the historic centre.
10. Dine at Gouds Glas on the Markt
A day in Gouda deserves a worthy ending. At Gouds Glas we serve a seasonal menu with the best produce from the region. Look out over the illuminated Markt, enjoy a good glass of wine and let the day settle. That is the finest way to end a day in Gouda.
