How to Spend the Perfect Day in Gouda, Netherlands (less than 1 hour from Amsterdam!)
Looking to spend one day eating lovely Gouda cheese, strolling Dutch canals and savouring Stroopwafels? Here’s how to spend the perfect day in Gouda, Netherlands — from someone who’s done it!
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When you think of Gouda, cheese is probably the first thing that comes to mind.
And while you’ll find plenty of it here, this small Dutch city has a lot more to offer: think Gothic architecture, canal-side streets, cosy cafés, and sinfully delicious stroopwafels (it’s birthplace!).
Best of all? It’s less than an hour by train from Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Utrecht, making it the absolute perfect day trip.
With that said, here’s how to spend a lovely day in the area.
Shall we?
About the Author
Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.
On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.
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🗞️📺 As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.
Why Visit Gouda?
Before you make the journey, you’re probably wondering if it’s worth it to make the trek to Gouda in the first place.
And the answer is yes.
The town is famous worldwide for its cheese (of course), but what makes it worth visiting is the mix of history, charm, and pace.
You can wander cobbled streets lined with canals, step inside the striking Gothic Town Hall, and still be back in the city by evening.
Unlike some Dutch destinations that can feel crowded with tourists, Gouda still has the feel of a lived-in town — just a few streets away from the areas tourists attractions and it’s easy to find quiet canals, locals cycling to work, and bakeries turning out fresh stroopwafels.
It’s also just the right size to explore in a day — big enough to fill your itinerary, and small enough not to feel rushed.
A Short History of Gouda
Before you spend the day here, it’s good to know a little Gouda history.
First mentioned in 1143, Gouda grew into a trading hub thanks to its location on the river Gouwe.
By the 1200s, its cheese market soon became one of the most important in the Netherlands, with Gouda’s Gothic town hall, Sint-Janskerk, speaking to its history.
Today, Gouda is still known worldwide for cheese — but also for Stroopwafels, candles, and ceramics.
Getting to Gouda
Gouda sits almost exactly between Utrecht and Rotterdam, with Amsterdam just a little further north. All less than an hour from Gouda!
Trains are frequent, cheap by Western Europe standards, and very straightforward. See tickets here from Amsterdam.
- Amsterdam → Gouda: ~50 minutes direct (42 km) costs about €14.20 one-way
- Utrecht → Gouda: ~17–18 minutes direct (29 km) costs about €7.90 one-way
- Rotterdam → Gouda: ~18–21 minutes direct (18 km) costs about €6.20-€7 one-way
Tickets can be bought on the day from NS (Dutch Railways) machines, from Trainline or similar apps, or the easiest option — just tap in and out with your contactless card!
There’s no reservations needed, and if you’re staying in Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Utrecht, Gouda is close enough that you can even pop over for half a day.
One Perfect Day in Gouda: Suggested Itinerary
Morning — Gouda Cheese Experience & the Markt
Start at the Gouda Cheese Experience, a hands-on museum where you’ll learn how Gouda is made (and taste plenty along the way).
Afterwards, walk into Markt Square to admire the Stadhuis (Town Hall), a Gothic landmark dating back to the 15th century.
If you’re visiting on a Thursday between April and August, you’ll also catch the traditional cheese market in full swing.
Midday — Gouda Shopping & Lunch
Like most market towns, Gouda has a bustling shopping scene, which means strolling through the cobbled streets and popping into shops is a must.
Stop in any cheese shops, small boutiques, or artisan stores that catch your fancy — selling everything from candles and ceramics to books and knick-knacks for the full day in Gouda experience.
For a break, head to Lunchcafé Curcuma, a plant-filled spot with organic, vegetarian-friendly dishes and excellent coffee. It was one of my favourite stops of the day!
Afternoon — Stroopwafels & a Gouda Wander
If Gouda cheese wasn’t good enough — Gouda is also the birthplace of the Stroopwafel, and the best place to try one is Kamphuisen Syrup Waffles, baking them since 1810.
You can simply walk-in and get a Stroopwafel companion for your walk around Gouda, or do the full tour to learn more about Stroopwafel history too.
To end the day, step into Sint-Janskerk to see its stunning stained-glass windows or take a slow walk along Gouda’s canals before heading back.
More Things to Do in Gouda
- The Waag (Weighing House): Gouda’s historic building where cheese was weighed and traded.
- Museum Gouda: A home for Gouda’s art, history, and ceramics in a former convent.
- Gouda Canal Cruise: Great for passing by the city’s quiet streets, old guild houses, and hidden courtyards (you can also stroll along them in the town if you’d prefer a nice walk!)
Where to Stay in Gouda
Relais & Châteaux Weeshuis Gouda
- City Hotel Gouda — central and modern, ideal for walking everywhere in the area.
- Relais & Châteaux Weeshuis Gouda — a boutique stay in a 16th-century orphanage.
One-Day in Gouda FREE Map
Gouda FAQ
💭 Do people in Gouda speak English?
Yes — almost everyone in shops, cafés, and museums speaks excellent English.
💭 When is the Cheese Market in Gouda?
Every Thursday, 10:00–13:00, April through August. Check the latest schedule here!
💭 Is Gouda walkable?
Very. The train station is a short walk from the centre, and most sights are clustered around Markt Square, no need for public transport on the day!
💭 Can I visit Gouda on a Sunday?
Yes, but many local shops and smaller cafés close or have reduced hours.
Final Thoughts on Gouda
Gouda was a day trip that truly impressed me start to finish.
It might be famous for its cheese, but there’s much more here than just dairy.
Between the Gothic architecture, peaceful canals, and syrup-filled Stroopwafels, it’s easily of the Netherlands’ most charming small cities.
And with fast trains from Amsterdam, Utrecht and Rotterdam, it couldn’t be easier to add to your itinerary, enjoy!
Thanks for reading my Gouda Day Trip Guide. If you enjoyed it, let me know on Instagram!
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Happy travels,
