Gouda, Netherlands: The Most Underrated Day Trip from Amsterdam
When you think of the Netherlands, most people think of Amsterdam. I see why, but for me it’s the surrounding towns that make the Netherlands so special. Today I will share with you the town of Gouda. We lived here for about a year and gathered local insights from an outsider's view. We learned and navigated Dutch ways and completely fell in love with Gouda. To the extent that we rarely went to Amsterdam. Only 50 minutes away is a town called Gouda. The primary source of tourism is the cheese. Gouda offers a traditional cheese market in the months of April to August. They wear clogs and historically accurate attire. Gouda also has a “cheese market” every Thursday with other local vendors too. But in between the cheese is quiet medieval streets, bike bells and cobble stone.
The narrow lived in streets are placed between leaning buildings. Tunneling locals on their grocery runs and bikers passing through. People live their day to day in 15th century architecture, crossing bridges over the many canals. You feel as if you are in a film. Large windows filled with cafes are accompanied by echoing church bells that bounce off the markt square. If you can, try to wake up with the sun. The Golden hues of light bounce off every brick. If you can’t wake up, take advantage of the rain. After the rain, and the street light comes on, all the streets glow with reflected light.
Where Is Gouda Located? (And How to Get There)
Gouda is located in South Holland, about 50 minutes from Amsterdam by train.
That makes it one of the best and easiest day trips from Amsterdam for travelers who want to explore beyond the capital.
How to get to Gouda:
Train from Amsterdam Centraal → Gouda (about 50–60 minutes)
Train from Rotterdam → Gouda (about 20 minutes)
Easy walking city center from the station ( about 5 minutes)
No car is needed, Maybe just a bike if you're adventurous. Gouda is compact and walkable.
Things to do in Gouda
1.Canals (with less tourist)
One of the best things to do in Gouda is simply walk.
The canals here are lined with crooked brick houses, filled with bikes , and small bridges that carry history.
When Amsterdam feels overwhelming, Goudas aesthetic matches without the crowds.
2.Climb or Visit Sint-Janskerk (St. John’s Church)
Gouda is home to the Sint-Janskerk, the longest church in the Netherlands, famous for its stained glass windows.
Even non history lovers will find the interior fascinating and photographers will enjoy the centurys old stained glass.
Tip: To visit for free, come for the Christmas market that is held inside the church every year in December. Every year the exact date changes but it is usually a Thursday and friday.
3. Photography locations
Top spots for photos:
Markt Square
Canals
Stad house (City Hall)
Sint Janskerk church trail and interior
Street cafés windows
Reflections after rainfall ( when the street lamps come on)
Motion blur with the bikes
One of the many parks. My favorites are ( Park Houtsmansplantsoen, Goudse Hout Recreatiegebied)
My favorite time to photograph Gouda:
Early morning, twilight , or foggy winter days for moody vibes.
Where to eat
1.Bram Ladage:
Bram Ladage is a local favorite. It is a Dutch franchise specializing in Dutch fried food. You will find the best Frites in your life here. You will also find croquetts, chicken sandwiches, milkshakes and more.
My order: Schuitje fries with frites sauce and samurai sauce. I also love the kaas (cheese) croquette .
2.Belvedère:
I more so come here for the ambiance. It’s located in the city center with outside seating. when it’s cold they provide heated blankets and space heaters. you can find a changing menu, usually Dutch cuisine.
My order: Kaas soup
3. Syrup waffel factory:
You can find original stroopwafels here. They still use the same recipe from the early 19th century.
The Best Time to Visit Gouda?
Gouda is beautiful year round, but the best seasons depend on the vibe you want:
Spring (March–May): flowers, fewer crowds, great weather but some rain.
Summer (June–August): cheese markets and festivals, swimming at reewijk ( lakes near Gouda centrum)
Fall (September–November): Fall leaves, moody weather
Winter (December–February): Holiday festivities, icy cold weather (sometimes snow)
There is so much to do and see here in Gouda. You must take a day trip to say the least. Gouda Is in the center of the green heart of the Netherlands. Enjoy the central location and the historic charm.
