Top Things to do in Gouda
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10 Things to do in Gouda That You Shouldn't Miss
Lying about 15 miles northeast of Rotterdam, Gouda is most famous for its eponymous cheese. One of its most prized attractions, De Waag on the town square, was once a weighing house for cheese traders and now features an exhibit detailing the entire cheese making process. Also on the square is the 15th-century town hall, one of the oldest in the Netherlands. On Thursday mornings during the summer, the town’s Markt turns back into a traditional cheese market, something not to be missed.
Restaurants in Gouda
1. Sint-Janskerk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 528 reviews
THE LONGEST CHURCH OF THE NETHERLANDS The great fire of 1552 destroyed much of the medieval church of Saint John. Shortly after the disaster, the council commissioned the reconstruction of the most startling church of Holland. With 123 meters it is also the longest church in The Netherlands THE 72 STAINED-GLASS WINDOWS ARE WORLD-FAMOUS Entering the Church of St. John, one falls silent at the sight of the majestic space with the 72 world-famous stained-glass windows. That first experience will only get stronger when you see the marvellous light by the 'Dutch Masters' invading the Church. The rich history of Holland can be read in the large windows. It is a beginning of an impressive discovery along biblical and historical scenes of human emotions. Then you understand that the Gouda St. John is one of the highest rated attractions in the Netherlands!
Reviewed By exploringwithjune - The Netherlands, null
After visiting the museum we stopped by the church. As we'd already learned so much at the museum, we just wanted to pop in for half an hour. Therefore we didn't take an audio tour, which is included in the price, and instead walked around by ourselves. We received a leaflet with some information, which highlighted a couple of the gorgeous stained glass windows. We struggled finding the right numbers to go with the texts at times, but overall it was a lovely way to see the church and to learn something while wandering around. The architecture is really impressive and the windows are pure art. Some windows that interested us weren't included in the leaflet, but it is logical that choices had to be made. If we hadn't gone to the museum, we would've probably also gotten the audio tour as I can imagine that it's way more complete. The church also has a little gift shop with a good variety of products . We entered for free as we both have a museumkaart. Regular prices are 9 euros for adults, 5,25 for kids aged 13-17 and kids under 13 can visit for free. I definitely think this is really pricey for a church. If you visit with a family and, just like us, want to walk around for a short while, it will set you back 30 euros for a relatively quick visit. I can imagine that that can be a lot of money for some families. Also, I think it is really important for kids to see churches like these and learn about the history and architecture, so it should be made more accessible. With commissioning these prices; I think they put off people from visiting. Also, many other impressive churches in our country are free. If I hadn't had my museumkaart, I would probably not have gone in. Concluding, it was a lovely visit but I do wish that they would reconsider their prices.
2. Red Lion Windmill (Molen De Roode Leeuw)
3. Stadhuis Gouda (City Hall)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 464 reviews
The city hall of Gouda was completed in 1450 and is the oldest gothic city hall in the Netherlands.
Reviewed By Dirkielab - Centurion, South Africa
We were taken by surprise cycling into Gouda and it's old city! Welcomed by the lovely clock and amazing old buildings.
4. Gouda Cheese Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 419 reviews
Reviewed By medico44 - Margate, United Kingdom
excellent opportunity to buy the big originals Gouda cheese with reasonable prices, is hel in april til august on thursday.Bargain the price is a plus and mandatory
5. Plaza Markt.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 228 reviews
Reviewed By EurekaJSK - Eureka, United States
This is a great Markt on a Saturday. We took the train from Rotterdam and walked to the Markt - very lively - music, all kinds of food, vegetables, meat, fish, etc. The town is beautiful and totally walk-able. Bought some rolls in one place and cheese in another and had sandwiches. This is a much more pleasant and manageable Markt than the large Rotterdam Market which we also did in the Afternoon.
6. Kinderboerderij De Goudse Hofsteden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Petting Zoo 'De Goudse Hofsteden': a nice day out for the whole family! Feeding the geese, hugging a goat, playing in a natural environment or discovering new plants in the vegetable garden - it's possible! Petting Zoo 'De Goudse Hofsteden' is a perfect day out for the whole family.
7. Museum Gouda
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 180 reviews
Museum Gouda recounts the history of the wonderful city Gouda. You will see unique sixteenth century altarpieces, instruments of torture from the Middle Ages, seventeenth century civic guard group portraits and Gouda pottery, which is famous all over the world.
Reviewed By 177bask - Amstelveen, The Netherlands
Museum Gouda was founded in 1874 and moved to the 17th century former hospital"Catharina Gasthuis" on Oosthaven 9 in 1947.The former hospital was designed by famous architect Pieter Post in 1665 and was build next to a 15th century chapel dating from 1474.I enjoyed the contemporary art,19th century landscape paintings and 16th century religious paintings and most of all the historic interiors and garden.I also enjoyed the "plateel"ceramic collection and the fact that there were only a few visitors. MJK free entrance.
8. Waag (Weighing House)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 173 reviews
Reviewed By WadkinMBE - Rotherham, United Kingdom
The Tourist Information Office is also situated here. As you walk around the house you can get close up to the traditional equipment used to weigh and sell the cheese at the market. You can buy entrance ticket to the cheese museum. Pick up a tourist guide to ensure you don't miss any of the points of interest. Cheese is on sale, a wide selection. Try and sample before you buy or just enjoy. Make sure you try the Honey Waffles. One word delicious. If you arrive on a Thursday it's cheese market day. Vibrant, colourful, entertaining and lots to see and do.
