Top Things to do in Gouda
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Top 10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Gouda, South Holland Province
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. Spa Gouda
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By Timster-uk - Norwich, United Kingdom
Had a wonderful 4 hours at Spa Gouda.. it’s a calm welcoming place with a warm feel. I went on a Sunday and you have to book as they restrict the numbers which was great and gave it a community feel.. there are 4 saunas (2 outside in a courtyard area) 2 steam rooms a good size indoor relaxation pool, a hot tub outside too. A Hammam space and a lovely restaurant- they also do many treatments. Clientele was relaxed, a mostly young crowd on the day I went... very friendly. We did only have one sauna ritual (aufgus) all day which was a bit surprising as there would have been people up for more.. but the price was fair and it’s a good location... highly recommended
3. 't Kaaswinkeltje
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By VlastimilB
The most beautiful, cheerful and the best stocked cheese shop I have ever visited. The staff is amazing and accommodating, they have great knowledge of all the cheeses sold in the store, and they are knowledgeable about packing for air travel. The visit is a must, when you are in Gouda.
4. Kamphuisen Siroopwafel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Tucked away in the centre of Gouda you will find the factory of the crispiest syrup waffle in the Netherlands: the Kamphuisen Syrup Waffle. Ever since 1810 the waffles have sold like hot cakes. Not surprising, because a Kamphuisen Syrup Waffle isn’t just any old treacle waffle! Do you want to find out what makes this delicacy so tasty? Come to the completely renewed syrup waffle factory and enjoy the greatest attraction in Gouda!
5. Gallery Honingen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Honingen Gallery is since 1997 specialized in contemporary realism and exclusively represents a carefully selected number of established artists. You're welcome to view the collection.
6. Gouds Kaashuis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
GOUDA KAASHUIS (GOUDA CHEESE HOUSE) You are cordially welcome to visit the most delightful cheese house in the town centre of Gouda, Het Gouds Kaashuis. In the shop on the Hoogstraat/Markt you will find more than 50 kinds of high-quality, authentic farmhouse cheeses. The owners, Sandra and Maurice, will gladly tell you the story behind the cheese and let you taste it. Don’t forget to ask for ‘Gouda’s Trots’ Gouda’s Pride), chosen as the tastiest of all Gouda farmhouse cheeses. You will find this ‘award-winning cheese’ exclusively in this shop. To experience the real traditioinal taste of Gouda, you can sample the self-made farmhouse cheeses. Every Friday, Maurice makes his own cheese at his farmhouse in Waarder. Your purchases are vacuum packed, so that you can also take the cheese home with you. In this charming shop you will find all of Gouda’s specialities under one roof. Besides the many kinds of cheeses and other Gouda products, the Gouda Cheese House also offers a range of Gouda
Reviewed By WorldTravelerTK
Loved the owner and his customer service. The place was super busy and yet he took the time to answer our questions and show us different products. His own gouda that he makes at his farm was my favorite.
7. Slijterij en Speciaal Bierwinkel Den Gouwen Aar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
A cozy liquor and beer store with a varied selection of different beers, wines, champagnes and spirits, such as whisky, Jenever, Liqueur, Gins and Vodka's. We also offer tastings, where you; with a group of friends, colleagues or family, can taste a variety of beers. Inform yourself at our shop. You can also contact us for gifts, corporate gifts and Christmas gifts. So with this we wish you a warm welcome in our shop and hope to be able to provide you in the future with a drink from our wide range of products.
Reviewed By Trainbleu - Brussels, Belgium
Walking towards the museum of Gouda on Oosthaven we saw this beer, wine and spirit shop in a very nice house almost next door. The displays looked so attractive we couldn't resist having a look inside. The choice was enormous. Staff were very friendly and gave good advice. So, we ended up buying two small bottles of a Dutch spirit called ‘jenever’ as presents and a couple of Belgian beers to take to our hotel.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Monkey Town Gouda
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 13 reviews
