Gouda

Gouda has excellent rail connections via Gouda station, a 5-minute walk from the Markt. It is well-connected by highway A12. The closest airport is Amsterdam Schiphol, with direct trains to Gouda.

Gouda has a population of about 71,000. As well as its cheese, Gouda is also famous for its stroopwafels (syrup waffles), candles and its clay pipes. Most of the city is below sea level. The lowest point of the Netherlands can be found a few kilometres outside the city and is marked by a monument. The city is a typical Dutch city with many old buildings, canals and pretty sights, and is a popular destination for a day trip. It is also a good base for exploring the rest of the Netherlands, thanks to its great rail- and highway connections.

The city centre of Gouda, like many other historic Dutch cities, is surrounded by a circular canal. The city only started to expand beyond this circle in the late 19th century, so most historic sights can be found within it. It is also the main shopping district of the city.

Gouda is a typical and beautiful Dutch town. It's a great place to walk, checking out the old buildings and canals. Key sights include the Stadhuis, St. Janskerk with its stained glass windows, the Cheese Market and De Waag, Museum Gouda, and various canals and windmills.

Activities include canal tours, guided walking tours by the Goudse Gidsen Gilde, visiting a spa, golf, cinema, theatre, and various events like the cheese market, Candlelight nights, and concerts.

Most shops are open M-Sa 09:00-17:00, with late opening on Thursdays. Sundays most stores closed except fresh product stores. The busiest shopping street is Kleiweg with regular brands. Side streets have independent shops. Specialties include Gouda cheese, stroopwafels, and candles.

There are many cafes and bars at the north side of the Markt. Options include coffee at De Koffiefabriek, Asian cuisine at New Tandoor and Sajaki, Dutch/European at Grand Cafe Central, Eetcafe Vidocq, Koeien en Kaas, and pancakes at Pannekoe. For drinks, So What. and StudioGonz are popular nightlife spots.

Accommodation options have been increasing. Hotels include Best Western City Hotel Gouda, Campanile (outside center), De Keizerskroon, De Utrechtsche Dom, and options in nearby Haastrecht and Bodegraven.

Gouda is generally safe, even at night. Car crime used to be an issue but CCTV has reduced it. Avoid leaving valuables in cars.

Due to its central location, Gouda is a good base. Nearby destinations: Oudewater (witch weighing house), Rotterdam (15 min), The Hague (<30 min), Utrecht, Delft, Leiden.