Netherlands
Gouda
Netherlands
Gouda
Updated Apr 29, 2025
Overview
Gouda, famed for its namesake cheese, offers more than just dairy delights. This compact Dutch city boasts a stunning 15th-century town hall, vibrant weekly cheese market, and intricate stained-glass windows in St. John's Church. Wander cobblestone streets lined with quaint shops and cafes, or explore hidden hofjes (courtyards). For a local experience, join residents at brown cafés or cycle along scenic canals. Don't miss stroopwafels, Gouda's other culinary claim to fame.
Best time to visit. Visit Gouda between April and October for mild weather and lively events. The cheese market runs from April to August, offering a quintessential Dutch experience. Summer brings festivals and outdoor dining, while spring showcases colorful tulip fields nearby.
City stats
Population
73,427
Land area
18 sq. mi.
Currency
Euro
Year founded
1272 CE
Official langauge
Dutch
English speaking
Somewhat spoken, esp. in hospitality
State/Province
South Holland
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Website
Google Maps link
Quick links
How to get there
Neighborhoods
Getting around
Where to stay
Day trips
Cities within 8 hours
Active pursuits
Leisure activities
Bars, pubs and nightlife
Breakfast and brunch
Lunch and snacks
Dinner restaurants
Laptop friendly places
Where to stay for work trips
Work trip activities
Average weather
Country holidays
Major annual events
Cultural tips
City details
Hotels
Nearby
Nearby
Things to do
Food & restaurants
Work friendly
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 42°F - 34°F | 38°F - 30°F | Cloudy | 8:46 am | 4:58 pm | 13 days 2.7 in | 3 days 1.0 in | 11 mph |
| February | 44°F - 34°F | 40°F - 30°F | Partly Cloudy | 8:06 am | 5:49 pm | 11 days 2.1 in | 2 days 0.7 in | 11 mph |
| March | 50°F - 39°F | 47°F - 36°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:04 am | 6:41 pm | 11 days 2.3 in | 1 days 0.2 in | 11 mph |
| April | 57°F - 43°F | 55°F - 41°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:46 am | 8:32 pm | 9 days 1.7 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| May | 64°F - 50°F | 63°F - 49°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:44 am | 9:20 pm | 9 days 2.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| June | 69°F - 55°F | 69°F - 55°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:19 am | 9:56 pm | 9 days 2.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| July | 73°F - 59°F | 74°F - 59°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:41 am | 9:48 pm | 10 days 3.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| August | 73°F - 59°F | 74°F - 59°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:26 am | 8:58 pm | 10 days 3.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| September | 68°F - 54°F | 68°F - 53°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:16 am | 7:53 pm | 11 days 3.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| October | 59°F - 48°F | 57°F - 46°F | Partly Cloudy | 8:07 am | 6:48 pm | 12 days 3.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| November | 50°F - 41°F | 47°F - 38°F | Cloudy | 8:02 am | 4:52 pm | 14 days 3.3 in | 1 days 0.1 in | 11 mph |
| December | 44°F - 36°F | 40°F - 32°F | Cloudy | 8:44 am | 4:31 pm | 14 days 3.1 in | 2 days 0.5 in | 11 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebration of the new year with fireworks, parties, and traditional foods. | Avoid travel, most places closed. | ||
| Good Friday | Friday before Easter Sunday | Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. | Limited services, plan accordingly. | ||
| Easter Sunday | First Sunday after first full moon of spring | Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. | Festive atmosphere, some closures. | ||
| Easter Monday | Day after Easter Sunday | Public holiday extending Easter celebrations, often with family gatherings. | Many places closed, plan activities. | ||
| King's Day | April 27 | National holiday celebrating the Dutch monarch's birthday with street parties. | Busy, festive, plan for crowds. | ||
| Liberation Day | May 5 | Commemoration of the end of Nazi occupation in World War II. | Patriotic events, some closures. | ||
| Ascension Day | 40 days after Easter Sunday | Christian holiday marking Jesus' ascension to heaven, public holiday. | Some closures, plan accordingly. | ||
| Pentecost | 7 weeks after Easter Sunday | Christian holiday celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit, public holiday. | Some closures, outdoor activities. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, family gatherings. | Festive, but many closures. | ||
| Second Christmas Day | December 26 | Extended Christmas celebration, also known as Boxing Day in some countries. | Quiet day, limited openings. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gouda Cheese Market | April to August, every Thursday | Traditional cheese market where farmers and traders negotiate prices for Gouda cheese wheels. | Great time to visit for cheese lovers. | ||
| Gouda Ceramics Days | Ascension Day weekend (May or June) | Festival celebrating Gouda's ceramic heritage with exhibitions, workshops, and market stalls. | Ideal for art and craft enthusiasts. | ||
| Gouda Water City Festival | Third weekend of June | Celebration of Gouda's water heritage with boat parades, music, and water activities. | Fun atmosphere, but expect crowds. | ||
| Gouda by Candlelight | Second Friday of December | Annual event where the city's market square is illuminated by thousands of candles. | Magical experience, but very crowded. |
1 | Dutch people are direct in communication. Don't be offended by blunt remarks or questions. It's not rudeness, just cultural honesty. Embrace their straightforward approach. |
2 | Bike culture is huge. Always use bike lanes and obey cycling rules. Never walk in bike paths. Rent a bike to explore like a local, but be cautious if you're not used to busy cycle traffic. |
3 | Tipping isn't expected in restaurants as service charge is included. For exceptional service, rounding up or leaving a small tip (5-10%) is appreciated but not mandatory. |
4 | Learn basic Dutch phrases like 'Dank je wel' (thank you) and 'Alstublieft' (please). While many Dutch speak English, attempting their language is appreciated and often met with smiles. |
5 | Coffee shops aren't just for coffee. They legally sell cannabis. If you're not interested, stick to 'cafes' for your caffeine fix. Be mindful of local laws if you choose to partake. |
6 | Punctuality is valued. Arrive on time for appointments and reservations. Being late is considered disrespectful. Plan ahead, especially when using public transportation. |
7 | Don't take photos of sex workers in Amsterdam's Red Light District. It's disrespectful and illegal. Enjoy the unique atmosphere, but be respectful of privacy and local norms. |
8 | Carry cash for small purchases. While cards are widely accepted, some smaller shops, markets, and public toilets may only accept cash or coins. Always have some euros on hand. |
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