• Stadhuis Gouda (City Hall) - Gouda’s town hall is among the oldest in the Netherlands. This grand structure, dating back to 1450, is situated in the historic center of the city. It stands prominently on the market square. The city council opted for a standalone building after the previous city hall succumbed to a major fire. Interestingly, in the 15th century, the ‘market’ was a swampy peat area.
• Gouda - In the charming streets of Gouda, where the Gouwe river meanders through the city, lies a history that stretches back to the Middle Ages. Initially a small settlement by the river, Gouda evolved into a bustling trading city, lending its name to one of the world’s most renowned cheeses.
• Gouda Cheese Experience - When one thinks of cheese, Gouda comes to mind. “Say Cheese, Say Gouda” is known worldwide, and people everywhere enjoy it. But do you know the story behind Gouda Cheese? This is your opportunity to discover it at one of the cheese shops in Gouda.
• Sint-Janskerk - St. John’s Church is dedicated to John the Baptist, Gouda’s patron saint. His symbolic colors, white (purity, love) and red (suffering), are frequently seen on the stained glass windows and in the Gouda city coat of arms.
• Museum Gouda - Established in 1874 as the Municipal Museum of Gouda, it was initially housed in the Arti Legi building on the Markt. In 1947, the collection moved to the Catharina Gasthuis. The Gasthuis’s function and history are showcased in various rooms: the Surgeon’s Guild Room, where surgeons have convened since 1699, a complete pharmacy interior at the original site of the Gouda city pharmacy, and in the Gasthuis Chapel’s basement, a collection of punishment and torture instruments once used at Gouda’s town hall.
• Swanenburghshofje - Discover another beautiful courtyard, with a history dating back over 330 years. On April 27, 1689, Elisabeth Nathans Bars, widow of timber merchant Noach Cornelisz Swanenburgh, made her will with a notary. She allocated the monetary proceeds from her estate to the Gouda Reformed Church. The funds were intended for purchasing suitable land and constructing twelve houses with a communal bleaching field in the center. At that time, a bleach field was necessary for whitening sheets.
• Museum Gouda - The Museum Port of Gouda, located in the city center, is dedicated to historical transport ships. Many of the ships date from around 1900 and were designed for sailing on the inland seas that Holland once had, as well as along the coast. The ships vary in type and originate from all over the Netherlands.
• Gouda Cheese Market - For centuries, the Gouda cheese market was held at the Waag in Gouda, where the famous Gouda cheese was traded. Regional farmers brought their cheeses to the market using horse-drawn cheese carts, where they were weighed, inspected, and sold. The cheese market takes place every Thursday from approximately April to August.
• Admiraalshuis - This tall, narrow house, known for its exquisite rococo interior, is called the ‘Admiral’s House’. Its history can be traced back to the 14th century, with building and interior elements from the 17th and 18th centuries. The name ‘Admiral’s House’ refers to two naval heroes who once lived there: Vice-Admiral Jan de Haen (1630-1676), who fought in three English wars and was killed in the naval battle of Palermo as De Ruyter’s successor, and Vice-Admiral Roemer Vlacq (1712-1774).
• Stadhuis Gouda (City Hall) - Gouda’s town hall is one of the oldest in the Netherlands. This grand building from 1450 is located in the historic heart of the city, prominently on the market square. The city council desired a standalone building after the previous city hall was destroyed by a major fire. In the 15th century, the ‘market’ was a swampy peat area. The natural stone town hall, with its red shutters, carillon, statues, and turrets, closely resembles the town hall of Middelburg and has a Flemish style. This is thanks to the Keldermans architect family from Mechelen, who worked on both buildings. The impressive town hall of Gouda is richly adorned, with a particularly striking facade featuring pinnacles, protruding corner turrets, and a large square tower. Numerous images of key figures from Gouda’s history complete the picture.

• App
• Audio and Written Guide

Missed out on visiting Gouda? You’re missing out on a slice of Dutch charm, with its iconic cheese markets, picturesque canals, and rich history. Using GPS I know exactly where you are and will give you the right directions and information on time, spoken in your own language. Don’t let the opportunity pass you by – make Gouda your next destination and immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere!

• Travel time is already included in the total duration time

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.