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Before you go
Your trip to Gouda.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Gouda – South Holland Destination Rotterdam and Kinderdijk about 32 km from The Hague
How to get there
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Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) Rotterdam · 25 km
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Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) Haarlemmermeer · 55 km
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Station Gouda 1 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
Frequent trains connect Gouda with Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Amsterdam; the trip from Rotterdam takes about 20 minutes. From the station, a short walk along Kleiweg leads to the Markt. By car, Gouda is next to the A12 and A20 motorways, about 25 km from Rotterdam.
How many days
Half a day covers the Markt, the Sint-Janskerk and a walk along the canals. A full day allows you to include Museum Gouda and the De Roode Leeuw windmill at a relaxed pace.
When to go
Spring and summer bring long days and pleasant temperatures for walking along the canals. In season, a reenactment of the old cheese market occupies the Markt on Thursday mornings. Church and museum are also open in the colder months; check opening times before you go.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. You can walk from the train to the square, and the centre is compact. A car only helps if you want to combine Gouda with small towns in the Groene Hart, the rural region around it.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Gouda
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Morning
Markt and Sint-Janskerk
Start at the Markt, with the Gothic town hall and the Waag. Then enter the Sint-Janskerk to see the stained glass known as the Goudse Glazen.
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Afternoon
Museum Gouda and the windmill
Visit Museum Gouda, with entrance on Oosthaven 9 and, in the late afternoon, walk along the canals to the De Roode Leeuw windmill on the edge of the Vest.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Rotterdam to Gouda?
The direct train leaves from Rotterdam Centraal and reaches Gouda in just under half an hour. The central square is close to the station, a short walk away.
How many hours are enough to see Gouda?
Half a day shows the square, the town hall and the Sint-Janskerk. With the museum and the windmill, allow a full day.
What to see in Gouda besides the cheese?
The Sint-Janskerk and its 16th- and 17th-century stained glass, Museum Gouda, the De Roode Leeuw windmill and the canals of the centre. The town is also the birthplace of the Goudse stroopwafel.
Can you combine Gouda with Utrecht or The Hague in the same day?
Yes. Gouda lies between them and has direct trains to Utrecht and The Hague in under half an hour. Check timetables before you go.