Self-Guided Walking Tour of Gouda: Canals, Colonies, and Cheese

Gouda , Netherlands

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Gouda: Canals, Colonies, and Cheese

Active

(3 reviews)

1h - 1h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience the magic of GPS playback on this immersive stroll through Gouda. On this self-guided audio tour, you'll bridge the gap between entrepreneurs, cheesemakers and traders that shaped Gouda. If you can only name five cities in the Netherlands, Gouda is bound to be one of them. This is no doubt the result of that delicious cheese packed tightly in its yellow wax jacket, now available across the globe. This tour starts at the historic Goudse Waag. You’ll be treated to so much more than cheese during your journey. As you explore the heart of the old city, walking past picturesque canals and houses that belong in 17th-century paintings, you’ll hear how Gouda has been both one of the wealthiest and the poorest of Dutch cities over the centuries. There are plenty of places to stop to pull up a chair, order a coffee, and watch the world walk or cycle past. By the end of this walk around Gouda, you’ll have a sense of the city’s complex past and what makes it unique.

Available options

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Gouda: Canals, Colonies, and Cheese

What's included

Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it

The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Guide: Audio: English Written: English

Detailed itinerary

Start your tour at De Goudse Waag, a historic goods weighing house on the market square.

Visit the Cheese Farmers Co-op (Kaaswinkel Gouda) to learn about the famous Gouda cheese, its production, and its global significance.

Marvel at the beautiful Stadhuis van Gouda, the city hall built in the middle of a field to prevent it from catching fire, and an iconic example of Gothic architecture.

Pass Saint-John Church, known for its stunning stained glass windows and its remarkable history.

Stop 5 Pass by

Discover the charming Museum Gouda with its beautiful courtyard, offering insights into the city's art, history, and culture.

Walk along the Turfmarkt, a long canal that was once the central marketplace for peat, reflecting the city's historical trade significance.

Hear the poignant stories of Gouda’s Jewish families during the Holocaust, marked by 'stumbling stones' on the pavements of Lage Gouwe.

Stop at this liquor store to learn about Gouda's rich brewing history, where the city once hosted over 200 breweries and numerous monasteries.

Stroll down Peperstraat (Pepper Street) and discover its origins tied to Gouda's spice trade during the city's prosperous trading years.

Take a quintessential Dutch photo of ‘t Slot windmill, a picturesque spot especially beautiful with tulips in springtime.

Walk through the Vissteeg and see the Visbank, historical sites tied to Gouda’s fish trade, offering a glimpse into the city’s commercial past.

Relax in Park Houtmansplantsoen, a green oasis that hides the city's dark colonial and slavery past.

What's not included

Please bring your own smartphone and headphones

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

All travelers are accepted

Meeting point

The tour starts at De Goudsche Waag. If you are travelling by public transport, please check the Travel Planner on the NS website. The nearest major rail station is Gouda Centraal, which can be easily reached from anywhere in the Netherlands.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE 
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
3. Create an account
4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
5. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE 
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT 
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Gouda

Gouda, a charming city in South Holland, is renowned for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and, of course, its famous cheese. The city's picturesque canals, historic market square, and vibrant cultural scene make it a delightful destination for travelers seeking a blend of tradition and modernity.

Top Attractions

Gouda Cheese Market

The Gouda Cheese Market is a historic and iconic event where cheese traders from around the Netherlands gather to sell and trade Gouda cheese. The market is a lively and colorful spectacle, with traditional costumes, cheese weighings, and cheese tastings.

Cultural 2-3 hours Free to attend, cheese prices vary

Gouda City Hall

Gouda City Hall is a stunning example of Dutch Renaissance architecture, built in the late 15th century. The building is famous for its beautiful stained-glass windows, which depict the coats of arms of the city's former mayors and guilds.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to enter, museum entry fee applies

St. John's Church

St. John's Church is a beautiful Gothic church that dates back to the 15th century. The church is known for its impressive architecture, including a towering spire and intricate carvings. The church also houses a collection of historic organs and a museum dedicated to the church's history.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to enter, tower climb and museum entry fees apply

Canal Tour

A canal tour is a relaxing and scenic way to explore Gouda's historic city center and its charming canals. The tours offer insights into the city's history, architecture, and culture, as well as the opportunity to see some of its most famous landmarks from the water.

Nature 1 hour €10-€15 per person

Museum Gouda

Museum Gouda is a museum dedicated to the city's history and culture. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, paintings, and exhibits that showcase the city's rich past, from its medieval origins to its modern-day identity as a center for cheese and craftsmanship.

Museum 1-2 hours €10-€15 per person

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gouda Cheese

Gouda is famous for its eponymous cheese, which is made from cow's milk and has a rich, nutty flavor. The cheese comes in various varieties, including young, aged, smoked, and flavored with herbs or spices.

Snack Contains dairy, may contain preservatives or additives in flavored varieties

Stroopwafels

Stroopwafels are thin, round waffle cookies filled with a sweet syrup. They are a popular Dutch treat and can be found in various flavors, including caramel, chocolate, and apple.

Dessert Contains wheat, eggs, and dairy, may contain nuts in some varieties

Erwtensoep

Erwtensoep is a hearty pea soup made with smoked sausage, potatoes, and vegetables. It is a traditional Dutch dish that is often enjoyed in the colder months.

Soup Contains meat, wheat, and dairy, may contain gluten

Bitterballen

Bitterballen are deep-fried meatballs made with a mixture of beef or veal, beef broth, and flour. They are typically served with mustard and are a popular Dutch bar snack.

Snack Contains meat, wheat, and dairy, may contain gluten

Popular Activities

Biking Canal Tours Canal-side dining Shopping for local crafts and souvenirs Visiting historic sites and landmarks Attending local festivals and events Ice Skating Christmas Markets

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the peak tourist season with pleasant weather, long daylight hours, and various festivals and events. The city is lively and vibrant, making it the best time to visit for those who enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Dutch
Widely spoken: English, German
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Gouda is a very safe city with a low crime rate. The city is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and violent crime is rare. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic safety precautions, such as keeping an eye on your belongings and being aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas
• Be cautious when using ATMs, and avoid using them at night or in isolated areas
• Be wary of strangers offering services or goods, and always agree on a price before accepting a service

Getting there

By air

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol • 50 km from Gouda
Rotterdam The Hague Airport • 35 km from Gouda

By train

Gouda Station

By bus

Gouda Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system in Gouda is efficient and covers most parts of the city. Buses are a convenient way to get around, especially for those staying in the city center.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, TaxiApp

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Nieuwe Haven Waal

Day trips

Rotterdam

25 km from Gouda • Full day

Rotterdam is a vibrant and modern city known for its innovative architecture, museums, and maritime history. The city is home to a variety of attractions, including the Erasmus Bridge, the Cube Houses, and the Maritime Museum.

The Hague

30 km from Gouda • Full day

The Hague is the political capital of the Netherlands and a city with a rich history and cultural heritage. The city is home to a variety of attractions, including the Peace Palace, the Mauritshuis Museum, and the Scheveningen Beach.

Delft

15 km from Gouda • Half day

Delft is a charming and historic town known for its beautiful canals, historic buildings, and famous Delftware pottery. The town is home to a variety of attractions, including the New Church, the Old Church, and the Vermeer Center.

Festivals

Gouda Cheese Market • Thursdays from April to August Gouda Christmas Market • Late November to early December Gouda Light Festival • Late January to early February

Pro tips

Visit the Gouda Cheese Market on a Thursday from April to August to experience the city's most iconic event and sample fresh Gouda cheese
Explore the city's historic sites and landmarks, such as the Gouda City Hall, St. John's Church, and Museum Gouda, to learn about the city's rich history and culture
Take a canal tour or leisurely walk along the canals to admire the city's beautiful architecture and scenic views
Dine at traditional Dutch restaurants and cafes to sample local cuisine and specialties, such as stroopwafels, erwtensoep, and bitterballen
Shop for local crafts, souvenirs, and traditional Dutch products at the various markets and shopping areas in the city center