6x unexpected Gouda
If you think about Gouda, cheese, stroopwafels and the famous Gouda glasses are the first thing that come to mind. But did you know there is much more to see and discover in Gouda? From hidden spas to an unexpected canal tour and a trendy urban beach, these are the top unexpected hotspots in Gouda.
- Relax in a monumental bath house or at a trendy urban beach.
- Shop ‘til you drop in the first fair trade street in the Netherlands.
- Discover the best hotspots in Gouda.
Relaxing at Spa Gouda
Spa Gouda, a peaceful oasis amid the busy city center, is a hidden spot on a fantastic shopping street. It is located in a monumental bath house dating from 1920, which was brought back to its turn of the century glory in 2012. Spa Gouda is small but fantastic. Relax in the various saunas and steam rooms, go for a lazy swim in the pool, and cool down in the sheltered city garden.
Discover Goudse hofjes
Gouda is a city full of hofjes or enclosed courtyards, many of which are still inhabited. As such, they are not freely accessible but one of the monumental hofjes has been transformed into a great spot for lunch. So find a table at Hofje van Jongkind (Zeugstraat 28), one of the most attractive coffee and lunchrooms in Gouda that can be found in an authentic hofje that has been covered over.
Shopping in Gouda’s alleys
Gouda is a great city for shopping. Smaller side streets, in particular, are fantastic for strolling past authentic boutiques, special gift shops, and gold and silver smithing workshops. We recommend checking out Kleiwegstraat and Lange Tiendeweg. Don’t forget to visit Lange and Korte Groenendaal, the first fair trade street in the Netherlands, which is lined with shops offering fair apparel, delicacies, and vintage furniture.
SUP boarding through the canals
One of the most extraordinary ways to explore Gouda is a SUP tour through the canals. Everything looks different from the water. An experienced guide will take you on a tour to explore some of the most beautiful and special spots in Gouda.
Order a beer in Gouda, the city of beer
In the Middle Ages, Gouda was known as the Dutch city of beer. In 1470, Gouda’s breweries produced as much as 15 million liters per year. The best spot to order a beer is Biercafé de Goudse Eend (Wilhelminastraat 66). The staff does not serve a simple pint but has over 140 specialty beers on offer. Go to Markt square for BarBier, a trendy place that serves excellent beer. If you want to take some beer home with you, we recommend visiting Bierwinkel Den Gouwen Aar (Oosthaven 6). They sell the best beers to bring home as a souvenir.
Loungen at GoudAsfalt
Gouda is not famous for its beaches, but there is a great spot to laze on the city beach at stadsstrand GoudAsfalt, on the bank of the Hollandsche IJssel river. It used to be an industrial district but today it is one of the trendiest hot spots in town. Fantastic events are held here on a regular basis and Rederij de Vrijheid is the perfect place to order lunch or dinner when the sun is shining.