A small city in the South of the Netherlands. Known for its cheese and historical churches, its an…read moreeasy day trip from most of Holland. And well worth a visit as a tourist. I came here when I had some free time and was so happy I did. I had been as a child, but as an adult it was really much more interesting. Lots of history here, of course Holland/The Netherlands has been around a while, and so has this town. Its an old town, from around 1100 when a family named van der Goude occupied and started to develop the area. It has had a few iterations over the hundreds of years, some fires, plagues, occupations etc. So its had to rebuild itself a few times. These days its a thriving city that holds the Gouda cheese market. The cheese itself is made in the region, but brought to the city for grading and selling. In the city you can enter a few Gouda stores and sample some of the various cheeses and flavors. You can of course also buy the cheese here. Gouda also makes many of the stroopwaffels sold worldwide. Its a typical Dutch cookie, and well loved by all who sample one. They originated in Gouda, although they are now made worldwide. Its a very walkable city and has some areas that don't allow cars in the city center. Makes for a great day. Get a map of the city, or use the ones on the street every so often, visit the Gothic churches and buildings, walk along the canals, sample some cheese, visit the Gouda Museum. Learn some history along the way. Parking restrictions are very enforced here so park carefully and mindfully. Also, remember where you parked if you plan to walk the city.

Gouda was a fun town to visit for a day. We came here on cheese market day and went around to the…read moredifferent vendors, sampling cheeses. We also visited some stores, including the stroopwafel factory that was very memorable for their interior human-sized hamster wheel and 2-story indoor slide.