Gouda, Netherlands
Museums
A great museum to visit in Gouda is the Museum Gouda, which features a collection of art and history exhibits. Another nearby museum that you may be interested in visiting is the Mauritshuis in The Hague, which features an extensive collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings. Alternatively, you may want to visit the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, which has an impressive collection of Dutch art and artifacts.
Food
Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to try in Gouda include:
1. Goudse stroopwafels - These are thin waffles sandwiched with caramel syrup and are a specialty of Gouda.
2. Kaas (cheese) - Gouda is famous for its cheese, so you must try the local Gouda cheese. It comes in various ages and flavor profiles.
3. Stamppot - A traditional Dutch dish made with mashed potatoes mixed with kale, sauerkraut, or other vegetables, served with gravy and sausage.
4. Hollandse Nieuwe haring - Raw herring fillets that are traditionally eaten with chopped onions and pickles.
5. Poffertjes - Small, fluffy pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar.
6. Bitterballen - Deep-fried balls filled with a mixture of beef or veal ragout and spices.
7. Stroopwafelcake - A cake made with layers of stroopwafels and whipped cream.
8. Oliebollen - Deep-fried doughnuts that are typically eaten during New Year's celebrations but are available year-round in some places.
These dishes can be found in many restaurants and food stalls across Gouda, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to try them.
Activities
Some fun activities that locals enjoy in Gouda include:
1. Visiting the weekly cheese market, which takes place from April to August.
2. Exploring the historic city center and admiring the beautiful architecture of the Gothic St. John's Church and City Hall.
3. Taking a boat tour along the picturesque canals of Gouda.
4. Enjoying outdoor activities such as cycling or hiking in the nearby natural areas like Reeuwijkse Plassen or Groene Hart.
5. Sampling traditional Dutch snacks and pastries at local cafes and bakeries, such as stroopwafels and bitterballen.
6. Attending cultural events such as concerts, theater performances, or exhibitions at De Goudse Schouwburg or Garenspinnerij cultural center.
