How Gouda conquered my heart
Do you know that feeling when you're somewhere and the people are so ridiculously friendly that you completely take on the vibe? I experience that every time in Gouda. I walk around with a sheepish smile on my face. The people, the atmosphere, the architecture, the cute cheese shops, the syrup waffles: I really like Gouda. I generally enjoy mini trips in my own country. Why always go far away when you can experience a vacation vibe closer to home? That's what I mean.
And just so you know: something is happening in Gouda. Yes, I can tell because I go there often. They are in bloom. I don't know what it is, but one trendy hotspot after another is popping up. If you're thinking: ha, I feel like a weekend away too: after some serious field research (and an extra kilo on my backside upon return): here’s where you can eat, sleep, stroll, and shop in my favorite Gouda.
First of all: your accommodation
Stop searching, because I stayed in the Airbnb with the most beautiful ceiling in the Netherlands, if I may say so. In a fantastic canal house from 1870 right in the center. Lovely bed, good shower pressure (honestly: that's important) and within walking distance of many shops, good restaurants, and cocktail spots. You can just hop right into bed. Oh, and say hi to superhosts Joost and Anita.
Checked in? Great. Then let's go shopping
A tip for everyone who always thinks in a new city: okay, let’s go shopping but where the heck to go: download the Xplre Gouda app. I chose the route ‘Discover the Gouda Streets’ and ended up at all sorts of super cool shops and boutiques.
Boomboxx
Think: clothing and shoes that you just don't find everywhere. Lots of cool sneakers too.
Zeugstraat 52
Toff Concept
Well, and since you're in the Zeugstraat, make sure to stop by Toff, a concept store with the cutest stationery, glasses, and knick-knacks that you don't really need but do need in life. Done with the Zeugstraat? Walk on to Stoofsteeg.
Zeugstraat 54
Geurts & Zo
A boutique where you immediately get the weekend-away feeling and where you can score something nice for your home along with that dress.
Stoofsteeg 22
Miss Saartje
A hysterical shop that made me happy right away. With colorful art from all over the world, found items (seriously) and just a lot of fun stuff. Looking for a gift? You'll find it here.
Stoofsteeg 22
After shopping, you're hungry...
Gouda has a ton of nice lunch spots, but my favorite is the Museum Café (Achter de Kerk 14). If the weather is nice, definitely sit in the tropical courtyard (and if you're lucky, a couple might be getting married right in front of you, how romantic). You can order a sandwich, but if you ask me, go for the High Cheese. Just like a high tea, but for the savory snackers among us. This. Platter. Is. Not. Normal. Delicious. A. Nice. Glass of Pinot Grigio with it and you'll be spinning with happiness.
Then: soak up some culture
Time to stretch your legs. Whenever I'm out in a city and I see a big church, I want to go in. And you're now close to the Sint-Janskerk: the longest church in the Netherlands. About half of all remaining stained glass windows can be admired in this church. Great for a photo op or just for a little stroll.
Achter de Kerk 2
And a quick stop by the most dangerous chocolate shop in the Netherlands: Olala Chocola
I can already feel that this is going to be a disgusting sentence, but really: take one step over the threshold and the smell of divinity will caress your nostrils. If you're in the mood for an experience, definitely book the chocolate bonbon-making workshop. It costs you – off the top of my head – 20 euros, but you'll also go home with a gigantic box of homemade bonbons. Dangerously delicious. Address:
Zeugstraat 4
Really nice weather? Then you want this
Lunch at Rederij de Vrijheid. And you only need about 30 seconds to get there on a ferry. With the ferry ‘Gein’ you arrive at GOUDasfalt, a hodgepodge on an industrial estate that has been totally pimped with little shops and palm trees.
Gouderaksedijk 36
And, what are we going to do in the evening?
Easy: eat at the new street food bar Casa Chow of course. Recognizable by the bright yellow banana building at Markt 31. The ceviche. The tacos. The mini-burgers. The corn soup. You want it all, with the apple gyozas and churros with white chocolate dip as the absolute highlight. Okay, jeez, now I want to go back. Late-night drink to down another cocktail: Dependance. It's practically next door (Markt 25). And then into bed, you little rebel.
Wakey wakey: it’s breakfast time
Klein Amerika 20
I'll just assume that you also want to have breakfast. We did at Kruim, in the chocolate factory. Super cozy breakfast spot/working space/library/what is it actually not. The avocado sandwiches are out of this world.
Sigh. Gouda. Another date soon? I think we need it.
P.S.: Have you become enthusiastic about the cheese city? Great. I've gotten the urge to treat, so I'm giving away a cheese feast a.k.a. ‘High Cheese’ for two people at the Museum Café. Email info@amayzine.com why you should win. The winner will receive a personal message next week. Cheers!
