Gouda is a charming city steeped in history and culture. It features stunning monuments, historic streets, trendy hotspots, and cozy boutiques, making it the perfect destination for a unique city trip in the Netherlands. A beautiful place to stay is also essential for your visit, and we have found the very best options for you. For a special place to stay in Gouda, you can choose from a historic tower, lovely hotels, a cozy B&B, a former orphanage, and more. In this blog, we will help you make a decision. Where to stay in Gouda exactly? And which accommodations are recommended, especially if you’re looking for a unique overnight experience in Gouda?
- Best luxury hotel in Gouda: Relais & Châteaux Weeshuis Gouda
- Unique place to stay in Gouda: Goudse Watertoren
- Best family-friendly place to stay in Gouda: B&B Baartje Sanderserf
- Great vacation park near Gouda: Landal De Reeuwijkse Plassen
Is Gouda worth visiting?
Gouda is the perfect choice for an enchanting city trip in the Netherlands. This quaint town in South Holland might not immediately rank high on your travel itinerary for delightful weekend escapades in Europe, but that assumption couldn’t be further from the truth.
Read more: 15x best things to do in Gouda
Steeped in history, Gouda boasts captivating streets adorned with a photogenic old-town allure and an abundance of historic landmarks. It’s no coincidence that this town boasts a legacy of over 750 years! The pièce de résistance undoubtedly lies in the exquisite town hall, characterized by its distinctive Gothic architectural style. It’s no exaggeration to proclaim this building as the most splendid town hall in all of the Netherlands.
Beyond its rich history, Gouda offers a plethora of activities and sights to behold. From leisurely boat rides along the picturesque Gouda canals to guided tours through an authentic cookie factory, the city promises a diverse range of experiences. This makes it a particularly family-friendly destination, although we’ve explored Gouda on previous occasions without our kids and found it equally enchanting.
Of course, Gouda is the city where the famous Gouda cheese originates from. Among foreign tourists, Gouda has gained recognition for this very reason, making it a well-known destination! The tourist cheese market comes to life here every Thursday morning during the summer, an absolute must-see that isn’t limited to tourists alone.
Craving more delectable treats from Gouda? How about indulging in the renowned ‘stroopwafels’, another delight the city is celebrated for?
Where to stay in Gouda
It is recommended to choose accommodation in the old town so that you are close to all the attractions of Gouda. However, if you want to visit Gouda on a day trip, it is also a good option to stay at one of the charming holiday parks nearby.
5x unique places to stay in Gouda
#1 Baartje Sanderserf was established in 1687 as a housing complex for the less fortunate, and today, it houses an incredibly charming and stylish bed and breakfast. The hospitable owners have lovingly and creatively transformed the deteriorated cottages into trendy lodgings, complete with the convenience of private kitchens and the luxury of a garden.
#2 Relais & Châteaux Weeshuis Gouda stands as a luxury boutique hotel within the walls of Gouda’s former orphanage. Nestled within a picturesque courtyard, this exquisite hotel offers spacious suites adorned with elegant interiors, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a coffee, cocktail, and champagne bar.
#3 Goudse Watertoren presents a unique lodging experience within the former water tower of the Royal Plateelbakkerij Zuid-Holland, dating back to 1920. Transformed into a cozy residential tower, this accommodation boasts tasteful décor, room for two guests, and the conveniences of a fully equipped apartment. At a height of ten meters, the bedroom with a queen-sized bed awaits.
#4 B&B Het Suikerpandje is a charming B&B located in an authentic building tucked away in an adorable alley. The name still refers to the history of the building, which used to be a storage place, mainly for sugar. Authentic details, like the wooden beam ceiling, have been preserved. Each room has its own kitchenette and sitting area. There’s also a lovely terrace.
#5 Best Western Gouda is one of the rare hotels in Gouda. This large-scale hotel boasts a fantastic location in the city center, within the historical city walls of Gouda and next to the trendy hotspot “De Lichtfabriek” (The Light Factory). The spacious hotel rooms are modernly furnished, and an extensive breakfast is included.
2x unique places to stay near Gouda
#6 Landal De Reeuwijkse Plassen, situated just outside Gouda near the picturesque Reeuwijkse Plassen, offers direct access to this stunning natural area from the holiday park itself. The park features water residences, wooden vacation cottages, luxurious villas, and wellness lodges complete with saunas and hot tubs.
combines a comfortable Van der Valk hotel with a bird park in Alphen aan de Rhine, slightly north of Gouda. This might be one of the most exceptional hotels in this renowned hotel chain due to its unique location. Avifauna is one of the world’s largest specialized bird parks, home to hundreds of birds. It’s a fantastic combination for a visit to Gouda!
