Gouda is a city that rewards visitors with more than just its famous cheese. Its quaint streets, historic buildings, and scenic canals make it an ideal place for a variety of tours, whether you’re interested in learning about cheese, exploring on foot, or cruising through the waterways. We especially enjoyed the Gouda Cheese Experience, where you can learn about the cheese’s storied past and taste the “yellow gold” right from the cheesemaker. This interactive exhibit is a delightful way to get under Gouda’s skin—cheese skins, that is.
Gouda’s allure isn’t just cheesy puns but its diverse tour options. From self-guided scavenger hunts to private historical walks, the city offers something for every kind of traveler. If you’re short on time, the 2-hour walking tour covers the main sights with insights from a local guide. For those craving a more relaxed perspective, the canal cruise offers a scenic ride past monuments and hidden spots. And if you’re a history buff, the private Gouda and Delft tour combines two gorgeous towns into one day of sightseeing.
Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each of the top tours in Gouda, including what makes them special, practical details, and who they’re best suited for.
1. Gouda: Gouda Cheese Experience Entry Ticket
At number 1 on our list, the Gouda Cheese Experience offers a close look at the world’s most famous cheese. For around $18, you’ll enter an interactive exhibit that takes you through the history and tradition of Gouda cheese. You’ll learn about the cheesemaking process, hear stories about Gouda’s global fame, and enjoy a tasting of the cheese straight from the cheesemaker. The highlight is the giant cheese attraction and an interactive show that makes the process fun for all ages.
This experience scores a stellar 4.7/5 from nearly 400 reviews, with visitors praising the informative nature and engaging show. Many mention how the cheese tasting is a real treat, making it a good value for a quick intro to Gouda’s signature product. It’s perfect for cheese lovers or anyone curious about why Gouda cheese is so renowned worldwide. Expect a friendly atmosphere, fun facts, and enough cheese to satisfy your craving.
Bottom Line: A must-do for cheese enthusiasts or families looking for an engaging, tasty introduction to Gouda.
2. 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive
Number 2 is the 2-hour walking tour, which offers an intimate exploration of Gouda’s most iconic sights. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this small-group experience (or private if you book all six slots) takes you past the medieval City Hall, the Weighing House, and the Goudakerk. You’ll enjoy walking through cobbled streets, learning about Gouda cheese’s history, and viewing the tiny, picturesque canals.
Guests love the personalized attention and the chance to discover hidden corners of Gouda that aren’t on standard tourist routes. The tour also includes complimentary snacks and drinks, adding a convivial touch. At just over $20 per person, it’s excellent value for anyone wanting a comprehensive yet relaxed overview of the city.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history and architecture buffs who enjoy a cozy, guided stroll with local insights and treats.
3. Gouda: Open Boat City Canal Cruise
For a different perspective on Gouda, the Open Boat City Canal Cruise ranks at number 3. This hour-long trip in a traditional boat takes you past nine historic sites, with interesting facts from friendly skippers. The tour offers a chance to see parts of Gouda inaccessible by foot, including some lesser-known corners.
Guests comment on the intimate experience, especially the chance to lie down under bridges and relax in a cozy setting. The skippered guide provides engaging commentary in both Dutch and English, enhancing the experience. With a 4.5/5 rating from 76 reviews, it’s a relaxing way to absorb Gouda’s charm from the water.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who prefer a gentle, scenic ride and enjoy learning about Gouda’s history from the water.
4. Gouda: Guided Walking Tour
Next, the Guided Walking Tour provides a 2-hour deep dive into Gouda’s highlights. A guide takes you through the medieval city center, with stops at the City Hall, Gouda Cheese Market, and the Gouda Church. You’ll also visit the museum and see the smallest house in Gouda, plus enjoy local sweets at Kamphuisen Siroopwafel.
Rated 4.7/5 from 16 reviews, visitors appreciate how the tour combines history, architecture, and local flavor in a friendly, relaxed pace. The cheese market and the historic buildings are particularly well covered, making this perfect for first-time visitors.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting a thorough, well-rounded introduction with local tastings included.
5. Gouda: Historical Canal Cruise
Number 5 is the Historical Canal Cruise, offering a 75-minute trip in a historic tow barge. Your skipper shares stories and facts about Gouda’s past while you sip in the sights along the canals. It’s a peaceful, scenic way to learn about the city’s development and see landmarks from a different angle.
While reviews are slightly fewer, the experience garners a solid 4.3/5, with many mentioning the relaxing pace and interesting commentary. It’s well suited for travelers who want a calmer, more informative cruise.
Bottom Line: An affordable, scenic way to connect with Gouda’s waterways and history at a leisurely pace.
6. Gouda: Entry Ticket to Church of St. John with Audioguide
For art, architecture, and history, the St. John’s Church is a must. With a ticket costing around $13, you’ll explore Europe’s largest collection of stained glass, including windows up to 20 meters tall. An audioguide explains the church’s role in Dutch history, including its significance during the Dutch rebellion.
Rated 4.3/5 from 34 reviews, visitors love the stunning windows and detailed stories that bring the church’s past to life. It’s an excellent choice for art lovers or those interested in Dutch history.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly, visually stunning experience for anyone interested in religious art and history.
7. e-Scavenger Hunt Gouda: Explore the city at your own pace
If you prefer a flexible, interactive experience, the e-Scavenger Hunt is a fun smartphone game that takes around 3 hours to complete. You’ll solve riddles, complete challenges, and explore Gouda’s streets at your own speed. The game involves visiting key landmarks and hidden corners alike, with no time pressure.
Rated 4.5/5 from 19 reviews, players appreciate the independence and fun of working together on challenges that reveal Gouda’s stories and secrets.
Bottom Line: Best suited for groups who enjoy interactive, tech-driven activities and want a personalized adventure.
8. Gouda Cheese and Delft Blue: Full-Day Private Tour
Step up your experience with the Full-Day Private Tour. It combines Gouda’s charms with Delft’s picturesque streets, historic buildings, and famous blue pottery. Your guide takes you through Gouda’s town hall, church, and cheese market, with tastings along the way, then continues to Delft for a river view, a visit to the Delft Blue Pottery Museum, and more stories.
Rated 5.0/5 from just 4 reviews, this tour is perfect for those seeking a personalized, in-depth exploration of two iconic towns. The full day offers plenty of time for photos, shopping, and enjoying Dutch culture.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history and art enthusiasts wanting a comprehensive, private experience.
9. Gouda: Museum Gouda Entry Ticket
Number 9 is the Museum Gouda, which offers a curated collection of altar paintings, civic guard pieces, and pottery. For $18, you get a ticket valid for an entire day, giving you plenty of time to explore Gouda’s art and craft history. The museum also features an interactive maquette showing Gouda in 1562, and works by Ferdinand Bol and Isaac Israels.
Rated 4.7/5 from 7 reviews, visitors find it a fascinating window into Gouda’s artistic past. It’s especially suited for those interested in religious art or Dutch ceramics.
Bottom Line: Good value for art lovers eager to see Gouda’s cultural treasures.
10. 90 Minutes Self-Guided Family Friendly Walking Tour in Gouda
For families, the Self-Guided Family Tour turns exploration into an adventure, with a mission to solve mysteries and find hidden spots. It’s designed for kids and adaptable to your pace, covering Gouda’s most notable sites like the City Hall, Sint-Janskerk, and the old orphanages.
Rated 5.0/5 from 2 reviews, it’s a fun way to keep children engaged while seeing Gouda’s highlights. The tour takes about 1.5 hours but can be extended or shortened.
Bottom Line: Perfect for families wanting a playful, interactive way to see Gouda.
11. Historical Gouda: Private Tour with Local Guide
Number 11 offers an enchanting private tour, focusing on Gouda’s history. Over 1.5 hours, your guide shares anecdotes about the Town Hall, Sint-Janskerk, and the cheese market. This tailored experience is ideal for those seeking a deeper, personalized understanding of Gouda’s past.
Rated 5.0/5 from 2 reviews, visitors love the flexibility and engaging storytelling. It’s suited for travelers who prefer an intimate, customized exploration.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a private, detailed account of Gouda’s history and architecture.
12. Private Tour of Gouda and Gouda Cheese Tasting
The Private Gouda and Cheese Tour combines a walking tour with a tasting of four Gouda cheeses paired with wine or alternatives. Starting at the historic Weighing House, your guide shares stories about Gouda’s cheese heritage. After a walk through the old town, you’ll visit the Gouda Cheese Experience for tastings and insights.
Rated 5.0/5 from 2 reviews, it’s perfect for cheese lovers who want an exclusive, immersive experience. It offers both cultural and culinary insights, making it highly memorable.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those seeking a personalized, gourmet experience in Gouda.
13. Unique Bike Adventure Gouda: cheese, snacks, drinks and lunch!
Number 13 is the Bike Adventure, a four-hour journey that combines cycling with tasting Gouda cheese, visiting an authentic cheese farm, and enjoying a full lunch. Biking past polders, mills, and rivers, you’ll stop at a cheese farm to see how Gouda cheese is made and sample fresh varieties.
Rated 5.0/5, this tour is ideal for active travelers who want a full immersion in Dutch rural life and cheese-making traditions. The route covers scenic landscapes and charming small towns, making it a memorable adventure.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active, curious travelers eager to combine cycling, food, and sight-seeing.
14. Gouda: Highlights and Hidden Gems Walking Tour
At number 14, the Highlights and Hidden Gems offers a 1.5-hour guided walk led by a local. It balances must-see landmarks like the City Hall with lesser-known spots that reveal Gouda’s authentic character. The small group format encourages stories and questions, making it a lively way to get to know the city.
Rated 5/5 from just 1 review, it’s a great blend of sightseeing and storytelling, especially suited for travelers who want a deeper local perspective.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for curious travelers who enjoy discovering both famous sights and lesser-known corners.
15. Charming Gouda Walking Tour: History, Architecture & Cheese
Finally, the Charming Gouda Tour is a private experience for up to four people, focusing on Gouda’s main attractions. It includes visits to the Church of St. John, Gouda Cheese Museum, and a tasting at the Gouda Cheese Experience. The tour is designed to give a personalized, in-depth look at Gouda’s architecture, cheese, and history.
Rated 4.5/5 from 6 reviews, it’s an excellent choice for couples or small groups wanting an exclusive look at Gouda’s highlights with delicious cheese.
Bottom Line: Perfect for lovers of history and cheese, seeking a private, tailored experience.
How to Choose Your Gouda Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your interests and travel style. Want to learn about cheese in a fun, interactive setting? The Gouda Cheese Experience is unbeatable. If you prefer exploring at your own pace, the self-guided scavenger hunt offers flexibility and adventure. For a scenic view from the water, the canal cruise provides a relaxing perspective.
Those interested in a comprehensive day should consider the full-day private tour, which includes Delft’s sights. Budget travelers will find the Church of St. John entry affordable and enriching. For families, the self-guided game keeps kids engaged.
Booking early is advised, especially for private or popular tours, and always check for availability, as Gouda’s tours can fill quickly during peak seasons.
Gouda offers a variety of ways to see and taste the city — whether you’re into cheese, history, or scenic cruising. Two or three standout options are the Gouda Cheese Experience for a quick, tasty introduction, the private Gouda and Delft tour for those wanting a personalized deep dive, or the scenic canal cruise for a relaxed, picturesque view. No matter what your style, Gouda’s tours are worth booking early — each one offers a memorable peek into this charming Dutch town.
