One of my favorite things about studying in the Netherlands was the freedom to take spontaneous day trips, and Gouda quickly became a highlight. We set off early in the morning, catching the train from Nijmegen with our backpacks and a sense of excitement for a day of exploring.
It was cold that day, the kind of crisp air that makes your cheeks rosy and your breath visible in little clouds. The sun peeked out from behind the clouds, casting soft light over the canals and cobblestone streets — perfect for stopping every few minutes to snap photos of the sky, the clouds, and the way the light danced across the water.
Gouda is one of those cities that feels instantly charming — canals, historic buildings, and quaint streets tucked into every corner. Armed with street maps and our trusty travel guidebooks, we wandered wherever curiosity led. Every twist and turn seemed to uncover another hidden courtyard, boutique, or café waiting for us to pop inside.
One of my favorite parts of the day was simply exploring without a strict plan. We wandered down narrow, cobblestone streets that weren’t on any map, discovering old buildings with ornate facades, tiny courtyards, and charming shopfronts tucked into corners.
Each street felt like a little secret waiting to be uncovered — a doorway here, a window display there — and every turn brought a new sense of wonder. There’s something so special about getting lost in a city this way, letting curiosity guide you, and seeing history and everyday life coexist in such a seamless, beautiful way.
Of course, Gouda isn’t just famous for its canals — it’s world-renowned for cheese. While we didn’t leave with wheels of Gouda stuffed in our bags (though we very nearly considered it!), we did stop to soak in the colorful displays at local cheese shops and markets.
The day was full of little surprises, the kind that make wandering feel magical. We stumbled across a giant beach ball in the middle of one square — which Sari instantly fell in love with — and spent far too long playing and laughing around it.
And yes, we may have had far too many coffees along the way, but each one was a perfectly warm reward after exploring the chilly streets.
By the time the sun began to dip and cast a golden glow over the canals, we were tired, a little jittery from caffeine, and completely in love with the day we’d had. Gouda felt like the kind of city that invites slow exploration, silly adventures, and moments captured in both memory and photographs.
If you’re ever in the Netherlands and looking for a day trip full of charm, cheese, cozy coffee stops, and a little wintery magic, Gouda should definitely be on your list.
LIFE OF SHAL 