Every design for Gouda

On a summer Thursday, Gouda's cheese market is in full swing, the trade that made the town famous across the world. Near the historic Waag on the Markt stands De Zalm, the oldest inn still in business, founded in 1551.

Everyday life in Gouda still turns around that market square and the historic centre, with its city hall from the fifteenth century and the Sint-Janskerk. The town grew where the Gouwe meets the Hollandse IJssel, and its canals once carried goods through the streets. Besides cheese, it has been known for stroopwafels, clay pipes, candles and pottery, and every year the candlelit festival Gouda bij Kaarslicht lights up the town. Museum Gouda tells the longer story, and when you want green space, the Goudse Hout is close at hand.

Locals are sometimes teased as Kaaskoppen, cheeseheads, and wear it lightly. For anyone who grew up here, the walk from the canals back to the Markt and the Waag is the walk home.