The most underrated city in Netherlands 🌞

Discover Gouda’s Cheesy Charms 🧀✨ If you’re craving Dutch authenticity, Gouda is the city to hit! This underrated gem dazzles with cheese, lively markets, and gorgeous old buildings, offering a true slice of Netherlands charm. Start at the historic Markt square—home to Gouda’s famous cheese market (Thursdays, 10 AM–12:30 PM, spring to early autumn). Here, you can sample the region’s best cheeses, watch energetic cheese competitions, and snap vibrant, insta-worthy photos among wheels of golden cheese and quirky costumed traders. Don’t miss strolling around the stunning 15th-century St. Janskerk—the longest church in the Netherlands, brimming with radiant stained glass (open Tue–Sat, 10 AM–4 PM). Wander the city’s cobbled lanes to soak up old architecture, with ancient canals reflecting ornate gabled houses, especially at dusk for magical photo ops. Pop into local cheese shops on Lange Tiendeweg to taste Gouda in all its varieties; staff will happily lead impromptu tasting sessions. Pro tip: Arrive early on market days to avoid crowds and get the best cheeses before they’re gone. Comfortable shoes are a must for all the wandering, and be prepared for rainy Dutch weather—a compact umbrella will save your day! Keep cash on hand for small market stalls. #gouda #netherlands #cheesemarket #hiddengem #traveltips