Gouda launches a sustainable summer
21 June 2023With the only Fair Trade street in the Netherlands and numerous original sustainable initiatives, Gouda is the place to celebrate a green and sustainable summer! From browsing through vintage items at Gouds Montmartre, taking a green walk, enjoying organic dishes at Goudse restaurants to searching for vintage finds in the charming Goudse Straatjes.
Looking for a golden discovery at Gouds Montmartre Forget long journeys for the finest antiques, curiosities, vintage finds, and bric-a-brac. Head to Gouds Montmartre on Wednesdays for a touch of Paris on an ordinary day! More than 150 stalls fill the largest antique and curiosity open-air market in the Netherlands with old books, collectibles, furniture, and pre-loved clothing. The terraces around the Markt and the historical character of Gouda complete the joie de vivre feeling.
The ultimate purchase can be made until August 30, 2023, every Wednesday from 09:00 to 16:30.
Sustainable shopping in the Goudse Straatjes
The Goudse Straatjes of Fair Trade City Gouda are known for the nicest sustainable boutiques and artisanal shops. Visit the Groenendaalkwartier, where you’ll find the only Fair Trade street in the Netherlands. There are 17 shops, restaurants, and concept stores on the Fair Shopping list, such as the clothing store Karakter, the small department store HebikVia, and Antiek Curiosa ‘Altijd.’ There are also many other sustainable shopping options in the city center. For beautiful vintage furniture, visit Base Elf. At Square Eight and Love4yourcloset, you can dress sustainably with second-hand clothing, and at Studio Kiewie, you’ll find pre-loved children’s clothing. Go to Rock Maniac Records for vinyl music or take the Gein ferry to the lively city waterfront GOUDAsfalt, where you can shop for vintage home items at WievanZoethout, find second-hand items at the Lompenloods, or buy a vintage typewriter at the only Typewriter Factory in the Netherlands.
Gouda flavors in organic & vegetarian dishes
Balance fair shopping with a lunch or dinner made with local and organic ingredients. Chef at restaurant de Kleischuur prepares a surprising dinner menu every day, which you can enjoy with a beautiful view of the water. Check out the organic menu at Lunchcafé Curcuma, the regional dishes at Museumhavencafé IJsselhuis, and Miss Nice Banana’s plant-based dishes. If you crave fries, Pomm’s Gouda is a great choice for organic fries.
And of course, you can’t leave Gouda without tasting some organic cheese or local farm cheese from the Goudse cheese shops or the Warenmarkt after the Gouda Cheese Market on Thursdays.
Outdoor exhibition at Jeruzalemstraat
Walking along green and the 50 most beautiful spots in Gouda Exploring Gouda on foot is always a good idea. Especially now that the best of Gouda is gathered in the Goudse Straatjes book with 50 beautiful spots. New explanation boards at the Jeruzalemkapel will tell the stories behind the places and show QR codes that lead you to the best Gouda has to offer, including a scavenger hunt for children.
Alternatively, join the Groen in Gouda walk on Saturday, September 16, with the Goudse Gidsen Gilde. This walk takes you along hidden, green spots and parks with explanations about plants, flowers, and trees. Fun fact: Gouda has been declared the most bee-friendly municipality in the Netherlands this year!
Explore the green in and around the city by hopping on an eco-friendly E-Chopper or E-Fatbike from E-Chopper Adventures, with 12 starting points. An outdoor adventure will take you along the Reeuwijkse Plassen and green polder landscapes with cheese farms, windmills, and historical villages. You can make it even more enjoyable with a picnic basket or drinks box from Kruim. If you prefer a trip on the water, reserve a canoe or SUP board from Jaba Sup and experience Gouda from the water, paddling through the canals and surrounding waters of the city.
For all information about Gouda and the events calendar, visit welkomingouda.nl.
