Perched between Amsterdam and Rotterdam, Gouda is famed — first and foremost — for its iconic cheese. A pretty, pint-sized historic city, Gouda is also a brilliant destination for a food and culture-focused weekend away. The city is home to a burgeoning array of great small hotels, fit for a range of tastes and budgets. Our Gurus have highlighted a lively Art Nouveau bolthole as their pick of the best places to stay in Gouda, within reach of all the main sights.

Fans of Gouda’s trademark cheese will adore the weekly cheese market, held every Thursday between April and August. Farmers and traders congregate as they have for centuries, and tantalising tastings await. Beyond the cheese, Gouda is a charming city filled with heritage buildings. Tour the striking 15th century Town Hall, delve into local history at the Museum Gouda, and admire the stained glass windows of the magnificent Sint-Janskerk. The Museumhaven Harbor is also well worth exploring.

If you’re travelling during spring or summer, the nearby Reeuwijkse Plassen Lakes are ideal for boating, wildlife-spotting and relaxed picnics. A plethora of cycling and rambling trails criss-cross rural landscapes characterised by green pastures with grazing cows, traditional windmills and peaceful canals. The city’s evening foodie scene also stands out, with the best place to stay in Gouda boasting a trendy cocktail bar and fine dining restaurant of its own, as well as easy access to other top spots.