7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Gouda

As a digital nomad living in Gouda, you're perfectly positioned to explore the heart of the Netherlands and beyond. While Gouda itself is famous for its cheese, stroopwafels, and beautiful historic center, the weekends offer a perfect opportunity to venture out and discover new places. From bustling cities to serene nature spots, there's a variety of weekend getaways within easy reach. Here are seven destinations that cater to different tastes, including three hidden gems that offer a unique experience away from the typical tourist trail.

Amsterdam

Just a short train ride away, Amsterdam is an obvious choice for a weekend getaway. The city's picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene make it a must-visit. Explore the Rijksmuseum, take a boat tour, or simply wander through the Jordaan district with its trendy shops and cafes. Amsterdam's nightlife is also not to be missed, with a plethora of bars, clubs, and live music venues.

How to Get There: The best way to get to Amsterdam from Gouda is by train. It takes approximately 55 minutes to 1 hour, with frequent services running from Gouda station.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Anne Frank House. It's a deeply moving experience that offers a poignant look at history.

Where to Stay: The Hoxton, Amsterdam, offers a great central location with beautifully designed rooms and a lively lobby perfect for networking with fellow travelers.

Where to Eat: Foodhallen is an indoor food market with a wide variety of cuisines, perfect for sampling different dishes in a lively atmosphere.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is known for its modern architecture and bustling port, the largest in Europe. The city's innovative design is exemplified by the Cube Houses and the impressive Markthal, a market hall and residential building combined. Art lovers will enjoy the Kunsthal and the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen. For a panoramic view of the city, head to the Euromast tower.

How to Get There: Rotterdam is easily accessible from Gouda by train, with a journey time of around 20 minutes.

Travel Tip: Check out the Fenix Food Factory for a more local and artisanal food experience, set in a repurposed warehouse on the waterfront.

Where to Stay: The nhow Rotterdam offers stunning views of the Erasmus Bridge and features modern, design-focused rooms.

Where to Eat: For a unique dining experience, visit the SS Rotterdam, a former cruise ship turned hotel and restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal with a view of the Maas River.

Utrecht

Utrecht's medieval center, with its Dom Tower, canals, and charming streets, offers a quieter alternative to Amsterdam. The city is rich in history and culture, with the Centraal Museum and the quirky Museum Speelklok being highlights. Utrecht is also a great place to enjoy a leisurely canal-side coffee or a boat tour along the picturesque waterways.

How to Get There: Utrecht is a quick train ride from Gouda, taking about 20 minutes to reach.

Travel Tip: Climb the Dom Tower for a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Where to Stay: The Eye Hotel offers a unique experience in a historic building with individually designed rooms.

Where to Eat: Olivier Belgian Beer Café is set in an old church and offers a great selection of Belgian beers and hearty food.

De Hoge Veluwe National Park

For nature enthusiasts, De Hoge Veluwe National Park is a perfect retreat. It's one of the largest continuous nature reserves in the Netherlands, with heathlands, sand dunes, and woodlands. The park is also home to the Kröller-Müller Museum, which boasts a large collection of Van Gogh paintings. Biking through the park on one of the free white bicycles is a delightful way to spend your day.

How to Get There: The best way to reach De Hoge Veluwe is by car, which takes about 1.5 hours from Gouda. Public transport options are available but may involve multiple transfers.

Travel Tip: Visit the Jachthuis Sint Hubertus, a stunning hunting lodge and architectural masterpiece within the park.

Where to Stay: Hotel de Sterrenberg is a stylish and eco-friendly hotel located near the park entrance, featuring a wellness center and an indoor pool.

Where to Eat: The Park Restaurant offers a menu with locally sourced ingredients, perfect for a meal after exploring the park.

Giethoorn

Often referred to as the "Venice of the North," Giethoorn is a quaint village with no roads, only canals. Spend your weekend gliding along the waterways in a rented boat or canoe, admiring the thatched-roof cottages and beautiful gardens. The peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal place to unwind and disconnect from the digital world.

How to Get There: Giethoorn is best reached by car, taking around 2 hours from Gouda. Public transport options include a train to Steenwijk, followed by a bus to Giethoorn.

Travel Tip: For a truly serene experience, visit Giethoorn early in the morning or during the off-season to avoid the crowds.

Where to Stay: De Dames Van De Jonge Hotel Restaurant offers a charming stay with the option of arranging boat tours directly from the hotel.

Where to Eat: Grand Café Fanfare is known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious Dutch cuisine, set in the building that inspired the 1958 Dutch film "Fanfare."

Thorn

Thorn, known as the "White Village" due to its white-painted houses, is a lesser-known gem in the province of Limburg. This small town offers a unique historical experience with its cobblestone streets and rich history as a miniature principality. The Abbey Church and the local museum provide insights into the town's fascinating past.

How to Get There: The journey to Thorn from Gouda involves a combination of train and bus travel, taking approximately 2.5 hours.

Travel Tip: Take a guided walking tour to learn about the intriguing history of this little white town.

Where to Stay: Hotel Crasborn is a family-run hotel right in the heart of Thorn, offering comfortable accommodations and a warm welcome.

Where to Eat: Enjoy a meal at Restaurant De Pannekoekenbakker Thorn, where you can indulge in a variety of sweet and savory pancakes in a traditional Dutch setting.

Fortress Island Pampus

For an unusual day trip, consider visiting Fortress Island Pampus, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Defence Line of Amsterdam. This artificial island was built in the late 19th century to defend the city. Today, it's a fascinating place to explore, with guided tours available to uncover its military history. The island also offers stunning views of the IJmeer lake.

How to Get There: To get to Fortress Island Pampus, take a train from Gouda to Amsterdam and then catch a ferry from IJburg, which takes about 30 minutes.

Travel Tip: Check the island's event calendar before visiting, as they often host special activities and exhibitions.

Where to Stay: While there's no accommodation on the island itself, you can stay in Amsterdam and make it a day trip. The Lloyd Hotel offers a unique experience with rooms ranging from 1 to 5 stars in the same building.

Where to Eat: The Pampus Café offers simple yet tasty dishes, perfect for refueling after exploring the island. Don't miss trying their locally brewed Pampus beer.