Fish Market Arcades Visbanken
Historic 17th-century Greek-inspired arcades along the Gouwe canal, now home to charming restaurants.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy canal-side terraces
Fish Market Arcades Visbanken
Best Time
Enjoy canal-side terraces
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 17th-century Greek-inspired arcades along the Gouwe canal, now home to charming restaurants.
"A historic site for selling fish. Today it's home to restaurants. Idyllic."
🏛️ Admire the Architecture
Appreciate the unique Greek-inspired colonnades, a significant historical feature of Gouda.
🍽️ Dine by the Canal
Experience the charm of canal-side dining, especially vibrant during the summer months.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Greek-Inspired Arcades
Along the Gouwegracht canal
Striking colonnades on either side of the canals, a testament to 17th-century architecture.
Commissioner's House
Adjacent to the Visbank canal
A small, historic house once used by fish inspectors, now showcasing handmade ceramic pipes.
Canal-Side Dining
Beneath the arcades
Enjoy meals at restaurants with terraces offering idyllic views along the Gouwe canal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Glimpse into History
Modern Charm, Historic Roots
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🏛️ Admire the Architecture
Appreciate the unique Greek-inspired colonnades, a significant historical feature of Gouda.
🍽️ Dine by the Canal
Experience the charm of canal-side dining, especially vibrant during the summer months.
🏺 Visit the Commissioner's House
Explore the small house and admire the collection of handmade ceramic pipes on display.
Tips
from all over the internet
🏛️ Admire the Architecture
Appreciate the unique Greek-inspired colonnades, a significant historical feature of Gouda.
🍽️ Dine by the Canal
Experience the charm of canal-side dining, especially vibrant during the summer months.
🏺 Visit the Commissioner's House
Explore the small house and admire the collection of handmade ceramic pipes on display.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Fish Market Arcades a charming and historic spot in Gouda, appreciating its unique architecture and picturesque canal-side setting. The transformation into a dining area with terraces is a highlight, offering an idyllic experience, especially in summer. While the historical significance is noted, some may find the area's current offerings primarily centered around dining.
"Gouda
by Peter Bernard Viegers (1886-1947)"
geocoded Art
"Interessante o antigo mercado de peixe de Gouda em estilo grego, com 2 lados cortados pelo rio Gouwe, sendo um para os locais e o outro para os forasteiros com preços e taxas diferenciados. Um marco histórico de Gouda!"
Beatriz Grossman
"A historic site for selling fish. Today it's home to restaurants. Idyllic."
J.A.C. G & B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Fish Market Arcades (Visbanken) are centrally located in Gouda, easily accessible on foot from the city center. If arriving by train, it's a pleasant walk of about 10-15 minutes. Parking is available in nearby city garages.
Yes, Gouda Central Station is a short walk away, and several bus lines stop within the city center, making it easy to reach the arcades.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Fish Market Arcades themselves are an open public space and do not require tickets for viewing. Access to the restaurants within or adjacent to the arcades will depend on their operating hours and reservation policies.
As an outdoor historical site, the arcades are always accessible. However, the restaurants located beneath them have their own operating hours, typically open for lunch and dinner.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can admire the historic 17th-century architecture, enjoy a meal at one of the canal-side restaurants, and visit the small commissioner's house to see handmade ceramic pipes.
Absolutely! The arcades, the canal, and the surrounding historic buildings offer picturesque scenes, especially during different times of the day and seasons.
Yes, the area is pedestrian-friendly, allowing you to stroll along the canal and take in the sights and atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the arcades are home to restaurants, with terraces often set up along the canal during the summer months, offering a delightful dining experience.
The restaurants typically offer a range of cuisines, from local Dutch dishes to international options, providing a good variety for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the arcades from across the canal for a full view, or focus on the details of the architecture. The canal reflections and the commissioner's house also make for great shots.
The area can be quite charming at night with the lights reflecting on the water, especially if there are events like Gouda by Candlelight.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the day to explore the arcades and enjoy a casual lunch. The relatively compact nature of the area makes it easy to navigate with strollers. It's a good spot for a relaxed outing that combines a bit of history with a scenic canal view.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Don't miss the commissioner's house, a small but historically significant building that housed the fish inspectors. Its preservation and current use as a display space for ceramic pipes add another layer of interest. Exploring this area provides a tangible connection to Gouda's mercantile past and its evolution over centuries.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Historical Perspective
Adjacent to the Visbank canal, the small 'commissioner's house' was built for inspectors, known locally as 'fish finders.' Their role was crucial: to inspect both freshwater and saltwater fish to ensure quality and adherence to regulations. Today, this historic house offers a glimpse into the past, now housing a display of handmade ceramic pipes, adding another layer to its historical narrative.
While the primary function of the Visbanken has shifted from a fish market to a hub for restaurants and leisure, its architectural and historical importance remains. It stands as a well-preserved landmark, offering visitors a tangible connection to Gouda's rich trading past and its evolution over centuries.
From Market to Modern Dining
This shift from a bustling trade center to a place of culinary enjoyment reflects Gouda's ability to adapt and preserve its heritage. Visitors can experience the charm of dining with a view of the historic canal, enjoying modern cuisine in a setting steeped in history. The presence of these restaurants ensures the Visbanken remains a lively and frequented spot for both locals and tourists.
Events like 'Gouda by Candlelight' further enhance the experience, with performances sometimes taking place in this area, drawing large, enthusiastic crowds. This demonstrates how the Visbanken continues to be a focal point for community gatherings and cultural experiences, blending its historical significance with contemporary life.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit