Goes Travel Guide

Plan your visit to Goes, Zeeland, Netherlands with our comprehensive travel guide, featuring top-rated tourist attractions, food and drink scene, where to stay, how to get around, and more.


Introduction to Goes

Goes is a vibrant city located in the heart of Zeeland, a province in the Southern Netherlands. The city is recognized for its stunning historical architecture, beautiful natural scenery, cultural events, and a lively atmosphere. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, a food enthusiast, or an adventure seeker, Goes has something for everyone.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we will help you plan your visit to Goes, Zeeland, Netherlands, with our top-rated tourist attractions, food and drink scene, where to stay, how to get around, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Goes

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Historisch Museum de Bevelanden

The Historisch Museum de Bevelanden is located in a historical building, the former abbey of Goes, that dates back to the 16th century. The museum showcases the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region. With an extensive collection of artifacts, paintings, and photographs, visitors can learn about the history and lifestyle of the people of Zeeland.

Grote of Maria Magdalenakerk

Grote of Maria Magdalenakerk is a beautiful Gothic-style church located in the center of Goes. Constructed in the 15th century, the church has a beautiful interior filled with ornate decorations and sculptures. Visitors can climb the church tower for stunning views of the city.

Historisch Stadhuis

The Historisch Stadhuis is the oldest city hall in the Netherlands, constructed in the 15th century. Visitors can explore the historical rooms and admire the beautiful architecture of the building.

Slot Oostende

Slot Oostende is a former castle located in Goes. The castle has a fascinating history and has been transformed into a cultural center featuring a theater, a restaurant, and event spaces.

Natural Attractions of Goes: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Hollandse Hoeve

The Hollandse Hoeve is a unique outdoor park that showcases the agricultural landscape of Zeeland. Visitors can see how cheese and other dairy products are made, taste some of the local specialties, and enjoy a walk around the beautiful park.

Natuurgebied Oosterschelde

Natuurgebied Oosterschelde is a national park located near Goes, famous for its beautiful natural scenery. With stunning views of the sea, visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, bird watching, and more.

Plompe Toren

The Plompe Toren is a tower located on the former island of Schouwen-Duiveland, which was sunk during a flood in the 16th century. The tower offers spectacular views of the surrounding nature and attracts many visitors every year.

Klimbos Zeeuwse Helden

Klimbos Zeeuwse Helden is an outdoor adventure park where visitors can climb, swing, and zip-line through the forest. With different levels of difficulty, it is a fun activity for all ages.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Goes

With beautiful natural scenery and well-developed trails, Goes and its surroundings are ideal for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. The Fietsrouteplanner Zeeland offers cycling routes through the scenic countryside, along the sea, and through the city. A popular route is the Deltaweg Route, which spans 67 kilometers and passes through multiple towns and villages. For hiking, the Natuurwandeling De Poelpad is a 4-kilometer trail showcasing the natural beauty of the region.

Best Things to Do in Goes: Activities and Tours

Apart from its tourist attractions, Goes also offers a wide range of activities and tours that can make your visit even more memorable. You can experience a boat tour through the scenic waterways, a guided walking tour through the city, or a food tour where you can taste the local specialties.

Week-Long Itinerary for Goes

Day 1: Arrive in Goes, explore the historical city center and visit the Grote of Maria Magdalenakerk.

Day 2: Visit the Historisch Museum de Bevelanden, take a boat tour, and try some local food.

Day 3: Explore the Plompe Toren, and enjoy the natural beauty of Natuurgebied Oosterschelde.

Day 4: Take a guided walking tour of Goes and see the beautiful architecture of the Historisch Stadhuis.

Day 5: Visit Slot Oostende, and experience a cultural event.

Day 6: Go hiking on the Natuurwandeling De Poelpad or cycling on the Deltaweg Route.

Day 7: Depart from Goes.

Food and Drink Scene of Goes

Zeeland is known for its delicious seafood, local cheeses, and various sweets. Goes has a dynamic food and drink scene, with a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes.

Must-Try Dishes

Zeeuwse mosselen

Mussels are a regional specialty in Zeeland. Paired with some bread and wine, it is a delicious and hearty meal.

Stroopwafel

Stroopwafel is a classic Dutch dessert made of two thin waffles with a caramel syrup filling. A sweet treat to try during your visit to Goes.

Local Beverages

Zeeuwse Babbelaars Liqueur

Zeeuwse Babbelaars Liqueur is a traditional drink made from caramel candies. It is often enjoyed as a digestif after a meal or as a sweet treat during a cold winter day.

Local Beer

Zeeland has a growing craft beer scene, with many breweries offering unique and flavorful beers.

Where to Stay in Goes: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Goes has a variety of accommodations for visitors, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Some popular options are:

  • The Hotel de Draak
  • B&B De Lachende Engel
  • City Hostel Goes

What to Buy in Goes: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some great local products to bring home from Goes include:

  • Zeeuwse mosselen
  • Local cheeses
  • Stroopwafels
  • Zeeuwse Babbelaars Liqueur

Local Culture and Customs of Goes

The people of Goes are proud of their cultural heritage and maintain many traditions. One of the most important events is the Goes Cheese Market, where visitors can see how cheese is made and sold. Other cultural events include festivals, music concerts, and historical reenactments.

Best Time to Visit Goes

The best time to visit Goes is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm and sunny, and many outdoor events take place.

Do’s and Don’ts of Goes

Do:

  • Do explore the historical buildings and museums in the city.
  • Do try the local food and drinks.
  • Do take a boat tour to experience the scenic waterways.
  • Do take a hiking or cycling trail to explore the beautiful natural scenery.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter in public spaces.
  • Don’t ride bicycles on sidewalks.
  • Don’t forget to try the local specialties.

Safety and Health

Safety in Goes

Goes is a safe city for tourists, with a low crime rate. However, it is always important to take precautions like keeping an eye on your belongings and not carrying too much cash.

Health in Goes

Zeeland has excellent healthcare facilities, with many hospitals and clinics available in case of an emergency. Travelers are encouraged to have valid travel insurance.

Getting to Goes: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Goes

The nearest airport to Goes is Rotterdam The Hague Airport, which is located about 60 kilometers away. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is also within driving distance.

Bus Stations Near Goes

Goes has a central bus station that operates bus services to other cities and towns in the region.

Other Options

Goes can also be reached via train, with the nearest train station located in Middelburg.

How to Get Around in Goes

Goes is a pedestrian-friendly city, and most of the tourist attractions can be reached by foot. There are also options like bicycle rentals and local buses.

Where to Go Next from Goes: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some nearby destinations and excursions from Goes include:

  • Visit the historic city of Middelburg.
  • Explore the beautiful countryside of Zeeland.
  • Take a ferry to one of the nearby islands, such as Schouwen-Duiveland or Walcheren.

Conclusion

Goes, Zeeland, Netherlands, is an ideal destination for tourists who love history, nature, delicious food, and adventure. With so much to see and do, you can plan a memorable vacation that can cater to all your interests and preferences. This comprehensive travel guide will help you to make the most of your visit to Goes and explore all that it has to offer.