Things To Do
in Alkmaar
Alkmaar is a historic Dutch city in North Holland known for its iconic cheese market and scenic canal-lined center. Its well-preserved medieval core blends gabled houses, winding lanes, and lively squares with modern cafés and museums. Located close to the North Sea dunes, Alkmaar offers easy day trips to beaches and forested coastal scenery.
A friendly, bike-friendly atmosphere makes it a quintessential Dutch short break or day-trip from Amsterdam.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the beautiful canals of Alkmaar, soaking in the charming architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Visit the iconic Waag building, where the cheese market was historically held, and take some time to explore the nearby boutiques and cafes. Grab a traditional Dutch breakfast at a local bakery, featuring fresh bread and pastries.
After lunch, immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the Stedelijk Museum, where you can admire both historical and contemporary art. Walk through the bustling cheese market, which operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and witness the traditional cheese weighing and trading process. Spend the rest of the afternoon at the nearby Alkmaarderhout, a picturesque park perfect for a peaceful picnic.
As evening falls, enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Dutch dishes like stamppot or herring. Afterwards, take a scenic walk along the canals, illuminated by soft lights, creating a romantic atmosphere. Conclude your day with a visit to a local pub for a taste of Dutch beer and to mingle with friendly locals.
Begin your day early at the famous Alkmaar Cheese Market, an essential experience that showcases the town's rich cheese heritage. Watch as local farmers in traditional attire engage in the lively auction, and sample some of the finest cheeses the region has to offer. Capture the vibrant scenes with your camera as you stroll among the colorful cheese wheels stacked high.
After the market, delve into the Alkmaar Cheese Museum to learn about the history of cheese production in the Netherlands through interactive exhibits. Enjoy a light lunch at a nearby café, where you can indulge in cheese platters and local delicacies. Spend the afternoon exploring the charming streets and hidden courtyards of the city, stopping by shops selling artisanal goods.
As the sun sets, join a guided walking tour that shares spooky stories and historical anecdotes about Alkmaar's past. This captivating experience will take you through the narrow alleyways and ancient buildings, breathing life into the city's history. Wind down the day with a comforting meal at a local brasserie, enjoying the warm ambiance and hearty dishes.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🍷Glass of wine | $6-9 |
| 🚆One-way public transport ticket | $3-5 |
| 🏨Hotel night (mid-range) | $90-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable historic center
- Excellent cheese heritage and market
- Proximity to dunes and coast for day trips
- Strong cycling culture and good infrastructure
- Not a big nightlife scene compared to bigger cities
- Seasonal cheese market means some experiences are time-bound
- Can get crowded in peak summer on weekends
- Some tourist-focused areas may feel commercial
- "Goedemorgen" - Good morning
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you very much
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is de dichtstbijzijnde supermarkt?" - Where is the nearest supermarket?
Places to Visit in Alkmaar
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic square with the historic weighing house and lively market activity; best in the morning light.
Towering church with a dramatic silhouette, framed by canal-adjacent architecture.
Picturesque canal belt in Alkmaar’s old town with narrow gabled houses and quaint bridges.
A modern touch amid historic streets for contrasting architectural shots.
Food in Alkmaar
Alkmaar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh raw herring served with onions and pickles; a quintessential Dutch street snack best sampled from harbor stalls.
Must-Try!
A selection of local cheeses (Gouda, Edam varieties) served with bread, fruit, and nuts.
Battered and fried fish bites served with tartar sauce.
Mini fluffy pancakes sprinkled with powdered sugar; a popular sweet treat.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal Friday market where cheese is weighed and traded; mornings are ideal for photos and tastings.
Street options near the harbor offering kibbeling, herring, and other seafood bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Stay to the right on bike lanes, ring bells to announce passing, and yield to pedestrians.
Dutch communication tends to be direct; remain courteous in queues and shops.
Do not touch exhibits unless permitted; keep voices low in quiet spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Alkmaar
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common in restaurants; many places include VAT and service by default.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with budding trees; nearby tulip fields are a highlight; expect occasional showers.
Warm days (roughly 15-25°C) and long daylight hours; cheese market season and outdoor dining are at their peak.
Cooler but comfortable; autumn colors along canals and in parks pair with harvest menus.
Chillier and damp; festive lights in the historic center; many indoor attractions are particularly appealing.
Alkmaar at Night
Hiking in Alkmaar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Expansive dune system with forest trails and panoramic sea views, a short drive or bike ride from Alkmaar.
Coastal dunes and pine forests with walking trails and wildlife.
Coastal paths with sea views and beach access; easy day trips from Alkmaar.
Airports
How to reach Alkmaar by plane.
Major international hub about 30-40 minutes by train from Alkmaar; frequent connections to European cities.
Smaller international and domestic airport within about 1.5 hours by train/bus from Alkmaar.
Smaller regional airport with fewer international connections, accessible by public transport with transfers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of residents are families with children, giving the city a family-friendly vibe.
The region's universities bring a student population with cafes and affordable housing.
Visitors mainly come for the cheese market, historic center, and nearby nature areas.
Some international residents live in Alkmaar due to proximity to Amsterdam and good transport links.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular throughout the Netherlands; local clubs and enthusiasts participate in weekend matches and leagues.
A national pastime; flat terrain and good bike paths make long rides and commuting common.
Active in nearby lakes and canals; equipment can be rented seasonally.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Alkmaar.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most places offer vegetarian options; look for pasta, salads, and cheese-based dishes; ask for dairy-free adaptations when needed.