Things To Do
in Alkmaar
Alkmaar is a picturesque city located in the province of North Holland in the Netherlands. Known for its charming canals, historic buildings, and vibrant cheese market, Alkmaar offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Dutch culture. The city is also home to a variety of museums, shops, and cafes, making it a popular destination for tourists.
With its relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals, Alkmaar is a delightful place to explore and experience Dutch hospitality.
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank je wel" - Thank you
- "Alsjeblieft" - Please
- "Hoe gaat het?" - How are you?
- "Tot ziens" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Alkmaar Cheese Market, where you can watch the traditional cheese weighing ceremony. Enjoy a coffee at a local café while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Visit the Stedelijk Museum to learn about the region's history and art. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the canals and admire the charming historical buildings.
Dine at a traditional Dutch restaurant in the city center, savoring local delicacies. After dinner, enjoy a peaceful walk along the canals as the sun sets.
Begin your day at the Alkmaar Regional Archives, where you can dive into the local history and heritage. Consider visiting the 16th-century Great or St. Lawrence Church for its stunning architecture.
Head to the Hollands Cheese Museum to learn more about the region's cheese-making tradition. Engage with interactive exhibits that will captivate cheese lovers and curious visitors alike.
Relax at a nearby bar or brewery, sampling local beers. Enjoy the lively ambiance and perhaps catch some live music or an event.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful historical architecture and canals.
- Famous for its traditional cheese market.
- Vibrant cultural scene with festivals and events.
- Close proximity to the North Sea beach resorts.
- Great local cuisine and restaurants.
- Tourist crowds during peak season.
- High cost of living compared to other Dutch cities.
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors.
- Weather can be unpredictable, with frequent rain.
- May lack some amenities found in larger cities.
Best Activities in Alkmaar
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the charming streets and historic landmarks of Alkmaar on a guided city walking tour.
Experience the lively atmosphere of Alkmaar's traditional cheese market, which takes place from April to September.
Discover the picturesque surroundings of Alkmaar on a scenic bicycle tour through the Dutch countryside.
Enjoy a leisurely boat tour along Alkmaar's canals, taking in the city's sights from a unique perspective.
Tours
Uncover the best of Alkmaar with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Alkmaar
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic square with iconic cheese weighing house and beautiful surrounding buildings, offering great photo opportunities.
Old tower with panoramic views over the city of Alkmaar, perfect for capturing the cityscape.
Windmill located along the city's canals, providing a picturesque and quintessential Dutch scene for photography.
Food in Alkmaar
Alkmaar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
The Kaasmarkt in Alkmaar is famous for its traditional cheese market, where visitors can sample and purchase an array of local cheeses, including the renowned Gouda and Edam varieties.
Must-Try!
A must-try local delicacy is the Hollandse Nieuwe Haring, which is raw herring typically served with onions and pickles. It can be found at various seafood stalls and fishmongers in the city.
Poffertjes are small, fluffy pancakes often topped with butter and powdered sugar. They are a popular sweet treat at local cafes and street food vendors.
These deep-fried meat-based snacks are a Dutch favorite and can be enjoyed at many pubs and restaurants in Alkmaar.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Alkmaar better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The Waagplein hosts a vibrant food market on Fridays, featuring stalls offering a wide range of local and international street food, from Dutch specialties to global flavors.
The Mient area is dotted with street food vendors offering diverse culinary delights, including stroopwafels, herring sandwiches, freshly baked stroopwafels, and more.
Visitors can explore the Kanaalkade Market, where a mix of food stalls and vendors offer an assortment of fresh produce, baked goods, and ready-to-eat snacks.
This bustling street market features a wide variety of food stalls, selling everything from local cheeses and artisan bread to international street food like falafel and kebabs.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Alkmaar, it's important to respect personal space, maintaining a comfortable distance when interacting with others in public spaces.
When meeting someone for the first time or in formal settings, it's customary to use titles such as 'Mr.' or 'Ms.' and to greet with a handshake.
Punctuality is highly valued in Alkmaar, so it's respectful to arrive on time for appointments, meetings, and social gatherings.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Alkmaar with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Alkmaar
Ensure a smooth experience
In Alkmaar, it is common to leave a tip of 5-10% at restaurants if the service is good. Tipping in other service industries such as taxis, hotels, and salons is also appreciated but not obligatory.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Alkmaar, especially in larger establishments. However, it's always a good idea to carry some cash, as smaller cafes and local shops may only accept cash payments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Alkmaar.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Alkmaar, with blooming flowers and moderate temperatures. You can enjoy the famous cheese market and various outdoor activities.
Summer offers warm weather, lively atmosphere, and numerous festivals. It's an ideal time for exploring the city's canals and enjoying outdoor dining.
Autumn brings beautiful foliage and fewer crowds. You can experience the harvest season and visit local markets to taste fresh produce and traditional treats.
Winter features festive decorations, Christmas markets, and cozy atmosphere. It's a great time to explore the city's cultural attractions and indulge in Dutch winter delicacies.
Alkmaar at Night
Hiking in Alkmaar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful national park featuring varied landscapes including dunes, forests, and beaches, offering several hiking trails with stunning views.
A picturesque area with vast sand dunes and forests, known for its diverse flora and fauna, featuring multiple hiking routes.
A coastal hiking spot with trails along the beach and through the surrounding dunes, perfect for a scenic walk with ocean views.
A nature reserve with a combination of dunes and woodland, offering various hiking paths for outdoor enthusiasts.
Part of the larger Kennemerland area, it provides several trails through beautiful landscapes, combining nature and history.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Alkmaar through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Alkmaar by plane.
The main international airport serving Amsterdam and the Netherlands, located about 40 kilometers south of Alkmaar.
An international airport located approximately 70 kilometers southwest of Alkmaar, serving the cities of Rotterdam and The Hague.
An international airport located about 130 kilometers southeast of Alkmaar, it serves as a low-cost hub for many airlines.
Located approximately 190 kilometers south of Alkmaar in Belgium, it is one of the major international airports in Europe.
An international cargo airport located about 200 kilometers southeast of Alkmaar, it also handles passenger flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The primary ethnic group in Alkmaar, representing the majority of the population.
One of the largest immigrant groups in the Netherlands, with a significant presence in Alkmaar.
Another major immigrant community in Alkmaar, contributing to the cultural diversity of the city.
A historical diaspora group that has established a notable presence in Alkmaar.
This group represents part of the Dutch Caribbean influence in the region.
Includes immigrants from various Eastern European countries, particularly since the EU expansion in the 2000s.
Includes a mix of various smaller groups contributing to the multicultural fabric of Alkmaar.
The Soul of Alkmaar
Discover the essence of Alkmaar through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Alkmaar, with AZ Alkmaar being the prominent local football club that competes in the Eredivisie.
Alkmaar has a strong ice hockey culture, with teams such as the Alkmaar Flyers, attracting local talent and fans.
Field hockey is widely played in Alkmaar, with several clubs offering opportunities for both youth and adult players.
Volleyball has a substantial following in Alkmaar, with several clubs and leagues for various skill levels.
Handball is a growing sport in Alkmaar, with local clubs participating in regional competitions.
Cycling is a popular recreational activity in Alkmaar, with many residents participating in both competitive and leisure cycling events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Alkmaar.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants and cafes in Alkmaar offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, with some eateries dedicated solely to plant-based cuisine, ensuring options for non-meat eaters.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find an increasing number of gluten-free options at restaurants and cafes, including gluten-free bread, pastries, and specially crafted menus.