Alkmaar, located in North Holland, Netherlands, is a charming town known for its historic canals, traditional Dutch architecture, and the famous Alkmaar Cheese Market. A perfect spot to experience Dutch culture, local markets, and delicious Dutch cheese. Let’s dive into what to do, where to eat, and where to stay in Alkmaar Netherlands!

Alkmaar Canals
The canals in Alkmaar are a lovely part of the city’s charm. A stroll along these canals offers a peaceful escape while admiring the historic buildings and lovely bridges. You can even take a boat tour to see the city from the water – a great way to explore and enjoy the sights! Boat tours typically run from April to October, with various companies offering guided cruises along the picturesque canals. The tours give you a unique perspective of the city’s beautiful architecture, including famous canals like the Singel, Koedijker Canal, and Noordhollandsch Kanaal.
Tickets for boat tours can be purchased at the Alkmaar Tourist Information Centre or directly from the boat tour operators. It’s recommended to book in advance during peak tourist season to secure your spot.
Alkmaar Cheese Market Netherlands
If you’re visiting Alkmaar, the Alkmaar Cheese Market is an absolute must-see! It’s been around for centuries and offers a real slice of Dutch tradition. It’s typically open every Friday from late March to early September, running from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, it’s always a good idea to check specific dates before visiting, as there can be variations or special events. The hustle and bustle create a fun, unique experience as you’ll see the cheese carriers dressed in traditional white outfits, carrying large wheels of cheese through the town square – it’s quite the spectacle!
Alkmaar Cheese Festival
For an even more unique experience, plan your visit around the Alkmaar Cheese Festival (held annually). It’s a celebration of all things cheese, with tastings, events, and live music. You’ll be able to sample various kinds of Dutch cheese, including the famous Gouda and Edam, right from the source.
Alkmaar Market
Don’t forget to explore the Alkmaar market in the town square. When we were there in January, it was only open on Saturdays and was packed with fresh produce, flowers, and baked goods. It’s a great spot for strolling, shopping, and soaking in the atmosphere. On Saturdays, the market is extra special, with plenty of food stalls selling everything from fresh fish to Dutch treats like stroopwafels (thin waffle cookies filled with caramel).

Alkmaar Restaurants
When it comes to Alkmaar restaurants, you’re in for a treat. The city is full of cozy spots where you can enjoy delicious Dutch dishes. For a taste of traditional Dutch food, head over to De Waag. This iconic spot is where we tried the famous Alkmaar Goud Cheese Soup, a warm and comforting dish made with Alkmaar’s signature cheese.
Another great option is 1480 Foodbar, located right on the canal in the Mient neighbourhood. You can also sit outside, which is what we did, as they have glass huts right next to the canal that are heated during the winter and decorated with fairy lights. During our visit, I had a delicious braised rib dish served with asparagus and sweet potato puree. It’s the perfect place for a more upscale, yet casual, meal with a local twist.

9 Underrated European Destinations – Alkmaar is One, Can You Guess the Others?
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Here are 10 more Alkmaar restaurants to check out!
- Bakkerij Wolf – Wolvenstraat
- Alkmaars Koffiehuis
- Neder
- Restaurant de Buren
- De Koning
- Miss Central
- Anne&Max
- De Heeren van Sonoy
- De Molenschuur
- De Koperen Pot
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Where to Stay in Alkmaar
When it comes to Alkmaar accommodation, you have a variety of options, from boutique hotels to charming guesthouses. We stayed in a cute cottage on one of the canals in the city centre. It was in the perfect location, walking distance from everything.
For a comfortable stay close to the action, check out the Grand Hotel Alkmaar. It’s a beautiful hotel with modern amenities and is located near the city center, making it easy to explore the nearby attractions.
If none of the above options work for you, here’s a list of additional Alkmaar accommodation options.
Alkmaar Transport
The A9 motorway connects Amsterdam to Alkmaar and continues to Den Helder as the N9.
There are direct trains to destinations including Den Helder, Hoorn, Zaandam, Amsterdam, Utrecht, Ede, Arnhem, Nijmegen, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Eindhoven, Maastricht, and Haarlem. For further details, check Alkmaar railway station.
Alkmaar has two railway stations:
- Alkmaar
- Alkmaar Noord
The Noordhollandsch Kanaal waterway, opened in 1824, runs through Alkmaar. As of 2017, it can be crossed using two of the five operational vlotbruggen: Koedijkervlotbrug and Rekervlotbrug.
Museums in Alkmaar
- Beatles Museum – dedicated to The Beatles, as John Lennon’s first guitar was made in Alkmaar.
- Elvis Museum – The Elvis Museum in Alkmaar showcases an extensive collection of Elvis Presley memorabilia, celebrating the King of Rock and Roll’s legacy.
- Dutch Cheese Museum – The Holland Cheese Museum in Alkmaar offers an immersive experience into the history and production of traditional Dutch cheese.
- National Beer Museum “De Boom” in Alkmaar takes you on a journey through the history and culture of Dutch beer brewing.
- Alkmaar´s City Museum – The Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar showcases contemporary art and cultural exhibitions, highlighting the region’s rich artistic heritage.

Explore the Alkmaar Region
The Alkmaar region has a lot to offer if you’re interested in exploring beyond the city. The nearby Zaanstreek region, home to windmills and picturesque towns, is a great place to spend a day if you have time. Or, head to the coast and enjoy the beaches in Egmond aan Zee.
Alternatively, the lakeside town of Volendam situated on the shores of Lake IJssel (Ijsselmeer), a large inland lake in the Netherlands. The town is known for its picturesque harbor, traditional fishing boats, and charming atmosphere, making it a popular destination for visitors.
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Want to visit Amsterdam on a budget? Check out A Budget Day Trip to Amsterdam in January, where we share our experience spending a day in Amsterdam while staying in Alkmaar.

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