Things to see and do in Alkmaar
Alkmaar combines the charm of a historic town with the energy of a modern city. Its world-famous cheese market, picturesque canals, and well-preserved medieval buildings make it a must-visit destination in Holland. Beyond cheese, the city offers excellent museums, cozy cafés, and vibrant shopping streets. Whether you want to explore centuries-old traditions, take a canal cruise, or simply soak up the relaxed Dutch lifestyle, Alkmaar has something for everyone.
Top 10 things to do and see in Alkmaar
Alkmaar is much more than just cheese. From historic sites to cultural hotspots, here are the must-visit places in this beautiful city.
#1 Alkmaar Cheese Market
The Alkmaar Cheese Market is one of the most famous attractions in the Netherlands. Held every Friday from April to September, this centuries-old tradition showcases how cheese was traded in the past, heck they even sell from boats!
The spectacle includes cheese carriers in traditional costumes, market inspectors, and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s a unique experience that offers a glimpse into the Netherlands’ proud dairy heritage.
#2 Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar
For history and art lovers, the Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar is a must-visit. This museum tells the story of the city through fascinating exhibitions on the Eighty Years’ War, Golden Age art, and modern Dutch artists. One of its highlights is the famous “Victory of Alkmaar” exhibit, which showcases how the city resisted the Spanish siege in 1573.
#3 Grote Kerk (St. Lawrence Church)
The Grote Kerk, or St. Lawrence Church, is one of Alkmaar’s most striking landmarks. This 15th-century Gothic church is known for its stunning architecture, towering stained-glass windows, and two world-famous organs, including the impressive Müller organ, which was played by Mozart as a child.
#4 The Cheese Museum
Located in the Waag (weighing house), the Cheese Museum provides a deep dive into the history of Dutch cheese-making. Here, you’ll learn about the process of making Gouda and Edam cheese, how cheese trading worked, and why Alkmaar became the cheese capital of the Netherlands.
#5 The Alkmaar Canals
One of the best ways to explore Alkmaar is from the water. A canal cruise takes you through the city’s beautiful waterways, offering stunning views of medieval bridges, historic warehouses, and hidden courtyards. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also rent a boat and explore at your own pace. Did you know you can take canal cruises in the following cities; Leiden, Haarlem, Utrecht, Delft, The Hague and many more?
#6 National Beer Museum De Boom
Beer lovers will appreciate the National Beer Museum De Boom, located in an old brewery. This museum tells the story of beer brewing in the Netherlands, from traditional methods to modern craft beer. The highlight? A tasting session at the bar where you can try a selection of Dutch and local Alkmaar brews.
#7 Hofjes of Alkmaar
Alkmaar is home to several hofjes, hidden courtyards surrounded by old almshouses. These peaceful, secret gardens date back to the 17th century and were built as housing for the elderly or poor. Wildemanshofje and Hofje van Splinter are two of the most beautiful and tranquil spots in the city. Explore them via the following walking tour.
#8 Molen van Piet
No Dutch city is complete without a windmill! The Molen van Piet, located on the edge of the city center, is a well-preserved traditional windmill. Built in 1769, it remains an important symbol of Alkmaar’s history. While it’s not open to the public, it’s a great spot for a classic Dutch photo.
#9 The shopping streets of Alkmaar
Alkmaar is a paradise for shoppers, offering a mix of big brands, local boutiques, and charming specialty stores. Laat and Langestraat are the main shopping streets, but for something unique, head to the Old Town (Oudegracht and Hekelstraat), where you’ll find vintage stores, independent designers, and specialty cheese shops.
#10 The Beatles Museum
Music lovers will enjoy a visit to the Beatles Museum, a hidden gem in Alkmaar. This privately owned collection is dedicated to the early years of The Beatles, particularly John Lennon’s first guitar, which was made in Alkmaar. It’s a fun and unexpected attraction for fans of the legendary band.
The absolute best hotels in Alkmaar
Alkmaar offers a delightful array of accommodations, each with its unique charm. LUTTIK stands out as a boutique hotel nestled in the city’s historic heart, seamlessly blending a cozy coffee bar and concept store where guests can purchase items they admire during their stay. With just six bright, spacious rooms offering canal views, it provides an intimate experience. The Grand Hotel Alkmaar, housed in a former post office, exudes classic elegance with its high ceilings and original details. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the city’s renowned cheese market and vibrant shopping streets. For those seeking a blend of history and tranquility, the College Hotel Alkmaar offers a unique stay in a 1927 building designed in the Amsterdam School style. Situated adjacent to a park, it provides a peaceful retreat while remaining close to the city’s main attractions
Food and local specialties
Alkmaar is best known for its cheese, but there’s much more Dutch foods to try! Stop by a local brown café for a plate of bitterballen (Dutch meat croquettes), enjoy a warm stroopwafel, or try a classic haring (raw herring) from a local fish stand. For fine dining, Restaurant ‘t Stokpaardje is a fantastic choice, while De Binnenkomer offers modern Dutch cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
Events and festivals
- Alkmaar Cheese Market (April – September) – The world-famous cheese market is a must-see when visiting the city.
- Kaeskoppenstad (June) – A medieval festival that transforms the city into a 16th-century experience with actors, market stalls, and period costumes.
- Culinair Plaza Alkmaar (August) – A foodie festival featuring the best of Dutch and international cuisine.
- Victorie Festival (September) – A music festival celebrating Alkmaar’s victory over the Spanish in 1573, with live performances across the city.
Where to buy as an expat
Alkmaar is an attractive city for expats, offering a high quality of life with lower housing prices than Amsterdam. The best neighborhoods include:
- Binnenstad (City Center) – Perfect for those who love historic buildings and a lively atmosphere.
- Bergermeer – A quiet, green residential area with spacious houses, ideal for families.
- Overdie – A more affordable area, popular among young professionals and students.
- Oudorp – A charming village-like district just outside Alkmaar’s center.
In terms of macroeconomic factors, Alkmaar has a strong economy with a thriving service sector. The city has a population of approximately 100,000 people, with a strong focus on education, healthcare, and innovation.
A bit of history
Alkmaar has a rich and proud history, dating back to the 10th century. The city played a crucial role in the Eighty Years’ War, when it became the first Dutch city to successfully resist Spanish forces during the Siege of Alkmaar in 1573. This victory marked the beginning of Dutch independence, and to this day, the city’s motto remains “Victory begins in Alkmaar.”
5x Fun facts about Alkmaar
- First victory in the Eighty Years’ War – Alkmaar’s successful resistance against the Spanish is a key moment in Dutch history.
- The city of cheese – Alkmaar has been a center for cheese trading since 1365, making it one of the most important cheese cities in the world.
- Mozart played in Alkmaar – The famous composer played the organ in Grote Kerk at just 10 years old.
- The smallest house in Alkmaar – Found on the Luttik Oudorp street, this tiny house is just 3 meters wide.
- Alkmaar’s nickname is “Kaaskoppen” – Meaning “cheese heads,” this term originally referred to Alkmaar’s cheese traders but has since become a term of pride for locals. It’s often used throughout the Netherlands these days.
Things to do in the area
- Bergen (15 min) – A charming artists’ village near the coast, famous for its dunes and vibrant cultural scene.
- Egmond aan Zee (20 min) – A beautiful seaside town with sandy beaches and a historic lighthouse.
- Amsterdam (35 min) – The capital of the Netherlands is just a short train ride away.