Alkmaar
Introduction
You will find Alkmaar to be a notable cultural destination in the province of North Holland. You can experience the local traditions and heritage that make this Dutch city well known.
During your visit, you can explore the area famous for its traditional cheese market.
Before you go
Prepare for your visit by understanding the historical landscape of this region, where land was reclaimed from lakes and the sea over centuries to create some of the oldest polders in the Netherlands. You will find that Alkmaar sits on a former sand ridge, a location that provided strategic importance as a defensive position during the Middle Ages. While it remains a significant market town known for its cheese trade, you should note that the city lacks a coastal harbor because the nearby dunes have no natural inlet.
As you explore the area, you can distinguish between the historic character of the old city and the modern expansion into suburbanized villages like Heerhugowaard. While the city is not an administrative capital or a university hub, its proximity to Amsterdam shapes its role as a regional center. If you venture toward the coast, you will find the forested Schoorlse Duinen nature reserve and nearby villages such as Egmond-Binnen, Bergen, Schoorl, and Groet.
Getting there
You can reach Alkmaar by train from Amsterdam via Intercity services that travel through Utrecht. If you are traveling from The Hague, trains run through Haarlem to reach the city; note that you must change trains in Haarlem during the weekends. For those arriving from the UK, several ferry companies based in North East England offer transport to ports located a short drive from Alkmaar.
Once you arrive at the station, you can utilize local bus services to reach nearby towns and villages. If you prefer to cycle, you can follow the signposted LF7 long-distance route from Amsterdam, which passes through rural areas and along the shore of the Alkmaarder Meer before entering the old city. Alternatively, a direct cycle route follows the N203 road via Zaandam. You can also rent a bicycle at a shop located immediately to the right as you exit the train station.
Getting around
You can navigate your way through the city with ease as you explore the local area.
Where to stay
You can find a variety of accommodations within Alkmaar, including several bed and breakfasts and multiple hotel options. Choose from a small hotel located directly opposite the station, a larger hotel situated in the city center, or two larger chain hotels.
If you prefer to stay near the coast, many accommodations are nestled in the dunes and seaside villages. You can choose from several campsites in Schoorl and Egmond aan den Hoef, some of which feature forested settings or specific amenities for families with young children. A hostel is also available just south of Egmond aan den Hoef.
Food & drink
Explore a wide variety of cuisines within walking distance of the city center, ranging from Dutch and French to Thai, Chinese, Russian, Eastern European, Spanish, Indonesian, Greek, and Scottish. You can enjoy fresh sandwiches filled with cold meats, fish, or vegetarian options at Broodje Ben, or visit a local grand café for traditional Dutch fare. For those seeking specific flavors, you can find large portions of Mexican food, hearty Scottish dishes including haggis, or various tapas styles in several different locations.
The city offers numerous bars and pubs, many concentrated around the Waagplein and Platte Stenen Brug areas. If you prefer a unique atmosphere, visit a terrace to enjoy your meal in the afternoon sun or head to a venue that combines dining with theater. For a more casual experience, small shoarma and kebab shops offer later hours, while other establishments provide a lively environment for groups. During the warmer months, you can find a "city beach" setting featuring live music and local art exhibitions.
What to see and do
Explore the historic heart of Alkmaar, an oval-shaped district where most buildings are within walking distance. Start your journey by crossing the 1 Bergerbrug over the Singelgracht to enter the old city. Along the way, you can walk along the water's edge where former bastions are now planted with trees. Notable sites in this area include the Hofje van Paling en van Foreest, a historic almshouse featuring family coats of arms, and the 1769 grain mill known as De Molen van Piet. Nearby, you can find the oldest house in the city at Kanisstraat 1, which survived while many other wooden structures were lost to fire.
The central area features two main squares and a primary thoroughfare called Langestraat. You can visit the Sint Laurenskerk, a late-gothic church that houses the tomb of Floris V, or explore the Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar nearby to see regional history and paintings. Along Langestraat, you will find the Stadhuis (Town Hall) with its ornate facade and interior marble, as well as Moriaanshoofd and Huize Egmont, which showcase distinct architectural styles like Louis XIV. Other notable sites include the Hof van Sonoy, a large almshouse incorporating parts of a former convent, and the Huis van Achten, another historic residence for the elderly.
Three days in Alkmaar
Day one, you can explore the historic charm of Alkmaar in North Holland. You will experience the atmosphere of a city that dates back to the Middle Ages while you immerse yourself in the local Dutch culture.
Day two, you can travel beyond the city limits to see the surrounding landscape. You might choose to visit nearby areas such as Heerhugowaard or explore the coastal scenery near Schoorlse Duinen and Egmond.
Day three, you can take a journey further afield. You could ride an Intercity train to reach other destinations like Amsterdam, Haarlem, Utrecht, or The Hague.