City walk Alkmaar

Alkmaar is a beautiful ancient city that is definitely worth a stroll.

Alkmaar is a beautiful ancient city that is definitely worth a walk. We suggest the following walk, which is marked on the map: 

✨A fun city walk through Alkmaar – full of stories, flavors, and atmosphere! ✨

Begin your adventure at Canadaplein – a place filled with gratitude for the liberation in 1945. Stroll past the imposing Grote Sint Laurenskerk, then into Langestraat, where you’ll pass Huize Egmont (a true gentlemen’s club since 1741!). Shop until you drop in the bustling shopping streets, and admire the magnificent Town Hall from 1520 – 11 years of construction, but what a result! An old West Frisian saying warns: if you pee against this wall… it never dries – and no, that’s not a metaphor!

Continue your route to “de Laat” – this is no ordinary shopping street, but a green oasis in the city center. With trees, benches, and street furniture inviting you to pause. Take a break with a cup of coffee and an Alkmaar bol at Stadsbrasserie Elhorst – a local institution for 61 years! Then walk past charming folk houses and the atmospheric Hofje van Splinter (over 350 years old!). Stop by Strips & Zo for the largest comic book selection, then head into Vrouwenstraat – once a “mysterious” street, now full of character. Follow your path through the Bolwerk along Molen van Piet, enjoy the greenery by the water, and discover the Baptist Church (Hofstraat) and “J. Boom’s old-fashioned shop” – a time capsule on Huigbrouwerstraat! Look up at the Gewelfde Stenenbrug – there, two lions face away from Alkmaar’s coat of arms with their backsides. A funny detail! The owner of the building was long in dispute with the city – this was his way of expressing his displeasure. A lovely example of Alkmaar’s humor and character. At the Fish Market, taste delicious food at Restaurant de Buren, then cross the Platte Stenenbrug into Hekelstraat – a street full of quirky, charming shops. Walk via Finidsen into Nieuwstraat, heading toward the Noord-Hollands Kanaal. Enjoy the harbor view from Restaurant de Turfmarkt – and admire the Accijnstoren from 1622, where taxes were levied early on goods and their import/export were monitored.

Continue along the water, into Keizerstraat, and discover De Vigilantie – a 17th-century warehouse – and the House with the Cannonball, still bearing a Spanish cannonball in its wall! Celebrate the victory over the Spaniards on October 8 – Alkmaar still does so with pride!

Cross the bridge into Kooltuin, and enjoy a delicious Greek sandwich at Pitta Irodion on the Dijk. Then head to Waagplein – crowned by the famous Waagtoren. End your walk back at Canadaplein – with a smile and a full heart.

Alkmaar! A city you don’t just see, but feel – thanks to the local entrepreneurs who shape its soul. They are the heart of the city: passionate, full of character, and delightfully quirky!