Information about Alkmaar

Alkmaar is a beautiful city where there is plenty to do for young and old alike! It is particularly attractive, partly because of its characteristic canals and historic houses. The city has many old traditions and is known as the Cheese City. In Alkmaar you can enjoy walking, shopping and eating and drinking at one of the many restaurants and cafes on the Waagplein, the Mient or the Verdronkenoord. Popularly known as the 'Platte Stenenbrug' or around the Grote Kerk (Church of St. Lawrence) Alkmaar is also the place to be for a night out. It is the entertainment center of the region and therefore always cozy! In Alkmaar it is really cozy. From shopping to enjoying on or around the water and also for culture lovers there is plenty to do.

The location and the surrounding area of Alkmaar

Alkmaar is located in North Holland and is easily accessible by car. Alkmaar has two train stations, one of which is just outside the city center. From there you can be in the center within 10 minutes on foot. Alkmaar is located near Bergen and Egmond. Here you can get a breath of fresh air on the beach or, when the weather is nice, relax at one of the cozy beach pavilions

Things to do in Alkmaar

The well-known cheese market in Alkmaar is not to be missed. For four centuries cheese has been traditionally sold by hand on the Waagplein. The cheese carriers are very recognizable with their white suits and straw hats. This cheese market attracts over 100,000 visitors annually. A fun fact is that residents of Alkmaar are also called Kaaskoppen.

For children there is a children's cheese market where a guide takes them on a tour and undertakes fun activities with the children. The children's cheese market is there only on Fridays in July and August. You can visit the cheese market on every Friday morning (from 10:00 am) from April to September In the summer months of July and August there is an extra cheese market every Tuesday evening on the Waagplein. ( from 19:00 hours)

Monuments

Alkmaar has over 400 monuments such as, De Waag, the City Hall and the Great St. Laurens Church. If you want to see the most beautiful places in Alkmaar, we also offer a city walk, which you can order free of charge via this website, or you can walk it on your cell phone. Then you can be sure that you see everything of Alkmaar.

Art and culture

In Alkmaar you won't lack anything when it comes to art and culture. Because Alkmaar is also the right place for museums. The most famous museums in a row:

- The Beatles Museum, discover everything about the most famous pop band from the 70s.

- The Dutch Cheese Museum, all about dairy products.

- The National Beer Museum: The Tree; This museum is located in a former brewery from the 17th century with a cozy pub where they serve numerous special beers.

- The Stedelijk Museum; Here you can find everything about the history of Alkmaar and surroundings.

Shopping in Alkmaar

In the old center of Alkmaar you can browse around at your leisure in many different and original stores.

The Langestraat is the largest shopping street in Alkmaar, but be sure not to skip the smaller ( side) shopping streets! The Achterstraat is a nice street where you can browse around at your leisure. In the Fnidsen also called the 'Old Town' you will find art galleries, interior design stores and authentic craft stores. Beautiful and detailed facades give the many types of stores an extra luxurious look. Ritsevoort is located on the edge of the center near parking garage De Singel. Here you will find all kinds of stores from clothing, living to the hairdresser and florist.

Dining out in Alkmaar

Alkmaar is the perfect place to enjoy a nice lunch, a delicious dinner or a drink. Ritsevoort is not only fun for shopping but also for a nice cup of coffee. An array of cafes and restaurants can be found here. Excellent catering establishments can also be found on Waagplein. In summer you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere on the terraces here. You will also find many catering establishments on the Mient and the Verdronkenoord and near the Grote Kerk (Laurenskerk).

Nightlife in Alkmaar

There is also plenty to do in the evening in Alkmaar. There are several pubs and cafes where you can spend an enjoyable evening. Most of them are located at the Waagplein. A few canals further from the Waagplein, on the Verdronkenoord you will find even more entertainment. Here you can go out until the small hours.

Alkmaar hosts numerous events such as Culinair Plaza, the Jazz & Music Weekend and the Alkmaars Ontzet. Every year in the first weekend of June we transform the city center of Alkmaar into the Old City: The city of 1573, just after the Relief of Alkmaar. Everything is dedicated to the 16th century. If you prefer to go to a movie, concert or theater performance, you can go to the Vue Bioscoop , theater de Vest or (Pop) stage Victorie.