Alkmaar - Discovering Netherlands

Travelling to Alkmaar

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Alkmaar, a pretty good destination in Netherlands (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Alkmaar and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Alkmaar, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Netherlands, here's everything to know about Alkmaar for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Alkmaar

Alkmaar is a charming city located in the North Holland province of the Netherlands. The city is known for its traditional cheese market, charming canals, historic buildings, and beautiful architecture. You can wander through the quaint streets of the Old Town, visit museums like the Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar, and take a boat tour along the canals. The city also has a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars where you can try delicious local cuisine and drinks. Alkmaar is easily accessible by train or car from Amsterdam and other nearby cities.

What to visit in Alkmaar

Sure, here are some tourist attractions in Alkmaar: 1. Cheese market: The Alkmaar cheese market takes place every Friday morning from April to September. It has been a tradition for over 400 years and attracts thousands of tourists every year. At the market, you can watch the cheese being weighed, tasted, and transported by traditional methods.
2. Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar: This museum showcases the history and culture of Alkmaar, from its early days to the present. It features regional art, silverware, and other artifacts, as well as paintings by the Dutch Golden Age artist, Pieter Jansz Saenredam. 3. Waagplein: This is a large public square in the center of Alkmaar, surrounded by historic buildings and a variety of restaurants and cafes. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, especially during the summer when outdoor seating is available. 4. Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk: This is the largest church in Alkmaar, built in the Gothic style in the 15th and 16th centuries. It contains an impressive pipe organ and beautiful stained glass windows. 5. Molen van Piet: This is a windmill located in the heart of the city, which has been fully restored and is now a museum. You can climb to the top for a beautiful view of the city and learn about the history of the area's windmills.
6. De Hout: This is a large park located just outside the city center, featuring walking and cycling trails, a playground, and ponds. It's a great spot for a picnic or a relaxing stroll in nature. 7. Beatles Museum: This museum contains an extensive collection of Beatles memorabilia, including rare records, posters, guitars, and other artifacts related to the legendary band. Overall, Alkmaar is a charming city with a rich history and plenty of cultural and natural attractions to explore.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Netherlands, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Alkmaar.

When to go on holiday to Alkmaar

The best time to visit Alkmaar is during the summer months from June to August when the weather is warm and dry with average daytime temperatures ranging from 18-21°C (64-70°F). Moreover, during the summer, Alkmaar holds its famous Friday Cheese Market which is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city. However, please note that this is also peak tourist season, so there will be larger crowds and higher accommodation prices. It is also possible to visit Alkmaar in the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is still pleasant, and the city is less crowded.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Alkmaar

Alkmaar is a charming city located in the North Holland province of the Netherlands. Here are the ways you can get to Alkmaar: 1. By Train: Alkmaar is well connected to Amsterdam, Haarlem, and other Dutch cities by train. The journey from Amsterdam takes around 35 minutes, and there are multiple trains running every hour from Amsterdam Centraal Station. From the Alkmaar train station, you can take a bus or taxi to your destination in the city.
2. By Car: Alkmaar is easily accessible via car from Amsterdam or other neighboring towns. The city is well connected to the Dutch highway system, and the journey from Amsterdam takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
3. By Bus: There are several bus services running from Amsterdam and other Dutch cities to Alkmaar. You can take a bus from Amsterdam Sloterdijk train station, which takes around 45 minutes to reach Alkmaar.
I hope this information helps you plan your trip to Alkmaar!
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Alkmaar, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Alkmaar

Here are some typical foods from Alkmaar, Netherlands: 1. Kaas (Cheese): Alkmaar is famous for its cheese market held every Friday. The most popular cheese is Gouda, which is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk.
2. Stroopwafels (Syrup Waffles): This traditional Dutch sweet treat consists of two thin layers of waffle with a caramel syrup filling. They are best when they are warm and gooey.
3. Haring (Herring): Herring is a fish that is typically eaten raw and marinated in vinegar and spices. It is a popular snack food in the Netherlands and is often served with onions and pickles.
4. Kroket (Croquette): This is a small deep-fried snack that is typically filled with beef, chicken, or ragout. It is often served with mustard and is a popular fast food option in the Netherlands.
5. Poffertjes (Mini Pancakes): These small, fluffy pancakes are made from a batter which contains yeast and buckwheat flour. They are typically served with powdered sugar and butter.
6. Frikandel (Frikandel): This is a long, thin deep-fried sausage and is a popular fast food item in the Netherlands. It is typically served in a bun and topped with ketchup and mayonnaise.
7. Appeltaart (Apple Pie): This is a traditional Dutch pastry that is made with a sweet, crumbly crust and filled with cinnamon-spiced apples. It is often served with whipped cream.
You can find general info about typical foods in Netherlands here.

Is Alkmaar an expensive destination for tourists?

Compared to other popular destinations in the Netherlands like Amsterdam or Utrecht, Alkmaar is typically a more affordable city for tourists to visit. However, the prices may vary depending on the season and the type of activities you plan to do. Generally speaking, prices for food, accommodation, and attractions are lower than in larger cities. It is always a good idea to research ahead of time and make budget estimates.

Where to find accomodation in Alkmaar

The best areas to find accommodations in Alkmaar are the historic city center, within walking distance of attractions such as the Cheese Market, the St. Laurenskerk church and the cultural museums. Other areas to consider are near the train station, which offers easy access to other destinations in the Netherlands, or in quiet residential neighborhoods for a more relaxed stay.
You can check hotel prices at Alkmaar here:
Booking.com

Is Alkmaar a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Alkmaar is generally a safe place for tourists. The crime rate in the city is quite low compared to other cities in the Netherlands. However, as with any destination, it's always a good idea to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially when it comes to pickpocketing and other petty crimes in busy tourist areas.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Netherlands here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Alkmaar.

What type of travelers will enjoy Alkmaar the most?

Alkmaar, Netherlands is a great destination for all types of travelers. It has something to offer for couples, young people looking for fun, and families. Couples will love the romantic atmosphere of this charming town, with its picturesque canals, cozy cafes, and quaint shops. They can enjoy a stroll through the old town, explore the historic buildings, and visit the famous Alkmaar Cheese Market, held on Fridays from April to September. Young people looking for fun will also find plenty to do in Alkmaar. The town has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs to choose from. They can also go on biking or walking tours to explore the beautiful countryside and nearby beaches. Families will appreciate the many activities and attractions that cater to children. They can visit the Dutch Cheese Museum, the Beatles Museum, or the interactive Hollands Kaasmuseum. They can also enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, or swimming in the nearby beaches. Overall, Alkmaar is a great destination for anyone looking for a mix of history, culture, and outdoor fun.

How to get around Alkmaar

To move around Alkmaar in the Netherlands, you can use different modes of transportation, such as buses, taxis, bicycles, or walking. The city center is compact and easy to navigate on foot or bike. Buses are also a convenient option and serve different parts of the city, including the suburbs and nearby towns. Taxis are available but can be costly. If you want to explore the wider region, you can rent a car or take a train, as Alkmaar has a train station with connections to Amsterdam and other major cities in the region.

What to see around Alkmaar

Certainly, here are some places you could consider visiting on a day trip from Alkmaar: 1. Amsterdam: the capital of the Netherlands is an easy day trip from Alkmaar, with a direct train going from Alkmaar to Amsterdam Centraal in just under an hour.
2. Zaanse Schans: This open-air museum is filled with historic windmills, traditional Dutch houses, and shops selling local cheese and crafts. It can be easily reached by train or bus from Amsterdam.
3. Haarlem: Known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and bustling town squares, Haarlem is a lovely city to visit that's just a short train ride away.
4. Utrecht: A charming medieval city with lovely canals, cobbled streets, and a beautiful cathedral.
5. The Hague: This city is home to the Dutch government and also has great museums, including the Mauritshuis. It can be reached by train or bus in about an hour.
6. Rotterdam: This port city is known for its modern architecture, street art scene, and food culture.
I hope this helps you plan your day trips from Alkmaar!
For every travel information about Netherlands you can click here.

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