Alkmaar – A lively atmosphere and peace and quiet, all within easy reach

A square filled with cheese, cheese bearers, cheese girls, cheese boys, market masters and traders. There’s plenty to see at the Alkmaar Cheese Market. Cheese has been traded here in the same way for hundreds of years. The first Cheese Market of 2025 took place on 28 March.

Right in the heart of Alkmaar lies Waagplein, with the Waagtoren as its centrepiece. This is where the Cheese Market takes place, and on other days you can enjoy the lively terraces surrounding the square. The Waagtoren has a rich history. Originally, the building was a guesthouse with a chapel for the poor and pilgrims. In the 16th century, it was converted into a weigh house, where goods were weighed. Today, the Waag houses the Cheese Museum and the Alkmaar Store/Tourist Information Office.

Alkmaar offers a surprisingly diverse range of museums, with something for all ages. At the Dutch Cheese Museum, you can learn all about the entire process, from cow to cheese. The Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar immerses you in the art and history of the city, from the Golden Age to the Bergen School. And don’t forget the Museum Mural: a colourful, metre-high mural in the Overdie district. Music lovers can indulge themselves at the Beatles Museum, which is even larger than the museum in Liverpool. And at the De Boom Beer Museum, you’ll learn all about the brewing process and, of course, round off your visit with a beer. There’s plenty to discover in the surrounding area too, such as the Museum Mill in Schermerhorn and Museum In ’t Houten Huis in De Rijp.

Alkmaar is brimming with beautiful canals, and the best way to experience them is, of course, from the water. Now you just have to decide: would you prefer a guided tour or to take the helm yourself? On a guided tour, you’ll be taken past the city’s most picturesque spots. From April to October, a boat departs every hour from the Mient from Monday to Saturday, and on Sundays too between May and September. Prefer to take the helm yourself? Then hire a boat from one of the rental companies and discover Alkmaar at your own pace from the water.

The Grote Kerk is the crown jewel of Alkmaar. This historic building houses stunning works of art, including paintings by Van Oostsanen and Van Everdingen, and two world-famous organs. The undisputed highlight is the Grote Raam: one of the largest stained-glass windows in Europe, comprising no fewer than 219 panels and 45,000 pieces of coloured glass.

It’s no coincidence that Alkmaar ranks among the top 10 shopping destinations in the Netherlands. The charming and historic city centre is the perfect place for a wonderful day’s shopping. You’ll find all the well-known chains in the two main shopping streets, but be sure to explore the cosy side streets too. There you’ll discover charming boutiques and unique specialist shops. The Old Town is particularly atmospheric, with its characteristic streets full of unique shops. In addition to the city centre, there are also modern shopping areas such as De Mare shopping centre and De Hoef shopping centre. And if you’re looking for tips or inspiration for your day in Alkmaar, be sure to pop into the Alkmaar Store/Tourist Information Office: the go-to source of information for residents and visitors alike.

You certainly shouldn’t miss the courtyards. The city has around six courtyards, most of which are still inhabited. You can visit three of them: the Hof van Sonoy, the Wildemanshofje and the Hofje van Splinter. In the Hof van Sonoy, you can enjoy a drink on a terrace or have a look around the little shops. People still live in the other courtyards. These hidden gems are oases of tranquillity, right in the heart of the city. Many people even say the courtyards are Alkmaar’s best-kept secret. Come and discover them for yourself! As well as the courtyards, there is much more of Alkmaar to discover on foot. Take a city walk or use Alkmaar as a starting point for a lovely trip through the surrounding area. You can find walking maps and tips at the Alkmaar Store / Tourist Information Office.

The House with the Cannonball owes its name to the Spanish cannonball that struck the façade during the Siege of Alkmaar (1573). The cannonball was later placed on display in the left-hand corner of the façade facing the canal, serving as a lasting reminder of this turbulent chapter in the city’s history. What makes this building special is that it is one of the last two wooden houses in Alkmaar. Apart from a single wall, it is built entirely of wood. And here’s another interesting fact: the bottom of the house is narrower than the top. That was a clever trick by the owner, as it meant he paid less tax thanks to the smaller floor plan.

There used to be as many as ten windmills on the high ramparts surrounding Alkmaar. Nowadays, the only one remaining in the town centre is Piet’s Mill, and you can spot it from a distance! The mill was built in 1769 and is a round stone tower mill. Standing 35 metres tall, it is still an impressive sight. An interesting detail: since 1993, the sails have been turning ‘for the prince’, meaning without grinding any grain. Piet’s Mill stands on the Clarissenbolwerk, a former defensive structure that is now a green park and meeting place. Here you will also find Het Kruithuisje, a charming little café and gallery. The name refers to the Clarisse convent that stood here until 1573, before the bolwerk was converted into a city wall.

Discover the Land van Leeghwater, a beautiful stretch of quintessentially Dutch countryside near Alkmaar. With its vast polders, sweeping views and historic villages such as De Rijp – which was awarded a Michelin Tourist Star in 2025 – this area exudes history and charm. At its heart lies the Eilandspolder, a nature reserve teeming with birdlife where you can enjoy walking, cycling or boating in an electric boat or canoe.