Alkmaar – Weekend break in Alkmaar

Alkmaar is much more than just a Cheese Town (although that is of course a highlight). This charming North Holland city has a mix of canals, historic buildings and courtyards, cozy coffees, hip drinking spots and authentic Dutch coziness. Compact enough to really get to know in a weekend, but with enough hidden gems to surprise you. We were recently in Alkmaar ourselves and are happy to share our tips with you.

🎧Rather listen than read? Click below to listen to the podcast!

The most famous sights of Alkmaar

Alkmaar has many well-known sights. Although it may sound a bit trite it is really worth visiting these.

The world famous Cheese Market

The Alkmaar Cheese Market is of course the reason why many people come to Alkmaar. Yes, it is touristy, but also truly authentic Dutch heritage. The cheese carriers in their traditional white suits, the centuries-old scales and the lively atmosphere make it a unique experience that you won’t experience anywhere else in the world. The Cheese Market takes place every Friday from April to September from 10:00-13:00 at Waagplein.

Tip for with kids: Pick up a children’s treasure hunt at the VVV – making the market even more interactive for the whole family!

The Dutch Cheese Museum

Housed in the historic Waag building, right next to the cheese market, you’ll learn all about the fascinating history of Dutch cheese making at the Dutch Cheese Museum. Surprisingly interesting and here you will learn why the Netherlands is so famous for its cheese.

The Great St. Laurens Church

The beautiful Great St. Laurens Church is also well worth a visit. Walk around it to take a good look at the architecture, but be sure to step inside as well. And on the day of the Cheese Market, you can also enjoy the Kaasmarkt Organ Concert here.

The Mill of Piet

At the edge of the center stands an authentic windmill that bears the name of Miller Cornelis Piet. You can only go inside on Open Monument Day, but a walk around it is fun to do anyway.

Canal tour

Several canals flow through the center of Alkmaar. A cruise through these canals is a very fun activity and gives you a special perspective of the city. You can also rent your own boat at several places and enjoy floating through the canals yourself. The special thing? The extremely low bridges that require passengers to duck down frequently are guaranteed to provide a lot of fun and excitement, especially for children!

Special places that most tourists miss

Alkmaar courtyards

You have to look for it, but throughout the city there are several hofjes to be found. For example, behind an inconspicuous little gate on the Ritsevoort lies the 17th-century Hofje van Splinter as an oasis of peace and quiet. From 11:00 am, this hofje is open to the public for free (provided you are quiet). From the Baangracht you arrive at the Wildemanshofje. This one you enter through a gate and brings you to a beautiful large courtyard garden where you can take beautiful pictures. There are even more courtyards in Alkmaar. Discover them during a courtyard walk.

Beatles Museum

Did you know that one of the largest Beatles collections in the world can be found in Alkmaar! And this Beatles Museum even includes other museums: The Sea Transmitter Museum about famous radio broadcasters and the history Van Audio Tot Video Museum. Very nice for music lovers who want to do something totally different from the standard tourist route. Currently, the Elvis Presley Museum can also be visited, but unfortunately it will be closed in the near future to make more room for the Beatles collection. The Elvis items are currently being auctioned off, so for true fans definitely worth a quick visit.

Walk around the historic downtown area

Don’t want to look for yourself but be guided through the streets of downtown? Download a walking tour in advance to discover the stories behind the buildings. We discovered the center of Alkmaar with the city walk from the Walk the City app. This will take you past the major sights as well as streets packed with vintage stores, concept stores and cozy terraces. Or take your own walk along the most beautiful canals, historic buildings and hidden alleys.

Where to eat in Alkmaar

Alkmaar is full of places to eat great food that go far beyond cheese! From cozy coffee shops to sophisticated restaurants. We’ve picked a few for you.

Coffee and goodies

On almost every street corner there is a place where you can have a nice cup of coffee. During our stay we sat down in the conservatory of Hofman, opposite the Grote Kerk for a cappuccino and a delicious piece of apple pie and cheesecake. On the edge of the center, besides delicious coffee, you can also have an extensive breakfast at Kaatje’s Bakery Café. But if you want to have your coffee and treats in a really special place, you should definitely go to Sweet & Antiques. A very cute little store in the old town of Alkmaar, where you can buy delicious sweets. And in the back and above the store you can also sit in the alcoves or at the tables to enjoy your treats on the spot.

Lunch and dinner

Of course, there is also no shortage of restaurants for lunch and dinner. For example Heeren van Sonoy, which is located in a former monastery, Restaurant Granville which is inspired by Canadian cuisine, Steak, where you can eat the most delicious steaks or even enjoy at the star restaurant Rue de la Plume. During our stay we dined at The Javanese Girls on Waagplein, where you can eat delicious Asian bites in a beautiful and colorful restaurant with an Asian touch.

Bistro Together

Bistro Samen is a cozy bistro that can also be found at the Waagplein, where the Cheese Market can be found on Friday mornings. Here you can sit on the terrace and overlook the square, take a seat at the unique panther bar, or inside in the cozy restaurant area with different types of seating and setups, where you sit well away from the other tables with plenty of privacy with your own company. They serve delicious Dutch dishes here with a nod to Kaasstad Alkmaar. From Boerenland bread with Alkmaar cheese, pastrami or warm ham on the bone for your lunch, to sole, cheese fondue and Beemster satay at dinner. A cozy bistro where you can take your time and feel welcome.

Drinks and nightlife in Alkmaar

Alkmaar is bursting with cozy cafes, atmospheric pubs and hip drinking spots where you can have fun until the late hours. To chat or dance along to live music.

Restobar101 is a wine bar in the old town. Here you can taste wines from all over the world with matching dishes. The wines are self-tapping and you can choose per type to just sip, half a glass or enjoy a whole glass. And on the menu they help you on your way by recommending matching wines with the dishes.

Proeflokaal De Boom – This is no ordinary pub – this is a trip back in time. Bierbrouwerij de Boom was founded in 1647 and was one of the largest breweries Alkmaar has known. In 1986, “Proeflokaal de Boom” was opened by Freddy Heineken. With more than 12 specialty beers on tap and over 100 in the bottle, from local craft breweries to Belgian classics, you can soak up the atmosphere of the pub, or take a seat on the floating terrace in the canal. And above the tasting room, you’ll also find the National Beer Museum.

On the Waagplein, where you can also find the Cheese Market, you will find Café ‘t Hartje. For more than 45 years the coziest brown café in Alkmaar where young and old enjoy each other’s company, fun music and good dancing. We could not resist ending our visit to Alkmaar in this cozy cafe. In the back of the bar the youngsters were having fun, while in the front of the bar the older people were having a nice chat or dancing to the music of the live DJ. We will definitely come back here!

Staying in Alkmaar

Hotels are also plentiful in Alkmaar. We slept at the Amrâth Hotel Alkmaar during our stay. A comfortable hotel just on the edge of the center with its own parking lot. From this hotel you can walk into the center in just under a quarter mile. For a special experience in the middle of the old city, Boutique Hotel ‘t Fnidsen is highly recommended. Authentic, cozy and perfect for a romantic weekend getaway.

Credits photos: OpstapmetLisa and Bistro Samen