Things to do & places to visit in Alkmaar, North Holland Province, The Netherlands

Alkmaar city in , North Holland Province, The Netherlands. Timezone: Europe/Amsterdam, current date and time: Thursday, May 16, 2024, 4:50.

Alkmaar Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

58°F - 49°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Moderately chilly and breezy

Feels like

23%

Chance of rain

70.0 millimeters

Amount

16.2 mph

Wind speed

76%

Humidity

15.7

Daylight length

5:45 AM

Sunrise

9:29 PM

Sunset

47%

Cloud cover

Sweater

What to wear

Top things to do (21)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Waag, Gebouw En Toren (1582) (5 reviews)
- Symbol of victory and strength after Spanish defeat
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Roman Catholic buildings were taken over after Protestants took power in Alkmaar in 1573. Spanish troops were forced to give up the siege of the city. The chapel of the former Holy Spirit hospice was renovated to become Waag (place to weigh goods) and depot of crucial supplies and goods. The renovation was completed in 1583. Particularly the richly decorated facade at the eastside of the building shows the pride of the victorious citizens of the city. As the saying still goes "Bij Alkmaar begint de victorie" (At Alkmaar victory starts). 1573 indeed proved to be a turning point in the war against Spanish rule. The renovation of major buildings and fortification of the city during the ten years after the Spanish siege contributed to the strength of the city. Spanish troops never took the city back. See more..
4.5 Grote Sint Laurenskerk (253 reviews)
- An old Church along side Canal in Alkmaar
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is a hidden gem amongst canal, boat rides and Cheese Museum. Very Antique (500 years plus) church. Excellent Architecture, with Gothic Arches and Stained glass windows. Still with regular masses at specific times (English and Dutch) for local and visiting Christians. Many tourists do not know it and stop with Kass Museum and this is right beneath. See more..
4.5 Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar (229 reviews)
- Outstanding! PIcasso in Holland
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums • History Museums

Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar, which opened in 1875, is one of the oldest museums in the Netherlands. The museum manages the Alkmaar City Council collection, with more than 12,000 objects. The collection of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century paintings is outstanding, with masterpieces of national significance. The museum is also known for its large collection of Bergen School works. Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar is the city of Alkmaar’s memory and the starting point for anyone who wants to experience and discover the history and art of Alkmaar and the surrounding area. This is presented in a topical and personal way in changing and interactive exhibitions for young and old. See more..
4.5 Alkmaar City Hall (76 reviews)
- Architecture is beyond imagination
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Government Buildings

It must date back to 1800s as the Architecture is unique and combines both Dutch (City Hall) combined with Gothic arches and towers (as in Churches). Could not go in due to renovation work, but can go around to appreciate the period of the building and it’s intricate components. See more..
4.5 Accijnstoren van Alkmaar uit 1622 (30 reviews)
- Makes a nice picture
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

The "Accijnstoren" (Accijns = tax, excise) is where merchants, in the old days, paid their taxes on goods brought into a city, in this case by ship. All goods had to be offloaded at this point. Towers like this were once very prevalent. This one dates back to 1622. It's interesting that the whole tower was moved 12 feet (4 meters) in 1924 to widen the street it's on (Bierkade). It really makes a nice picture. You can go inside. We didn't though. See more..
4.5 Kaeskoppenstad (23 reviews)
- Special experience in september every year
Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas • Scenic Walking Areas

This part of the city of Alkmaar is transformed into the old Alkmaar of the middle ages. Highly recommended for a visit! See more..
4.5 Alkmaarderhout en Westerhout (18 reviews)
- Alkmaarder Hout;a Public Park dating from 1607-1900
Spent 1-2 hours Parks

Alkmaarder Hout offers large mature beech and oak trees around a dear-enclosure and aviary.The first trees were planted in 1607 and were replaced over the centuries.L.A Springer designed the current park between the old centre of Alkmaar and the woodland"Bos van Heiloo".Both the Alkmaar cemetery and the MCA Alkmaar Hospital are situated inside the large park causing a considerable amount of visitors.Ienjoyed the first crocusses of spring in february. See more..
4.5 Wildemanshofje (16 reviews)
- 300+ year old great hidden gem of peaceful garden enclosed by houses around it
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Monuments & Statues

This is a true hidden gem. It is a court yard enclosed by small houses around it in a rectangular form. During visiting hours the yard is accessible for the public. You enter it through a decorative gate. Worth your visit. See more..
4.5 de Bibliotheek Kennemerwaard Locatie Alkmaar Centrum (12 reviews)
- additional information about the city
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Libraries

Before the opening of the library, there was a program in the morning, so we intended to come back in the afternoon. It's a quiet and a cool place to pass the time with more information about the city, Since my husband was interested on something, I wandered around while i waited. We were also coming from another interesting spot to complete the visit. There was a nice cafe to relax before going home. See more..
4.5 Korenmolen 't Roode Hert (11 reviews)
- Lovely welcome at the windmolen ‘t rode hert
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

This lovely windmill is open to the public for tours, a nice cup of organic tea or coffee, and tasty cakes. The welcome is warm and friendly. In the shop you can buy freshly milled organic flours, herbs and spices and other delicious products! See more..
4.5 Hortus Alkmaar (8 reviews)
- A must for all plant lovers
Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

Lovely plants and well laid out, not too neat in places, which gives a true wild experience. A clever idea is showing which plants grow in the different ground sorts in the area. Very interesting and educational too. See more..
4.5 Regionaal Archief Alkmaar (8 reviews)
- Interesting place!
Spent < 1 hour History Museums

Historical archive of the city of Alkmaar and several other towns in the province of North Holland. Also has a small free exhibit about the history of Alkmaar en other town in the region. Open from tuesday until friday, 9.00 - 17.00 hours. See more..
4.5 TIP Alkmaar (3 reviews)
- tourist information point (TIP) Alkmaar
Thursday: 9:30 AM - 9:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

This Tourist Information Point is not connected to the official tourist information association (VVV) with an office in the cheese museum of Alkmaar. Both are helping tourist explore Alkmaar. TIP is a commercial organization connected to a local hotel. The shop is relatively small, but has good information to start exploring Alkmaar. There is even a public toilet on site. Good initiative! See more..
4.0 Cheese Market (764 reviews)
- Great fun
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Flea & Street Markets

If you are visiting Alkmaar on a Friday over the summer, you will inevitably end up at the cheese market where men in traditional costumes inspect the large wheels of gouda, then carry them on barrows to be weighed. Yes it's touristy, but it's also great fun and interesting to watch and a marvellous way of keeping traditions alive. While the men are carrying the cheese, the girls walk up and down the crown selling bags of cheese, 10 euros for a reusable bag, a pencil case and 3 generous chunks of mild, mature and extra mature gouda, significantly cheaper than the nearby cheese van. Even in September the crowds were 3-4 people deep, but they rotate quickly as people move on. Around the market are plenty of stalls selling souvenirs and traditional Dutch snacks and don't forget to explore the rest of this pretty town. See more..
4.0 Dutch Cheese Museum (241 reviews)
- An instructive visit
Speciality Museums

On the 6th of March 2014 the Dutch King Willem-Alexander reopened the redesigned Dutch Cheese Museum. The museum received its millionth visitor since 1983, in 2013, marking the start of the complete redesign. In 2014, the story continues 'From Cow to Cheese ' intact, but in a new setting, in the beautiful Weigh House. Both regional day visitors, tourists and children on a schooltrip experience the world of cheese through historical objects, interactive games and audio-visual stories. A great experience for young and old! Follow the Dutch Cheese Museum on Facebook, but above all bring a visit to this friendly museum in Alkmaar. See more..
4.0 Beatles Museum (114 reviews)
- Beatles museum liverpool
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

The largest Beatles museum in the world. You get to see the biggest Beatles collection collected by one person. With merchandise, LPs original clothes and gold albums. There is also a museum shop where your can score nice Beatles items. And we have a coffee corner where you can recover from the huge collection with a cup of coffee or tea. See more..
4.0 Nationaal Biermuseum De Boom (97 reviews)
- Be Careful: You might like this place a little too much..
Speciality Museums

In the middleages the water in the city wasn't good enough for drinking. So the started brewing beer. De Boom (Dutch for the tree) was one of these breweries in the middle of the anciënniteit town. In the museum You can see how beer was made in these days. Very interesting. The surprise you'll find in the cellar (entance is near the waterside). A very old pub with a a lot of draught beers and almost 100 different kinds on the bottle. A real place to be for those who love a good glass of beer. In summer there's a boat in the kanal. Sitvthe in the Sun and enjoy the good life. But be careful: most beers are strenger than you're used to. Tip: take a cab back to the hotel... See more..
4.0 AFAS Stadium (77 reviews)
- Worth a visit
Arenas & Stadiums

I travelled from Amsterdam central to Alkmaar via train for a AZ vs Venlo match. After getting off the train we headed to the opposite side of the train tracks from the bus station to catch the free shuttle bus to the ground, which took around 10 minutes. It feels like a new, tidy stadium, with friendly fans and staff. We had to load money onto a prepay card to purchase drinks, which you can take back to your seat, unlike the UK. After the match we caught the shuttle bus back from the exact location it dropped us off. Well worth a visit if your in the area. See more..
4.0 Molen van Groot (Piet) (63 reviews)
- Yes - it’s a windmill in Holland.
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

Like everyone else who visits the lovely city of Alkmaar, I dutifully walked to the Molen Van Groot and took a photo. And that’s about it really. See more..
4.0 De Hoornse Vaart (43 reviews)
- Nice day for the kids
Sports Complexes

I live in this city and when i saw there where no pictures i decided to write a review. I come here alot as a babysitter with 3 kids, ages 3, 5, and 10. I think its a nice place for kids from 14/16 and under. They have 5 Pools inside, 2 for small kids and 3 for older kids and adults (1 with a slide and 2 big pools with dive planks) They also have 1 outside pool with slide, and a grass field to lay down. Its a verry clean place and you can also buy snacks, healthy food and drinks at a small food corner. Its nice to go here the price is 4,50 for adults and 3,40 for kids. See more..
4.0 Kissing Cheesegirl (37 reviews)
- The Kissing Girl..
Spent < 1 hour Monuments & Statues

This bronze statue of a Dutch Cheesegirl is a gift from CONO Kaasmakers, renowned for making Beemstercheese, and designed by Gerard Velzeboer and created by Fabio Pravisani. Local 'cheesegirl' Denise van Dort modelled for the statue and gave her her first kiss on the reveal in july 2016. See more..
4.0 Hof Van Sonoy (37 reviews)
- Nice place for a cup of coffee.
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Religious Sites

The court predates 1572 and was a monastery. In that year it housed townspeople made homeless due construction of new city defenses against the Spanish. Later it was used as home for the elderly. It currently houses a restaurant with the same name. Anyway, we sat outside in the court yard and had a cup of coffee, while admiring the looks of this obviously very old place. It's surprisingly quiet for its location in the heart of the old city. See more..
4.0 Het Huis Met De Kogel Uit 1557 (34 reviews)
- Nice
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

Oldest house in Alkmaar. Very nice and unique. Must see! Make sure you take a picture and read about the history. See more..
4.0 de Visbanken of Vismarkt uit 1755 (28 reviews)
- Nice place in the city of Alkmaar
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

This place is so special because of the many terrace in the surrounding. The original place where the fish was sold. See more..
4.0 Taqa Theater De Vest (24 reviews)
- renovated TAQA Theater De Vest is worth your visit
Thursday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Theaters

Some three years ago the theatre in te center of Alkmaar with the name 'De Vest' was totally renovated and modernized. It came out looking great. The theatre now bears the name 'TAQA Theater De Vest'. The location next to the big church is super. It is in walking distance of parking garages, a free bicycle parking (underground) in front of the building and also in walking distance of the train station. The programming is very diverse. It is a pity that they have quite a summer stop (as do most theatres) in which the building is not used to its fullest potential. We will go to this theatre again. See more..
4.0 Kapelkerk (13 reviews)
- nice little church, rebuilt after been burnt down
Thursday: Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

This church cannot stand in the shadow of the big church in the very center of Alkmaar, but it is a nice church to visit. The inside is very white, with very little stained glass windows (only part of the bigger windows is decorated). Interior decoration is all done very low key. The outside is simple, straight lines. Interesting is the white layering in the bricks of the building. See more..
4.0 De Meent (12 reviews)
- Iceskatinglovers go there
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 7:45 PM - 10:30 PM Sports Complexes

For an iceskatinglover it is a nice place to be. We go there at least once a week, me playing bambi on ice every time, my husband Sven Kramer jr. ;) After the reconstruction it will be great! See more..
4.0 Sportpaleis Alkmaar (3 reviews)
- Baanwielrennen
Sports Complexes

Heerlijke baan om op te fietsen, zeer gebruiksvriendelijke sporthal. Voorzieningen zijn ook goed geregeld.
Heerlijke baan om op te fietsen, zeer gebruiksvriendelijke sporthal. Voorzieningen zijn ook goed geregeld. See more..
4.0 Zwembad De Hout (2 reviews)
- Ontspannen zwemmen
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Sports Complexes

Fijne plek om met je gezin ontspannen te zwemmen. Niet te groot, niet te druk. Parkeren wil wel eens lastig zijn. Beter dan de Hoornse Vaart. See more..
3.5 Flamingo casino (7 reviews)
- casino that joined in the new Vue Cinema building
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 AM Spent 1-2 hours Casinos
Modern casino. Complimentary food and drinks for playing guests. Located in the same building as the Vue Cinema, modern/new. See more..