How to Plan Your Small Group Alkmaar Cheese Market and City Tour

If you’re heading to Alkmaar and interested in learning about Dutch culture and history through its cheese markets, then the Small Group Alkmaar Cheese Market and City Tour is the perfect experience for you. In this 2.5-hour walking tour, you’ll visit the traditional Cheese Market, wander through Alkmaar’s medieval center and along its pretty cobbled streets, and learn about the history of the cheese market with an English-speaking guide. Read on to learn more about this tour and how to plan your visit.

Experience

The Small Group Alkmaar Cheese Market and City Tour is an excellent way to discover the Dutch life and culture. This guided walking tour has a lot of experience to offer to every traveler. You will not only discover the history of Holland’s cheese trading industry but also get a glance at the picturesque city of Alkmaar.

Highlights

The highlights of this tour include:

• Visiting the oldest cheese market in the Netherlands
• Learning about the history of the Cheese Market with your English-speaking tour guide
• Tasting a variety of Dutch cheeses
• Walking through the medieval city center and enjoying the beautiful buildings and picturesque canals

Full Description

The tour begins at the Alkmaar train station where you will meet your tour guide. From there, you will head to the Cheese Market where you will watch the traditional way of trading cheese that dates back centuries. Your guide will explain the history of the market and what is happening right in front of your eyes. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the market as vendors haggle and trade cheese.

You’ll have ample time to explore the market which lasts approximately 45 minutes. During this time, you can try a variety of Dutch cheeses and purchase some of your favorites to take home with you.

After your time at the Cheese Market, your tour continues into the medieval center of Alkmaar. You’ll wander through the city’s narrow streets and canals, catching glimpses of the picturesque buildings that sit along them. Your tour guide will explain the history of the area as you go along.

Keep in mind that there is a lot of walking involved in this tour, so it’s best to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. The tour runs for a total of 2.5 hours.

Booking the Tour

You can book the Small Group Alkmaar Cheese Market and City Tour through GetYourGuide.com. The tour is available at various times throughout the week, and tickets cost €19 per person. Book the tour here: book the tour here.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the Dutch culture and history, then the Small Group Alkmaar Cheese Market and City Tour is an excellent choice. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’ll learn all about the history of the Cheese Market and explore the beautiful medieval center of Alkmaar. Book your tickets today and get ready for a fun and informative tour.

Exploring Alkmaar: Your Top FAQs Answered

As a city with a rich history, picturesque canals, and a vibrant culture, Alkmaar is a beloved destination among Dutch locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re planning a trip to this charming North Holland city or just curious about what it has to offer, this blog post seeks to answer the most frequently asked questions about Alkmaar.

What is Alkmaar known for?

One of the biggest draws of Alkmaar is its weekly Cheese Market, which takes place every Friday from late March to September. Visitors flock to the Waagplein to watch as cheese carriers (known as kaasdragers) transport large rounds of cheese, and attend extended hours museums to learn about the history of local Dutch cheese. In addition to its cheese, Alkmaar is surrounded by beautiful windmills, tulip fields, and historic landmarks such as the Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk, a medieval church.

When is the best time to visit Alkmaar?

The best time to visit Alkmaar can depend on what you’re looking to experience. If you’re interested in attending the Cheese Market, it’s best to visit during the summer months when it’s open. The tulip fields around Alkmaar are also in bloom in the spring, making this another picturesque time to visit. However, if you’re looking to avoid crowds and save some money, consider a winter visit. While the Cheese Market may be closed, there are holiday markets and winter festivities to enjoy, plus off-season deals on accommodations.

What are some popular attractions in Alkmaar?

In addition to the Cheese Market, some of the most popular attractions in Alkmaar include:

The Beatles Museum

Fans of the Fab Four won’t want to miss the Beatles Museum, which features over 15,000 items of Beatles memorabilia, lectures, and guided tours.

Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar

This museum showcases over 400 years of art and cultural history from Alkmaar and the surrounding area.

De Molen van Piet

A working windmill that gives visitors a glimpse into the traditional Dutch way of life, with regular tours and demonstrations of how it operates.

Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk

A stunning Gothic church that dates back to the 15th century and is known for its impressive pipe organ.

How do I get around in Alkmaar?

Like most cities in the Netherlands, Alkmaar is very bike-friendly. You can rent bicycles inexpensively from various locations throughout the city, or you can use the city’s public transportation system, which includes buses and trains. If you’re planning on staying in Alkmaar for more than a few days, consider purchasing a transportation pass, such as the Amsterdam Region Travel Ticket, which allows for unlimited travel on public transportation in the region.

What are some traditional Dutch foods to try in Alkmaar?

Of course, no trip to the Netherlands would be complete without indulging in some traditional Dutch foods. Some regional specialties to try in Alkmaar include:

Kaas

As previously mentioned, Alkmaar is famous for its cheese, so be sure to try some Gouda or Edam while you’re here!

Haring

Haring, or raw herring, is a popular street food in the Netherlands. If you’re feeling adventurous, give it a try!

Poffertjes

These mini pancakes topped with butter and powdered sugar are a sweet treat perfect for snacking on while exploring the city.

Stroopwafels

Two thin waffles sandwiched together with sticky syrup in the middle, stroopwafels are a beloved Dutch dessert.

What are some budget-friendly things to do in Alkmaar?

While some attractions in Alkmaar can be pricey, there are plenty of budget-friendly options for travelers. Some ideas include:

Explore the Historic City Center on Foot

There are plenty of charming streets, architecture, and scenic canals to enjoy in Alkmaar’s city center, all free to explore.

Bike Through the Countryside

Rent a bike and head out of the city to fully appreciate the Dutch countryside and its famous windmills.

Visit the Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar

As previously mentioned, this museum offers over 400 years of art and cultural history for a very reasonable entrance fee.

Take a Canal Cruise

For a low price, you can take a guided boat ride through Alkmaar’s canals and see the city from a different perspective.

Wrap Up

While this blog post only scratches the surface of all that Alkmaar has to offer, we hope it answered some of your top questions about the city. From its Cheese Market and traditional Dutch foods to its iconic windmills and picturesque canals, there’s something for everyone in this charming North Holland city.