What is Alkmaar Like? An Insider’s Guide to the Dutch City

Alkmaar is one of the Netherlands’ most popular cities, with its charming canals, beautiful historic spots, and cozy squares. It’s also known for being an important part of Dutch cheese-making history. All these factors make Alkmaar an ideal destination to visit, especially if you’re looking for a memorable European city trip. But what exactly is Alkmaar like?In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Dutch city of Alkmaar. We’ll cover the city’s history, what there is to do and see in Alkmaar, how to get around there, and more. Let’s dive in!

About Alkmaar

Alkmaar is a city located in North Holland Province, in the north of the Netherlands. It has a population of about 104,000 people and sits on a beautiful broad riverbank. Alkmaar’s diverse history means it has lots of interesting sights to explore, from medieval structures to contemporary architecture and more. This makes it the perfect location for a city break in the Netherlands.

History of Alkmaar

Alkmaar has a long and eventful past. It was first mentioned by a charter in 1254 as “Alkmar” — but it likely existed long before then. It was part of the West Frisian Empire until it was officially recognized as part of Holland in 1384. The area grew to become an important trading center, with a harbor that became an entry point for goods from Belgium and Germany. It was an independent jurisdiction within the Holland province up until 1799 when it officially became part of North Holland. Alkmaar was later made the capital of Noorderkwartier, but this was changed back to Amsterdam in 1815. Alkmaar is also famous for its cheese and cheese markets that began in the 16th century. It was a major trading center for cheese, herrings, and beer — all of which are still popular today!

Getting Around Alkmaar

Getting around Alkmaar is relatively easy: you have several options. You can take a bus run by Arriva city buses, or you can rent a bike and cycle around. Other options include train and boat transport. The city is easily explored on foot as well, so walking is a great way to get acquainted with your surroundings.

What To See In Alkmaar

Alkmaar has plenty to offer visitors. Whether you’re visiting for one day or a weekend, there’s something for everyone here. Check out some of our top picks for things to see in Alkmaar:

Cheese Market In Alkmaar

Alkmaar is still known for its cheese — it’s been a major part of its economy since the 16th century! You can visit the historic cheese market at Waagplein every Friday morning between 10:00am and 12:30pm. A local auctioneer sells the cheeses among chants ringing out from spectators — an experience not to be missed!

St. Lawrence Church

The St. Lawrence Church (Lawrence or Lauwerkerk) is a Gothic church making waves on social media due to its stunning architecture. Inside its walls is a magnificent 300-year-old organ that has 24 pairs of bellows and over 7,000 pipes. It even has its own bell tower!

The Netherlands Water Museum

Located at the canal harbor of Alkmaar, The Netherlands Water Museum offers visitors a fascinating insight into the history of Dutch shipping and water management. From how Dutch dykes are made to boat-building demonstrations, this museum is ideal for anybody who wants to immerse themselves in Dutch history and culture.

Activities In Alkmaar

Besides offering cultural sites and activities, Alkmaar also has plenty of recreational activities to enjoy. • Visit the weekly Friday Cheese Market (Waagplein). • Follow one of the many walking routes around Alkmar to discover hidden gems. • Explore Holland’s waterways on board a boat tour. • Rent a bike and take it on one of the bicycle trails through breathtaking natural landscapes. • Rent a kayak to float along the canals or explore deeper waters outside of town. • Enjoy the many open spaces in Alkmaar such as De Heifontein Park and Afsluitdijk ParkAll these activities provide the perfect way to experience all that this Dutch city has to offer.

Nightlife In Alkmaar

Alkmaar’s nightlife scene is vibrant and lively — with plenty of pubs, bars, and clubs serving up cool drinks and tasty dishes until late at night. There are also some great night cruises on offer around the many canals of Alkmaar and live music gigs by local and international performers at venues like Concertgebouw and Nieuwe Veste — so there’s always something happening! If you’re looking for something more relaxed and low-key, Alkmaar has several candlelit bars and jazz clubs that are perfect for chilling out with friends while enjoying some smooth tunes.

Conclusion

Overall, there are a lot of things to do and see in Alkmaar — making it the perfect destination for an unforgettable vacation experience. From its world-famous cheese market to its cultural center, concerts, and modern nightlife offerings — there’s something new and exciting every day in this charming Dutch city! So if you’re thinking about visiting Alkmaar soon, you won’t regret it!