Alkmaar

Although Alkmaar is and continues to be a Dutch cheese city, the title covers only part of what is has to offer. For years the city has been entitled to call itself one of the best shopping cities in the Netherlands. As you wander through the streets with their impressive monuments you will be amazed at the beauty of the old town. This beautiful city is just fifteen minutes from the beach.

Shopping, enjoying a drink or visiting a museum?

The number of stores has been increased. This makes shopping particularly enjoyable, as many unique stores are now housed in the historic buildings that line the narrow streets. Fine dining is available on of the many terraces or in the restaurants. Everything is on offer, from Japanese to French cuisine and from pub grub to luxury restaurants. Food for the soul found can be found in the theatre, the pop stage, the cinema or one of the museums. Alkmaar is home to the Dutch Cheese Museum, the Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar, the de Boom Beer Museum and the Beatles Museum. See a totally different side to the city on a canal cruise.

Walk among the monuments

Over 1000 monuments give the city its colour. Allow yourself be seduced into taking the city walk. The route is available from the tourist office in the Waaggebouw. Enjoy a one-and-a-half-hour trip along the most beautiful places. A fun treasure trail through the city is available for children and there is even a smart phone route (also for Ipad and other mobile devices).

Cheese Market

Every Friday morning, from early April to early September, there is a cheese market. The cheese bearers can be seen working in Waagplein (Weighing Square) from 10:00 to 12:30. This colourful, world-famous spectacle is inextricably linked with the city.