City Alkmaar
There is already plenty to do in the province of Noord-Holland. Still, vivid Alkmaar, situated in the heart of the province, is bound to surprise you. It is the town of canals, monuments, courtyards and the famous cheese market. But also the town of dozens of terraces and cosy little shops in the old town centre.
Cheese
Yes, it is a famous attraction that draws visitors from all over the world. But then, what is more Dutch than cheese carriers moving stretchers containing 160 kilos of cheese? From April to September you can visit the cheese market on the Waagplein every Friday. Haven't you seen enough cheese? Then get the free of charge cheese route from the tourist information centre (VVV).
Address: Waagplein
Shopping
Feel like shopping? Then ‘d’Oude Stad’ (the old town centre) is the place to go. It consists of streets like the Fnidsen, the Hekelstraat and the Mient. These have been forming the shops and handicrafts centre of the town since the 19th century. Here you can find all the special shops and enterprises.
The Young & Old
A good way to get to know Alkmaar is observing it from the water. For a guided tour, just select one of the many excursion boats that depart from the Mient every hour. But you can also rent a boat yourself. Don't forget to order an ice-cream from the water at IJssalon De Mient (ice-cream parlour), using the special ice-cream bell.
Address: Mient 20
Courtyards
Get carried back in time in the concealed Alkmaar courtyards, such as the hofje van Splinter (1646) or the Wildemanshofje (1714). These historical courtyard garden, surrounded by old dwellings, are a true resting point from the hustle and bustle of the town centre.
Gastronomy
Talking about courtyards... also the Hof van Sonoy is a genuine piece of history. This former monastery is an official listed building that is partly used by restaurant De Heeren van Sonoy. The different rooms are decorated homely and comfortably - with a wink to their rich history.
Address: Hof of Sonoy 1
Special
At Stadsstrand (City Beach) De Kade you can enjoy the sun with your bare feet in the sand, having a delicious cool drink or a tasty snack. The rippling water of the Noord-Hollandskanaal on one side and the historical Ringersgebouw and the town centre on the other side.
Address: Noorderkade 1027
Made possible by contribution of: Alkmaar Marketing – Alkmaar Prachtstad (Marvellous town)
