Alkmaar

Alkmaar is known for its charming city center, historic buildings, beautiful canals, and cheese market. Visitors can take a canal tour, visit the Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar, explore the Grote Kerk (Great Church), and of course, watch the famous cheese market.

The cheese market in Alkmaar is held every Friday from April to September, between 10 am and 1 pm at the Waagplein. It is a popular tourist attraction and a great opportunity to see how cheese has been traded for centuries.

Apart from the cheese market, tourists should visit the beautiful Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar which showcases paintings, sculptures, and artifacts from the past 400 years. The Grote Kerk is also a must-see, with its impressive architecture and stained glass windows. And of course, a walk through the charming city center and canals is a must-do for any visitor.

The best way to get around Alkmaar is by foot, as the city center is compact and easy to navigate. However, visitors can also rent bicycles or take a public bus to explore further out.

Alkmaar has a wide variety of restaurants and cafes, serving traditional Dutch cuisine as well as international flavors. The Waagplein in the city center is a popular spot for outdoor dining and people-watching. Be sure to try some of the local cheeses and seafood dishes while in Alkmaar.