Travel Guide to Alkmaar, Netherlands

The most “cheese” city of Holland, Alkmaar is not just a huge center of cheese making, but also the most important trading center. Travelers are traditionally attracted by this city because of its trade fairs that take place in Alkmaar from April till the end of October, numerous historical sights and wide choice of excursions.

Waag-plein is considered the center of the city and all main sights of Alkmaar are gathered around it. Here you can visit the building of Scale chamber created in 1390. The building was used as a chapel until the end of the 16th century. Now it is used as the Museum of Cheese, quite an unusual and original place. All exhibits in this museum are connected with cheese making. By the way, you can try and purchase local cheese on trade fairs that are conducted in Alkmaar each Friday. Even if you don’t plan to purchase anything, it’s still recommended visiting such events as these fairs look more like theatrical performances than usual trading spots. Here you can meet street musicians, artists, craftsmen, and many souvenir outlets.

From historical point of view Cassandra square is an important destination as here is located Grotekerk church. It was built in the beginning of the 16th century. Nowadays the church attracts thousands of tourists who come to listen to the music of the church’s ancient organ. The Historical Museum and an old library are located just nearby and if you take a walk along the Langestrat street, you will reach Waag-plein, passing by a magnificent town hall building, several old houses and cozy valleys.

Other sights of Alkmaar include the National Museum of Beer, “the Beatles” Museum, Piet windmill and Alkmaaria park there stand several monuments. Both national and European cuisine can be found in multiple restaurants and taverns of this amazing city.