Major city · Netherlands
Alkmaar
Give Alkmaar one full day: Friday morning cheese market, Waag and old town on foot, then train out. Sleep one night only if you add the dunes.
Alkmaar is a compact 17th-century town 35–40 minutes by Intercity from Amsterdam, and the base for the North Holland dunes and polders. The old centre is about 1 km across and walkable in half a day. Most travellers come for the Friday cheese market (spring and summer) and leave the same evening.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep
- avoid Jul–Aug (crowds at the cheese market), Nov–Feb (cold, short days)
- Airport
- AMS
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Benelux ↗Dutch and Belgian police can ask anyone to show identification (in the Netherlands from age 14): carry the original passport or EU ID card — a photocopy is not accepted.
- Benelux ↗Tap-in fares, Dutch and Belgian domestic tickets and Luxembourg's free transport all stop at the border: buy an international ticket for cross-border legs, or you will be fined on board.
- Netherlands ↗The Netherlands is in the EU and the Schengen area; the EU Entry/Exit System applies to non-EU visitors. Check the official EU and Dutch sources for your passport.
- Netherlands ↗Red or marked bike lanes are for bikes: do not walk or stand in them, and look for cyclists before crossing.
- Netherlands ↗Amsterdam has local rules on public drinking, cannabis use in some areas and short-term rentals; check the city's current rules and book licensed accommodation.
- Netherlands ↗The Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and Keukenhof sell timed tickets online only or mostly; book before you arrive rather than queueing.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Alkmaar112 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance112
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Alkmaar, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Netherlands-wide
- SIM or eSIMKPN, Vodafone and Odido run the networks; Lebara and Lyca sell cheap prepaid SIMs in supermarkets and at Schiphol.Netherlands-wide
- Tap waterTap water is among the best in Europe; restaurants may charge for it, so ask.Netherlands-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10% for good service; tell the server the total when paying by card.Netherlands-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Netherlands-wide
- SafetyAlkmaar is a low-risk Dutch city; the real issues are bikes on the pavement, uneven brick streets and pickpockets in the Friday market crowd.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsStations charge about €0.70–1 (≈ US$1–2); cafés expect you to buy something; free urinals (and a few public toilets) in city centres.Netherlands-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police, fire, ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMost museums open daily; shops open on Sunday afternoon in cities but close early in villages.Netherlands-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckAMS Amsterdam Schiphol (Train to Amsterdam-Sloterdijk, then Intercity to Alkmaar; about 1 h 10 min total (check)).
- Getting aroundWalk.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€2.50–4 (≈ US$3–5)
- Street or quick mealCheese sandwich or broodje€4–8 (≈ US$5–10)
- Beercafé / supermarket€4–6 (≈ US$5–7)€1–2 (≈ US$2–3)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Stedelijk Museum, Cheese Museum)Stedelijk Museum adults €12; family ticket €16.€12–16 (≈ US$14–19)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€30 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per room€130 (≈ US$160)
- High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per room€250 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €60 (≈ US$70) · Mid €110 (≈ US$130) · High €190 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- AMS Amsterdam Schiphol (Train to Amsterdam-Sloterdijk, then Intercity to Alkmaar; about 1 h 10 min total (check))
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Feb
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
Best
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jul
Avoid
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Aug
Avoid
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Sep
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)), coolest Jan (1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C) low), wettest Jan (12 rain days), driest Apr (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Alkmaar: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
12 rd
Feb
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
9 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
11 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
8 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
Jun
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Jul
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
9 rd
Aug
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
10 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
10 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk. The old city is about 1 km east–west and everything inside the moat is on foot. Buses from the station serve the coast villages; rent a bike at Fietspoint Stoop beside the station for the dunes and polders.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Bergen and Bergen aan Zee
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Bus 166 from Alkmaar station, about 20–30 min
Dune village plus a beach; pair with the Schoorlse Duinen on a bike.
Schoorlse Duinen
goDoor to door: About 45–60 min
Bus toward Schoorl, then walk or bike into the reserve
Forested dunes and the highest dunes in the province; go early, bring water.
Broek op Langedijk
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Bus 169 from Alkmaar station
Broeker Veiling, the old auction house on the water.
Hoorn
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Train toward Hoorn, about 30 min
Another historic harbour town; easy half-day add-on.
Enkhuizen
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Train via Hoorn, about 1 h
Zuiderzee Museum; a full day if you include the outdoor museum.
Castricum
cautionDoor to door: About 40 min
Train south, about 25 min
Station village with dune access; only worth it if you want the beach reserve.
Schagen
cautionDoor to door: About 40 min
Train north, about 25 min
Market town; combine with the West Frisian polders.
Den Helder
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Train north, about 45 min
Naval port and ferry to Texel; a long half-day.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Old city west (near the station)
Closest to the station and the shops; 5–10 min walk over the Bergerbrug into the centre.
Waagplein and Langestraat
The market square and main street; noisier on Friday mornings in season.
Station and Noorderarcade
Cheaper chain hotels and a shopping centre; 10–15 min walk to the old town.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–90 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–150 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- €150 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel double room1 × 1 night × €130 | €130 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €110 | €220 |
| Train Amsterdam–Alkmaar, one way2 × €10 · check | €20 |
| Bike rental, one day2 × €12 · check | €24 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €10 | €20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €41 |
| Trip total≈ €228 per person per day, bed included | €455≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in euros; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €2.50–4 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Cheese sandwich or broodje | €4–8 (≈ US$5–10) |
| Museum entry (Stedelijk Museum, Cheese Museum)Stedelijk Museum adults €12; family ticket €16. | €12–16 (≈ US$14–19) |
| Beer: café / supermarket | €4–6 (≈ US$5–7) / €1–2 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Train Alkmaar–Amsterdam, one waycheck | €10–12 (≈ US$12–14) |
| Bike rental, one daycheck | €10–15 (≈ US$12–18) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The cheese market runs Friday mornings only, spring and summer, roughly 10:00–12:30; outside that window Waagplein is an ordinary square.The cheese market runs Friday mornings only, spring and summer, roughly 10:00 AM–12:30 PM; outside that window Waagplein is an ordinary square.
- Some old-town streets are brick and uneven; watch cyclists, who have priority.
- Many small museums and shops close on Mondays; check before you plan a Monday visit.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 112
Pocket card
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AlkmaarAlkmaar
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
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Naar dit adres, alstublieftTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance112
Embassy
No embassy in Alkmaar; embassies are in The Hague and consulates in Amsterdam.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Train Alkmaar → Amsterdam Centraal: about €10–12 (≈ US$12–14), 35–40 min (check)
- Bus Alkmaar station → Bergen aan Zee: about €4–6 (≈ US$5–7), 30 min (check)
- Bike rental, one day: €10–15 (≈ US$12–18) (check)
Say or show
- Hallo — Hello (HAH-loh)
- Dank je — Thank you (dahnk yuh)
- Pardon — Excuse me (par-DON)
- Hoeveel kost het? — How much is it? (hoo-VAYL kost hut)
- Kan ik met kaart betalen? — Can I pay by card? (kan ik met kahrt buh-TAH-lun)
- Waar is het station? — Where is the station? (vahr is hut stah-SHON)
Cheese market Fridays only, spring and summer; check the official visit site before you travel.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Alkmaar. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep · avoid Jul–Aug (crowds at the cheese market), Nov–Feb (cold, short days) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 8 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for AMS: last Intercity departures field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters inside the moat: station and Bergerbrug, Laurenskerk and Canadaplein, Langestraat and Waagplein, the moat and De Molen van Piet.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Waag and Cheese Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Sint Laurenskerk) and eat pages with last orders.
- Cheese-market Friday fixture so the day plan can go green or redirect to Hoorn.
Sources
- officialVisit Alkmaar (official tourism)
- officialMunicipality of Alkmaar
- officialNS (Dutch Railways)
- secondaryWikivoyage: Alkmaar, revision 5333697 (CC BY-SA 4.0)