"Alkmaar, The Netherlands" a Alkmaar Travel Page by penumbra

Alkmaar is north-west of Amsterdam and so is not on a main train route. However, the town is worth a stop if you would like to get pictures of the Dutch in some traditional clothing. Timing is critical though because the costumes only come out for the cheese market on Fridays (10am – noon) from April through August. There are other attractions in town worthy of a visit of course, but if you’re going to visit anyway, try to time it for the Friday morning cheese market. Your camera will be glad you did.

Head for the main street (Langestraat) in the center of town. At one end, closest to the train station is the Grote Kerk (Sint Laurenskerk). At the other end is the Waagplein with the cheese market, cheese museum and beer museum. Near the center of the street is the 16th century city hall (stadhuis). After that, enjoy the canals and the narrow streets of the old town center.