Small Group Alkmaar Cheese Market and City Tour *English*
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Visit the famous Alkmaar Cheese Market and the historic city of Alkmaar in this 2.5 hour small group walking tour. Stand on the cobbled square of the beautiful Weighing House (Waag) and watch as thousands of kilograms of cheese are traded as it was centuries ago! Learn all about the history of the Cheese Market, the Weighing House, the Cheese Carriers Guild and other interesting facts in a relaxed and fun way. You will even have a chance to sample some delicious Dutch cheese from a local farmer. You will be at the cheese market for approximately 1.5 hours which is plenty of time to see everything cheese!
Once you have had your fill of the cheese market, your expert Canadian guide will take you through Alkmaar's beautiful historic, medieval centre.
A tour not to be missed!
Available options
Friday Alkmaar Cheese Market
What's included
English speaking tour by a native speaker
Local guide: a Canadian living in Alkmaar
Detailed itinerary
1
Visit Alkmaar's traditional Cheese Market - the oldest in the Netherlands! In this 2.5 hour small group walking tour, you will learn all about Alkmaar's most well known attraction: the Cheese Market! You will also wander through Alkmaar's medieval centre and along pretty cobbled streets and picturesque canals.
What to Expect on a Tour:
• Visit the Alkmaar Cheese Market and watch the traditional way of trading cheese as it was centuries ago. You will watch the cheese being sold and then carried by the Cheese Carriers in a centuries old tradition. We will spend approximately 1.5 hours at the Cheese Market which is ample time to see everything.
• Learn all about the history of the Cheese Market, the Weigh House and get a full description of what is happening in front of you!
• Have the opportunity to try a variety of Dutch cheese and even buy some to take home (extra)
• Walk through the cobbled streets of Alkmaar and along its picturesque canals
• See some of Alkmaar's most famous buildings such as the Grote Sint Laurenskerk (Great St Lawrence Church), the Stadhuis (City Hall) and the Waag (the Weigh House)
• Get an insight into Dutch culture and way of life through the eyes of a foreigner (Canadian) living in Alkmaar
• Learn about the history of Alkmaar and why 'Victory Begins at Alkmaar!'
Small group tours mean you get a more personalised experience - no following umbrellas or having to listen to your guide via a headset!
Meeting Point:
• Friday Cheese Market and City Tours will depart from outside the Alkmaar Train Station at 9am (to the left of the stairs)
2
We pass the Grote Sint Laurenskerk on our way to the Cheese Market. Learn about the history of the church and its significance.
3
We pass by the beautiful City Hall on our way to the Cheese Market.
4
Get a uique insight into the Cheese Market and the Cheese Carriers Guild as we watch the wheels of cheese being traded, carried and weighed as it was centuries ago!
What's not included
Transportation to/from Alkmaar
Any purchases
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
11 reviews
5★
11
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Tripadvisor
5.0
38 reviews
5★
38
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult and must be able to walk several kilometers and stand for long periods of time
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Dogs (except service animals) are not permitted
Due to large crowds, children in strollers/pushchairs might not be able to see the market properly
This tour involves a lot of walking and standing still for long periods of time
Meeting point
Alkmaar Cheese Market Tours will depart from outside of the main entrance to the Alkmaar Train Station. Please follow the signs in the station hall to the 'centrum' and your guide will be standing at the bottom of the stairs on the street side with an 'Alkmaar Tours' sign.
Important notes
• The Cheese Market and City Tours involve being on your feet (standing/walking) for 2.5 hours.
• Please note that the Tuesday and Friday Alkmaar Cheese Market Tour have different meeting points. The Friday Tour departs from outside the main entrance to the Alkmaar Train Station and the Tuesday Tour departs from near the entrance to the Grote Kerk in Alkmaar's centre. Please see the 'Meeting Point' section for further details.
• Please dress appropriately for the tour. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as well as appropriate rain gear (as needed).
• All tours depart at the time stated on your voucher. If you will be late for a tour, you must contact the guide on +31 6 11486998 by calling, iMessage or What's App prior to the start of the tour and you will be directed where you can join with the tour if possible. The guide will not answer the phone/messages once the tour has commenced. No refunds are issued if you fail to arive on time for the tour.
About Alkmaar
Alkmaar is a picturesque city in North Holland known for its historic cheese market, charming canals, and well-preserved medieval architecture. It offers a delightful blend of Dutch tradition and modern charm, making it a perfect destination for history enthusiasts and culture lovers.
Top Attractions
Alkmaar Cheese Market
A historic cheese market where vendors in traditional attire sell and weigh cheese, a tradition dating back to the 17th century.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to watch, cheese purchases vary
Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar
A museum showcasing the history and cultural heritage of Alkmaar, including art, archaeology, and historical artifacts.
Museum
1-2 hours
€10
Alkmaar Canal Ring
A picturesque network of canals that encircle the city, offering scenic views and boat tours.
Nature
1-2 hours
€10-€15 for boat tours
Must-Try Local Dishes
Stroopwafel
A thin waffle cookie filled with a sweet syrup, often served warm.
Dessert
Contains wheat and sugar
Haring
Raw herring fish, typically eaten with onions and pickles.
Lunch
Contains fish
Popular Activities
Biking
Hiking
Boat tours
Canal walks
Museum visits
Cheese tasting
Ice skating (if conditions permit)
Cheese weighing at the Alkmaar Cheese Market
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the best time to visit Alkmaar for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is vibrant with tourists and hosts various festivals.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Dutch
- Widely spoken: English, German
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Alkmaar is a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to stay vigilant and take basic precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.
Getting there
By air
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol • 35 km
By train
Alkmaar Station
By bus
Alkmaar Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus network in Alkmaar is extensive and connects all major attractions and neighborhoods.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, TaxiApp
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
City Center
Oudorp
Day trips
Amsterdam
35 km • Full day
The capital of the Netherlands offers a wealth of cultural attractions, including museums, historic sites, and vibrant neighborhoods.
Zaanse Schans
20 km • Half day
An open-air museum and village featuring traditional Dutch houses, windmills, and crafts.
Festivals
Alkmaar Cheese Festival • First weekend of September
Alkmaar Pride • Late August
Pro tips
- Visit the cheese market early to avoid crowds and secure a good viewing spot.
- Rent a bike to explore the city like a local and discover hidden gems.
- Try local specialties like stroopwafels and Dutch herring for an authentic taste of Alkmaar.
- Check the schedule for the Alkmaar Cheese Festival if visiting in September.
- Use the OV-chipkaart for easy and discounted travel on public transport.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
