Tour Description Alkmaar
Step off the beaten path with a local guide and explore Alkmaar through its narrow alleys, historic facades, and stone bridges. Hear tales of everyday life, local resistance, and centuries of civic pride — from the town’s medieval beginnings to the present day.
Depending on the day of your visit, you might also catch the iconic cheese market in full swing. Your guide will provide context and ensure you experience it respectfully and at ease. (Want to know more? Scroll down for practical info on the cheese market 🧀)
This tour is flexible and personal. Whether you're interested in local legends, architecture, or everyday Dutch life, your guide will tailor the experience to your pace and curiosity. It’s the perfect way to see the real Alkmaar — far beyond the postcards.
Practical Information
Meeting point 👉 up to you
📍 Start: right outside Alkmaar's train station
📍 End: right outside Alkmaar's train station
⏳ Duration: ca. 1.5 to 2 hours
👣 Type: Private walking tour (up to 8 travelers)
🌿 Pace: Relaxed, with time for questions and photos
💬 Language: English (Dutch and Spanish on request)
📆 Available: Daily (subject to availability)
🏷️ €134 per walking tour (max four travelers)
🏷️ €149 per walking tour (five to eight travelers)
Incl. all taxes, fees and handling charges
Getting to Alkmaar from Amsterdam (or elsewhere)
It’s easy — trains run every 30 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station to Alkmaar Station. The ride takes just 35 minutes.
There’s no need to buy a (paper) ticket. Simply tap your credit card at the turnstiles at the train station — your fare is calculated automatically. No apps, no hassle. For more information check the website of the national railway company.
What makes this Alkmaar walking tour special?
More than just cheese
Alkmaar's cheese market is iconic, but the city offers much more — from medieval architecture to hidden courtyards and rich local history
Walk through history
Explore the city's past, including the 1573 siege, as you stroll through cobbled streets and discover stories that shaped Alkmaar
Hidden courtyards and canals
Beyond the bustling market square, find tranquil hofjes and picturesque canals that reveal the city's quieter side
Personalized experience
Our local guides tailor the tour to your interests, ensuring a unique and engaging exploration of Alkmaar
How to book the Alkmaar walking tour
Our walking tours are small and personal — to keep things simple, you can check availability via the form or WhatsApp (see below). We’ll get back to you shortly to confirm availability. If your preferred date is open, we’ll send you a reservation with a secure payment link (powered by Stripe). Once payment is received, your booking is confirmed. Easy and personal!
Changed your mind? No worries — if you don't complete the payment, your reservation simply expires after two days.
Need to cancel? No problem — you'll receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour.
Tip: The earlier you reach out, the better the chance your preferred date and time are still available. Book now and decide later.
To check the availability of the Alkmaar walking tour
Fill out the form or use the WhatsApp button to send a message
Or check out our other walking tours in the Netherlands
Experience the Famous Alkmaar Cheese Market
Every spring and summer, the historic Waagplein in Alkmaar transforms into a vibrant stage for one of the Netherlands’ most iconic traditions: the cheese market. With origins dating back to 1365, the Alkmaar Cheese Market offers a colorful and theatrical glimpse into Dutch cheese trade history — complete with cheese carriers in traditional costume, ceremonial weighing, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.
The market takes place every Friday morning from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, between March 28 and September 26, 2025. During July and August, there’s also an evening market every Tuesday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM — perfect for a cooler, twilight experience.
Admission is free, and you’re welcome to wander around, take photos, and enjoy the atmosphere. Around the square, you’ll find local vendors offering cheese tastings, crafts, and regional delicacies.
Alkmaar Cheese Market Walking Tour
Want to experience the cheese market like a local? Combine it with our Alkmaar walking tour (above) for a full morning or evening of stories, hidden courtyards, and cheese traditions. This extended version includes a guided visit to the famous cheese market – lively, colorful and rich in history.
Cheese Market Walking Tour – Practical Information
Meeting point 👉 up to you
📍 Start: right outside Alkmaar's train station
📍 End: right outside Alkmaar's train station
📅 Fridays: March–Sept, 10 am at meeting point
📅 Tuesdays: July–August, 6 pm at meeting point
⏳ Duration: ca. 3 hours
🏷️ Friday AM – €229 per walking tour**
🏷️ Tuesday PM – €249 per walking tour**
👣 Type: Private walking tour – up to 8 travelers*
🌿 Pace: Relaxed, with time for questions and photos
💬 Language: English (Dutch and Spanish on request)
* The maximum group size of our tours is eight travelers, excl. children younger than twelve years – they join for free.
** Incl. all taxes, fees and handling charges.
What other travelers say about our tours
Check out more reviews on GetYourGuide or TripAdvisor
Explore with Tulip Day Tours
Escape mass tourism with a small (private) group and focus on authenticity, local culture and responsible traveling.
Always a 24-hr free cancelation policy.
Our small team of knowledgable guides are friendly locals offering multiple perspectives, local insights and personal recommendations.
With our Tour Guide Whisper System you can wander off and hear the guide clearly even from a distance.