Top reasons to visit Alkmaar
- Historic Cheese Market: Experience the famous Alkmaar cheese market, where you can witness traditional cheese trading in a charming setting.
- Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar: Delve into local history and culture at this friendly museum, showcasing the city’s rich heritage.
- Scenic Canals: Stroll along picturesque canals, offering a romantic atmosphere and beautiful views of the historic architecture.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy a variety of outdoor attractions and events, including the Alkmaar Beer Festival.
- Proximity to Amsterdam: Take a convenient day trip to Amsterdam, expanding your exploration of the Netherlands.
Find great hotels near Alkmaar
Discover a range of delightful accommodations in Alkmaar, where you can find the perfect hotel to suit your needs. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly options, pet-friendly stays, or an adventurous getaway, Alkmaar boasts a variety of lodging types, including charming hotels and agritourism properties. Enjoy a memorable experience in this picturesque Dutch town, with options that cater to every traveller's desire.
- Hotel2Stay: Situated 27km from Alkmaar, Hotel2Stay is a modern 3-star lodging that caters primarily to business travellers. The hotel boasts a guest rating of 9.2 out of 10, reflecting its commitment to quality service and convenience. Guests appreciate its well-equipped rooms, featuring kitchenettes for added flexibility during extended stays. With a focus on practicality, Hotel2Stay offers amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre, and a self-service laundry, ensuring a comfortable and efficient stay for those on business.
- Room Mate Aitana, Amsterdam: Located 29km from Alkmaar, this 4-star hotel offers a luxurious experience tailored for families. With a guest rating of 9.0 out of 10, Room Mate Aitana is renowned for its stylish design and family-friendly amenities. The hotel provides various services aimed at children, including babysitting options and special breakfast rates for young guests. The elegant rooms and sophisticated atmosphere make it an ideal choice for families looking to indulge in comfort while exploring the vibrant city of Amsterdam.
- Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam: Just 23km from Alkmaar, Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam boasts a remarkable guest rating of 9.2 out of 10 and offers an enchanting blend of luxury and practicality. This 4-star hotel caters to both families and business travellers, providing thoughtful amenities for children, such as complimentary cribs and tailored breakfast options. Its striking architecture and modern design add to the experience, making it a distinctive choice for those seeking both comfort and style during their stay in the Netherlands.
Where to stay near Alkmaar
In Alkmaar, prepare for a delightful blend of history and scenery. Wander through the charming streets of central Alkmaar, where you can explore the famous cheese market and picturesque canals. Nearby, the scenic countryside offers family-friendly activities and romantic spots for leisurely strolls. Don't miss the chance to experience the vibrant local culture and discover the inviting atmosphere of surrounding towns, making your trip to Alkmaar truly memorable.
- Heiloo: Located approximately 5km from Alkmaar, Heiloo offers a delightful blend of outdoor and family-friendly activities. Visitors will find that the town maintains a steady flow of tourists year-round, with a peak in arrivals during the summer months of June and July, as well as September. The town's charming market and shopping centre are great for leisurely afternoons, while nearby attractions such as the beach, lake, and parks provide splendid opportunities for scenic walks and outdoor fun. Heiloo is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in a tranquil yet engaging environment.
- North Kennemerland: Also situated around 5km from Alkmaar, North Kennemerland is a haven for beach enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. With a consistent influx of visitors throughout the year, the summer months of July and August see a significant rise in tourist activity. This area is renowned for its biking and canoeing opportunities, making it ideal for active travellers. Visitors can explore beautiful beaches, historic churches, and the impressive cathedral, all of which add to the region's charm. North Kennemerland is a perfect spot for those seeking both relaxation and adventure by the sea.
- Bergen: Just 6km from Alkmaar, the city of Bergen is known for its stunning scenery and outdoor adventure options. The town attracts a steady stream of visitors, peaking in June and July, and again in September. Known for its motor racing, outdoor activities, and golf courses, Bergen is well-suited for those seeking an active holiday. Additionally, its proximity to beautiful beaches, family-friendly shores, and lush forests offers a diverse range of experiences for every traveller. Bergen is an inviting destination for anyone looking to combine adventure with natural beauty.
Things to do near Alkmaar
Shopping
In Alkmaar, visit the Alkmaar Cheese Market for local delicacies and souvenirs. For a wider selection, head to the Waagplein, where you’ll find various shops. If you're up for a drive, the City Mall Alkmaar offers a range of high street brands and dining options.
Recreation
In Alkmaar, Spa Wellness offers a serene escape with soothing treatments and tranquil saunas, allowing you to unwind. Nearby, the Alkmaar City Beach provides relaxation by the water, where you can enjoy beach walks and sunbathing, creating a pleasant day out in a picturesque setting.
Adventure
Experience the adrenaline rush at Circuit Park Zandvoort, located 31km from Alkmaar. Engage in thrilling motor racing activities and soak up the vibrant sports atmosphere, perfect for those seeking an exhilarating day out in the Dutch countryside.
Nightlife
Visit Café de Buren on the Oude Gracht for a relaxed atmosphere and a selection of local beers. For a lively night, head to Club M for dance music and vibrant crowds, ensuring an energetic experience in Alkmaar's nightlife scene.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Alkmaar
To save money during your visit to Alkmaar, consider travelling between December and February when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel a month in advance can yield savings, and Mondays are the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly options by filtering results for eco-certified hotels and arranging prices from low to high. Additionally, look for last-minute deals if you're booking late. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities in a package can also help cut costs on your trip.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Alkmaar are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to June, where prices are slightly higher.
- The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel in Alkmaar is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Alkmaar is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in Alkmaar is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to tailor your options according to your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the most economical prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel accommodation in Alkmaar with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions near Alkmaar
Alkmaar is an ideal destination for outdoor and family-friendly vacations, offering a blend of cultural and scenic experiences. Visitors can explore the friendly Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar, delve into local history at the Alkmaar City Hall, and enjoy outdoor attractions. Additionally, there are various hotels conveniently located near the Stedelijk Museum, making it easy for travellers to immerse themselves in the city's rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere.
- NDSM Werf: A vibrant arts centre located 27km from Alkmaar, NDSM Werf boasts a creative atmosphere filled with street art, artist studios, and cultural events. The former shipyard offers a unique blend of industrial heritage and contemporary artistic expression, making it a must-visit for those seeking inspiration.
- Westergasfabriek Culture Park: Situated 29km away, this urban park is a lively hub for families and outdoor enthusiasts. With its historic gasworks buildings transformed into cultural venues, it hosts markets, festivals, and cafes, providing a lively space for relaxation and enjoyment.
- De Visafslag: Located 27km from Alkmaar, De Visafslag is a charming tourist precinct where visitors can experience the local fishing industry. It features fresh seafood stalls, restaurants, and delightful outdoor spaces, perfect for family outings and leisurely strolls.
Best time to go to Alkmaar
The best time to visit Alkmaar can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Alkmaar falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Alkmaar falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Alkmaar
Flying into Alkmaar is convenient with three major airports nearby. AMSterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is 35km away, with luxurious hotel options like Pulitzer Amsterdam and Grand Hotel Amrâth, both 11km from the airport. EINdhoven Airport (EIN), located 137km from Alkmaar, offers nearby stays at NH Collection Eindhoven and NH Eindhoven Conference Centre Koningshof, each 6km from the airport. Finally, Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) is 79km from Alkmaar, with excellent hotels such as Haven Hotel Rotterdam and Rotterdam Marriott Hotel, just 3 and 3km away, respectively. Each airport provides easy access to these comfortable accommodations for a pleasant stay.