Best Things to do in Alkmaar | Must-see attractions 2025

Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar

Tu-Su 11:00-17:00

Museum

Canadaplein 1

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Founded in 1875, Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar showcases over 12,000 art pieces, focusing on Dutch Masters and the Bergen School, reflecting Alkmaar's rich history.

Duration: 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

The Cheese Museum

Apr-Oct Mo-Sa 10:00-16:00; Nov-Mar Sa 10:00-16:00; "seasonal open"

Museum

Waagplein 2

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The Cheese Museum in Alkmaar showcases the history of cheese-making through exhibits, interactive games, and historical artifacts, appealing to all ages.

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

The Beatles Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

12A Pettemerstraat

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The Beatles Museum in Alkmaar, Netherlands, houses the largest collection of Beatles memorabilia, showcasing LPs, original clothing, and gold albums, alongside a museum shop and coffee corner.

Duration: 2 hours.

Paid. Adult tickets: €10, Child tickets: €5, discounts available for groups.

Alkmaar City Hall

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Public Building

Langestraat 97

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Alkmaar City Hall, a local landmark built from 1509 to 1520, features Gothic architecture and a Dutch Classicist wing added in 1694. A rich piece of Alkmaar's history.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

National Beer Museum De Boom

Mo-Sa 13:00-16:00

Museum

Houttil 1

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National Beer Museum De Boom in Alkmaar, Netherlands, showcases the history of beer making in a historic brewery with tools, machinery, and antique bottles.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

€7 for adults, €3 for children aged 6-12. Admission includes a free drink.

Kapelkerk

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

Laat 80

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Kapelkerk is a historic church in Alkmaar, Netherlands, known for its unique architecture and significant cultural heritage.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Special events may require a paid ticket.

Grote or Sint-Laurenskerk

12:00 PM–5:00 PM

Museum

Koorstraat 2

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Grote or Sint-Laurenskerk in Alkmaar, Netherlands, is a historical church recognized for its remarkable organs and beautiful pastel stained-glass windows.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Hortus Naturalis

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

37 Berenkoog

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Hortus Naturalis is a botanical garden in Alkmaar, Netherlands, showcasing diverse plant species and educational exhibits in a serene environment.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some workshops and special events may have a fee.

Alkmaarderhout

6:00 AM–9:00 PM

Stadium

139 Kennemerstraatweg

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Alkmaarderhout is a public park in Alkmaar, Netherlands, featuring lush greenery, walking paths, and recreational areas for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may have associated costs.

De Molen van Piet

Open on National Mill Day

Monument

Ritsevoort tussen Ritsevoort en Vrouwenstraat

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De Molen van Piet is a historical windmill in Alkmaar, Netherlands, famous for its architectural significance and cultural heritage, accessible for visitors on special occasions.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free access on designated open days, special events may have fees.

Bloemenklok

Open 24 hours

Garden

Netherlands

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Bloemenklok in Alkmaar features a large floral clock, symbolizing the city’s love for flowers and horticulture with intricate designs and seasonal blooms.

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.

Free to visit. Special events may have a fee.

iPabo

8:30 AM–4:00 PM

University

Rubenslaan 2-6

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iPabo in Alkmaar, Netherlands is dedicated to teacher education, offering diverse programs in pedagogy and educational sciences.

Duration: About 2 hours.

Free. Admission to the main facilities is free; workshops may incur fees.

De Blije Mare

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Church

Kajakstraat 60

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De Blije Mare, located in Alkmaar, Netherlands, is a vibrant natural playground featuring diverse flora, walking trails, and recreational spaces for families and nature lovers.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Group and educational tours may require prior booking.

Sint-Josephkerk

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

Alkmaar

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Sint-Josephkerk in Alkmaar is a historic church known for its distinctive neo-Gothic architecture and cultural value within the community.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Donations are appreciated.

Vrijheidskerk

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

Hobbemalaan

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Vrijheidskerk in Alkmaar is a historic church renowned for its distinctive architecture and significant role in local culture, attracting visitors interested in history and religious heritage.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free. Some events may require a donation.

Nieuw-Apostolische Kerk Alkmaar

5:00 PM–7:00 PM

Church

Netherlands

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Nieuw-Apostolische Kerk Alkmaar is a Christian church in Alkmaar, Netherlands, known for its modern architecture and vibrant community activities.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free to enter. Donations for community projects are appreciated.

House With Bullet

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

2 Appelsteeg

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House With Bullet, located in Alkmaar, Netherlands, is a museum showcasing local history and art, housed in an architecturally unique building with an intriguing history.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free. Special events may have a paid ticket.

Theater De Vest

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Theater

Canadaplein 2

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Theater De Vest in Alkmaar, Netherlands hosts a diverse range of performances, from traditional plays to avant-garde dance, also offering a summer arts festival.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Varies by event; check the website for specific pricing.

Winkelcentrum De Hoef

9:30 AM–9:00 PM

Mall

Van Ostadelaan

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Winkelcentrum De Hoef in Alkmaar offers over 30 shops, cafes, and services. A modern shopping center designed for convenience in the heart of the city.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special events may have associated costs.