Guide: all countries » Netherlands » Alkmaar » Advices

Sightseeing in Alkmaar - what to see. Complete travel guide

1. The historic city center is easily accessible by public transport. Those who're planning to visit the suburban areas of Alkmaar and travel by train are advised to buy tickets in special vending machines offering the lowest prices. They can be found at all major train stations. But keep in mind that such machines do not give change, so you should prepare small bills and coins in advance.
2. Go to shops located next to Waag Square for memorable souvenirs. Besides traditional miniature statuettes of mills and tulips, a popular souvenir is cheese. At the fair, you can choose any variety you like.
3. The best time to visit the city is between mid-April and October when cheese fairs are held here every Friday.
4. A popular city transport is a bicycle, traveling on which is much more convenient than by car. The city has a huge number of bicycle rentals, and the most expensive are those that are located near large hotels. Special bicycle paths are laid along all major roads, and next to many city attractions, restaurants, and shopping malls, you can find specially-equipped bicycle parking.
5. You can rent a car in one of the many rental points. To do this, you will only need the international driver's license and a credit card. It should be noted that there are very few parking lots in Alkmaar, which makes traveling around the city quite difficult. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
6. The famous Waag (Weigh House) building houses the largest tourist information office in the city. Here you can learn more about upcoming cultural events, clarify the working hours of museums and galleries, as well as the cost of tickets for certain events.
Alkmaar - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

What to visit being in Alkmaar - unique sights

Electric Ladyland Fluorescent Museum

From the series “15 Unofficial Man-Made Wonders of the World”
Check on the map:   Distance from Alkmaar center - 29.9 km.
In recent years, the museum's collection replenished with a variety of unusual sculptures. The layout of the Earth and a huge statue of Shiva are among the most impressive ones. Visit to the amazing museum in Amsterdam promises to be not only memorable, but also very informative event. Guests will learn about using fluorescence in contemporary art, industry and even marketing. They will understand how the thinnest ray of light is able to turn even an ordinary gray stone into a priceless piece of art. … Read further

Anne Frank Huis

From the series “Apartment-museums of great celebrities”
Check on the map:   Distance from Alkmaar center - 30.1 km.
A kind of shelter was set up in the backrooms of an old building when the war began. The entrance to the shelter was disguised as a closet. The Jewish family managed to hide here for two years. The building was searched in 1944. All the family members were arrested and sent to concentration camps. The Frank family became famous in 1947. A few lines from Anna's diary were published in one of the newspapers at that time. This treasured diary is the main exhibit of the museum today. Viewing a documentary film dedicated to the girl's biography is a mandatory part of the excursion. More than a million people a year visit the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam in recent years. … Read further

Sauna Deco

From the series “Most Extraordinary Thermaes, Baths and Saunas in the World”
Check on the map:   Distance from Alkmaar center - 30.1 km.
In the 1970s, the department store, which was known for its exquisite interior design, was renovated. After the renovation, most decor elements were abolished. These magnificent decor elements of the historical department store were brought into the sauna of Amsterdam. Today its visitors can go to the pool on a unique wooden staircase, over which several decades ago Parisians went shopping. Tourists who decide to visit the most famous and popular sauna in the Netherlands, should observe an important rule - wearing a bathing suit in sauna is strictly prohibited … Read further

Tips for the cities around Alkmaar

Utrecht
4. You should pay for goods and services exclusively in euros; other currency is not accepted. Travelers are advised to exchange money at home before the trip, as in this case terms would be the most profitable. It’s also worth noting that small shops and ... Open »
Delft
4. Many stores and shopping malls are closed on Sundays and Mondays. However, they work till late in the evening on Thursdays and Fridays. 5. Stores and restaurants accept all common types of bank cards. 6. Approximately once a month bulky and large items are ... Open »
Rotterdam
4. Dancing is not common in local restaurants and cafes. As a rule, tips are included in the bill and their usual size estimates around 10 - 15% of the total order. 5. Make sure you always arrive on time on personal and business meetings. Local people are very ... Open »
Zwolle
4. Citizens of the Netherlands are famous for their tolerance, so they try to treat everything with patience and understanding. However, they are also famous for their affection for nature and the animal world. Needless to say, they are against cruelty to animals, and ... Open »
Apeldoorn
4. All large shopping complexes, supermarkets, restaurants, and hotels accept credit card payments of all internationally famous systems. Cash is needed on markets and while exploring suburban areas. 5. It is very comfortable to explore Apeldoorn by car. In ... Open »
Leeuwarden
4. A private car would be useful to tourists who are going to actively explore the city's outskirts and surroundings. Many interesting farms and nature reserves can be found there. 5. The most common mode of transport among locals is the bicycle, literally all ... Open »
Secure Connection
Main Office
Weegschaalstraat 3, Eindhoven
5632 CW, The Netherlands
+31 40 40 150 44


Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | About us
Copyright © 2002 - OrangeSmile Tours B.V. | Incorporated by IVRA Holding B.V. - Registered in The Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel KvK, The Netherlands) No. 17237018