Visit Alkmaar in 2 days

Where to Stay in Alkmaar

Location matters more in Alkmaar than in many Dutch towns because the compact, historic core contains most of what you’ll want to see in two days. If you want to be within strolling distance of the famous Waag—and the lively cheese market that forms in front of it—choose accommodation inside or just beyond the ring of canals so you can step out to cobbled streets, cafés and museums without catching a tram or bus.

The city is organized around a picturesque canal ring and a small network of streets that converge on the market square. To the north and west you’ll find more residential, quieter areas and to the east the transport hubs; everything is relatively close, so the layout rewards walking and short cycles rather than long transfers. The Gewelfde Stenenbrug and other low stone bridges are part of the same intimate footprint—great for sightseeing on foot and for evening strolls when the lights reflect off the water.

For a two-day visit I recommend three location strategies rather than specific properties: opt for the historic centre if you want to be immersed in atmosphere and minutes from the Waag and bridges; pick a place near Alkmaar Centraal (station) if you arrive by train or plan a day trip by public transport; or stay in a canalside neighborhood a little farther out if you want quieter nights while still being a short bike ride from the sights. Each choice shortens a different part of your day: sightseeing, arrival/departure, or restful evenings.

Transport in Alkmaar is simple: most visitors find walking and renting a bike the quickest way to move between sights, while the train and local buses connect you to surrounding towns. If you’re driving, look for accommodations that mention private parking or guidance about city parking—central streets can be narrow and parking bays limited, so planning ahead removes stress.

Finally, choose places that offer easy check-in, luggage storage and a good breakfast so you can maximize two days. Whether you wake to canal views or to the chiming square near the Waag, a carefully chosen location will let you enjoy Alkmaar’s bridges, markets and atmosphere at a relaxed pace.

Getting Around Alkmaar

Alkmaar is a joy to explore by public transport because everything is compact and well-signposted, so even if you’re new to the Netherlands you’ll find it approachable. The town center is best seen on foot, but when you need to hop further out there are regular train connections (NS) and frequent local buses to suburbs and nearby towns. Signs at the station and stops are in Dutch and English, timetables are clear, and platforms are easy to find — you’ll quickly feel at ease. 🗺️

A practical tip: get an OV-chipkaart if you plan several trips over a few days — it makes boarding buses and trains faster and cheaper than buying single paper tickets every time. For shorter visits you can use contactless payment with your bank card or mobile wallet on many services, or buy single-use tickets at the station ticket machine or sometimes from the driver on buses. Keep your card tapped in and out; otherwise you may be charged a default fare. 🎫

Use Google Maps or the Dutch planner 9292 alongside the NS app for live departure times and platform numbers. Google Maps works very well here — it shows walking routes between canals and short bus connections, and updates with real-time delays. I always open the NS app before boarding a train to check platform changes and buy a ticket if needed; it saved me from running to the wrong side of the station more than once.

To save money, walk between closely spaced attractions (the center is wonderfully walkable) and reserve public transport for longer hops. If you’ll be doing day trips from Alkmaar, a reloadable OV-chipkaart or a day pass can lower costs. Also consider off-peak travel for lower crowds and a gentler pace — Dutch trains and buses are often quieter outside rush hours, making sightseeing more relaxed.

When I first visited I needed to go from the Gewelfde Stenenbrug to the Waag during the cheese market rush. Rather than wait for a bus I opened Google Maps, saw it was a five-minute walk along a canal route, and followed the signs. We strolled past small bridges, took a shortcut through a market lane, and arrived in time for the bell — faster and more charming than any vehicle. That’s the secret here: sometimes the best transit is simply your own two feet, and public transport is ready when you want to go further.

What to Pack for Alkmaar

Two days in Alkmaar is mostly about wandering canals, the old town, the cheese market (if it’s running) and cozy cafés — not hiking or museums. I once spent a 48-hour whirlwind there and ended up walking 10+ miles (about 16 km) each day between markets, photo stops and lunch spots. Below are the things I always bring and why they saved my trip more than once.

1. Comfortable walking shoes (required): I wear Ecco Soft 7 sneakers for days like this. Alkmaar’s streets are cobbles and brick, so good soles and ankle support matter — I learned that after a half-day in cheap flats left my feet sore and slowed me down. Comfortable shoes let you explore 8–12 hours without limping.

2. Cross-body bag: A small zippered cross-body (I use one with an internal zip pocket) kept my passport and wallet safe during the busy cheese market. Pickpocket risk isn’t huge, but crowded stalls and canalside crowds make a secure bag comforting — plus it keeps your hands free for camera and stroopwafels.

3. Weather-appropriate clothing for Alkmaar: Think layers and a packable rain jacket. Weather changes fast — I had a sunny morning, then two hours of rain that soaked half the town. A thin merino top plus a light waterproof saved me from buying an expensive poncho and ruined photos.

4. Power adapter (Type C/F - European, 230V): My camera charger and hair straightener use different plugs, so a small European adapter prevented a panic when the B&B sockets didn’t match. If you charge more than one device, get a multi-port adapter so you don’t fight for outlets.

5. Power bank (10,000 mAh+): I was out mapping canals and taking photos for 10+ hours and my phone died by late afternoon. A 10,000 mAh power bank gave me roughly two full charges — enough to finish the evening without hunting for a café plug.

6. Optional: compact umbrella & reusable water bottle: The umbrella is tiny but lifesaving during sudden showers; I’ve used one twice in a single afternoon. A small reusable bottle saved me money and I refilled it at cafés and public fountains — handy if you’re out for long stretches between stops.