Top 5 Alkmaar Tours: Sightseeing & Canal Cruises Reviewed
Alright, planning a trip to Alkmaar? Well, you’re in for a treat! This North Holland city, rather known for its cheese market, has actually got a whole bunch more to offer than, well, just cheese. So, too it’s almost like there’s historic charm, pretty canals, and a very laid-back atmosphere, like your perfect recipe for a wonderful vacation. Picking the ideal tour can actually be, well, a bit tricky, just given the options. But don’t you worry, this guide breaks down the top 5 Alkmaar tours, like all that sightseeing, the neat canal cruises, all that—like your adventure all figured out for you!
1. Classic Canal Cruise: A Floating Perspective
Firstly, one thing you should certainly do is hop on one of those canal cruises, right? They offer, more or less, a relaxing way to see the city from the water. In fact, this is, basically, where you float along, soaking up sights without so much walking. Most cruises last, I mean, about an hour, and they often come with a guide telling tales of Alkmaar’s past, or so I’ve heard.
What you’ll experience: Gliding past pretty, old buildings, underneath adorable bridges, too it’s almost as if you’re experiencing history up close. Apparently, some tours will have, basically, drinks, or maybe some snacks on board. So, keep that in mind when picking, or so I’ve heard.
Why it’s top-notch: So, what it is, is a very chill introduction to the city. The fact is, it gets you oriented and gives you a sneak peek at the spots you just might want to look at closer later.
Things to know: It might be a bit cold; thus, it’s something where you should bring a coat even on warmer days. Check the schedules ahead, for instance, it’s like this in the off-season there aren’t too many departures. Read our full review: Classic Canal Cruise Alkmaar Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Canal Cruise Booking)
2. Walking Tour with Cheese Market Visit
Now, about the most famous thing about Alkmaar—it’s the cheese market, so too it’s almost impossible to miss, honestly. A walking tour, arguably, blends sightseeing with a good taste of that whole local vibe.
What you’ll see: So, it’s the Waagplein, that’s that cheese market place, where those cheese carriers are literally running about doing their thing. Seemingly, a guide will tell the details about cheese traditions, all of the history of the city, and, naturally, the neat local life there. Usually, they will hit, too it’s almost like, the main monuments and the older streets, anyway.
Why it’s wonderful: A very fun chance, literally, to witness a super traditional Dutch thing, I mean, it’s so different from anything else. It helps that they usually bring small groups, which, like your interaction feels better.
Stuff to consider: If you’re literally all about the cheese thing, make sure to go on a Friday, because that is when the market’s in action, for instance. The walking can be pretty, well, long; just have some comfy shoes on. Read our full review: Alkmaar Walking Tour and Cheese Market Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book Walking Tour)
3. Private City Tour: Your Personal Alkmaar
Do you like it if it’s personal? Arguably, it might be fun, so there’s this private city tour for you! As a matter of fact, that thing, naturally, can adapt the tour entirely to your interests and to your speed, and it is, actually, quite awesome!
What to expect: Seemingly, a local expert shows just you all of the hidden places, perhaps shares weird stories, and takes time on what interests you. Usually, anyway, it comes from famous historical sites all the way to those sweet little cafes.
The reason it’s so good: Pretty good if you don’t do that whole group thing. It might be pretty neat for folk that just like that real feel for Alkmaar without it feeling really touristy.
Remember this: Those rates can kind of jump based, well, upon group size, actually. Arranging all that early enough will give, arguably, flexibility in the planning. Read our full review: Private City Tour Alkmaar Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Private Alkmaar Tour)
4. Culinary Tour: Tasting Alkmaar
How’s this; see a spot all by trying all the best food? The culinary tour is definitely, like your super delicious, thing! Naturally, these bring all those eaters on, well, tasting those local cheeses, all that neat street food, too it’s almost as if they go all in on the sweets.
Tasting the experience: In this scenario you go to local stores, cafes that have, basically, old charm and learn all of that local dish stuff, apparently, as they see how it’s created.
Makes it superb: Just the way of sensing all the Alkmaar feels right within the spot through this food taste. That becomes that different feel that’s pretty great if it suits you.
Keep that in mind: Note anything you hate or are really allergic to. Plus check the menus and be OK with this. Read our full review: Culinary Tour Alkmaar Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Food Tours)
5. Bike Tour: Pedaling Through Alkmaar and Beyond
About feeling active? Now cycling could give, in a way, Alkmaar and that country around that nice ride away there too, honestly. You get those places by bike and then all that’s around as part of an eco style exploration right there.
Spot the experience: Just past Alkmaar itself those trips carry across the fields and along pretty places too; that one way really makes clear just those windmills really standing up right.
Amazing parts to feel here: Getting a close peek along landscapes is awesome and gives this athletic change in which that regular sightseeing’s turned upside-down. In this style one joins this open view out right through Holland just past major stops that other people would definitely just gloss across.
Remembering it all through: These trips should happen during decent conditions alone and being OK by the need to cycle some bits at a reasonable rhythm there. Read our full review: Bike Tour Alkmaar Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book a Bike Tour)
