Town & culture
A day in Alkmaar from Warmenhuizen: town, cheese market and museum
For a day in Alkmaar from Warmenhuizen, explore the town centre and visit Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar. If the cheese market is on that day, start at Waagplein. Outside the market season, a town walk and the museum are still good options. Below, you will find things to do and details of when the cheese market takes place.
A day in Alkmaar: start in the historic town centre
Want to know more about what you see as you walk through town? Alkmaar Store / VVV offers a guided historic town walk lasting 1.5 hours. A guide tells you more about the places you pass. Check the tours and booking information from Alkmaar Store / VVV for available dates and times.
Prefer exploring on your own? Start at Waagplein and take a town map. Stop for lunch or visit a museum along the way. Keep your plans flexible if the weather changes.
When and where is Alkmaar’s cheese market?
The cheese market takes place on Waagplein. You will see cheese carriers moving cheeses, weighing in the Waaggebouw and traditional trading. The market runs only on announced dates. The official InAlkmaar cheese market calendar lists the days and times.
As of 13 October 2026, the calendar lists the following for 2027: every Friday from 26 March to 24 September inclusive, 10:00–13:00. Tuesday evenings from 19:00–21:00 are also listed for July and August. These dates are for 2027, not autumn 2026.
Coming especially for the cheese market? Plan your visit around the calendar. Outside the season, walk through town or visit the museum. Check the museum’s opening days first.
What can you do in Alkmaar when it rains?
Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar at Canadaplein 1 is an option when it rains or when you want to learn more about the town. The permanent exhibition Allemaal Alkmaar tells the story of the town’s history. The museum also has a permanent exhibition on the Bergen School. Read Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar’s visitor information for opening hours, tickets and accessibility.
On a rainy day, take your time at the museum. Afterwards, explore town briefly or have lunch somewhere. Particularly interested in the artists around Bergen? On another day of your holiday, visit Museum Kranenburgh in Bergen.
Two ways to plan your day
| When you visit | Start with | Combine with |
|---|---|---|
| A confirmed cheese market day | The cheese market on Waagplein | Lunch and a walk through the town centre |
| Outside the market season or on a rainy day | A museum visit or a booked town walk | A short walk and a coffee or lunch break |
These are ideas for exploring at your own pace. Check which walks are available and when the museum is open. Book tickets and tours directly with the provider.
Back to your bungalow in Warmenhuizen after Alkmaar
After your day in Alkmaar, return to DuinDromen in Warmenhuizen. Cook together, sit in the garden or simply relax on the sofa: the evening is still yours. Explore the rooms and photos of the accommodation. Balance your day in town with a walk in the Schoorlse Duinen or a day by the coast. Check available dates using the Airbnb button below.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cheese market in Alkmaar every day?
No. The cheese market on Waagplein follows a seasonal calendar. For a visit in 2027, you will find the announced days and times in the official cheese market calendar. Check the current calendar and the correct year before planning your visit.
What can you do in Alkmaar when there is no cheese market?
Walk through the historic town centre or book a 1.5-hour guided tour through Alkmaar Store / VVV. Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar is another option, featuring Alkmaar’s history and the Bergen School. Check opening days and availability for these activities.
Where can I find Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar?
Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar is at Canadaplein 1 in Alkmaar. You can visit the permanent exhibitions Allemaal Alkmaar and the Bergen School. Check the museum website for opening hours, tickets, accessibility and parking information. A museum visit also fits into a day when there is no cheese market.
Sources & current information
DuinDromen compiled this guide using the official sources below. Day plans and suggestions to help you choose are our own. Before you leave, check the provider’s current rules, opening hours and calendar.
- InAlkmaar: official cheese market calendar
- Alkmaar Store / VVV: historic town walk
- Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar: visitor information
Information checked and text updated on 13 October 2026.