Alkmaar cheese market | Perfect day trip from Amsterdam

Highlights

Discover Alkmaar, a picturesque Dutch city where centuries-old traditions meet lively market theatre. The world-famous Alkmaar Cheese Market is a spectacle not to be missed: watch the wooden cheese carriers, rhythmic hand clapping, and perfectly stacked cheese wheels as traders perform centuries-old rituals on the historic Waagplein.

After the market, stroll through the cobbled streets to admire the impressive Great Church (St. Lawrence Church), visit the Cheese Weighing House Museum, cruise through peaceful canals, and discover charming cafés and boutique shops.

Rich in culture, flavour and photogenic views, Alkmaar offers an authentic taste of Dutch heritage – a must-visit destination for food lovers and curious travellers.

Why visit the Alkmaar Cheese Market?

Visit the Alkmaar Cheese Market and witness a vibrant living tradition: wooden cheese carriers, rhythmic hand clapping and perfectly stacked cheese wheels create an unforgettable market spectacle. Located on the historic Waagplein, with the impressive Great Church as its backdrop, the market combines authentic cheese tastings with cultural stories in the Waag Museum and picturesque canal-side streets. Perfect for food lovers, photographers and anyone seeking an authentic piece of Dutch heritage.

Itinerary

Your day – Cheese Market

Time	Activity
08:30	Start of the experience in Amsterdam
10:00	Start exploring the Cheese Market
12:00 – 14:00	Free time to explore Alkmaar
—	Receive a map with highlights and useful tips
14:00	End of your visit to the Cheese Market
15:30	End of the experience in Amsterdam

Enjoy a day at the traditional Dutch Cheese Market with free time to explore and discover local highlights. Whether you’re a cheese connoisseur or simply looking for a delightful day out, this trip to the cheese markets in Alkmaar is a must-visit experience.

What you'll see

Live cheese trading on the market with traditional hand clapping and cheese carriers
Cheese tasting
Free time to explore Alkmaar independently with the self-guided walking tour
Traditional hand clapping and cheese carriers
Visit to the historic Weighing House
Visit the famous St. Lawrence Church and Waagplein

Tour type

Bus Tours

Tour duration

7 uur

Departure time

Departure location

This is Holland

Return location

Same as departure location

Inclusive

Return transfer by luxury coach

Free information leaflet in multiple languages

Exclusive

Meals and drinks

Personal expenses

Guided tour inside Keukenhof

Meeting point

Your Hop on Hop off Holland experience to the Cheese Market in Alkmaar starts at This is Holland, located at Overhoeksplein in Amsterdam. To get there, take the free ferry from platform F3 behind Amsterdam Central Station towards “Buiksloterweg”. The ferry ride takes approximately 3 minutes. After arriving, turn left and walk towards the iconic round building displaying the red, white and blue Dutch flag. This is Holland is approximately a 3-minute walk from the ferry.

This is Holland is an iconic attraction featuring a thrilling 5D flight experience. Discover the story of the Netherlands through four entertaining shows and experience a virtual flight over some of the country’s must-see locations. This is Holland also offers excellent facilities, including free restrooms, a comfortable waiting area and great coffee.

Meeting point

Unfortunately, our boats and buses are not wheelchair accessible.
Enjoy our free 24-hour cancellation policy.
Pets are not allowed, with the exception of assistance dogs.
For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit our FAQ section.