Oud-Alblas(Netherlands) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Alkmaar, the top boutique hotel with canal views is Het Huisje aan de Kanaal, a restored 18th-century canal house featuring original timber beams, hand-painted wallpaper, and private boat docks. Located just steps from the Old Town Square and St. Nicholas Church, it offers serene morning boat rides along the waterways. The hotel blends Dutch heritage with modern comfort, including eco-friendly rooms and locally-sourced breakfasts. Perfect for travelers seeking authentic charm and quiet ambiance in South Holland's heartland.

The historic town center of Alkmaar is ideal for first-time visitors, offering easy access to key attractions like the Cheese Market Square, Museum De Lakenhal, and St. Jans Church. This walkable district features cobbled streets, cozy cafés such as De Vier Winden, and family-run shops selling local cheese and handmade crafts. The area is safe, well-lit at night, and filled with 17th-century architecture. Staying here ensures you’re immersed in the city’s cultural pulse while enjoying convenient public transport links to nearby towns.

In Alkmaar, participate in the annual Windmill Festival, where historic windmills open for guided tours, showcasing traditional milling techniques. Attend live demonstrations of Dutch pottery crafting and handloom weaving. Join a farm-to-table lunch experience at a local dairy farm, where you’ll learn to make pork terrine and almond shortbread. These immersive activities provide deep insight into South Holland’s rural traditions, craftsmanship, and sustainable agriculture—perfect for culturally curious travelers.

Yes, the Westerdijk Riverside Park offers a child-friendly environment with sand pits, mini bridges, and a small sailing pool. Children can feed goats and chickens at the on-site Little Farmer’s Classroom. Just 1.5 km away, Veldkamp Canal Boat Center provides family boat rentals, allowing parents and kids to navigate winding waterways lined with historic stone bridges and wildflowers. The entire area is safe, green, and educational—ideal for an active, nature-based day out with children.

At night, stroll along the Canal Light Walkway, a 800-meter path illuminated by warm yellow lanterns reflecting on the calm water. Stop at De Lantaarn Bar, serving regional Dutch beer and cheese platters. On weekends, enjoy live jazz performances under the stars. Some guesthouses also offer stargazing tours using telescopes, taking advantage of Alkmaar’s low light pollution. These tranquil, atmospheric experiences make evenings in Alkmaar truly memorable.

Take an NS Regional Train (Reiziger) from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Sassenheim Station, a 40-minute journey. Transfer to bus line 706, which runs every 15 minutes and reaches Alkmaar Town Center in 10 minutes. Alternatively, book a private transfer (€35+) for convenience, especially with luggage or children. For drivers, follow A4 highway south to exit N209, then follow signs to the town. The scenic route passes through fields of tulips and windmills, making the drive part of the adventure.

Must-try dishes in Alkmaar include Gouda Cheese Tart, made with fresh Gouda cheese and flaky pastry, available at De Gouden Strop. Another highlight is Stroopwafel à la Carte, hot caramel waffles served fresh from the iron, perfect with Dutch coffee. Don’t miss the Windmiller Fish Soup, a daily special at De Oude Molen, crafted from locally caught perch and seasoned with herbs and potatoes. These flavors reflect the region’s rich dairy and fishing heritage.

Yes, many Alkmaar hotels like Het Huisje aan de Kanaal and Binnenhof B&B provide free parking in rear courtyards or side alleys with surveillance. EV charging stations are also available at select properties for €0.25/hour. However, non-guests may face fines of €5/hour if parking in the central zone during peak hours (6 PM–8 PM). Always confirm parking details with your hotel in advance to avoid issues.

Nearly all guesthouses in Alkmaar welcome children. De Vleugel and Zomerhuisje offer baby cots, kid-sized bathrobes, and toy boxes. Many host family workshops like building model windmills and painting clay figures. Restaurants such as De Oude Molen provide children’s menus with mini burgers and vegetable puree. The town also features a Fairy Tale Trail, a one-hour walking tour with story points and no stairs—ideal for young explorers.

The best time to visit Alkmaar is from April to October, especially during the May Windmill Festival and July Summer Market. Weather is pleasant, and the canals shine under spring sunlight. Winter (November–March) offers a quieter, magical experience—snow-covered windmills and cobblestone streets resemble a painting. Prices drop by up to 30%, and you can join pre-Sinterklaas preparations. For peaceful, authentic visits, consider December or February, when locals celebrate their traditions in solitude.