Alkmaar is a typical Dutch cheese city. The Cheese Market starts on the first Friday in April and ends on the last Friday in September and lasts from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. In addition, in the months of July and August there is also a cheese market on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The cheeses are sold by traders by hand. Then the 400-year-old cheese carrier guild comes into action to remove the cheese with berries after the batch has been weighed in the Waag. The Cheese Museum is located in the Waag building, where everything about dairy preparation is told.
Alkmaar is historic, with over 400 monuments. The Waag, in its most original form from the 14th century, the 16th century City Hall, the Grote St. Laurenskerk and the many courtyards, facades and canals give the city a special appearance.
Alkmaar is the largest city in the region and therefore also the entertainment center. There is a range of restaurants of various kinds, terraces and cafes, as well as theaters and museums. Numerous events are also organized such as Alkmaar Ontzet, Culinair Plaza and the Jazz & Music weekend. Relaxation can also be found in the nearby Geestmerambacht recreation area, the parks or the sports facilities.