Alkmaar is a city that rewards those who take the time to explore it on foot or by water. Known for its historic cheese market, picturesque canals, and iconic windmills, Alkmaar offers a variety of tour options that give you a deeper look into its culture and history. We particularly love how some tours include personalized guides, like the Private Guided Walking Tour, which offers a tailored experience through the city’s most famous sights. Others, like the City Sup Tour, let you see Alkmaar from a different perspective—enchanting on the water.
Whether you prefer walking, paddling, or even a scavenger hunt, Alkmaar has a tour to match your style. These experiences are perfect for history lovers, families, or travelers seeking a memorable, authentic way to discover the city’s charms. For those wanting a small-group, immersive experience, options like the Small Group Alkmaar City Walking Tour and the Alkmaar: Small Group City Walking Tour stand out. Meanwhile, water enthusiasts will appreciate the City Sup Tour, which combines sightseeing with a bit of exercise on the canals.
Below, we’ve rounded up the top seven tours in Alkmaar, each with its own unique appeal, so you can choose the experience that suits your interests and travel style best.
1. Small Group Alkmaar City Walking Tour English
Alkmaar is a city full of sights, but seeing it with a small group makes all the difference. On this small group walking tour, you’ll get about two hours of guided exploration focused on the city’s most important landmarks, such as the Molen van Piet, Grote Sint Laurenskerk, and the Waag. The tour’s small size (27 reviews, 5.0 rating) means your guide can give personalized insights, answer questions, and point out little details you might miss alone.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on personalized storytelling and local tips. Your guide will explain what makes the Grote Sint Laurenskerk such a special monument, sharing stories that bring the city’s past to life. Reviewers particularly appreciate the guide’s warmth and knowledge—”Jen was an excellent guide, with great extra tips,” said one traveler. For about $26.60 per person, it offers plenty of value, especially if you want a relaxed, in-depth introduction to Alkmaar.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal if you want a focused, intimate look at Alkmaar’s highlights with a friendly guide, perfect for those who prefer walking and storytelling.
2. Alkmaar: Small Group City Walking Tour English
For another take on Alkmaar’s highlights, this small-group walking tour offers a 2-hour stroll through the medieval center. Covering about 3-4 km, it’s perfect for travelers who want to see the major sights without feeling rushed. This tour emphasizes Alkmaar’s role in Dutch history, especially its resistance against Spanish forces in 1573, making it especially meaningful for history buffs.
What makes this tour appealing is its balance of sightseeing—walking along cobbled streets, canals, and city walls—plus insights into local culture. Reviewers mention the guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge, with one saying, “The tour was really worth it, with a friendly guide who knew a lot about Alkmaar.” At $26 per person, it offers good value for those wanting an active, educational experience that won’t break the bank.
Bottom line: Whether you’re interested in history or just want a charming walk through Alkmaar’s streets, this tour combines storytelling and scenery for a well-rounded visit.
3. City Sup Tour in Alkmaar (2 hours)
Looking for something different? The City Sup Tour takes you on a stand-up paddleboarding adventure through Alkmaar’s canals. For about $40.72, you’ll glide past historic buildings, city parks, and lit-up waterways, experiencing the city from the water. This tour combines sightseeing with gentle exercise, making it ideal for active travelers or those seeking a memorable photo opportunity.
What makes this tour unique is how it offers a magical perspective of Alkmaar’s architecture, with the city’s skyline shimmering at sunset. It’s suitable for beginners, as safety instructions are provided, and the experience is relaxed. One reviewer called it “enchanting,” noting how beautifully the city looks from the water. Although it’s a bit more expensive than walking tours, it offers a different view of Alkmaar’s charm that’s hard to match on foot.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect for travelers wanting a memorable, scenic way to explore Alkmaar—especially if you like being on the water and enjoy new experiences.
4. Private Guided Walking Tour in Alkmaar
For those seeking a completely personalized experience, the Private Guided Walking Tour is hard to beat. Costing roughly $221.50 for up to 10 people, it offers a flexible itinerary that can include the Grote Sint Laurenskerk, the Cheese Market, and the windmills. Your own certified guide will tailor the tour to your interests, making it perfect for families, groups, or travelers with specific questions.
This tour covers key highlights like the historic cheese market and the iconic windmills—sites that are not always accessible during public tours. The guide’s explanations about Dutch culture, beer at the Nationaal Biermuseum, and the significance of the windmills will deepen your understanding of Alkmaar’s heritage. Reviewers note the value of having a dedicated guide for a more in-depth experience, especially since some sites are not open to the public.
Bottom line: Ideal if you want a flexible, private tour that covers Alkmaar’s most iconic sites with your own expert guide.
5. e-Scavenger hunt Alkmaar: Explore the city at your own pace
If you prefer independence combined with a bit of fun, the e-Scavenger Hunt is a great choice. Using your smartphone, you’ll follow a trail around Alkmaar, solving riddles and clues at your own pace. It takes about three hours and is suitable for groups of up to six, making it perfect for families or friends wanting an interactive, self-guided experience.
What makes this hunt stand out is its blend of sightseeing and playful problem-solving. You’ll pass by the famous cheese market and explore the city’s lesser-known corners, all while enjoying a casual, relaxed pace. Travelers appreciate the flexibility—”We loved exploring at our own pace and learning about Alkmaar in a fun way,” said one review.
Bottom line: Best for those who enjoy puzzles, tech-driven experiences, and want to customize their tour while seeing the highlights.
6. Alkmaar: Friday Cheese Market and Hoorn Private Tour
For a full-day adventure, this private tour combines the famous cheese market with a visit to the historic town of Hoorn. Starting with the lively cheese market in Alkmaar, you’ll get to see the traditional cheese carriers and learn about Dutch cheese-making. Afterward, you’ll head to Hoorn—a charming city that played a major role during the Age of Discovery.
This tour is ideal if you want a comprehensive look at Dutch trade history, with visits to an authentic windmill and the old town of Hoorn. It offers a private, flexible schedule and an in-depth experience. While it’s a longer, more expensive day (about 8 hours), it’s perfect for travelers wanting to combine cultural highlights with scenic towns.
Bottom line: Great for history enthusiasts or families looking for an immersive, full-day experience that covers multiple key sites.
7. Alkmaar: Team Up for a Playful Tour of Alkmaar
If you’re traveling with a group that loves activities and teamwork, this playful tour transforms sightseeing into a fun challenge. Split into teams, you’ll explore Alkmaar with a local guide, uncovering secrets and landmarks that only locals know.
What sets this tour apart is its interactive format—think of it as a city-wide game with surprises along the way. It’s perfect for groups that want to bond while discovering the city’s hidden corners, making it ideal for team-building or family outings. Reviewers mention how seamless and engaging the experience is, with a chance to see Alkmaar in a fresh, fun way.
Bottom line: Best for groups seeking an active, social exploration that turns sightseeing into a game.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Alkmaar
When selecting your ideal Alkmaar tour, consider your budget, interests, and the type of experience you’re after. If you want an in-depth, personalized introduction, the Private Guided Tour or the Small Group Alkmaar City Walking Tour are excellent choices. For active travelers or water lovers, the City Sup Tour offers a unique perspective.
Families or groups wanting a fun, interactive activity might enjoy the e-Scavenger Hunt, while history buffs excited by the cheese market and Hoorn visit will find the Full-day Private Tour rewarding. Booking early is advised during peak seasons, especially for private or highly rated small-group options.
Final Thoughts
Alkmaar offers a variety of tours suited to different interests and travel styles. For a relaxed, detailed look at the city’s landmarks, the Small Group Alkmaar City Walking Tour and the Private Guided Tour are top choices. If you want a fun, active way to see the city, the City Sup Tour or the playful tour will keep you engaged.
For those seeking flexibility and a bit of adventure, the e-Scavenger Hunt offers a self-guided fun experience. Whichever you choose, booking early will ensure you get the best time slots and avoid missing out on these popular options. Enjoy exploring Alkmaar’s authentic charm—it’s a city that invites discovery at every turn.
