Alkmaar is a city in the north west corner of Holland (in the Noord Holland province) that is probably most famous for it's historic cheese market.

Like Amsterdam, upon departing the train station you are confronted with a series of canals although not in the same horseshoe structure.

The cheese market can be seen every Friday morning in the summer months and features workers in traditional clothes selling cheese as they have done traditionally for many years - except that you cannot buy any! Although you can buy cheese from surrounding stalls, the tourist attraction is just a demonstration of times gone by.

Alkmaar is also famous for hosting one of the biggest red light districts outside of Amsterdam with several windows in the Achterdam area of town.

The local football team is AZ Alkmaar who, apart from last year, have had a resurgence of form and finished high in the Eredivisie. They have historically also been formidable when playing European competitions at home.

Being the largest town in the neighboring region, Alkmaar also has a pretty vibrant nightlife with many bars and dance clubs.

Getting to Alkmaar from Amsterdam is easy as there are many direct trains between the two cities.