Alkmaar

Alkmaar is a pleasant town in northern Holland which, for those who care to visit, offers something for everyone. The old part of the town lies within an area encircled by a canal which is used commercially. The streets are a mixture of wide thoroughfares, narrow streets and alleys.   Most of which are formed around the old warehouses and markets, now shops, cafes or residential,  still retaining their character.  Cyclist and pedestrians rule.

The new town is built around the outside of the canal with many modern shops and services, and lots of traffic.