Set just 30 minutes’ drive from Amsterdam in lovely North Holland, Alkmaar has long charmed visitors with its rich history and picturesque network of canals. Known as the ‘City of Cheese’, this beautiful town boasts well-preserved medieval architecture and a world-famous cheese market, which has been operating since 1365. Our Gurus’ pick of the best places to stay in Alkmaar is a boutique bolthole with stacks of style, conveniently set within the attractive historic centre of town.

Alkmaar’s iconic Friday cheese market is a huge draw in itself. Delve further into the history of Dutch cheese-making at the Waagtoren’s Cheese Museum, before discovering the Beer Museum and the Schermerhorn Windmill Museum. The Gothic St. Lawrence Church is beautiful, and strolls along the streets of the old town come highly recommended.

Venture beyond the town centre to experience the enormously appealing North Holland countryside, where fields full of flowers encircle small villages, and are studded with traditional windmills. Cycling enthusiasts will adore the well-maintained bike paths connecting Alkmaar to coastal areas like Bergen aan Zee and Egmond aan Zee. The pretty trails of Schoorlse Duinen are also brilliant for hikers and bird watchers. Day trips to Amsterdam can be wonderful, though the terrific French fare served at the best place to stay in Alkmaar is reason enough to savour slow, laid-back evenings in town.