Alkmaar, Netherlands 🇳🇱
#969
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Alkmaar is a picturesque city in the North Holland province, known for its historic buildings and famous cheese market. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 93,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Euro (EUR). 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers available include KPN, Vodafone, and T-Mobile. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options include ABN AMRO, ING, and Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and long-term leases via Pararius. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely in most establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Alkmaar offers affordable lodging for budget travelers. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center around the Waagplein is popular among tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Nassaupark offers a good mix of quiet living with cafés and coworking spaces nearby. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Spaces Alkmaar, located near the city center, offers flexible workspaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | A Taste of Italy serves great coffee and has reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups are often held at De Molen, which caters to local entrepreneurs. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as Alkmaar Expats regularly organize social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in Alkmaar. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental options include Alkmaarse Fietsen. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Egmond aan Zee beach is approximately 10 km away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | KLM serves regional routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | KLM and Transavia operate flights from nearby Amsterdam Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | A9 highway connects Alkmaar to Amsterdam and Haarlem. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Alkmaar railway station connects to Amsterdam and other major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | OV-chipkaart is used for public transport throughout the Netherlands. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses link Alkmaar to nearby cities like Haarlem and Amsterdam. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Medisch Centrum Alkmaar is the main hospital offering comprehensive services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Alkmaar operates various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit is a popular gym offer in the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Stomerij Alkmaar is a reliable option for laundry and dry-cleaning. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Thuisbezorgd.nl is the leading food delivery service. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the Alkmaarse cheese, a regional specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Stadscafé Alkmaar offers a good selection of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bakkerij van der Veen is known for delicious pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Alkmaar's weekly market on Thursday is an excellent spot for budget shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Bol.com and Coolblue are popular online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Albert Heijn and Jumbo offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Kromme Nindstraat is a vibrant area for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brouwerij De Buitenlust produces craft beers locally. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wijnlokaal Smit is a popular spot for wine lovers. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Alkmaar food truck market is open during summer months. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Falafel Town offers popular Middle Eastern dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the iconic Alkmaar Cheese Market and the National beer museum. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Beatles Museum and Stedelijk Museum offer rich cultural experiences. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Molen van Groot chart is a famous windmill in the city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Grote Kerk is a historical church worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Alkmaar Cheese Market is hosted weekly in summer, attracting many visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center features picturesque canals and historic architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Theater de Vest hosts various performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The weekly cheese market is a must-see for visitors. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various local venues host live music events, particularly during the summer. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look out for murals around the city, particularly in 't Lande. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Alkmaar's Culinary School offers classes in Dutch cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery Team Spirit showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Town Hall on the Waagplein is an example of Gothic architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Alkmaar is known for its history in cheese trading and production. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Egmond Nature Reserve offers beautiful hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Kennemerland National Park is a short drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Many scenic cycling routes are available along the North Holland coastline. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the top of the windmill offers stunning views of Alkmaar. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is popular in nearby wetlands like Zwanenwater. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the beach allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | PostNL and DHL offer reliable parcel delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech Shop Alkmaar specializes in device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Alkmaar’s community sports centers have ping pong tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language school TALEN offers Dutch courses for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The main library (Bibliotheek Alkmaar) provides study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | De Kooij community center has regular events and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming lounges can be found at local community centers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Holland Casino is located near the city center. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,300 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €132,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €100,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €180,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €132,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €224,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €160,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate is 15% on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Dutch tax system is based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 49.5%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 21%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply to foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the municipal value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Tax applied during property purchases is 2% standard rate. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Dutch tax system is beneficial if choosing the 30% ruling for expats. |