Anyone have an opinion on which cheese market we should visit? RS recommends Edam and it looks like it is the closest option to our home base of Amsterdam, but I was wondering whether Gouda or Alkmaar would be a better option?
Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
1971 posts
I have no experience with cheese markets but hopefully this link about a recent thread can be useful for you: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/netherlands/cheese-markets-near-amsterdam
Posted by
The Netherlands
1300 posts
An important thing to know about these cheese markets is that, even though they try to make you believe otherwise, these markets are solely there for the tourists. Also, visiting a cheese market is not a day long event. So in terms of which one is better, I would simply go to the one in the city you want to visit. If Alkmaar interests you, go to the cheese market there and after that explore the city. If you already wanted to go to Edam, then pick that one. Or go to the one that’s held on the day of the week that suits you best.
Posted by
OP
Atlanta
11 posts
Thanks so much! I know that the cheese market experience is a “cheesy”, but we thought it would be fun to check out.
Posted by
5 posts
One of our best experiences in the Netherlands the first time we visited was opening day of the Alkmaar Cheese Market. It was touristy, but European tourists. And a lot of locals. We didn't run into any Americans. It was amazing, and we purchased a bag of cheese in the crowd and took it home. So fun. We are going back next month and will only be able to do the Tuesday evening night Cheese Market. We will not have a car and will take the bus to Edam for their Wednesday Cheese market but will have our luggage en route to Amsterdam. I cannot find any luggage storage info for Edam. Does anyone know if there are any facilities? Thank you!