Alkmaar is a short 40 minute Intercity train ride (approximately €23 Euros round trip for the day, second class train tickets) from Amsterdam Centraal, making it an ideal day trip.
From the Alkmaar train station, it is a 20 minute walk to St. Lawrence Church (Sint Laurentiuskerk/ Alkmaarse Cuyperskerk)
Verdronkenoord 68, 1811 BG, Alkmaar Netherlands
Do not confuse this with other St. Lawrence Church known as "Grote" or "Sint-Laurenskerk" at Koorstraat 2, a grand historic church and landmark, now turned art museum. The walk to the Catholic St. Lawrence Church takes you past the Grote, through the main shopping thoroughfare, and along the canal.
Arrive early to make the 11:15 AM mass. Before and after the mass, they bring out their Eucharistic relic for veneration.
Other things to do in Alkmaar before heading back to Amsterdam:
Eat at a restaurant along the canal or in the old town and soak in the local vibe
Window shop
Rent a bike at Pesie Rent a Bike: Fietsverhuur Alkmaar at Veerstraat 14A, 1811 LB Alkmaar, Netherlands - this is the one bike shop we found open on a Sunday
See the windmill
