Koffieshop High Time

Koffieshop High Time is the kind of coffee shop you duck into between a train ride and a wander through Alkmaar's old streets. The stretch it sits on funnels people from the station toward the canals and old market, so you get a steady mix of commuters, shoppers and the occasional tourist. Inside feels familiar and unpretentious, people chatting quietly or grabbing something to go before they head out. Afternoons slow down and you can watch the light change on the nearby brick facades as folks plan a canal-side walk. Summers see more spill-out onto the pavement; winters turn it into a handy quick-stop for locals. It leans practical rather than fancy, which is exactly why regulars keep coming back. If you want a low-key pause before hitting the Waagplein or exploring the centre, this is the kind of place you'd end up recommending to a friend.