the hague day trip

What Can You Do In The Hague In One Day? | Full Itinerary

So, you’re planning a trip to The Netherlands and want to visit The Hague? You probably wonder what you can do in The Hague for one day, and if a one day visit is enough. You can find all the answers in this article. 

When visiting The Hague for one day, you can visit the following famous highlights: 

• Mauritshuis 
• Binnenhof (Inner Court) 
• Passage (Historical Shopping Mall) 

Royal Palace Noordeinde

• Panorama Mesdag 

Peace Palace

• The Pier Scheveningen
• Lange Voorhout (visit Hotel Des Indes)
• Escher in The Palace

This itinerary focusses on the most famous highlights of the city. We will explain the itinerary in detail in this article, and also offer different options to go to, so you can choose the things that you’re most interested in. 

The Hague – One Day Itinerary

When you can spend one day in The Hague and want to visit all the famous highlights of the city, prepare for a busy day full of exploring and having fun! To get the most out of the day, we recommend that you’ll arrive in the city at 09:30 AM. 

Most people will stay in the Dutch capital  Amsterdam , and it is straightforward to catch a train from Amsterdam to The Hague. You can arrive at both train stations, The Hague Central Station or The Hague Holland Spoor. Both train stations are only a few minutes’ walking distance from the historical center, and also offer perfect public transport connections to the city center. 

When traveling with public transport in The Netherlands, you’ll need to have an  OV-Chipcard,  which is a public transport card that you can use throughout the country. In our article  Best Time To Visit The Netherlands ,  you can find out the best way to purchase one. 

Alternatively, you can also spend the night before in The Hague, so you can wake up a bit relax, enjoy your breakfast and take your time to start the day. Some great options to stay in a night in The Hague are  Hotel Des Indes ,  Park Hotel , or  Plaza Hotel .

The historical center of The Hague is not too big and is best to explore on foot. You can easily walk from one side to the other side in like 25 minutes. However, there’s a lot to explore! When you don’t have good mobility, don’t worry. It is also straightforward to go around the city using a wheelchair, mobility scooter, or other mobility tools. Some historical buildings are maybe not as easily accessible because of the narrow staircases. If something is not easily accessible, we will tell you about it. 

So, time to check out the full one-day itinerary for The Hague! 

Mauritshuis 

Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Address: Plein 29

Museum Mauritshuis is a famous art museum in The Hague and offers works from the Dutch Master Painters of the Golden Age. It is a small museum compared to many other museums in The Netherlands. However, the artworks in Mauritshuis are unique and exciting to see. Mauritshuis offers works from Potter, Rembrandt Vermeer, and many more artists from the Golden Age. The most famous painting that’s on display in Mauritshuis is Vermeer’s renowned painting  Girl with the Pearl Earring. 

Mauritshuis is one of the most famous museums in The Hague, so it can be very busy. It is recommended to buy your tickets in advance, and start your day in The Hague with a visit to museum Mauritshuis. It is often less busy early morning, so you can explore the museum in a more relaxing way. Most people stay between one and two hours visiting Mauritshuis.

The museum opens every day of the week, only on Mondays they open the museum at 1 pm. So if you’re visiting The Hague on a Monday, you probably want to plan your visit to Mauritshuis later on the day. 

Mauritshuis stated timeslots early morning, after 3 pm and on Mondays as less busy. 

The renowned museum is accessible for everyone, they offer extensive information on how to visit Mauritshuis for people with disabilities or less mobility. We recommend visiting their  accessibility page  for the most recent information. 

The museum is located at Plein 29. Which is close to Binnenhof. From The Hague Central Station is only 10 minutes walking. Sometimes the collection of Mauritshuis or the works that are on display change. It is recommended to visit  the official website  before you plan your visit. This way, you’re always up to date with the latest information. 

Walking from Mauritshuis to Binnenhof is only like 2 minutes. Both landmarks are located next to each other. 

To enter the Binnenhof directly from the Mauritshuis, you’ll walk through the Mauritsgate on the eastside of Binnenhof. 

Binnenhof (Inner Court) 

Time: 11:15 – 11:45 AM

Adress: Binnenhof, 2513 AA

Binnenhof is the place where our government resides. The building dated back to the 13th century and had a political function ever since. It was only for a short period between 1806 and 1810 when the Netherlands was under French rule that the administrative center was moved to Amsterdam. 

The courtyard is open for everyone. However, it is not possible to enter all the buildings without a guided tour. Over the years, the buildings and courtyards changed several times. There were even plans to break it all down, but luckily that didn’t happen. 

Today the Dutch government still resides at Binnenhof. The official office of our prime-minister is located in a small tower, next to the building of Mauritshuis. In the middle of the courtyard, you’ll find the building  Knights Hall (Ridderzaal in Dutch).  Until the 18th century, this was the place where the stadtholders came together and conduct their business. The Knights hall is also a place that was used as a trade hall, like a big market place where people could buy and sell their products. 

Today the Knights Hall only has a ceremonial function. The hall is only used once a year during  Prinsjesdag  (Prince Day), when the Kings read a speech to the people, telling the next year plans from the national government. 

It is possible to plan a guided tour throughout Binnenhof and the parliament building. A guided tour takes up around 90 minutes, and you’ll need to book this in advance. It is not possible to show up and buy tickets for the next available tour. So when you’re interested in a guided tour, make sure to plan ahead. You can purchase tickets at the  website of ProDemos , which is the house of Democrats in The Netherlands. They organize guided tours throughout all parliament buildings. 

An important note; visiting the Knights Hall is not possible when you have mobility issues. The only way to enter the hall is by using the stairs. 

Walking from Binnenhof to Passage, which is located next to the square known as Buitenhof, will take you a maximum of 5 minutes.

Passage (Historical Shopping Mall) 

Time: 11:50AM – 12:15PM

Address: Passage The Hague

The historical Passage is beautiful to walk around. The luxury shopping street lets you feel like you’re in the large fashion cities in the world, but you’re still in The Hague. The Passage looks like the unique fashion streets in Milan or Paris. The building dates back to the 18th century, which is also the time when the luxury shopping streets in France en Italy were built. 

It is lovely to stroll around and enjoy the luxury shops. We recommend stopping at Dudok for a coffee, which is located outside the Passage at Buitenhof square, across the Binnenhof. Dudok is famous for its apple pie, which is a perfect snack while enjoying a coffee. It is also the place where many politicians go for their lunch or afternoon break, so you might end up having a coffee with our prime minister! 

From the Passage to Noordeinde street is like 10 minutes walking, halfway the street you’ll cross Royal Palace Noordeinde.

Time: 12:15PM – 12:45PM 

Address: Noordeinde 68

Where the Passage is the luxury shopping mall of The Hague, Noordeinde is the most luxury street. At Noordeinde you’ll find the best designer shops and art galleries. Also, it is the street where the Royal Palace Noordeinde is located, halfway down the street, you’ll cross a big palace. 

Royal Palace Noordeinde is the working palace of the Dutch King and Queen. Close to the palace, you’ll also find the Royal stables. Both are not open to the public, but it’s interesting walking by and enjoy the views of the buildings. 

On the other side of the palace, you’ll find the Royal Palace Gardens, which are open for the public, and used by locals as a city park to enjoy the lovely summer days outside. 

Noordeinde is in the heart of the historical center of The Hague. After visiting the Royal Palace, we recommend going for a stroll through the city center.

Walk Around the Historical Center The Hague

Time: 12:45PM – 13:30PM 

The historical center of The Hague is lovely just to walk around and enjoy the old streets and historic buildings. We recommend going for a walk and enjoy the little things in the city. Find a place for lunch, and some time to relax. 

What we love to do is buying a sandwich to go to one of the many lunch shops. And find a place in the city outside where we can sit and relax for a while. 

One of the best places to buy a fresh sandwich is  Traiteur Dungelmann ,  located at Noordeinde street, since 1861!  Traiteur Dungelmann  is famous for their croquet and meatball sandwiches. They also offer vegetarian options. Dungelmann is close to the Royal Palace, so you can also buy a sandwich first and enjoy it while looking out over the Royal Palace. 

Another excellent option for lunch is  Foam Breakfast and Lunch ,  located at Frederikstraat. Foam is the perfect alternative when you’re looking for vegan and plant-based food. You can do take away as well, or just sit back and relax the lunch in their shop. 

Combining lunch and exploring the city center is a great thing to do. For this itinerary, we recommend walking from Noordeinde street in the direction of  Mauritskade ,  Willemspark , and  Zeestraat.  The next stop after lunch is located at  Zeestraat,  so staying in the area will save you a lot of time. 

The historic center of The Hague is easily accessible for everyone. Sometimes the old narrow streets are a bit difficult to maneuver when you’re having mobility issues. 

Panorama Mesdag 

Time: 13:30 PM – 14:30 PM

Address: Zeestraat 65

A 360-degree painting of Scheveningen Beach and village in 1881. It’s like walking back in time! The painting is the oldest panorama in the world, which is still in its original site. It gives you a unique view of how life was like at the end of the 19th century.  Panorama Mesdag  is the work of Hendrik Willem Mesdag, a master painter, who is known as one of the most important painters of its time and  the School of The Hague. 

People spent like one hour average enjoying the unique painting. 

Note: Panorama Mesdag is accessible when you’re in a wheelchair or having mobility issues. However, you’ll need to make an appointment in advance. You can contact the museum for more information via  their website . 

Walking from Panorama Mesdag to the Peace Palace is around 10 minutes. You’ll walk through a part of the City Center known as the Embassy District. Many international embassies are located in this neighborhood. 

Time: 14:45PM – 15:15PM 

Address: Carnegieplein 2

The International Peace Palace is unique in its kind. It officially opened in 1913, after the first international peace conference was organized in 1899. At this conference, 26 countries came together to talk about international peace and disarmament. 

Both the International Court of Justice and The Permanent Court of Arbitration are located at the Peace Palace. 

The unique building and its surrounding gardens are not always open for a visit. However, you can enjoy the area from outside and go around the visitor center to learn more about the Peace Palace, its history, and the current international role. There are specific timeslots available for guided tours, but you need to plan this ahead. Because it is very popular and only available for small groups. We recommend visiting  the website of Peace Palace  to check when the guided tours are available. 

According to its  website , the peace palace has limited access for wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers. It is not possible to enter the building with a mobility scooter. 

After visiting the Peace Palace, you still have a great part of the afternoon left for exploring The Hague. Because there’s so much to see and do in the city, we decided to supply you with different options. This way, you can choose the things to do that fit you the most. 

The Pier Scheveningen (option 1: Perfect in Summer and visit the Beach)

To get to the Pier Scheveningen, we recommend using public transport. It is easy to hop on a tram or bus close to the Peace Palace. You’ll reach Scheveningen in like 20 minutes. 

Address: Strandweg 150, Scheveningen

Visiting  The Pier  is great when you love to go shopping, having drinks, and being close to the beach. The pier is an iconic building in The Netherlands, which was built around 1900. Since 2014 is transformed into a unique place with lots of pop up stores and restaurants. It is also a perfect place when you’re looking for some action;  you can go bungee-jumping above the North Sea!

It’s also possible to hop on a Ferris wheel and enjoy the view from Scheveningen to The Hague. Or go on the zip-line alongside the pier. Great to spend some time at the pier, especially when you’re visiting during the summer, when the weather is beautiful, and you’re looking for some action!

Most parts of The Pier are accessible for people with mobility issues. 

Escher in The Palace (Option 2: Great when traveling with kids)

Address: Lange Voorhout 74

M.C. Escher was a Dutch graphic artist who understood the art of playing with perspective. His works are known all over the world. The Escher Museum, located at the most beautiful street of The Hague, Lange Voorhout, is one of our favorite museums to visit in The Netherlands. 

The museum, which has the name  Escher in The Palace,  shows the most unique works of Escher. Because a lot of his works are interactive, and playing with perspective, it is a great visit when traveling with kids. The museum is located in the former royal palace and shows some of the history of the Dutch Royal Family. 

The museum and palace are accessible for people with mobility issues. On the  museum’s website , you can find all the latest information. 

Boat Tour The Hague (option 3: Explore The Hague from the water)

The Hague has a small canal belt. During the Golden Age (17th century), there were many more canals in The Hague, reaching to Scheveningen, and inland, connecting the city to Amsterdam and Delft. Today there’s only a small canal belt left in The Hague, but with lots of history. 

It is excellent to explore the city from the water. You’ll see much more from the historic buildings and can learn more about the city’s royal and political history. We can recommend  Boat Tour The Hague  (in Dutch; Bootvaren Den Haag), to book your boat tour. On average, their boat tours take up to 90 minutes. You can arrange different hop-on/ hop-off locations with Boat Tour The Hague. When starting a boat tour after your visit to the Peace Palace, we recommend asking them to hop on at Mauritskade, which is closeby. 

If you like, they can arrange what we call in Dutch a ‘ borrelarrangement.’  Which are some drinks and snacks to enjoy your trip even more! 

When booking your trip with  Boat Tour The Hague , you can ask for skipper Guus, which is my dad! Since he was retired in 2018from the Dutch Police Force, he volunteers as a skipper at the company, just for fun. My dad is born and raised in The Hague and lived in the city all his life. He loves to tell stories about the history of the town, and because of his former job, he knows a lot of exciting details! Don’t worry is he’s not available, all the skippers of  Boat Tour The Hague  are fun, amiable, and knowledgable. A perfect activity if you want to learn more about the city in a relaxing way. 

Note: Boat Tours with  Boat Tour The Hague  are only available when booking upfront. So make sure to book your tour at least one day before. 

 It is possible to go on a boat tour when you have mobility issues. If so, make sure to tell them when making the booking. This way, they can recommend the best hop-on places to make access as easy as possible. 

When you have enough time, you can also combine a boat tour and a visit to Madurodam. There’s a hop-on/ hop-off stop next to Madurodam, so it is easy to combine the two!

Madurodam – Dutch Miniature City (Option 4: Great for Kids)

Address: George Maduroplein 1

Want to explore The Netherlands in a miniature way? The theme park Maduradom is the perfect getaway when traveling with kids. Madurodam is located in between The Hague and Scheveningen, and easy to reach using public transport. 

Madurodam shows exact replicas of the most famous landmarks of The Netherlands in miniature, on a scale from 1:25. While visiting Madurodam, you can visit all the highlights of The Netherlands in just one hour!

It is an interactive park, which is great to visit with the whole family. A perfect getaway when traveling with kids. With the interactive attractions, kids can learn more about the most important things in The Netherlands, more playfully and excitingly. The park opens every day between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM. You don’t need to reserve tickets in advance to visit  Madurodam . However, during public holidays and on weekend days it can be very busy. 

Madurodam is accessible to people with disabilities. You can find all the  practical information on their website .

The Hague Market (Option 5: Alternative Shopping option)

Address: Herman Costerstraat 571

It’s a bit away from the city center, but easily accessible with public transport in like 20 minutes.  The Hague Market  (or in Dutch; Haagsche Markt)  is the biggest open-air market in Europe. You can find a wide range of different foods from all over the world. Clothing, furniture, electronics. Everything you’ll need! 

The Hague is known as a multicultural city. The best way to explore all the different cultures in The Hague is by visiting the Hague Market. We wrote an article about  What is The Hague Famous For,  where we tell you more about the history and multicultural character of the city. 

It is our favorite market to go when we’re looking for fresh ingredients. It is also a lot cheaper than buying products in large grocery stores. So when visiting the market, you probably find a lot of people doing their weekly grocery shopping. The market opens four days a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, between 09:00 AM and 5:00 PM. 

The Hague Market  is easily accessible for people with mobility issues. The walking paths between the stalls are wide and flat, so you can easily go around. 

The Hague Tower (Option 6: For a Splendid View)

Address: Rijswijkseplein 786

The Netherlands is known as a flat country, but since the last decade, more and more skyscrapers are built, which change the looks of a city. One of the first skyscrapers that were constructed in The Hague was The Hague Tower. Developed in 2007 by a large housing cooperative. They developed student housing in the skyscrapers. On the top floors, you can visit a sky bar and enjoy the splendid views of the city. 

The building has a height of 132 meters, making it the third-highest building in The Hague. Because of its form, which looks like a flatiron, it has the nickname  Strijkijzer,  which means flatiron in Dutch. 

You can visit The Hague Tower for a quick visit and enjoy the views, or you can go to the sky bar for drinks or dinner. Their opening times vary, so its recommended to visit  their website  first to find out the latest information. 

Visiting The Hague Tower is possible when having mobility issues. 

Kunstmuseum The Hague (Option 7: Modern Art Option)

Address: Stadhouderslaan 41 

When you are interested in modern and extraordinary art, we recommend visiting Kunstmuseum. Also known as  Gemeentemuseum. 

The museum offers works of Monet, Piet Mondriaan, and many other modern master painters. Their collection is one of the most significant art collections in the world and contains over 160 thousand works of art. Those are not all on display at the same time, and many artworks are often lent to other museums in the world. 

Exhibitions in the museum change frequently, but some presentations are on continuous display. You can always explore the best works of Mondriaan, Delft Pottery, and the exhibition, which is called  Discover the Modern,  containing works of Mondriaan, Monet, Kadinsky, and many other master painters. 

The museum is closed on Mondays but opens every other day of the week. Tuesdays until Sunday, they open every day between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. 

People having mobility issues can easily access the museum. When necessary, wheelchairs are also available on loan at the foyer to visit the museum. If you want to use that, the museum recommends reserving a wheelchair in advance. The latest information is available on  their website . 

Before its time for dinner, we recommend going back to the city center. The best restaurants are located in the city center, so it is more convenient to go there first. Depending on the activity you chose, and its location, you might take some time to get to the city. Every option we recommended is within a travel distance of 30 minutes from the historical city center. 

You can easily take public transport to reach the center. However, some old trams are not easily accessible when you have mobility issues. The best way to plan your trip is by using the website of  The Hague public transport  company. On this website, you can also find which lines are accessible when having mobility issues.  

Dinner and Drinks

There are many restaurants to choose from for having dinner in The Hague. Some are just perfect for a quick bite, but you can also find some of the best restaurants in The Netherlands located in the city center of The Hague. 

We made a selection of a few restaurants which we like to go to when having dinner in the city. 

Umami The Hague :

Asian based cuisine, based on the Chinese concept of Social Dining. A unique restaurant that gets perfect reviews. I honestly never have been there, but it is on my list for so long, and get recommended by almost everyone I ask for ‘good restaurants in The Hague.’ So we thought we could safely recommend it as a place for dinner in The Hague. You need to reserve a table. 

• Website;  Umami The Hague
• Address: Buitenhof 46
• Cuisine: Social Dining – Chinese/Asian

Bar Bistro Twee Heeren

This is our favorite restaurant in The Hague. The Mediterranean menu lets you feel like you’re in France, Spain, or Italy. Their service is excellent, and it is always busy! 

Make sure to make a reservation before you go there because they have limited tables available. 

The restaurant is not easily accessible when you have mobility issues, you need to walk two steps down before entering the restaurant. You can’t enter the restaurant using a wheelchair. 

• Website;  Bar Bistro Twee Heeren
• Address: Oude Molstraat 6
• Cuisine: Mediterranean 

Bouzy Wine & Food

Our favorite wine bar in The Hague is located at Mauritskade. Their focus is good food and even better wines. And they are good at it! 

It is the perfect spot to spend a few hours and enjoy their extensive wine selection and excellent finger food. 

The restaurant is closed on Sunday & Monday .

• Website;  Bouzy Wine & Food
• Address: Mauritskade 95
• Cuisine: Mediterranean & European

When you’re looking for fine dining inspired at the French kitchen, we recommend going to Pastis. Located in the heart of the city at Oude Molstraat, this unique restaurant offers a wide variety of french food, french wines, and champagnes. A perfect getaway! 

Make sure to reserve a table before you go to Pastis. The restaurant is very popular and it quickly fully booked. 

• Website;  Pastis
• Address: Oude Molstraat 57
• Cuisine: French

After Dinner Drinks

When you finished dining, you might need to hop on the train and head back to your hotel. When you’re still up for it, there are a lot of places in The Hague that are fun for having drinks. Most common for drinks are the cafes and bars at the two large squares in the city center;  Plein,  and  Grote Markt. 

Both squares have their own identity and attract different people.  Plein   is located close to Binnenhof, and the bars at this square are more trendy. You probably find more people wearing suits, going here for drinks after work. Also, some of the bars are open until late at night, so to enjoy after-dinner drinks, it is the right choice when you like to go for some dancing! 

Grote Markt   is more laidback, with several cafes where you can easily hang around, socialize and enjoy some crafted beers, gin&tonics, or fresh mint tea. It is also the place where you find the best live music in the city. Especially during the summer months, when a big stage is built at the market square, and live music events are held almost every night. 

Our favorite rooftop bar,  Bleyenberg , is also located at Grote Markt. Not directly located at the large square, but on the opposite side, you’ll find the building where you can enter the rooftop bar. Bleyenberg has several cafes and restaurants in one building, so when the weather is not pleasant to sit outside, you can enjoy the cafe inside. During weekends and public holidays, they organize different events with live music, electronic dance music, and also a comedy club on Thursday nights! 

Recommended Articles

Looking for more things information about The Hague? Make sure to read our other articles about our home city; 

What is The Hague Famous For?

• Best Things to do in The Hague

The Hague is probably not the only city you’ll visit while visiting The Netherlands. We wrote many articles where we tell you about great things to do and explore in The Netherlands, check out the full list of articles here. 

Delft is a city that’s close to The Hague, and also great for a visit, you can find out more in our article  How Many Days Do You Need in Delft?

Packing Guide For The Netherlands

We can imagine that it can be challenging to find out what to pack for your trip to The Netherlands. The weather can vary from day to day, and with all the different activities to do, it can be overwhelming, making a packing list. 

As always, we are here to help you out, so we made a packing list for The Netherlands . In this article, you’ll find a standard packing list and tips for every season what to bring on your next trip. 

Are you still deciding when you want to go to The Netherlands? Check out our guide  Best Time To Visit The Netherlands .

Similar Posts

How many islands does the netherlands have, what is there to do in the hague | 25 best things to do, where is the best place to see windmills in the netherlands, what is kingsday in the netherlands, is rotterdam a good place to visit.

• Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Our Passion For Travel

One day in the hague: a helpful itinerary.

Like it? Feel free to share!

Many visitors to the Netherlands will skip The Hague in favour of more well known destinations like Amsterdam or Rotterdam. Indeed, it took us a few trips to the Netherlands before we discovered the wonders of The Hague. With just one day in The Hague you can experience the highlights of this oft-overlooked city.

The Hague is a city that is home to the Dutch Parliament. You’ve also probably heard about its ties to the United Nations, given it is the home of the International Court of Justice. What you may not know is that it’s also a coastal city, and is a wonderful place to experience both the city and the seaside in one day.

The Hague also makes a great base for a trip to the Netherlands. You could spend one day exploring The Hague and then take some day trips out to experience more of this beautiful country.

Our Passion For Travel contains affiliate links which may provide a commission. Our reviews and commentary remain independent and commission comes at no cost to you. Income derived help us create more content to help travellers like you make the most of your travel experiences. Read more here .

Getting to The Hague

The great news is that The Hague is easily accessible from many parts of the Netherlands.

The nearest airport is Amsterdam Airport Schipol. Direct trains run from the airport to The Hague Central station and can take as little as 30 minutes, depending on the service you choose.

The distances from many other cities in the Netherlands is very reasonable. From Amsterdam, direct trains take just under an hour. Rotterdam to The Hague is even shorter, at just under 30 minutes.

If you want to see the tulips during the spring time, The Hague makes the perfect base too. You could hire a car and be amongst the tulip fields of Lisse and the Keukenhof Gardens in about 30 minutes.

Wanting to see the tulips? Check out our guide for visiting the Lisse tulip fields and Keukenhof Gardens

Getting around The Hague

For this one day in The Hague itinerary, the easiest ways to get around are a combination of walking and by the tram.

The main areas of the city you’ll explore are generally very flat and with good walking paths.

Otherwise, there are great connections via tram which will help you get around, particularly to the beach. We suggest using Google Maps to work out the easiest tram routes, which we’ll point out in our itinerary below.

Tram tickets can be purchased on board the tram, and there are options for a 2 hour ticket or an all day pass. If you plan to spend some time by the beach like we suggest in this itinerary, an all day pass is probably the most useful.

Things to do with one day in The Hague

Fuel up with some breakfast and be prepared for a great day seeing the highlights of The Hague.

Visit Mauritshuis

We kick off your one day in The Hague with a visit to the incredible Mauritshuis . This museum is home to the finest Dutch paintings from famous artists such as Rembrandt and Vermeer. Arguably the most famous painting that this museum holds is Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring”. You’ve likely seen many pictures of this artwork that dates back to the mid-1600s. Now is the time you get to experience the real thing!

It’s quite a small museum, laid out over a few floors. You probably won’t need any more than an hour or so to see the main highlights. A short visit, but one that will give you an appreciation for Dutch artwork.

The museum opens at 10am each day, except Mondays which is 1pm. If you’re visiting on a Monday, you will need to make some amendments to this itinerary.

Admire The Binnenhof

Depending on which way you entered Mauritshuis, you may not have yet seen the stunning buildings and waterways which surround it. This area of buildings is called The Binnenhof and is the location of the Dutch Parliament. These gothic buildings date back to the 1300s, and are said to be some of the oldest parliament buildings still in use today.

If you’re interested, you can book a guided tour of the inside of the parliament. But with just one day in The Hague, I recommend just taking some time to stroll the grounds and admire the architecture.

Walk down the Passage

Once you’ve finished up at The Binnenhof, it’s time to explore more of the city centre. If you enjoy shopping, a visit to the Passage is a must do in The Hague. The Passage is a covered shopping arcade with a glass roof. It’s also the Netherland’s oldest shopping arcade, built in the late 1800s. Whilst today there is also a much more modern extension, the grand design alone is worth a visit.

Enjoy lunch in the square

You’re in the city centre and it’s likely your stomach is starting to rumble. Luckily there are many options for you!

For a quick and delicious bite, we’d recommend Haringkraam Buitenhof. This is otherwise known on Google as the Buitenhof Herring Stall. This is European street food at its finest. Grab some kibbeling (deep fried fish with garlic sauce) and enjoy fresh seafood in the square. With just one day in The Hague you may not want a long lunch. This is the perfect option for something easy and traditional.

See the unique Panorama Mesdag

Once you’ve finished up lunch in the square, the next location on your list is the Panorama Mesdag. This is one of the most unique and memorable artworks we have ever seen. It’s about a 15 minute walk from the square. Along the way, make sure you stop to view the Noordeinde Palace . This is one of three official palaces of the Dutch Royal family. It’s closed to the public, but you can admire the architecture from outside the grand gates.

Continuing on down the road Is the Panorama Mesdag. The reason for visiting here? To see the impressive “Panorama of Scheveningen”. This is a 360 degree panorama of this fishing village by the sea. It ignites your senses with the addition of sand and sound to transport you back to 1881.

Henry Mesdag is the artist who was at the forefront of panorama art in the late 1800s. People would travel far and wide to see his paintings. Sadly, the advent of the moving picture also saw interest in panoramas decline. But it’s incredible to see his artwork still today.

At the time of writing, it’s only possible to visit the museum via advanced online ticket purchase . Plan ahead so you don’t miss out on this masterpiece.

Visit the Peace Palace

Just a short walk from the museum is the next must do in The Hague, a visit to the Peace Palace . This grand building is the home to the International Court of Justice among others. Built in the 1900’s, it’s impressive to see such a beautiful building that is trying to uphold the objective of world peace.

It’s only possible to visit the inside of the palace on a group tour a few times a year. Unless you’ve planned your trip around this, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to enter. However, there is an informative visitor centre on the grounds that is worth a quick visit. This will give you some more information on the importance of this building and the objectives of the different judicial bodies.

Head to Madurodam to see all of the Netherlands

Is it possible to see all of the Netherlands in a day? You can certainly try at Madurodam. This miniature park is full of replica Dutch landmarks at a scale of 1:25. Here you can see miniature cities from all over the Netherlands, including the Rijksmuseum, St John’s Cathedral, Anne Frank’s house and the Jordaan district. Trains and canals run throughout with miniature replicas of tulips too.

Interestingly, whilst it’s a tourist attraction, it’s also been described as the happiest war memorial in the world. It was built as a testament to the deeds of George Maduro, who fought the Nazi occupation and died in a concentration camp at Dachau.

Given everything is at a 1:25 scale, it’s not a huge property. You could easily see the park in around an hour. In our opinion, it’s a place for the kids and those big kids who love quirky attractions (that’s us!). It is a little pricey, so it may not be suitable for everyone. If you want to skip it, that’s okay, just move on to the next place on our itinerary.

If you do visit, you can purchase tickets in advance . It’s about a 25 minute walk from the Peace Palace, however you can cut out about half that distance by catching the tram. 

Afternoon and evening at the beach

Fancy some time by the beach? You’re in luck because The Hague is home to one of the most famous Dutch beaches.

Scheveningen beach is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It’s a large stretch of coast with a lovely promenade and a huge bit of sand. Visiting this beach reminded us of Brighton in the UK, but with sand instead of the typical European pebbles.

You may also remember that this is the spot that is famous for Mesdag’s panorama as well. Although, it does look very different today!

If you’re visiting in summer, you might want to bring your swimmers and towel and go for a dip. Otherwise, you can spend time walking along the promenade and find a spot at one of the beach clubs for a perfect afternoon drink. Stay longer and grab some fresh seafood dinner here too. Do make sure you also visit the Scheveningen Pier for a great view back towards the coast too.

The easiest way to get to Scheveningen beach from Madurodam or the centre of The Hague is via the tram. This will drop you off in a convenient location for the beach.

Another itinerary possibility for your one day in The Hague itinerary

If Madurodam and the beach don’t sound so appealing to you, consider spending the afternoon in Delft instead. This is a beautiful little city that reminded us of a much smaller and quaint Amsterdam. Canals and little laneways run through the city. Grand landmarks such as the Delft City Hall make for some spectacular viewing. To top it off, there is a wonderful square dotted with bars and restaurants that are perfect for some afternoon drinks and dinner.

You can travel by train between Den Haag Central station and Delft station is as little as 12 minutes. Once you’ve finished at the Peace Palace, you can jump on the 31 tram for the train station. It’s really easy!

Where to stay in The Hague

One of the great benefits of visiting The Hague is that there are so many different options for accommodation. We visited The Hague over Easter long weekend, when prices in other cities were extremely high. In contrast, The Hague had plentiful accommodation options at reasonable prices.

We stayed at the Mercure Hotel Den Haag Central . The room was a decent size with a comfortable bed and furnishings. It was located about a 10 minute walk to the train station and 5 minutes to the main area of the city. It was also located in china town, so there were some great restaurants nearby too.

If you’re after some 5 star luxury, you might consider the Hotel Des Indes . Built in 1858 as a city palace, and then turned into a hotel sometime later, it exudes stunning old world charm.

We hope you enjoy your one day in The Hague and that this itinerary has helped you have a great trip. We’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Have you been to The Hague? Is there anything else you’d recommend to see on a visit?

Like our one day in The Hague itinerary? Pin it for later

2 Responses

As a Dutchie myself, I can say that your list captures very well the beauty of The Hague. Well done

Thanks for the kind words Guido – means a lot! We loved the Hague, so much to enjoy about it!

Travel Blog

The Hague in One Day – The Perfect Itinerary

Are you looking for a one-day in The Hague itinerary for your day trip from Amsterdam? Then I got you covered!

I have just returned from one of my many trips to The Hague, and it is one of my favorite cities in the Netherlands – for good reason.

There is so much to do and so much to see in The Hague. There is an abundance of culture, history, and social hot spots all over the city. But how to choose when you are only there for one day?

To save you some hassle during planning I have created an itinerary for spending 1 day in The Hague for you.

Let’s get to it!

Table of Contents

What you need to know about the hague before you go, how to get around the hague for 1 day, with public transport, 1 day in the hague itinerary – at a glance, best walking tours in the hague, the mauritshuis, escher in het palais, den haag city center, the panorama mesdag, the binnenhof, noordeinde palace, the peace palace, unesco passage, van kleef distillery, zeeheldenkwartier, the hague tower, scheveningen pier, where to eat in the hague, best hotel in the hague, the best time to go to the hague, is the hague safe, is the hague worth visting, what is the hague famous for, conclusion: one day in the hague itinerary, faq’s, about the author.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my  disclaimer  for further information.

Before heading off to The Hague, there are some vital facts that you should know.

The Hague is the inofficial capital of the Netherlands and it is located in the province of South Holland. All government institutions are located in The Hague, however, Amsterdam is the official capital city.

The Hague is home to several notable museums and historically important sites. The Dutch Parliament, known as the States General, meets in the Binnenhof in The Hague. Most foreign embassies have their seat in The Hague as well.

It’s a city filled with culture, history, and architecture. There are many museums and galleries to explore and picturesque little streets to stroll through.

The city is also full of beautiful spots for picnicking or just taking in the scenery. Among them are the Haagse Bos, with its expansive meadows and ponds, and Scheveningen Beach, where you can relax by the sea.

The Hague is not a very big city, so you can easily get around by walking. We spent our entire day there without having to rely on a car or public transport.

If you do not like walking so much, you can rent bikes all over the city for the day. This is a pretty cheap and easy way to get around the city.

The public transport system in The Hague is quite good, they offer about 30 different tram and bus lines that can take you anywhere.

If you just want to go to the beach , there are special offers that combine a parking garage ticket and tram tickets for super low prices.

How to Get to The Hague from Amsterdam

From Amsterdam, one of the easiest and most convenient ways to get to The Hague is by train . The journey takes around an hour, and direct trains leave from Amsterdam Centraal Station multiple times per hour. You can also take a bus, which generally takes longer than a train but is usually cheaper.

The Hague has two main train stations – Den Haag Centraal and Den Haag HS (Hollands Spoor). Both are easily reachable from Amsterdam by train. If you’re taking the bus, then you’ll likely arrive at Den Haag Centraal Station or Goudriaanplein Station in the center of The Hague.

Using the NS website or an app like 9292 is always recommended for up-to-date information about public transportation options.

From Den Haag Centraal Station to the city center, the walk is approximately 1 km and takes 12 minutes. The route follows a mostly straight path, going through several streets in the city center. Since you will probably not have any luggage, walking is a great option.

Driving from Amsterdam to The Hague takes approximately an hour and a half in good traffic conditions. You can park your car at one of the several parking garages near Den Haag Centraal Station, as well as parking lots located throughout the city.

If you book your day tickets in advance, they are not too expensive. Check the Q-Park Website for booking and great deals. We only paid EUR 15,00 for parking for 24 hours. They have parking garages all over the city.

In case you need to get a rental car in Amsterdam, I suggest booking with DiscoverCars.

If you are looking for the One Day in the Hague Itinerary without needing further information, you can find it here.

For more tips and insights keep scrolling down. Since one day is not enough to see all of The Hague, I have made several versions of the itinerary.

Of course, you can modify them according to your preferences.

Another amazing option on your day trip to The Hague is taking a guided tour of the city.

This means, you don’t need to plan anything and can get first-hand knowledge from a local guide. Here are my favorite walking tours for The Hague:

• Half-Day Private Walking Tour of The Hague (4 hours)
• Food Walking Tour of The Hague
• Surprise Walk of The Hague with a Local

The Mauritshuis is an art museum in The Hague , Netherlands.

It is home to some of the most iconic paintings in the world. You can see Rembrandt’s ‘The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp’ and Vermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’.

The building itself is a Baroque palace that was constructed in 1633 and is great to see as well. It was initially a residence for Count Johan Maurits van Nassau-Siegen. Later, it was converted into a museum.

The museum is incredibly busy, so you need to book a tour and a time slot in advance if you want to visit.

Opening times

13.00 – 18.00

Tuesday – Sunday

10.00 – 18.00

Escher in Palais is a permanent exhibition located inside the former Winter Palace of Queen Mother Emma of the Netherlands.

It is dedicated to the works of renowned Dutch graphic artist, M.C. Escher. You can buy combination tickets that also allow you to enter the Kunstmuseum Den Haag.

You can experience a wide array of his woodcuts, lithographs, and mezzotints , as well as learn more about his life and philosophy through interactive displays.

Some of the most famous artworks featured in the exhibition include Ascending and Descending, Relativity, Waterfall, and Reptiles.

What I love about this museum: you can create your optical illusion as a souvenir!

Get your tickets!

11:00 until 17:00 daily

closed on Mondays

The City Center of Den Haag is a great place for a stroll and to see some sights on the go.

It’s home to a variety of historic buildings, monuments, and museums, as well as plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.

The Binnenhof Palace is one of the highlights of the district. The Hofvijver Pond is also worth visiting. I loved the tranquil atmosphere and stunning views over the Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights) building.

On top of that, you can find hidden gems like the Gevangenpoort prison gate or discover The Hague Tower which stands 90 m tall.

This is also a great spot to do some shopping. Several streets are lined with cute shops and fancy boutiques.

You can find stores from every major brand in this area. We spent hours just walking around the cute alleys and hunting for some nice souvenirs.

The Panorama Mesdag is a 360-degree panoramic painting. It was created by Dutch marine painter Hendrik Willem Mesdag between 1881 and 1883. And let me tell you – it is stunning.

The painting is 14 meters high and 120 meters wide. It shows a panoramic view of Scheveningen beach. It is the world’s largest painting on canvas, which makes it extra special in my opinion.

The painting can be seen from inside a special cylindrical building, known as the panorama tower. You can look at the work from all angles.

The tower also has three floors with some other exhibits about the history of the artist.

Get your tickets here!

Opening times:

10:00 – 17:00 daily

The Binnenhof is a beautiful historical building in The Hague and the seat of the Dutch Parliament. It was built in 1250 and has since served as the home of the Dutch government.

In the Binnenhof you can also find the Knights’ Hall, which appeared on a Dutch stamp in 1998. This hall was originally used for banquets, celebrations, and political assemblies. Another important structure is the Grote Kerk, which houses a museum dedicated to Dutch history.

The Binnenhof is also home to various monuments and memorials honoring prominent figures from Dutch history such as Jan de Witt, Willem van Oranje, and Queen Beatrix. I find it a super interesting place that you should visit on your day in The Hague.

If you are interested, you can take a tour of the ‘ Ridderzaal ’ (Hall of Knights) and either the First and/or the Second Chamber of Parliament. It depends on the current political agenda of each day. Make sure to book your tour in advance to be guaranteed a spot.

The Noordeinde Palace is the working palace of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands. It is located on Noordeinde Street and is one of three official residences used by the King and his family.

Noordeinde Palace dates back to the late 16th century when it was built for Johan de Witt. Today, it is primarily used for business meetings with foreign heads of state and other royal engagements such as receptions and dinners. It also houses a museum dedicated to Dutch history.

Noordeinde Palace remains an iconic part of The Hague’s landscape today. Because the palace is still in use by the Royals, it is not open to the general public for tours or visits. You can visit the Palace and take pictures from the outside like we did.

The Peace Palace in The Hague is an iconic landmark that serves as a symbol of international justice and peace. It houses the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the International Court of Justice, and the Hague Academy of International Law.

As a lawyer myself, this was a place I had to see. Be careful not to confuse it with the International Criminal Court, which is also in The Hague.

Inside the palace are six courtrooms for hearings and trials as well as over 12 kilometers of bookshelves holding several hundred thousand books on international law.

As of this moment, it is not possible to enter the Peace Palace for a tour. Make sure to check the official website for more information. Usually, tours can be booked on this website.

The UNESCO-recognized Passage is the oldest in the Netherlands and is now used as a shopping center.

It has an amazing history and beautiful architecture, so it is worth it to drop by.

You can do some shopping there or just enjoy a coffee in one of the cute coffee shops there.

The Van Kleef Distillery in The Hague is an iconic landmark that should be on your one-day in The Hague itinerary.

It is located inside a historic building on Spui Square. It was founded more than 150 years ago by brothers Van Kleef, who wanted to produce their spirits.

They produce over 18 different types of gin, liqueurs, and whiskeys. All of their products are made with locally sourced ingredients. You can take a guided tour at the distillery, where they will learn all about the history behind each drink and how it’s made.

Of course, you also get to sample some of their best drinks. Van Kleef Distillery also offers classes on how to make your own gin or whiskey at home (Slow Travel Tip!)

The Zeeheldenkwartier is a beautiful and unique area located in the center of The Hague. It is known for its historic architecture and impressive buildings.

The Zeeheldenkwartier is also home to the Van Kleef Distillery that we just discussed, so you can easily combine your visit.

There are numerous shops and cafes dotted around the area, offering everything from fresh food and fashion to antique items.

There are also several galleries featuring works from local artists. For me, it was the perfect area to leisurely stroll around and get a feeling of The Hague.

Madurodam is a super popular attraction that you can visit in The Hague. Since we did not have so much time on our trip, we did not get to visit personally. However, I think it should still be on your radar.

Madurodam is a mini park in The Hague. It was founded in 1952 and is named after George Maduro, who was a Dutch lawyer and resistance fighter during World War II.

Madurodam is a miniature city of Holland . You can admire replicas of famous Dutch landmarks such as the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, Tulip Fields, and more. Despite their small size, each model is supposed to be incredibly detailed. They even offer boat rides there.

Book tickets here !

09:00 – 17:00 daily

The Hague Tower, also known as Het Haagse Toren stands at an impressive height of 80 meters. From there you can enjoy an amazing view of The Hague’s cityscape. It is Holland’s highest public area.

The building itself consists of several stories. The best place to visit is a terrace on the top floor that provides 360-degree views of the city. There is also an observation deck located 76 meters above sea level. Both of them are worth visiting in my opinion.

Additionally, there are several restaurants and shops located within the tower itself that offer Dutch cuisine.

Book a guided climb here!

For our last stop on our day in The Hague, we walked to Scheveningen (about an hour’s walk from the city center).

The Scheveningen Pier is one of the most recognizable landmarks in The Hague. It is stretched out over 800 meters into the North Sea. You can find some cool things to do in Scheveningen, such as walking and biking trails, beachfront restaurants, and even an amusement park.

At the end of the pier lies the iconic Kurhaus Hotel, a grand building that dates back to 1884. From here you can take in the spectacular views of the sea and nearby beach. They also have an amazing spa, if you are looking for romantic things to do in Scheveningen.

The pier also features a vibrant nightlife scene with bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and cafes that cater to every taste. Of course you can also just sit in one of the many beach clubs and enjoy a nice seaside dinner.

We have tried out a couple of different restaurants in The Hague.

Here are some of my favorite places to eat when staying one day in The Hague.

Breakfast/ Brunch:

• Cafe de Florez
• Bagels and Beans
• Walter Benedict
• Restaurant Capriole
• De Waterreus (Scheveningen)
• Villa Coucou

If you decide to stay overnight after all, I recommend staying at the Inntel Hotels Den Haag Marina Beach in Scheveningen.

The hotel has everything you need for a super fancy overnight stay in The Hague. Read all about my stay in the Inntel Hotels Den Haag Marina Beach here.

The best time to visit The Hague is during the summer months. Summer is definitely the best season in the Hague. The average temperature during this time is between 15-22 degrees Celsius. This makes it an ideal time to explore the city.

During the summer months, The Hague’s famous beaches and boardwalks are bustling with tourists. You might even be able to go for a swim in the North Sea if the weather permits (but let’s be honest Dutch weather is absolutely unpredictable, so don’t count on that).

If you’re looking for some cultural attractions, many of The Hague’s museums are free to enter during the summertime. Overall, summer is the most popular season for visiting The Hague.

If you want to avoid the crowds then spring or late autumn could be another great choice as well. We went during spring, which was great weather-wise, but things were more expensive because it is tulip season in The Netherlands.

The Hague in the Netherlands is generally considered a safe city. Especially compared to other big cities around the world.

Violent crime is pretty low, but like any city, it’s got its spots where you might wanna keep an extra eye out.

Petty crimes like pickpocketing can happen, especially in touristy areas and public transport. So, maybe don’t flash your fancy phone around too much!

The police are usually on top of things, and there are plenty of CCTV cameras around. Public transport is also safe and efficient, even at night.

Do you need travel insurance in The Hague? Yes, travel insurance in The Hague is highly recommended.  Unsafe roads, water sports accidents, and food poisoning are only a few examples of when travel insurance could come in handy.   EKTA offers worldwide travel insurance  with 24/7 service and no hidden fees or restrictions.

Yes, The Hague is definitely worth visiting! The Hague is a hidden gem in the Netherlands, and it is possibly my favorite city here.

The Hague is not as busy as Amsterdam, but it’s packed with cool stuff. I love that there are no noisy, drunk tourists.

First off, you’ve got the beach at Scheveningen. Perfect for a chill day, and the pier there is super cool. History and culture? The Hague’s got it.

If you love shopping, The Hague’s got some unique boutiques and high-end stores. The food scene is also great; you’ll find everything from traditional Dutch snacks to international cuisine.

The architecture is a mix of modern and old-world charm. You get these royal vibes, especially near the Royal Palace and around all the embassies.

And of course, the place has so much historical but also contemporary political significance, that it is hard not to get excited.

The Hague is known for quite a lot of things. Here are some of the biggest things that The Hague is known for internationally and in the Netherlands:

⭐ It’s basically the home of international law and diplomacy. The International Court of Justice is there.

⭐ Unlike Amsterdam, which is the capital, The Hague is where you’ll find the Dutch Parliament and the royal family.

⭐ Scheveningen Beach: One of the most popular beaches in the Netherlands. Great for surfing, or just lounging around.

⭐ Home to the “Girl with a Pearl Earring” and other iconic art pieces.

⭐ King’s Day: Okay, this is a national holiday, but The Hague goes all out. Think street parties, concerts, and a lot of orange clothing.

By now, I hope I have convinced you to take a Day Trip to the Hague from Amsterdam. There are many important cultural hot spots in The Hague that are worth a visit.

Art and history lovers will surely love The Hague as much as I did. And for those seeking the ocean breeze, a day in Scheveningen Beach is the ideal destination.

The Hague is also a great spot for a weekend trip from Amsterdam.

The Hague is located approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) southwest of Amsterdam. The two cities are connected by a reliable and frequent train service that takes around 50 minutes to travel between them.

I suggest staying at least for 2 days in The Hague. This gives you a chance to check out everything important in the city and also spend an additional day at Scheveningen Beach. Two days is the perfect amount of time to spend in The Hague.

No, a few hours in the Hauge are not enough to explore all of the city. However, you can see many nice things in just a few hours in The Hague. Make sure to check out the Binnenhof and the Mauritshuis if you only have a few hours in The Hague.

The Hague is located in the western part of the Netherlands, along the North Sea coast. It is the capital city of the province of South Holland and is situated about 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Amsterdam and 25 kilometers (16 miles) north of Rotterdam.

Yes, The Hague is considered a safe city at night. However, like any other city, it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially in areas that are less well-lit or have few people around. It is recommended to stay in well-lit and busy areas, avoid walking alone at night, and take a taxi or public transport if necessary.

The Hague is a vibrant and culturally diverse city with a rich history and many attractions. It is home to several international organizations and embassies, as well as beautiful parks, museums, and art galleries. Visitors can explore the historic Binnenhof complex, relax on the sandy beaches of Scheveningen, admire the works of Dutch masters at the Mauritshuis museum, and enjoy the local cuisine and shopping. The Hague also offers a lively nightlife scene and is an ideal base for exploring nearby cities such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

No, one day is not enough to see all of the amazing things that The Hague has to offer. I suggest staying at least overnight in The Hague to see the best of the city and have some time to spend at Scheveningen beach.

Personally, I liked The Hague better than Amsterdam. The city is much cleaner and way less crowded. Also, The Hague is located at the beach so you can enjoy city vibes and relax at the beach at the same time.

The Hague, or “Den Haag” in Dutch, was founded around the 13th century. The Binnenhof, which is the seat of the Dutch government, was built in 1248. So, it’s got a long history, making it one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands.

Sabrina is a passionate travel blogger and content creator, based in New Mexico. She spends about half the year traveling to various destinations with her husband.

She provides slow-paced itineraries that focus on quality over quantity. Sabrina wants to help her readers to get more out of their travel experiences – while doing less. Read more.

You May Also Like

16 Best Weekend Trips from Amsterdam – Local’s Guide

Inntel Hotels Den Haag Marina Beach – an Honest Review

Amsterdam in Spring: Tulips, Festivals and Attractions

The Top 10 Things to do With One Day in The Hague

Guest Post by Krystian from TimelessPoland . Krystian has lived in The Hague since 1995 and loves to explore the coastal Dutch city.

If you are visiting the Netherlands and planning on spending one day in The Hague then you’ve come to the right place to learn all about this underrated Dutch city. The Hague is a hidden treasure in the Netherlands that merits its own spotlight despite frequently being eclipsed by its more rambunctious brother Amsterdam.

This post will explain everything you need to know to have an awesome day trip to the Hague. This lovely Dutch city, nestled near the North Sea, skillfully blends classic elegance with a contemporary edge.

The Hague should definitely be included in your Netherlands travel itinerary . Even if you just have one day in the Hague to spare, there are treasures in the city just waiting to be discovered, as we’ll reveal in this post.

Note: this article contains affiliate links, which means that should you purchase something or get a quote through them I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps keep the site running with up to date information. I do not represent Booking.com. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy the product mentioned in this article.

Should You Visit The Hague?

Yes! The Hague’s appeal stems from the city’s distinctive fusion of culture, history, and cosmopolitanism. The Hague offers a unique travel experience, even though Amsterdam may be the face of Dutch tourism.

It serves as the Dutch government’s headquarters, the location of several royal palaces, and a center for world diplomacy. The Hague thus has something alluring for everyone, whether you’re an art fan, history buff, or just seeking a fun day by the water.

10 Things to do With One Day in The Hague

1) the binnenhof.

You enter centuries of political significance as soon as you enter the Binnenhof’s historic complex. Since the 13th century, this complex of buildings has served as the center of Dutch government.

The grand Ridderzaal (Knight’s Hall), which originally housed the court of the Counts of Holland, is a monument to the spectacular medieval architecture used in the construction of this beautiful parliament building. You’ll be following in the footsteps of politicians and statesmen who have influenced the country as you meander around the cobblestone courtyards.

2) the Mauritshuis Museum

The Mauritshuis Mus e um is more than just a collection of priceless artwork; it also serves as a window into the Dutch Golden Age of painting. The museum’s small environment encourages you to establish a close connection with its pieces because it is housed inside the old home of Count Johan Maurits.

When you look at Vermeer’s “ Girl with a Pearl Earring ” you get a glimpse of both the daily life and artistic brilliance of the 17th century. In addition to showcasing well-known painters, the museum’s collection offers insights into the society and culture of the time.

3) Peace Palace

The Peace Palace is a symbol of The Hague’s commitment to world peace. The International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration have their offices in this 1913 architectural wonder.

Beyond its beautiful exterior, the Peace Palace echoes with the decisions and accords that have shaped contemporary international relations. A guided tour reveals the rich workmanship inside the structure and provides a profound perspective of the global search for justice.

4) Panorama Mesdag

Panorama Mesdag is more than just a picture; it’s a work of art that transports you to a bygone age. This cylindrical panoramic painting, created by Hendrik Willem Mesdag and his wife Sientje, transports you to the Scheveningen village as it was in 1881.

The illusion is so convincing that when you stand in the middle of the space you momentarily forget that you are in a museum. This enormous painting is more than just a depiction of history; it’s a call to enter it.

5) Beach at Scheveningen

Scheveningen Beach’s attractiveness goes beyond its sandy stretches and crashing surf. It’s a location where the North Sea’s rhythm pulls you to relax and appreciate the wonders of nature.

You can trace the steps of previous generations who sought adventure and solace by the sea as you walk along the promenade in this seaside resort town with a history rich in marine traditions. Scheveningen offers a reviving getaway, whether you’re lazing in the sun or engaging in water activities. What I love to do when I am at Scheveningen, is buy a six pack and lay on the beach and watch the sunset. In the night there are some fun places to party such as Crazy Pianos.

6) Noordeinde Palace

The Noordeinde Palace is an example of how history and modernity can coexist together. The Dutch Royal Family lives here, occasionally standing on the balcony and waving to admirers.

While some areas of the palace are still inaccessible, the neighborhood is vibrant. You are surrounded by a fusion of high-end stores, art galleries, and inviting cafés as you stroll through the energetic streets. This setting, where regal grace meets modern flair, provides a window into The Hague’s complex personality.

7) Escher in Het Paleis

The mind-bending works of M.C. Escher find a home in a historic royal palace, resulting in an absolutely fascinating juxtaposition. You penetrate the depths of the artist’s imagination as you investigate the complex illusions and impractical geometries while wandering around the museum.

Each item asks you to consider your perception and the nature of reality. It’s an investigation that inspires reflection in addition to celebrating artistic brilliance.

8) The Hague Market

The Hague Market is a bustling microcosm of the city’s multicultural fabric, not just a place to buy things. Every nook of this market offers a tale, from the vibrant selection of fresh produce to the enticing odors of international cuisine.

You are taking part in a sensory adventure that transcends boundaries as you move through the stalls, which is bursting with energy that reflects the multicultural community that calls The Hague home.

9) Madurodam

Madurodam is a painstaking tribute to the Dutch past, not just a collection of miniature replicas. Each meticulous model displays the very best of Dutch culture in addition to architectural marvels.

You are experiencing a condensed representation of the attractiveness of the country as you take in the crowded train stations, ornate bridges, and exquisite windmills. It is a celebration of both the monumental and the personal characteristics that make the Netherlands unique.

10) Grote Kerk (Big Church)

The Grote Kerk’s dominating presence is more than just a feat of architecture. It serves as a link between the history and present of the city. This Gothic masterpiece, whose beginnings date back to the 13th century, has seen centuries of history pass by.

You can get sweeping views of the city’s modern skyline and historic center by climbing the tower. The Grote Kerk serves as a reminder that The Hague’s beauty is a continuum that never ceases to enthrall.

Where to Stay in The Hague

If you’re day in the Hauge includes overnight in The Hague you’ll want to make sure you have a comfortable and convenient place to stay the night. Here are a few of the best options in the city.

Hotel Des Indes

Hotel Des Indes , housed in a historic structure, provides an opulent refuge that skillfully blends traditional charm with contemporary luxury. This five-star jewel is centrally located and offers luxurious accommodations, a spa, and fine dining options. The hotel is a destination in and of itself thanks to its illustrious past, first-rate service, and opulent decor.

Hilton The Hague

Hilton The Hague is a refuge of refinement that combines modern architecture with top-notch services. This five-star hotel offers spacious accommodations, a fitness facility, and great dining options close to the Peace Palace and other attractions. It’s the perfect base for both pleasure and business travelers thanks to its convenient location and quality amenities.

Hotel Excelsior

Hotel Excelsior , located in the quaint Statenkwartier neighborhood, exudes a certain kind of boutique luxury. This 4-star jewel offers tastefully decorated rooms with artistic accents that make for a pleasant retreat after a day of exploration. The hotel is a desirable option for visitors seeking both relaxation and culture due to its close proximity to Scheveningen Beach and other sites.

Center Novotel

The Novotel Den Haag City Centre is well situated in the center of the city and offers contemporary comforts with a dash of Dutch style. This 4-star hotel offers cozy accommodations, a fitness facility, and a welcoming lounge. Its convenient location makes it a great choice for tourists who desire quick access to major sites and the action-packed city life.

Hotel Carlton Ambassador

The Carlton Ambassador Hotel , tucked away in the embassy neighborhood, offers a fusion of elegance and peace. This beautiful 4-star boutique hotel offers fine dining options, lovely accommodations, and a garden terrace that emanates classic elegance. Its tranquil surroundings and close proximity to well-known sites make it a haven for enthusiastic tourists.

The 6 Best Places to Eat in The Hague

While the Dutch might not be known for their food culture , some amazing restaurants can be found throughout the country, especially in The Hauge. Here are six of the best places to eat in the city.

HanTing Cuisine

At Restaurant Han Ting Cuisine, where contemporary Chinese cuisine is the star, elevate your dining experience. This Michelin-starred restaurant expertly combines innovation and tradition to produce dishes that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are delicious. HanTing is a gastronomic experience that goes above and beyond expectations because of its creative presentation and first-rate service.

Enjoy Pastis’ French-inspired treats in full. This adorable cafe has a warm atmosphere and a menu that will take you right to the heart of France. Each dish, from escargot to coq au vin, is a celebration of traditional French flavors made with great care.

At Little V, a restaurant that embodies Southeast Asian cuisine, savor the colorful flavors of Vietnam. Each item, from tasty pho to crisp spring rolls, demonstrates Little V’s dedication to authenticity. The comfortable yet stylish atmosphere enhances the whole dining experience.

Milu adds a modern spin to the flavors of the Levant and the Mediterranean. You’re invited to share tiny plates at this chic eatery, which are bursting with flavors and textures. Milu offers a communal eating experience that is ideal for spending time with friends and family, from mezze platters to exquisite grills.

Enjoy a seaside dining experience at Waterproef, where seafood is the star of the menu. This eatery, which has a lovely waterfront as its backdrop, focuses on freshly caught seafood served with flair. Whether you’re a seafood connoisseur or looking for alternative options, Waterproef will tempt your taste buds thanks to the menu’s variety.

Within the Hilton The Hague, Restaurant Pearl provides a sophisticated culinary experience that appeals to a variety of palates. Each meal is a celebration of Dutch and world flavors, with an emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients. The refined setting and excellent service provide for the perfect environment for special dining occasions.

7 Fun Facts About The Hague

• Noordeinde Palace and Huis ten Bosch Palace, two royal residences, are located in The Hague.
• International flair : The Hague has a distinctive international vibe due to its more than 160 international organizations and embassies.
• The Hague’s dedication to justice and peace has given it the moniker “ City of Peace and Justice.”
• Station Hollands Spoor , the smallest public railroad station in the world, is located in this city.
• Vermeer’s Legacy: The Mauritshuis Museum has a number of works by renowned Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer in its collection.
• Market with a variety of goods: The Hague Market is a mash-up of cultural influences, reflecting the city’s multiracial population.
• Binnenhof Buzz: The Binnenhof is one of the oldest parliamentary buildings in the world and has served as the hub of Dutch politics for more than 700 years.

One day in The Hague: FAQ’s

Is one day in the hague enough.

Even while additional time would provide a more thorough investigation, one day may provide an excellent sample of The Hague’s highlights. Strategically plan and concentrate on your key priorities.

Is The Hague a walkable city?

Absolutely! The Hague is simple to explore on foot thanks to its small size and streets that are designed for foot traffic.

Is The Hague safe?

Yes, tourists can feel safe visiting The Hague. Use common sense and be mindful of your surroundings as you would in any location.

How to get around in The Hague?

Trams and buses are part of the city’s effective public transit system. A bike rental is another option for a truly Dutch experience.

Why is The Hague so popular?

The Hague is a popular destination for tourists looking for a varied experience due to its combination of historical relevance, political importance, cultural richness, and coastline appeal.

Can you drink the water in The Hague?

In The Hague, drinking tap water is safe. The tap water in the Netherlands is of a high standard and has undergone rigorous treatment in accordance with tight rules regulating water purity.

Is The Hague better than Amsterdam?

Do they speak english in the hague.

Yes, the Netherlands is one of the best English-speaking countries in the world . The Hague has a large English-speaking population, making communication with foreign visitors simple.

The Wrap-Up: 10 Things to do With One Day in The Hague

You can spend an entire day exploring The Hague’s historical tapestry, delighting in its artistic riches, absorbing its global moods, and unwinding by the water. This city is proof that it’s possible to make lifelong memories even when you just have a short amount of time.

Therefore, if you just have one day to spend in the Netherlands, let The Hague charm you. It’s a place that guarantees to not only live up to but also surpass your expectations.

Chris Heckmann

The ultimate 7 day jordan itinerary, 27 pros and cons of living in washington dc, you may also like, the 10 best things to do in alberobello,..., is haarlem worth visiting a day trip to..., the 10 best viewpoints in matera, italy, when is the best time of year to..., an amazing 10 day puglia itinerary – road..., an enjoyable 2 week georgia itinerary (the country), 23 pros and cons of living in groningen..., is groningen worth visiting your questions answered, the 17 most instagrammable places in puglia, the complete guide to the amsterdam red light..., leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Work With Me
• Netherlands
• Turks and Caicos
• United States
• New Zealand
• Netherlands Travel
• Custom Travel Planning
• Top 10 Lists
• Dutch Culture
• Indian Culture

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

What to do in the Hague: A resident’s guide of unique 30+ things to do in the Hague

July 23, 2023 by Karen Turner 25 Comments

I live in the Hague.  Although I’m always telling people about how fantastic the Hague is, I’m hoping that this guide to the Hague will inspire people to take the day trip from Amsterdam to the Hague to experience a bit of what makes it so unique.  It’s a beautiful and a bit of a strange city.  Keep reading for tips on what to do in the Hague with 30+ unique things to do in the Hague to inspire you to explore the Hague.

Disclaimer: I live in the Hague and I’ve tried to give a decent overview of what to do in the Hague as it’s a lovely city!   Most of these activities I’ve visited and researched independently, but This is the Hague (who I collaborated with) helped set up a tour of the Peace Palace and provided complimentary entrance to the Madurodam.

Although most people go crazy for Amsterdam or Rotterdam, the Hague is a beautiful and slightly quirky city.  Often overlooked in favor of other Dutch cities and considered “boring” according to my Dutch friends, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how many things to do in the Hague there truly are.  It’s a beautiful and quirky city where ideas become reality without pause. 

Although most people stick to the standard things to do in the Hague, this city has a lot more activities to offer, so I really hope this guide to the Hague with a local’s insight on what to do in the Hague inspires you to get a bit off the beaten path in the Hague.  I really think that one day in the Hague isn’t enough and I’d consider two days to be the sweet spot.  

I think the Hague is a great (and affordable) base for exploring the Netherlands as Delft is only fifteen minutes away, Amsterdam is forty minutes away, and Schiphol is thirty minutes away.  Most of my friends who experience this other side of the Hague beyond the “boring” government side quickly understand why I’ve made this city my home after living in Amsterdam.  I wrote this guide as I was tired of seeing guides that covered the main attractions glossing over the bits that make this city special.

I’ve grouped what to do in the Hague by area of the city.  The Hague is pretty walkable within the city center, but it might be easier to take public transit between the center and Scheveningen, the beach resort by the Hague. For more tips (for couples!), you can click for romantic things to do in the Hague.

The Hague is the only major city in the Netherlands with a beach, so be sure to take a bus twenty minutes to enjoy the water (and the wind) in Scheveningen. I’ve not included Scheveningen as the city center of the Hague (and surrounding areas). Click for my guide to Scheveningen!

• 1 Things to do in the Hague:
• 2.1 Go shopping in Noordeinde
• 2.2 Admire the King’s working Palace (Noordeinde Paleis)
• 2.3 Sample drinks at Van Kleef Distillery
• 2.4 Admire and climb the Grote Kerk
• 2.5 Get a drink in Grote Markt or Plein
• 2.6 Buy beer from the Kloosterbrouwerij Haagsche Broeder
• 2.7 Play Board Games All Night
• 2.8 Explore the hofjes of the Hague
• 2.9 Admire the Dutch masters & see “The Girl with the Pearl Earring at the Mauritshuis”
• 2.10 Admire Escher’s art at Escher in Het Paleis
• 2.11 See the gorgeous Binnenhof
• 2.12 Explore the UNESCO-recognized Passage
• 2.13 Sip coffee at one of the Hague’s many cafes
• 2.14 Walk along the Lange Voorhout street
• 2.15 Antique shops along Denneweg
• 2.16 Have a beer along Bierkade
• 2.17 Eat Indonesian food
• 2.18 Drink bubble tea or eat dim sum/Chinese pastries in Chinatown
• 3.1 Jump at the Trampoline Church (Planet Jump)
• 3.2 Cycle past the embassies in the Hague
• 3.3 View or Tour the Peace Palace
• 3.4 Buy food and have lunch at the Haagse Markt
• 3.5 Museum Voorlinden
• 3.6 Museum Meermanno
• 3.7 Madurodam: The world’s most cheerful war memorial
• 3.8 Panorama Mesdag
• 3.9 Explore the secondhand shops of the modern Zeeheldenkwartier
• 3.10 Go skiing or snowboarding year-round
• 3.11 Go ice climbing year-round
• 3.12 Admire the windmills in Voorburg & Leidschendam
• 4 Top Tours to Experience The Hague Like a Local
• 5 How to get around the Hague
• 6 Map of the Hague

Things to do in the Hague:

• Go shopping and browse books/art in Noordeinde
• Admire the King’s working palace

Sample drinks at Van Kleef Distillery

• Climb the Grote Kerk
• Get a drink in Grote Markt

Buy beer from the Kloosterbrouwerij Haagsche Broeder

• Play Board Games all night!

Explore the hofjes of the Hague

• See the girl with the pearl earring at the Mauritshuis
• Admire Escher’s art at Escher in Het Palais

See the gorgeous Binnenhof

• Explore the Passage

Sip coffee at one of the Hague’s many cafes

Walk along the lange voorhout street.

• Antique shops on canal street

Have a beer along Bierkade

Eat indonesian food, drink bubble tea or eat dim sum/chinese pastries in chinatown.

• Go jumping at the Trampoline church
• Admire the embassies in the Statenkwartier
• Tour the Peace Palace

Buy food and have lunch at the Haagse Markt

Museum voorlinden, museum meermanno.

• Take street-level photos or pretend to be a giant at Madurodam
• Enjoy the Panorama Mesdag
• Explore the second-hand shops of the modern Zeeheldenkwartier
• Go skiing indoors year-round.

Go ice climbing year-round

• Admire the windmills in Voorburg/Leidschendam or the historic cute village of Leidschendam

What to do in the historic city center of the Hague

Only a fifteen-minute walk from the main train stations, the Hague has a beautiful pedestrian-friendly historic center. Although most people power through the city center of the Hague without enjoying the things that truly make this city special, namely its diversity and its history, the Hague has a lot of things to do!

Go shopping in Noordeinde

Often considered the most beautiful street in the Hague, Noordeinde houses many historic buildings with stunning Art Deco touches and some of the best independent shopping in the Hague.  I especially recommend browsing the Noordeinde area for beautiful Dutch clothing, books (at the Bookstore), and a nice bottle of wine.  Be sure to step into the Bookstore for a vegan-friendly drink and for a new (or used) book.

Wine lovers need to stop in at de Filosoof .  This wine store filled with exotic wines from around the world has one of the cutest and fluffiest cats that I’ve ever seen.   Its name is Socrates and it even has its own gin named after it.  Be sure to give Socrates a pet while buying a wine from Georgia or Armenia!

Admire the King’s working Palace (Noordeinde Paleis)

Although it shocks many people, the King of the Netherlands goes to work most days in the city center of the Hague within the Noordeinde Palace.  Anyone walking down the street can admire the palace although you’ll know if the King is in if the flag is raised.

The palace has two sides, including a lush garden where you can have a picnic.  I particularly love the semi-secret passage connecting garden with the rest of Noordeinde.  ( More about this secret passage soon!)

Van Kleef is a jenever distillery that has been in the same location since 1842 and it’s the last remaining jenever producer in the Hague.  Specializing in jenever as well as bitters, Van Kleef is half museum, half tasting room, so if you’ve read my guide to Dutch alcohol , you’ll want to come in here for a tasting. 

I really recommend trying out the Kruìde Baggâh, a traditional Dutch herbal.  It’s typical for a Beerenberg-style drink, but it’s very different if you’re not used to this distinct style of Dutch drinks.  It’s fun to stop here for a tasting with friends.

Admire and climb the Grote Kerk

The large cathedral of the Hague is one of the main landmarks of the city and anyone seeking out a unique view of the Hague will want to climb for epic views of the city (although keep reading for an alternative).  At minimum, enjoy the beautiful square surrounding the church. 

This P rotestant church is one of the oldest buildings in the Hague dating back to the 13th century.  There are often organ concerts held in the church, so check ahead for events!

Get a drink in Grote Markt or Plein

Grote Markt and Plein are the two main squares of the Hague. One of the things that I love about the Hague is that the city center really belongs to the people of the Hague, unlike Amsterdam.  Although it gets quite crowded in both areas on Saturday nights, be sure to step into the various bars for local beer, live music, and some great cocktails.

Plein is the other major square with lots of chic bars and restaurants, perfect for a nice drink outside on a nice day.  I particularly love the Ministry of Justice building around the corner and on a nice day, I love walking through Plein.  There’s quite a few cute shops down the street as well.

Most people associate Cloister beer with the Trappist orders in Belgium, however the Hague has their own Cloister brewery.  Although they only recently started in 2006 after one of the brothers started beer brewing as a hobby.  Since then, the brothers have produced a small number of beers that you can buy from the brothers themselves. 

The selection varies, but there’s something really magical about stepping into the cloister shop to browse the various food/drinks from different cloisters around Europe.  I particularly enjoyed their slightly sour Prior while my husband loved their darker Postulant , closer to a triple. There is now a namesake bar along Noordeinde where you can sample the Haagse Broeder beers!

Play Board Games All Night

I recently discovered the Spellenhuis , which is a sprawling three-story board game store and cafe in the city center. I recommend reserving a table ahead for larger groups on weekends, but it is a lovely place to spend the evenings playing from their gigantic board game library. You need to pay a fee to access the library, but the cafe serves handmade pizzas, beer, coffee, and soft drinks. It is appropriate for all ages and they even stock games suited for two people. The games are a nice mix of party and more serious games with something for everyone. I recently went with a group who all loved it.

Like many cities in the Netherlands, the Hague has hofjes.  Hofjes are historic buildings used for housing the poor that were financed typically by private financiers.  There were typically stipulations about who could live there, often the elderly and/or single women of a certain faith.  The hofjes in the Hague tend to be smaller and harder to access compared to other cities in the Netherlands.  However, there are some stunning hofjes and it always amazes friends to enter these courtyards.  Most are on private property, so you really must be careful about being respectful of the residents of the hofje.  My favorite is  ‘t Hooftshofje if you’re lucky enough to get inside.

Admire the Dutch masters & see “The Girl with the Pearl Earring at the Mauritshuis”

Art lovers often are surprised to learn that the Girl with the Pearl Earring and the Goldfinch are housed in the Hague rather than Amsterdam.  The Mauritshuis is a stunning museum full of Dutch masters with many Rembrandt and Vermeer paintings. Be prepared to spend at least a few hours here. 

Both famous paintings sometimes go on tour around the world, so check to see if both paintings will be in the Hague before you’re disappointed (like my mother-in-law was) if you really want see the Goldfinch or the Girl with the Pearl Earring.

Admire Escher’s art at Escher in Het Paleis

Even if you’re not into traditional art, the Escher museum has a lot to offer.  With some of Escher’s most famous works and some fun interactive displays, Escher in het Paleis is perfect for a short afternoon in the Hague to appreciate modern art.  

Even if you’re not an Escher superfan, the museum is housed in the stunning former palace of Queen Wilhelmina with some unique modern chandeliers that make each room a surprise.   Escher in Het Palais is one of my husband’s favorite museums in the Netherlands and I’ve been countless times.  For those of you with math-loving family members, they’ll be transfixed by Escher’s brilliance.

Dutch parliament is housed in the Binnenhof.  This iconic building in the Hague is the oldest continuously used parliament building in the world and it is a stunning feature, especially from across the pond.  The Hague was historically the capital of the Netherlands, however after the capital of the Netherlands was moved to Amsterdam, the government buildings mostly remain in the Hague. 

The building itself dates back to the 13th century although various parts of it have been built at various points in history.  I particularly enjoy walking (or biking) through the middle of the Binnenhof although the best views are from across the pond on the exterior.   The island in the middle of the pond was used for executions to ensure that people could watch.

Explore the UNESCO-recognized Passage

The Passage is the UNESCO-recognized monument in the Hague.  Although people usually think first of the covered passages of Paris or Milan, the Hague’s Passage [there’s just one remaining at this point] has some distinct architectural features, specifically a domed roof.  It’s just lovely to walk through the Passage although I love to stop off at Hop&Stork for a coffee and a chocolate.

The Dutch are responsible for our coffee addiction and the first ever coffee shop in the Netherlands was actually in the Hague in the early 1700s.  Since then, coffee has become an integral part of Dutch culture and you’ll find numerous cozy (and beautiful) cafes in the Hague.

Click for my insider’s guide to coffee shops in the Hague .

The Lange Voorhout was historically the street where noble families built their town castles in the middle ages, however wagons were not allowed to pass beyond the street.  The Golden Age cemented the prominence of the Lange Voorhout for the home of the Hague’s richest members. 

The L-shaped street was a favorite of rich nobles and foreigners who would wave from their carriages while parading up-and-down the street.  In spring, you’ll find lots of beautiful flowers springing up.

In December, you’ll find the Royal Christmas Fair here.  Although the Netherlands doesn’t have famous Christmas market like the Christmas markets in Germany, the Royal Christmas market , which runs for about a week in December, is gezellig ( cozy ) and intimate, especially with a cup of gluhwein in hand.  

Last year, I found most of my Christmas gifts here, including a handmade pilot’s cap made of reindeer leather ,.   In good weather, it’s just enjoyable to bike along this street.

Antique shops along Denneweg

One of the cutest areas of the Hague is Denneweg, one of the oldest streets in the Hague.  Although it was historically known for antique shops (you’ll still find plenty here), it’s turned into an oasis for chic restaurants and shops.  To experience the more upscale side of the Hague, fitting with its royal roots, step into any of the cozy  Bouzy, Wine & Food or wander along the houses along Hooikade. Look for the cat knocker. 😉

The name might tip you off to the face that beer in the Hague was historically made along this cozy canal. Although Bierkade is now a sleepy street along a canal near the city center , you’ll still find a few cafes, however de Paas is the cafe to visit for beer.

This brown bar has an amazing atmosphere and a great selection of local beers.  The canal itself is lovely to walk along and it’s possible to sit on a boat in the canal enjoying your beer in summer.

Due to the historical role of the Hague as the capital of the Netherlands, the Dutch East Indies Company often made trips to the Hague from Indonesia, a former Dutch colony.  As a result, you’ll find one of the largest Indonesian populations outside of Indonesia here in the Netherlands.  The Hague has many great Indonesian restaurants although I personally prefer the more informal  Warung Bude Kati . 

I recently brought an Indonesian friend to this casual yet chill restaurant run by a mother and son.  There are certainly “fancier” Indonesian restaurants in the Hague, but Warung Bude Kadi is one of the most authentic Indonesian restaurants in the Hague with great prices, good (but slow) service, and massive portions.  Don’t get too ambitious as one main is a day’s worth of food. (The rijsttafel is a bonafide feast.)

The Hague has the largest Chinatown in the Netherlands and you can find some delicious Chinese pastries here.  Although most people are often surprised to learn that we have a large Chinatown, it’s hard to miss it as you walk from Den Haag HS towards the city center. 

I like Kaa Lun Palace   for dim sum. For pastries, I like  St. Anny Tea House . For bubble tea, you have lots of options. I like T&C, a new Taiwanese cafe for their bubble tea.

Staying in individual rental accommodations through platforms like Huurportaal can provide a more immersive and authentic experience for travelers. Living in a local neighborhood allows travelers to experience daily life as a resident rather than a tourist. They can explore local markets, interact with neighbors, and get a better understanding of the cultural nuances of The Hague.

Things to do in the Hague and surrounding areas

I realize that it’s a bit weird not to include Scheveningen as part of this post, but I’ll have more about Scheveningen soon .  I do include a few things to do around the Hague in the nearby villages that you might not know about otherwise.

Jump at the Trampoline Church (Planet Jump)

In the Statenkwartier, you’ll find Planet Jump, a former church filled with trampolines.  Although the Netherlands used to be quite religious, a lot of churches have been repurposed as they’ve gone out of business.  This one now is a trampoline gym because…. why not? 

I cycled past this church almost a million times, however, I had no idea for months until I was looking something up on the Hague.  Something that I love about the Hague is how unapologetically quirky it is as a trampoline church would gain cult status in most other cities.

Cycle past the embassies in the Hague

It’s funny: It took me nearly six months of living in the Hague to finally experience this unique urban farm.  The founders created this sustainable rooftop farm to reduce the distance that food travels before it reaches your plate.  Here, you’ll find organic fish (tilapia) farmed with no pesticides as well as organic vegetables grown to perfection.  There’s also a cozy bar with events with a fantastic view of the city, so be sure to check to see when the next urban farmers market in the Hague.

View or Tour the Peace Palace

Seeing the Peace Palace is one of the best things to do in the Hague although most normal visitors won’t be able to take a tour as the building is typically closed when the court is in session.  However, clever visitors can go observe the hearings (in French or English) as observers if you get there early on a court day. 

It’s not a guarantee that you’ll get in, but it’s a great way to see the Peace Palace in action. Keep in mind that the sessions here are arbitrating country-level court cases, rather than criminal cases .  ( Criminal cases are held elsewhere in the Hague.)

The Peace Palace can be at least admired from a distance although getting a tour of the Peace Palace isn’t easy to get.  The tours sell out quickly and they’re only posted about 2-3 weeks in advance, so check shortly before your visit to the Hague to see if it’s possible to get a tour.  At minimum, you can take a selfie outside.  Bring your passport just in case and keep in mind there’s a visitor’s center in case you’re not allowed to enter.  Click for my complete guide on how to tour the Peace Palace.

I absolutely LOVE the Haagse Market and it’s where I get my groceries weekly.  The amazing thing about this place that you’re instantly transported as soon as you enter from the Netherlands.  Where? I’m not exactly sure, but between the prices being shouted (4 avocados for one euro!?), the empanadas from the Dominican Republic, the random household wares, and the fresh stroopwafel, you’re bound to find something in this almost daily market (not open on Sundays).  

Be sure bring cash, so you don’t need to wait in line at the ATM at the entrance with everyone else who forgot, and a large bag.  I usually pick up a week’s worth of groceries here and it’s always a joy to browse the market as I’ve never really experienced anything like it in the Netherlands.

This private modern art museum located outside of the Hague (accessible by car or bus) has some fantastic innovative art.  I realize that art museums aren’t always everyone’s cup of tea, but I absolutely love how this museum focused on creating the best visitor experience. 

The pieces here go beyond standard modern art and often challenge/surprise you.  I won’t ruin the surprises, but the swimming pool exhibition is absolutely amazing and I was delighted by many of the small touches that make this museum far from a generic art museum.

Museum Meermanno is the oldest book museum in the world with some fascinating exhibits on modern literature.  If you’re interested in seeing the stunning interior of a 18th-century building in the Hague, be sure to visit this museum for its interior and courtyard.   Here you’ll find many manuscripts as well as historically significant literature.  Their exhibits are surprisingly non-dry. 😉

Madurodam: The world’s most cheerful war memorial

Although many people have seen photos of the miniature version of the Netherlands in the Hague, most people don’t realize that the Madurodam is actually a war memorial.  The profits from the admission go to children’s charities in honor of a brave soldier from Curaçao who died during World War II.  His parents built Madurodam at the time that the Netherlands was rebuilding itself after the war with the hope that it would inspire people. 

Although I thought the Madurodam was only for children, I had a blast here (as did my husband).  My favorite thing: trying to take photos as if I was on the street level.  The Madurodam is probably one of the most touristy things to do in the Hague, but I was pleasantly surprised by how entertaining and charming the Madurodam is.  If you’ve visited a lot of cities in the Netherlands , you’ll especially love this unique war memorial.

Panorama Mesdag

For a taste of 19th-century Scheveningen, you can visit the 360-degree painting of Scheveningen for a sense of art history as well as history in the Hague.  It gives you the sensation of being on a dune and it’s a nice stop-off if you’re heading towards the Peace Palace from the historic center of the Hague.

Explore the secondhand shops of the modern Zeeheldenkwartier

You might think that there’s no one under thirty in the Hague, however most of us are hanging out in the Zeeheldenkwartier, another part of the Hague, full of modern cafes, interesting restaurants (including Georgian food), second-hand stores.  I can easily spend an afternoon here between Ditjes & Katjes and stocking up on American/British novelty foods at Kelly’s Expat Store.

Go skiing or snowboarding year-round

Outside of the Hague, you’ll find one of the largest indoor ski resorts in the Netherlands, De Uithof.  So, if you’re looking to learn how to ski or snowboard, it’s possible here. They even have ice carts.  If you’re missing winter, be sure to stop off at the Uithof, which also has rock climbing.

Next to Den Haag HS, you’ll find Klimmuur.  This really nice Dutch climbing gym has a surprise: an ice climbing room.  For a small fee, you can take ice climbing lessons with an expert climber.  It’s a bit surprising how quickly ice climbing wears you out, however I had a blast climbing here with friends. 

Be sure to suit up in winter clothes although they’ll give you climbing shoes as well as an ice pick.  You just need to dress warmly and come ready to climb.  If you just want to climb normally or boulder, the Klimmuur gym is well-equipped for that too.

Admire the windmills in Voorburg & Leidschendam

I love that you can cycle only twenty minutes outside of the Hague and experience the typically Dutch countryside that make the Netherlands so famous. 

En route to Voorburg, a cute suburb of the Hague, you’ll pass a children’s farm (Essenstijn) complete with cows and a beautiful windmill.  Although there are apartment buildings in the background, you’re likely to forget that you’re twenty minutes from one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands.  

For a more iconic image, cycle to Molendriegang in Leidschendam , another nearby village near the Hague for the iconic three-windmill shot that you might see on postcards in the Hague. Voorburg and Leidschendam have super charming historic centers, so if you want to experience small-town Holland without going too far, take tram 2 towards Leidschendam’s historic center, Sluisplein.  (The journey will take about 25 minutes.)  Click for my cycling route!

Top Tours to Experience The Hague Like a Local

The Hague, or as locals call it, “Den Haag,” is a city brimming with royal history, international significance, and coastal charm. While you can explore its streets and alleys on foot, there are some unique tours that offer a deeper dive into the city’s essence. Start with a relaxing City Canal Cruise , where you can view The Hague’s iconic landmarks from the water. If you’re keen on exploring the city’s history and architecture, the Old City Private Walking Tour is a must. For those who want to venture beyond The Hague, the Rotterdam, Delft & The Hague Guided Day Tour offers a comprehensive look into the southern Holland region. If you’re up for some physical activity, hop on a bicycle and join the Guided Sightseeing Tour by Bicycle , or navigate the city at your own pace with the Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Tram . Each of these tours promises a unique perspective of The Hague, ensuring you experience the city’s authentic charm.

How to get around the Hague

The Hague is a pretty walkable city although it has a robust public transportation system.  On some trams, you can buy a day pass for the Hague public transportation although you’ll need to have coins on you to buy it on the tram.  You can also tap in/out with your phone or credit card to pay.

Have you been to the Hague? What’s your favorite thing to do in the Hague? Please let me know!

More tips for the Netherlands:

• Best cities in the Netherlands to visit besides Amsterdam
• One day in Delft (15 minutes from the Hague)
• Three days in Amsterdam: your perfect guide
• Secret Amsterdam guide

Map of the Hague

Share this post of what to do in the Hague on Pinterest

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

March 31, 2018 at 6:55 am

I think that Cat cafe is my favorite!! I just love them. 🙂 But other tips are really useful too, thanks!

March 31, 2018 at 3:22 pm

Wow, so many things to do in such little town. I would definitely check the museums and the markets for food! I love visiting lesser known towns and this one is up my alley!

March 31, 2018 at 6:50 pm

Hi Diana, it’s actually a city, the third-largest city in the Netherlands. I hope you visit. 🙂

March 31, 2018 at 7:24 pm

Great post! So far we’ve only been to Amsterdam on a layover, but would love to explore more of the Netherlands, especially the Hague, next time! Sounds like there is a lot to see and do 🙂 Pinning for our next trip!

March 31, 2018 at 8:08 pm

I had my first trip to the Netherlands this year and now I’m obsessed! The Hague looks beautiful – definitely a place to add to my list. Can’t believe Girl with a Pearl Earring is there! Lovely post x

March 31, 2018 at 8:21 pm

My trip to The Hague was way too short. There’s so much to experience, and you captured it beautifully in this post!

April 1, 2018 at 10:46 am

Such a great list! I have no idea why I’ve never been to the Hague, but I’ll make sure to visit next time I’m in the Netherlands

July 29, 2018 at 3:49 pm

Don’t forget to book a High Tea at the famous Hotel Des Indes

December 13, 2018 at 4:22 pm

Hello I am looking for a guide of The Hague for my daughter and I appreciate your blog. But do you sell a book on the Hague ? She will move to that city early next year with her boyfriend and I thought it could be nice gift for Christmas.Thanks

December 13, 2018 at 4:25 pm

Hi Veronique, That is so sweet. I don’t have a book yet. I’m actually writing one at the moment and I will sure to make it clear when it’s publication-ready. 🙂

I’d recommend Stuff Dutch People Like as a fun introduction to the Netherlands: https://amzn.to/2QOlG4E

Best, Karen

July 27, 2019 at 11:49 pm

Hello Karen!

I absolutely loved this page! I’ve been trying to figure out exactly what to see and do on my one day visit to the Hague in September, following a cruise, and your info is great! II’m guessing not, but thought I would ask, do you hire out for a day visit? There’s 6 of us Americans who would love a day with someone as knowledgeable about the area as you! Thanks in advance!

July 30, 2019 at 11:59 am

Hi Malinka, You can send me a message via my email. 🙂

Thanks, Karen

August 5, 2019 at 12:55 pm

The Louwman Museum is fantastic for anyone interested in cars and transport. Visited this during a Christmas trip to Amsterdam as I’m a petrolhead and was very impressed with this museum which has to be one of the best in the world for fans of automobiles etc. It is situated in a lovely area close to a park, which is good for walking. My wife who isn’t really interested in cars loved this Museum as well as there is so many unique cars and other things of interest, we are returning in 2 weeks to the Hague and plan to visit the Museum again as you need at least 6hrs to do it justice.

October 6, 2019 at 2:10 am

Thanks for this super helpful

October 9, 2019 at 8:34 pm

Had a horrible time at Warung Bude Kadi!, Went in June. We waited more than two hours for a rijs taffle with only five other tables full, but after the too-long wait, we ended up with only five small plates that didn’t have enough food for each of us to get a sample. There was not enough rice to serve two, much less the four of us, although they charged us for four full meals. This place was astronomical cost, and horribly slow and incompetent, and we left hours later with all of us still hungry. Not good food and not cheap. Incredibly bad service. Don’t eat here!!!

October 10, 2019 at 1:54 am

If multiple people have rijsttafel, it can be a really long weight there and I prefer coming for lunch tbh. Sorry to hear that you had a poor experience! The normal dishes (not rijsttafel) are reasonable.

November 9, 2019 at 2:50 pm

If you live in The Hague try Onefit, a fitness app that gives you access to 100+ sport locations. Sports include fitness, yoga, climbing, skiing, surfing, running, fight sports etc etc. You can also visit three sauna’s.

Wearepublic is a nice app if you like concerts/theater, for a small fee you can visit a lot of cultural events.

I personally like Toogoodtogo a lot, an anti-foodwaste app which allows you to get excess food for minimal price. Its a surprise every time what you are going to get.

June 21, 2022 at 11:02 pm

Your suggestions for The Hague were awesome for our recent visit in late May. We found Woeng Kee and loved the dim sum. We did depend on the photos in selecting menu items since they didn’t have an English menu, but our choices were great. Thanks for all your inout.

December 1, 2022 at 9:06 pm

Glad to hear! I will be updating this with new fines, but Full Moon City has an English menu for sure! Thankfully, the photos and symbols usually help even if you are unsure!

September 6, 2022 at 12:13 pm

My husband and I are so intrigued about the Haag thanks to your guide, we are planning to visit in a few days . We where looking at the Marina Beach Hotel as a possible stay. Would you recommend that Hotel?

December 1, 2022 at 8:43 pm

I have heard good things about it, but it is not as well known as say the Kurhaus.

July 27, 2023 at 8:41 pm

Thanks Karem This is so useful! We just recently moved to The Hague and would love to know if you have any tips for how to meet people, make friends, etc..? Thanks!

December 12, 2023 at 4:27 pm

Hi Yasmina,

Welcome to The Hague! I’m glad you found the information helpful. To meet people and make friends, consider attending local events, joining facebook groups, apps like meetup, or participating in language classes. Expat networks and volunteer opportunities are also great avenues for connecting with both locals and fellow newcomers. Don’t hesitate to explore your new surroundings and initiate conversations—it’s a fantastic way to build connections:) Wishing you a wonderful time in The Hague!

Your Wanderlustingk Team

August 1, 2023 at 8:28 am

terimakasih infonya menarik sekaliiii

December 12, 2023 at 4:31 pm

You’re welcome! I’m glad you found the information interesting. Terima kasih!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• The Netherlands
• New York State
• Other European destinations
• Work With Me
• Disclosure and Privacy Policy
• Jeju SEO Tool: Free SEO Writing Tool

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

TreasureHunter USA Inc. 251 Little Falls Drive Wilmington, Delaware 19808 +1 (915) 4632387 EIN 88-2174128

www.wanderlustingk.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We also participate in other affiliate programs

www.wanderlustingk.com all rights reserved © 2023 | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy |

17 Top Things You Must Do in The Hague: The Ultimate Den Hague Itinerary

Step back in time at Binnenhof, explore the Peace Palace, bungee over the North Sea, stroll around Hofvijver, and dine 135 metres up. These are the top things to do in The Hague for the perfect weekend.

The Hague is easily one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities I’ve ever visited. Full of monuments, historic districts and located just fifteen minutes from the beautiful North Sea coastline, The Hague deserves a spot on every traveller’s bucket list.

As the Netherland’s government city, The Hague is home to numerous embassies and mansions, boasts wonderfully green boulevards and parks, a refined culinary scene, and a great cafe culture. The Hague is known by its residents as ‘the Royal City by the Sea’.

Whilst there is SO much to do and see throughout the whole country of the Netherlands, I would recommend spending a solid few days experiencing the diverse city of The Hague for yourself.

The Hague is Den Haag, but it’s also ’s-Gravenhage

If you’re going to The Hague, then you should know that in Dutch it’s, called Den Haag, pronounced dehn hah with an aspirated final ‘h’. However, this is not its official name.

It’s a bit of a tongue twister, but The Hague is officially called ’s-Gravenhage (meaning ‘the Count’s Hedge/Terrain/Court’) or Den Haag literally “In The Hedge”.

A Brief History of The Hague

The Hague originated around 1230, when Count Floris IV of Holland purchased land alongside a pond, the present-day Hofvijver, in order to build a hunting residence.

In 1248, his son and successor William II, King of the Romans, decided to extend the residence to a palace, which would later be called the Binnenhof meaning ‘Inner Court’.

Den Haag is home to the royal family as well as the Dutch seat of government. Before Louis Bonaparte had his way in 1806, Den Haag was actually the capital. It wasn’t until eight years later, when the French had been ousted, that the government returned to Den Haag, but the title of capital remained with Amsterdam.

Den Haag is usually in the headlines because ever since the 20th century Den Haag has been home to several international legal entities, including the UN’s International Court of Justice, which regularly holds trials. This is also where foreign embassies in the Netherlands are based, giving the city a significant international community of expats.

Ready to learn more about what makes The Hague so special?

From where to eat, drink, shop and what historical sites, monuments and museums to visit, here is my complete guide to the top things to do in The Hague!

Map of The Hague Itinerary

Want to know where you’ll be going? Take a look at the detailed map below.

Tip: For a larger view of the map, click on the icon in the top right corner.

Going to the Netherlands? Get my free Dutch travel phrase guide

Where to Eat in The Hague

1. refuel at grand cafe walter benedict.

On the quaint shopping strip of Denneweg, is Grand Cafe Walter Benedict . Even though the restaurant is situated in the exclusive area of The Hague, it is a spot that offers something for everyone. There is a cosy vibe and the employees are really friendly. Even though it was 2pm, I made the most of their all-day breakfast. Which I highly recommend. This places really captures the French atmosphere without being stuffy. Bon appétit!

2. Dine at The Penthouse

It’s even at a higher altitude than the restaurant of the Eiffel tower. In addition to a luxury five-course dinner, there is always room for lunch, ‘highest’ tea or drinks. Don’t forget to go out onto the spectacular city balcony and enjoy the view.

3. Have a feast at Encore by Simonis

Located in the harbour of Scheveningen, I ate one of my favourite meals at Encore by Simonis . With an Asian cuisine influence, their speciality is serving daily fresh fish and meat.

As a vegetarian, I opted for their crispy vegetable tempura as a starter then the vegetable stir-fry as a main. Then came dessert, I mean just look at that mango-shaped ice-cream?! It tasted as good as it looked.

4. Cocktails and Chill at Jamey Bennett

Dine al fresco or cosy up inside on their Chesterfield sofa, Jamey Bennett is perfect anytime of day. Inspired by the British spy Mr. Bennett, this restaurant is cosy, modern, and boasts a great atmosphere.

Everything here is prepared to perfection. They even make their own granola! No detail is left untouched.

Visit the Best Museums in The Hague

5. escher in the palace (escher in het paleis).

A personal favourite, the Escher Museum must be seen. Maurits Cornelis Escher was a Dutch artist, known for his genius at drawing impossible situations. Located in the beautiful former winter palace of Queen Emma of the Netherlands, this permanent collection has some of the M.C. Escher’s most famous illustrations.

The exhibition combines unique works of art with biographical material including photographs, letters, and preliminary sketches. Escher mainly worked with printing techniques such as woodcut, lithography, mezzotint and tessellation.

6. Admire Masterpieces at Gemeentemuseum

All over The Hague are dedications to the Dutch artist Piet Mondrian. Most famous for his blue, red, and yellow motifs with vertical and horizontal line, the Gemeentemuseum is well-known for it’s collection of Mondrian’s work

One of the most famous is his last and unfinished piece de resistance named “Victory Boogie Woogie” which was purchased for a cool 35 million euros.

The permanent collection contains modern art, fashion, music, decorative arts, a print room with about 50,000 drawings, and prints and posters.

Head to the top the museum where each of the five large rooms each represents a different art period.

7. See the ‘Girl with the Pearl Earring’ at Mauritshuis

You can’t visit The Hague without seeing Vermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’. But she isn’t the only draw card to this impressive museum.

Mauritshuis showcases Dutch and Flemish paintings from 1400 to 1800, with works by painters such as Vermeer, Rembrandt, Rubens, Jan Steen, Frans Hals, Van Dyck and Adriaen Coorte.

Located in an elegant 17th-century residence other notable works include Rembrandt’s ‘Anatomy Lesson’, Vermeer’s ‘View of Delft’, Jacob van Ruisdael’s ‘View of Haarlem’ and Rogier van der Weyden’s ‘Lamentation’.

8. See the world’s largest circular painting at Panorama Mesdag

If you love your art and seek a truly unique experience, head to Panorama Mesdag for the largest circular painting in the world.

I’ve never seen anything like it and no photo can do this place justice, you just have to see it for yourself. It’s incredible!

Housed in a specially made rotunda, Panorama Mesdag is a gigantic painting measuring 120 meters in length and 14 meters in height. HW Mesdag, and other artists of the Hague School painted this epic scene depicting the coastal town of Scheveningen as it was around 1880.

To bring the painting to life are real sand dunes, the sound of the waves lapping, and the smell of sea air wafting throughout the space. Don’t ask me how.  It feel s like you’ve stepped back in time.

9. Wander around the Netherlands’ most famous buildings at Madurodam

The kid in me wanted so desperately to visit Madurodam, but alas I ran out of time. On display here is an 1:25 scale miniature of a fictional Dutch city and replicas of the Netherlands’ most famous buildings.

By visiting Madurodam you’ll also be doing a service to the community as the entirety of net proceeds from the park go towards various charities in the Netherlands.

Book your guided tour here 

Where to Relax and Have and Adventure in The Hague

10. relax at the beach in scheveningen.

Perhaps the main tourist attraction in Scheveningen is the Kurhaus. This Art Nouveau style structure (now protected as a national monument) was built in 1885 and houses a first-rate hotel, an art gallery, elegant promenades, and the impressive Kurzaal, a huge glass domed.

What to See in The Hague’s Historical Centre

11. explore the beautiful binnenhof complex.

The centrepiece of The Hague is Binnenhof, meaning ‘Inner Court’. This beautiful complex of buildings in sits opposite the picturesque Hofvijver lake, meaning ‘Court Pond’. This is a wonderful place to sit back and watch the world go by.

Originally this 13th- century Gothic castle functioned as a residence for the counts of Holland, then in 1584 became the political centre of the Dutch Republic. Today, it houses both chambers of Parliament and is the oldest House of Parliament in the world still in use.

Located in the centre of Binnenhof in its large central courtyard is the exquisite Ridderzaal, or Knights’ Hall. This large Gothic hall is still used for state receptions and the opening of parliament each September. In the North Wing is the chamber and official residence of the Prime Minister.

12. See an official Dutch Residence at Palace Noordeinde

As one of the three official palaces of the Dutch royal family, Noordeinde Palace is modest in size and location. Situated near a popular shopping mall, it has been a “working palace” for King Willem-Alexander since 2013.

Fo r a quiet oasis, visit its romantic gardens with flower beds, fountains, hedgerows and ponds lies . It’s from the Palace Gardens that the Palace is best enjoyed as it offers a great view of the Royal Stables.

On warm days, this is a great picnic spot.

13. Be blown away by the decor at The Peace Palace

The Hague is the ‘International City of Peace and Justice’ and the cornerstone of this is the famous Peace Palace or Vredespaleis. This imposing brick building is an international law administrative building which houses the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Hague Academy of International Law and the Peace Palace Library. Bit of a mouthful, hey?

Not only that but it has an equally impressive interior. This was another place I missed out on seeing properly. Doh! Going inside the Peace Palace is only available on weekends and as part of a guided tour which must be booked in advance. Alternatively, you can head to the Visitors Centre near the entrance. Just let me say that the rich interior décor of this Gothic and Neoclassical style building brings together the crème de la crème. Its marble comes from Italy , wood panelling from Brazil and the USA , and its ornamental iron railings from Germany .

Guided tours must be booked via their website. 

14. Stroll along Lange Voorhout

Opposite Escher in Het Paleis are the lush tree-lined roads of Lange Voorhout. In the Middle Ages, the Lange Voorhout was bordered by several farms but by the 14th and 15th centuries houses were built in this area when the Counts of Holland modernised the governance of the county with new administrative divisions. This area soon became the neighborhood where courtiers and later statesmen came to live.

15. Step back in time at The Prison Gate Museum

On the north side of the Binnenhof stands the Prison Gate or Gevangenpoort. This well-preserved structure was built in 1296 as a gatehouse then was converted into a prison in the 15th century.

It was here that brothers Cornelis and Johan de Witt, accused of an attempt on the life of Prince William III, were murdered in 1672 (a monument to them stands in the nearby courtyard).

The old prison and torture chambers have been open to the public since the 1880s and include a large collection of paintings, prints, and relics – as well as some rather gruesome torture devices.

Where to Shop in The Hague

16. visit the hague market.

The Hague Market or ‘De Haagse Markt’, is one of the largest multicultural markets in Europe. Looking for something? You’ll probably find it here amongst its extensive range of exotic products.

Open four days a week, the market is visited by approximately 35,000 people. While The Hague Market is primarily known for its large range of exotic products it also has some of the best from fresh produce including vegetables, fruit, fish and meat to herbs plus women’s, men’s and children’s clothing and electronics.

17. Shop in Style at De Haagse Passage

Fancy something more elegant? Step inside The Hague’s famous shopping arcade De Passage. Beneath the glass atria and chiselled façades are classy boutique stores, bustling food and drink establishments, and even a hotel. This place is stunningly beautiful.

This arcade was built by local dignitaries between 1882 and 1885 for the express purpose of ‘high-class shopping’ in imitation of Paris. Today, it is the Netherlands’ oldest shopping arcade and has official UNESCO monument status.

Where to Stay in The Hague

Best Accommodation in The Hague for Sightseeing

In The Hague, most of the main attractions and architectural landmarks lie between the city centre and the sea so it makes sense to base yourself here if you’re visiting for the first time.

Hotels tend to cluster around the Binnenhof, where you’ll also find the Ridderzaal (Knights’ Hall) and Prison Gate Museum. Other attractions, such as the Mauritshuis and the Escher Museum, are within walking distance from here, and the beach resort of Scheveningen is just a 10-15 minute tram ride away.

Hotel Boutique Hotel Corona

During my three days in The Hague, I stayed at the 4-star boutique establishment, Hotel Boutique Hotel Corona . The hotel itself is just across the road from De Passage and Binnenhof. From my room, I had a wonderful view overlooking the lively Buitenhof square.

It was the size of my room and bathroom that made this hotel memorable. Can you get beds larger than king size? Because my bed could easily fit four people! The bathroom had two sinks, a huge shower not to mention the epic six-seater spa tub. The breakfast buffet was included and the lovely chef even made my pancakes with local ingredients. Check rates and availability of Hotel Boutique Hotel Corona here .

Getting to The Hague

I flew with KLM who offer direct flights to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport from both Heathrow and City Airport; conveniently covering those in both the west and east of London. For the first time ever I flew out from London City Airport. The best thing about small airports is that you don’t have to arrive too early to get through all the checkpoints. From the time I arrived at the airport to getting to my gate, it took a whole fifteen minutes! I’ve never had a less stressful airport experience.

From Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport it was a quick 30-minute taxi ride to the hotel. Alternatively,  book your transfer here. Easy!

Got more time? Take a day trip from The Hague

• Visit Rotterdam! – Get my full Rotterdam city guide here
• Visit the famous tulips at Keukenhof Garden and Flowerfields 
• Duivenvoorde Castle –  Just 15 kilometers northeast of The Hague is the small town of Voorschoten with its delightful Duivenvoorde Castle (Kasteel Duivenvoorde), a medieval fortress restored in 1631. The original decoration and furnishings have been preserved, including family portraits, Delftware, a large collection of Chinese and European porcelain, and numerous items of silver.
• Old Town Gouda and the Grote Kerk of Sint Janskerk –   Visit Gouda for its cheese, stay for its gorgeous historic town, 33 kilometres east of The Hague. Visit one of the most attractive town halls in the country, build in the 15th century, it’s famous for looking more like a place of worship than of government.

Like it? Pin it for later!

Over to you!

Do you have a question about visiting The Hague? Ask me below! Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

Like what you see? Subscribe using the form below to have all of my posts delivered directly to your email.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Get my best language and travel tips FREE by email...

Subscribe to my newsletter to receive detailed travel guides, exclusive travel and language learning tips, priority access to giveaways and more!

I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

How I Learned Arabic in 3 months (PLUS Arabic Travel Phrase Guide)

Best whale watching tour in hervey bay: everything you need to know.

Great article. With Den Haag (The Hague) it is the same as with Los Angeles .. It’s real name is of course “El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles del Río de Porciúncula,” (“The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels on of the River Porciúncula”) The Hague of the Count…. (The Counts Hague (‘s Gravenhage).

In your article you forgot the canaltours.. There are several nice organisations on the Canals Willemsvaart brings you to the Beach from the city center, others do tours in the City or to Delft The Hague Boat, Bootvaren, Salonboot Den Haag, Rondvaartbootje or Oranje Boot.

And don’t forget the many parks in and around the city. The Royal Gardens, the Forest of The Hague, the Forest of Scheveningen, Westbroekpark (behind Madurodam). Nice during all 4 seasons.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

If you don't know where you are , how do you know where you're going?   Find out how well you know Italian grammar today!

• Car Rentals
• Airport Transfers
• Attractions & Tours
• Bundle & Save
• Destinations
• Trip.com Rewards

The Hague in a Day: A Royal Dutch Adventure

March 29, 2024 · 1 min read

Embark on a one-day journey through The Hague, where history and culture collide. Begin your royal adventure at the iconic Peace Palace, a beacon of international law and order, where you'll spend an hour in its esteemed library. Just a stone's throw away, Noordeinde Palace awaits, offering you a glimpse into the regal castle life of the Netherlands. After another hour, delve into the rich Dutch history at the Inner Court & Hall Of The Knights, an art gallery housed in a grand historic setting. Next, indulge your artistic senses with a two-hour visit to the Mauritshuis Museum, home to some of the world's most renowned masterpieces. Conclude your day with a leisurely 20-minute stroll around the Plein, The Hague's vibrant square, where the pulse of the city is palpable. This itinerary is designed to immerse you in the elegance and cultural heritage of The Hague, all within the span of a single day.

• Day 1: A Royal Rendezvous with The Hague's Historic Gems

Peace Palace

Kicking off our regal journey through The Hague, the Peace Palace stands as a beacon of justice and a testament to the city's commitment to global peace. With just an hour to bask in its grandeur, visitors can explore the world-renowned library and absorb the aura of diplomacy that permeates this iconic institution. Located at Carnegieplein 2, the Peace Palace is not just a building but a symbol of hope and unity in the international community.

Attraction Info

• Carnegieplein 2, 2517 KJ The Hague, Netherlands
• Suggested tour duration: 1 hour
• Open on Thu-Sun,12:00pm-4:00pm;Closed on Mon-Wed

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Noordeinde Palace

A stone's throw away from the Peace Palace, Noordeinde Palace awaits as the next jewel in The Hague's crown. This working palace, with its castle-like grandeur, offers a glimpse into the royal lifestyle. Although the stay is brief, the majestic aura of Noordeinde Palace, nestled at Noordeinde 68, will leave a lasting impression of the Netherlands' regal elegance.

• Noordeinde 68, 2514 GL Den Haag, Netherlands
• Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
• Open 24 hours

Inner Court & Hall Of The Knights

Continuing the day's noble narrative, the Inner Court & Hall of the Knights emerges as a historical haven for art enthusiasts. With an hour to wander through the art gallery, visitors will find themselves immersed in a world where chivalry and culture collide. The address at Hofweg 1 marks the spot where history and artistry meet, offering a unique perspective on The Hague's storied past.

• Hofweg 1, 2511 AA, The Hague, The Netherlands

Mauritshuis Museum

As the afternoon unfolds, the Mauritshuis Museum invites art lovers to indulge in a two-hour journey through masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age. Located at Plein 29, this art gallery houses a collection that captures the essence of European artistry, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking to connect with the artistic soul of The Hague.

• Plein 29, 2511 CS, The Hague, The Netherlands
• Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
• Open on Mon,1:00pm-6:00pm;Open on Tue-Sun,10:00am-6:00pm

To wrap up the day, a brief 20-minute stroll through Plein provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on the day's experiences. This bustling square, simply known as 'The Hague,' is the heart of the city's social life, where history, culture, and modern-day vibrancy converge, offering a fitting end to a day steeped in The Hague's royal and artistic heritage.

• The Hague, Netherlands
• Suggested tour duration: 20-30 minutes

Where to Stay Tonight

Holiday inn express the hague - parliament, the velvet lodge, novotel den haag city centre, staybridge suites the hague - parliament, top things to do in hague-2024.

• Home to over 200 classic oil paintings, 580 sketches, 7 sketches, 750 letters produced by Van Gogh

• Experience the arduous journey of this artistic master’s lifelong pursuit of painting skills and his passion for art and literature

• The old and new buildings have their own characteristics, but they are integrated into one

△ The old building was opened to the public in 1973. It was designed by Dutch De Stijl designer; the new building was built in 1999, and mainly used for temporary exhibitions.

△ The exhibition hall on the first floor is titled "Heart-to-Heart Communication with the Great Artist Van Gogh". Through a series of works and materials, visitors are led to relive the arduous journey of this art master's lifelong pursuit of painting skills. The second floor exhibition hall collects Van Gogh's works created from 1883 to 1889. The third floor of the exhibition hall displays the letters between Van Gogh and his brother Theo. The fourth floor of the exhibition hall can see Van Gogh's works from 1889 to 1890, created during periods of lucidity during multiple relapses into psychosis.

• A large collection of well-known art treasures, including masterpieces by many well-known masters

• Retaining the architectural style of the 19th century, the brick-red walls are all decorated with images of Dutch history and art

• The vaulted roof of the renovated museum atrium hall is made of glass, and the floor is paved with Portuguese stone floor tiles. Natural light penetrates the entire hall, which is spacious and bright.

△ The building where the museum is located was planned and designed by the designer of Amsterdam Railway Station. It was opened to the public in 1885 and is one of the oldest museums in Europe.

△ Go up the escalator and enter the viewing corridor. The corridor is composed of arched brick walls and large floor-to-ceiling windows. You can enjoy the panoramic view of the atrium hall. The library on the same floor as the corridor is not to be missed. The history of the library can be traced back to the 19th century. The spiral staircase is very unique and is also known as one of the ten libraries with beautiful scenery in the world.

• Roam around the world-famous Spring Garden, enjoy the flower fields with tourists from all over the world, and wander in the colorful sea of flowers

• Admire 4.5 million tulips in over 100 species of different colors and nearly 3 million other bulbs

• Visit more than 30 flower shows with different themes and amazing paintings and photography works

△ There are many varieties of tulips cultivated here, including cup-shaped, bowl-shaped, ball-shaped, lily-shaped, double-petaled, etc., with colors ranging from pink-purple, bright yellow, bright red to pure white. The flowers decorate the entire park gorgeously.

△ The park is surrounded by fields of flowers. The park is composed of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and various types of bulbs, forming a colorful picture. There are also many rare and rare varieties.

△ Keukenhof's famous activities include flower hat exhibitions, clog making exhibitions, adventure tours, garden mazes and pastures specially designed for children. Visitors can ride freely in the park and participate in various gardening and flower arrangement activities.

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

<h3>Trending Searches</h3>

Popular Content

• Nehe 1 Day Itinerary
• Pachacamac 1 Day Itinerary
• Vega de Granada 4 Days Itinerary
• Jiangmen 3 Days Itinerary
• Nanning 4 Days Itinerary
• Dunedin 2 Days Itinerary
• Seoul 1 Day Itinerary
• L'Alt Emporda 1 Day Itinerary
• Shanghai 5 Days Itinerary
• Maidstone 1 Day Itinerary
• Evian-les-Bains 1 Day Itinerary
• Baishan 1 Day Itinerary
• Geneva 2 Days Itinerary
• Manila 4 Days Itinerary
• Qiubei 1 Day Itinerary
• Wulian 1 Day Itinerary
• Yingde 2 Days Itinerary
• Jinan 5 Days Itinerary
• Jingyang 1 Day Itinerary
• Ohrid 1 Day Itinerary
• Customer Support
• Service Guarantee
• More Service Info
• Website Feedback
• About Trip.com
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Statement
• About Trip.com Group

Other Services

• Investor Relations
• Affiliate Program
• List My Property
• Become a Supplier

15 Amazing Things to do in The Hague

Updated January 22, 2021

// By Margherita

Get ready to be surprised by The Hague/Den Haag! This Dutch city is a wonderful alternative to Amsterdam, with cool museums, canal houses, a walkable historic centre, and even 11 km of beaches with stunning beach houses! Here are 15 cool things to do in The Hague to get you started! 

This is probably the most cliched ever way to start a blog post, but this time it needs to be done.

If I say The Hague, what comes to your mind? If you asked me, I would say government buildings, the International Court of Justice , and that’s about it. I imagined it as a drab, government-focused city, with not much to see and do – and naturally, I saw very little reason to visit. 

Then, in March, we spent three days in The Hague – and we were very pleasantly surprised. The city, known as Den Haag in Dutch, is packed with things to see and do – unusual museums, buildings, canals, and naturally, the famous Peace Palace , housing the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. 

With over tourism hitting Amsterdam more and more each year , The Hague is the perfect alternative to Amsterdam for a Dutch city break.

To make matters even better, The Hague has 11 km of beaches. Yes, I had no idea The Hague was so lose to the beach – my bad!

Weather in The Hague/Den Haag

I can’t say we’ve been lucky with the weather during visit to The Hague. The city is located in the southern part of the Netherlands, by the coast. You’ll find typically Northern/Central European weather – with cold winters and warm, but not boiling hot summers, and abundant rain year round. 

On top of that, The Hague’s coastal location also means that it’s windy pretty much every day. The windiest period of the year lasts between October and March, when the city beaches become a popular kitesurfing location, despite the cold. 

During our visit in mid-March, we had cloudy skies with frequent rain showers and a temperature ranging between 0°C at night and 12-13°C during the day, with very, very strong winds , touching 90 km per hour. However, this didn’t stop us from enjoying the amount of amazing attractions in The Hague!

So, let’s have a look at 14 fun things to do in The Hague , even when it’s super windy!

Want to explore the Benelux area more? Check out our 20 Fun Things to do in Luxembourg post!

Would you like to discover The Hague in one fun minute? Here’s our cartoon video!

Free Things to do in The Hague/Den Haag

1) visit the binnenhof.

‘This is where my city was born’ said our guide Remco as we reached the Binnenhof , a complex of buildings right next to the Hofvijver ,  a small lake in the centre of The Hague. 

The Binnenhof started out as a small homestead by the lake, which was purchased by the count of Holland in the 13th century and slowly grew into a small keep.

A few decades later, the count built the Ridderzaal , one of the largest non-religious Gothic buildings in Europe. Ridderzaal means ‘riders hall’ , as its original purpose was to welcome riders visiting the court of the counts of Holland. 

What is now the city of The Hague grew around the Binnenhof. From residence of the counts it became the administrative centre of the country, housing the meeting place of both houses in the Dutch parliament, the Prime Minister’s office and the Ministry for General affairs.

The Ridderzaal still stands proud , dominating the complex, and it is used by the Dutch monarch to deliver the annual speech opening Parliament.

Visiting the buildings in the Binnenhof costs money, but walking around the complex is definitely one of the best free things to do in The Hague. 

Would you like to visit the Binnenhof? Here are some tours!

• The Hague Private Walking Tour
• Private Day Trip to The Hague from Amsterdam
• The Hague Highlights Bike Tour
• The Hague City Discovery Game

Are you a castle fan? Discover the best castles in Luxembourg!

2) Walk Along the Canals

Did you know The Hague also has canals? The city has about 10 canals, dug in the 14th century for transportation and defence purposes. However, The Hague is not known for its waterways , probably because similarly to many other cities in Europe like my very own Milan , many canals were filled over the 20th century to improve sanitation in the growing city. 

In 2004, part of The Hague canal system was uncovered, and now it is possible to sail or walk along it. If you want to go sailing, naturally you’ll need a ticket, but walking along the canals won’t cost you a cent, and it’s surely a great free activity to enjoy in The Hague. 

A good place to start is Lange Voorhout , the street where you’ll find the wonderful museum Escher in the Palace ( another great thing to do in The Hague – more on it later!)

From there, head towards Maliestraat , right next to the most beautiful canal in The Hague. You can follow Nieuwe Uitleg,  a road creating a ring around the canal, then turn right on to Hooikade . At the end of that street, cross the street and follow the canal on your left, running parallel to the Mauritskade .

Keep walking along Mauritskade all the way to the end. Then, turn left until you get to a canal with a bridge with a bike covered in flowers, a tribute to a young girl who died in a bike accident. 

Follow that canal past Prinsessewal , until you reach the end. On your right there will be another short canal named Veenkade, where you’ll find bars and an ice cream shop that all have floating terraces on the canal. Can you imagine a better end to this canal walk?

This itinerary will take you about 2 hours, depending on how often you stop for pictures, and it’s a wonderful free thing to do in The Hague!

3) See the Peace Palace

This was, by far and away, my favourite thing to do in The Hague. The Peace Palace is the reason why The Hague is known as the City of Peace and Justice – the complex was built around 100 years ago, to provide a home for the Permanent Court of Arbitration , established at the end of the 19th century to provide an alternative solution to war for disputes between countries. 

Construction was sponsored by the American steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, and the Carnegie Foundation still owns and manages it. Nowadays, besides the  Permanent Court of Arbitration , the Peace Palace accommodates the International Court of Justice , the Library of International Law , and the Hague Academy of International Law. 

We were lucky to tour the interiors of the Peace Palace. Tours last approximately an hour and a half and include a visit of the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the Permanent Court of International Justice, as well as the artworks located in the corridors and hallways, all gifts from various city governments.

One of the coolest places is the Japanese Room , the secondary room of thePermanent Court of Arbitration, taking its name from the stunning silk tapestries gifted by the Japanese government. 

The Peace Palace can only be visited when courts are not in session. You can get info about dates and book tours on the official website – but please be aware that tours may be cancelled if court sessions are scheduled or moved last minute. 

However, you can always see the Peace Palace from outside for free. The imposing neo-Renaissance building is clearly visible through the fence, looking a little bit like Hogwarts. Don’t you think? 

4) Walk Around the City

The Hague is a wonderful place to walk around aimlessly , getting lost its streets and marvelling at its architecture.

The Hague is divided in two parts, one built on sand, and one built on clay. The two parts of the city are divided by  Laan van Meerdervoort,  the longest street in Europe.

The richer people live on the sandy part, the northern half of the city, and call themselves Hagenaar , whereas the southern half of the city built on clay is home to Hagenees , working class people.

A good place to wander around are the shopping streets around  Spuistraat and Grote Marktstraat.  You’ll find many department stores like HEMA, a Dutch institution, and upmarket de Bijenkorf. Right next to that there’s a cool shopping building decorated with Art Nouveau storks, the symbol of The Hague.

5) Check out De Passage and try a Hopje

Another fun free thing to do in The Hague is walking down De Passage , the only remaining covered shopping arcade built in the second part of the 20th century in the Netherlands. 

De Passage was originally built to house luxury stores, and still remains faithful to this ‘upmarket’ soul. If you want a small souvenir typical of The Hague , grab some Hopje from Hop & Stork, one of the best coffee shops in town.

Hopje coffee-flavoured sweets were born by mistake, after a coffee-loving baron was forbidden by his doctor to drink coffee, and tried to find a way to do it anyway. He left a mixture of coffee and sugar on the stove simmering for too long, until it hardened up into caramelised lumps.

The result was so good, that he commissioned a local baker to recreate his ‘mistake’ – and from then onwards, hopje have become The Hague’s most beloved sweet export. 

5) Visit The Hague’s Two Stations

The Hague is also unique in the sense that it has not one, but two central stations – both of which are really cool in a different way, and visiting them is another unusual free thing to do in The Hague. 

If you’re coming from Amsterdam or from Schiphol airport, more than likely you’ll be arriving at Den Haag Centraal, the largest of the two located right in the city centre. The station was recently renovated and it is now a modern steel and glass building, with a mini food court, as well as some cafés and restaurants on the upper floor.

We especially liked Station Huiskamer , meaning ‘the station’s living room’, a cozy café with couches and working spaces, and a views over the trains.

The second station is Den Haag HS, about 20 minutes walk from the centre, with trains to Antwerp, Brussels and other Dutch cities. The building dates back to 1843, when the station was opened.

Den Haag HS is less busy than Centraal station, and worth visiting to appreciate the 19th century architecture of the station building. There’s also a spectacular royal waiting room, which can be visited once a month joining a guided tour. 

Are you a fan of train travel? Read about our winter rail journey from Finland to France!

Museums in The Hague

6) the mauritshuis.

If it’s windy or rainy in The Hague , as it often is, there’s no need to worry about finding things to do – there are many museums to choose from!

If you only had time to visit one museum in The Hague , we highly recommend the Mauritshuis , housing an impressive collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings.

The best known and most popular artwork is undoubtedly the Girl With The Pearl Earring by Vermeer , but there are many more to see, including some impressive still lifes and paintings depicting daily life in the Netherlands in the 17th century.

If you are visiting this year you can also visit the Rembrandt and the Mauritshuis exhibition, with all 11 Rembrandt paintings in the museum collection on show, including the famous The Anatomy Lesson. 

If you’d like to know more about the Mauritshuis collection, we recommend joining a tour – here are a couple!

• The Hague and the Mauritshuis Gallery
• Kinderdijk, The Hague and the Mauritshuis

7) Escher in the Palace

Even if the name Escher doesn’t ring a bell, you’ll be familiar with the Dutch graphic artist’s mathematically-inspired prints and illustrations . Escher in the Palace (Escher in Het Palais) is a museum dedicated to Escher’s artwork, located in a former royal palace dating back to the 18th century. 

The exhibition displays original wood blocks used by the artist, as well as a selection of prints, including some of Escher’s earliest depicting Italian landscapes. The exhibition was designed especially to display Escher’s work – don’t miss The Waterfall , example of the artist’s ‘impossible perspectives’, the Drawing Hands , and the three Metamorphosis , with a sequence of tessellated images morphing into one another in a circle.  

Skip the line and get your Escher in the Palace ticket in advance!

8)  Museum Voorlinden

The Mauritshuis may be The Hague’s big ticket museum, and Escher in the Palace is definitely worth a visit for the scenic palace setting, but in my opinion the coolest museum in the Hague is Museum Voorlinden , a contemporary art gallery opened in 2016. 

Museum Voorlinden is set in a private estate, in a modern building with large windows providing plenty of natural light, really enhancing the artwork on display. Part of the museum houses temporary exhibitions – at the time of our visit in mid March, there was one titled ‘Less is More’ , about minimal art, and an exhibition dedicated to Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama was due to open within a few days. 

Yet, Museum Voorlinden is best known for its Highlights , a selection of large-scale, immersive art installations like Leonardo Elrich’s Swimming Pool , where visitors can access the bottom of the pool and see other visitors watching them from above, and Open Ended , a maze made of steel plates.

Visiting Museum Voorlinden was definitely one of our favourite things to do in The Hague – don’t miss it!

The Hague Beaches

9) scheveningen.

The long, sandy beach resorts of The Hague are probably what sets it apart from other Dutch cities. Where else can you spend the morning visiting museums, and then hop on the tram for an afternoon on the beach?

Beaches in The Hague cover a length of 11 km , divided between two different beach resorts – the first to be established and largest of the two is Scheveningen , about 5 km north from the city centre. 

Scheveningen is best known for its pier, opened in 1959 after an existing pier was destroyed during World War II. The pier was renovated in 2015, and it now includes a covered shopping centre with restaurants, cafés and entertainment opportunities. 

At the end of the pier you’ll find the Skywheel , the best known Scheveningen landmark. There’s also a bungee jump and a zipline, connecting the bungee platform to the upper pier deck.

When we visited in March, Scheveningen was deserted, with only a few souls braving the wind and cold. In summer, beach bars line the promenade and you’ll find people skating, cycling and braving the chilly waves of the North Sea. You can also try your hand at riding the waves – book a surfing lesson!

10) Kijkduin

Scheveningen is indeed a happening place – if peace and quiet are what you’re after, you’d better head to Kijkduin , the smaller of the two resorts which is a little further from the city centre, surrounded by sand dunes. 

The vibe at Kjikduin is definitely more low-key and family friendly compared to Scheveningen. There are a few beach clubs, mostly cafés and restaurants, but don’t expect much action if you’re visiting in March as beach bars in The Hague are taken apart in winter and reassembled in summer – except for Havana Beach , open year round. 

There’s also one more reason to visit Kijkduin , which is really one of the coolest and most unusual things to do in The Hague – but I’m not ready to reveal it just yet. Read on, and you shall find out!

Unusual Things to do in The Hague

11) visit the prison gate museum.

In the 1400s, The Hague wasn’t the peace and justice-loving city it is these days. The Prison Gate museum (Museum de Gevangenpoort) reveals visitors how the concept of crime and punishment evolved over the centuries, when justice wasn’t administered in courts, and confessions were extorted through torture.

The museum is not far from the Binnenhof and includes the largest collection of instruments of torture , like branding irons, hand clamps and flogging benches, and the cell block where prisoners used to be incarcerated and tortured. This is not for the faint of heart, but it’s definitely a must if you’re looking for unusual points of interest in The Hague.

12) Visit the Haagse Markt

Market lovers, did you know that Haagse Markt is the largest outdoor market in Europe? Besides its size, what makes this market special is the variety of goods on offer, including food from all over the world.

It’s a great place if you’re looking for street snacks, with food reflecting the multicultural side of The Hague – within a few stalls you can find Dutch kibberling , Surinamese donuts, Turkish snacks, empanadas from the Caribbean and more.

The market is located in between Transvaal and Schilderswijk , the two most multicultural neighbourhoods in the Hague. A market has taken place for centuries in the same location, and in the late 19 th century it was already well known for exotic goods coming from the Dutch colonies and beyond.

Nowadays, the market is a great destination for food lovers , but you can also find clothes, flowers, household goods and pretty much anything you can imagine.

The Haagse Markt takes place four days a week – on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, from 9 am to 5 pm.

13) Eat at the Highest Restaurant in Town

The Hague Tower (Haagse Toren) is the 5th highest building in The Hague, and it is nicknamed  Het Strijkijzer (the Flatiron) as it was inspired by the famous New York building. 

You may expect this kind of building to house luxury offices or apartments – but this is when The Hague surprises you with its democratic soul , as the Hague Tower contains 300 studio flats for students and first-time property owners, and only 50 luxury apartments. 

The 42nd floor of Hague Tower is also where you’ll find The Penthouse , the highest restaurant in the Netherlands. You can start your evening with a cocktail at the Sky Bar, then take your pick from the creative, international dishes found on the menu.

Or better still, do what we did and opt for the Journey , a surprise menu with the daily specials.

14) Stay in Beach Huts

By now, you will have gathered that The Hague has 11 km of beaches , since I repeated it about three times in the course of this post. I loved all the things we did and saw in The Hague – seeing The Girl With The Pearl Earring, Escher’s artworks, visiting the Peace Palace, eating tasty food while looking at The Hague city lights from above… and more.

Yet, my best memories from The Hague are from the Haagse Strandhuises (The Hague beach houses) on Kijkduin beach, our home away from home in The Hague. The beach houses are located on an isolated stretch of beach, surrounded by sand dunes, with the sound of the wind and waves singing you to sleep.

The beach houses are compact, but they include everything you need to enjoy your stay on the beach, including heating, TV, super fast wifi, a small kitchen and even a cart to carry everything you need across the beach. The front of the beach houses is completely covered in windows looking out to sea , and there’s also a small veranda where you can sit and enjoy the view – if the wind doesn’t blow you away!

To make matters even better, the beach houses are made with natural materials and powered by sustainable energy. Even when it’s super windy, the feeling of being surrounded by the elements is simply magical, and you’re guaranteed to have a comfortable night sleep.

How to Get to The Hague from Amsterdam 

The Hague is only 52 km from Amsterdam , and the closest airport is Amsterdam Schiphol, only half an hour away by train.

Travelling between Amsterdam and The Hague by train is super easy , with departures every half an hour from Amsterdam to The Hague central stations, with trains taking under an hour and tickets cost €12.20 . There are even more frequent trains travelling via Leiden or Schiphol airport, but you will need to change trains.

Rotterdam is also very close to The Hague , about 36 km away. Train between the two cities depart every 10 minutes, cost €5.10 and take less than half an hour.

Many thanks to Stefan, Remco and Danielle from The Hague Marketing for welcoming us!

Keep your Dreams Alive

The Hague – Your Guide For An Ultimate Day Trip

The City Delivers . That was my impression after I visited The Hague (Den Haag in Dutch) for the first time. Fascinating Royal Architecture, Exotic Art Collection, Miniature Themed Park, Underwater Tunnel with Touch Pool, A long beach for Swimming or even Bungee jump by the North sea – You name it, The Hague has it. Initially I pictured The Hague just as a real life representation from one page of my High School History Book. But, upon exploring its diversity, my idea completely changed. No, The Hague is not the most perfect Dutch city but it has got a lot of things right. It has a lot of sights to choose from no matter what kind of traveler you are.

Wait What? You said History book. Isn’t that boring?

Indeed. But only if you read those to pass your board examination. But think about the ruins, castles, forts, cave paintings, ancient temples or royal palaces. Aren’t those a beauty to look at in person? Come to The Hague to witness one such royal beauty from your High School History or Political Science book. The International Court of Justice also known as the Peace Palace.

Even after reaching Netherlands, It took me more than one year to plan a full day tour to The Hague. I was utterly confused whether it’s a good idea to visit such an Urban Dutch city. While I was very happy with the Dutch countryside and rural landscape, I was never attracted by Amsterdam due to its busyness. However, after my first visit, I paid The Hague a multiple more visit. So, if you are wondering if it’s worth a visit, how to reach, how to explore, what to expect and what to eat, read on because I have all the answers. 

If you are familiar with my writing style, you know I always provide an one pager downloadable and printable ready to use Infographic. Download it and you will never miss the highlights. Save it offline in your smartphone and refer it while you are in The Hague or maybe while you are just planning your itinerary.

If you are a resident of Holland, you have multiple opportunities to come to The Hague. In case something gets missed on your first visit, you always have a second chance. But, if you are an international traveler, come to The Hague only if you have a full day reserved for it. I would never recommend coming to Hague only for 2-4 hours. The city is big. Public transport network is wide-spread and life for travelers move slow here.

The Hague - What To Explore

There are so many things to visit at The Hague. I have not visited all of them but due to my opportunity to visit the City multiple times, I explored the different regions of The Hague. Remember one thing. You cannot walk across The Hague. I mean technically you can but it would be just a sheer waste of time and energy only to save a very minimum euro. For other parts of Netherlands, I prefer using   9292   website or  Mobile App  but I found the tram timetable and routes are quite fantastic if you use Google Map for The Hague region.

Once you come out of the train station, immediately you would see tram lines and a tram stop. Don’t board now. Take some time to explore the central square of the administrative capital of Holland. Within the city center, it is much better to walk and explore. My first 3 recommended stops from the infographic are pretty close from the central train station.

1. Explore The Plein (The Hague City Center)

Put Binnenhof in the Google Map. It is exactly 900 metres from the train station. In order to reach it, you need to cross Het Plein aka The Plein and Maurithuis first. So,  what’s the point of putting Binnenhof at the first place if it’s the farthest? Well, the route Google Map will present is a Gem.

Three things you’ll notice just after you make your way past the station area. Historical buildings, Cafes and pigeons. Plenty of them. No, the city is not as picturesque as  Giethoorn   or  Zaanse Schans , but C’mon. You are in a developed country. Let the nation flaunt you the square from where its President address the Nation. Let her show that she not only boasts of its scenic countryside but also its modern development.

If you have the luxury of time, I would suggest you to spend some time people watching in one of the numerous cafes here in the Plein. However, the spot where I would encourage you to take a stop is Ridderzaal, the main building from the former Castle of the Counts.

Read my article about the  city of Ghent  to know more about the castle of the counts today i.e. The Gravensteen. However, the Ridderzal today is still a fantastic place to marvel at the Architectural wonder, the ornated sculptures and the unique styled fountains. The place is always packed with photographers but wait! You will even find road side ice cream sellers selling a scoop for 1-2€. Isn’t that great?

Initially we thought it to be a Church. But today the Ridderzal (Known as the Hall of the Knights) is a place where on the third Tuesday in September, the King or Queen delivers the so-called King’s/Queen’s Speech in a joint sitting of both chambers of parliament.

After you come out the fantastically decorated gate, you have two choice. Either walk towards the Maurithus on the right or towards the Hofkapel . I would advise you to walk towards Hofkapel. Why? Read on to know more.

2. Binnenhoff

No matter how excited you are in visiting a Beach or how energized you are in getting engaged at the Miniature Theme park, please come and spend some time in this part of The Hague. In Google Map, the location says Voormalige Hofkapel (In English former court chapel). It’s an iconic Building and the view from Across the Pond is simply gorgeous. Both in Spring and Summer, the entire area is decorated with flowers making it a perfect place to get some good snaps.

When I first googled about The Hague, I wanted to visit the place where there is a heritage building surrounded by flowers and a sweet fountain in front of it. Only problem was that I didn’t know what the place is called. After reading my article, I think now you know where to find it. Yes, Holland is a country which looks magical in the Spring. But not many places will offer you the backdrop of a Royal Iconic Building.

With respect to Photography, There is a problem if you follow my route. I always visited Binnenhof around 10AM-12PM. In that case you need to shoot directly to The Sun. Looking at my photos, you’ll understand a little loss of contrast (I used Nikkor AF-P 18-55 VR Lens on my D5300) in the buildings. I wished to come back at the evening to shoot at the Golden light but after super hectic day at The Hague, I always chose to skip it. 

There are many benches to sit on the opposite side of this water body. We took our packed breakfast and fruits and had those there. We found many people sat on the Grass and were having drink. I visited Binnenhof a couple of times and on both occasion, I found that TV Commercial was being shot keeping the court chapel at the backdrop. However, no tourism activity was hampered because of that.

3. Maurithuis

Remember my last photo from The Plein section? That’s exactly where Maurithis (Read Maurice House) is. Although it’s nearer from the exit of Ridderzal, my recommendation is to explore the Binnenhof area and then come here. Why? Because it houses a huge collection of  Dutch Art from its golden age  and thus you need time to visit it. After  the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam,  Mauritshuis  in The Hague is  the second best known collection in Holland which is just next to the Binnenhof.

Do You Know that from one of Mauritshuis’ rooms,  You can actually see into the Dutch Prime Minister’s office ?

The star of the show is undoubtedly Vermeer’s “The Girl With The Pearl Earring”, which has been at the museum for over a century. Apart from that, you can see beautiful collections from Rembrandt van Rijn, Frans Hals, Peter Paul Rubens, Jan Steen, Anthony van Dyck, Judith Leyster and many more pronounced Artists.

If you have the choice, try to visit The Hague on a Thursday evening. Why? It’s because the museum is open till 8PM only on Thursday. Otherwise Monday is the best bet because locals prefer the weekends. During COVID, the only option to purchase tickets was via the  official website . Even if tickets are sold offline, I would recommend to purchase online to save some time. As of May 2022, ticket cost is 17.5€ per adult and free till children up until 18 years. The first entry is from 10:15 AM and except Thursday, you are allowed to enter till 4:30PM.

4. Peace Palace

Well, The first Bummer! It’s not a Palace. Does that make it less attractive? Hell No!

For decades, The Hague proudly bears the title of “International City of Peace and Justice”. The Peace Palace at The Hague is the home of two of the most important courts in the world: the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). You’ll be surprised to know that most Criminal cases are handled somewhere else in The Hague. This court is mostly for Arbitration.

While it is fantastic to join a tour inside, it is worth just to marvel at the impressive building from outside only. From the tram station, you need to walk down a little slope and this iconic building will come to your sight. While the court at the Binnenhof looks similar in Photograph, you must (and I cannot stretch this enough) visit this massive building in person. Even if you don’t want to join a guided tour inside this building, it’s very much worth to see the building in person mugging the importance of which probably gave you 5 marks in your High School History exam.

Now two questions may come to your mind. How can I get inside The Peace Palace? And if I do, what’s there to see?

Let me start by answering the second one. You’ll see several years of work of 48000 Japanese weavers in the wall of the hall where Permanent court of Arbitration hold their meeting. How? It’s because the walls are covered by Refined Silk and Golden Tapestries. Known as the Japanese Room, this is the most beautiful room probably across the Entire Netherlands. And? you will visit the Great Hall of Justice, the Small Courtroom and the historical garden around the palace.

Next comes the first question. To enter the Peace Palace, you need to book guided tour in advance. It is impossible to book tour on the spot so plan accordingly. Also note that the palace is open to public only few days a year. You can always sneak at the Visitor centre but you can’t get the entire flavor unless you join a guide tour. Please visit this link  to book your tour from the official website. Ticket costs 15€ per person (Above 7 years) and free for children below 7. There is no discounted rate.

A walk to the Peace Palace aka The International Court of Justice takes a little less than 30 minutes from Binnenhof or Maurithuis. It takes half of that if you choose to travel by Tram. You need to catch  Tram #28  from Den Haag Centrum and get down at Vredespaleis (4 Stops). The palace can be seen from the Tram Stop itself.

5. Madurodam

“ Would you like to go back to be a child again? “

If you ask any adult this question, 90% of the chance is that you’ll get an affirmative answer. Now, if there is a place which gives you chance to  feel like a kid again, would you let it go? Or, will you take the chance?

I don’t know if you have heard about Madurodam earlier or not but if you do, don’t make the same mistake we did. Don’t ever think that it’s a place only for kids. Sure, the kids will enjoy running around but the as an adult, you will appreciate it much much more. It’s like the Disney animations like Soul, Finding Nemo, Lion King or Monster Inc etc. At a first glance, they look like are for kids but without the adult mindset, you’ll never being able to appreciate it fully. Yes, Madurodam is a miniature park. But there’s something so magical about wandering past the models, peering down at those, and trying to take pictures as if you’re a Giant.

This place is so magical that I have written a comprehensive guide for this place only. Please visit  this link  to learn more about our experience and check out some amazing photos we took. The article is full of tips and tricks and has all the information you’d need to visit this gem of a park. Check it out and let me know if you enjoyed it or have some feedback.

During our visit, we walked from the Peace Palace to all the way upto Madurodam. The weather was brilliant and the path to Madurodam is through a forest. If you have time (About 25 minutes), you can consider walking or take Tram #22 from Javastraat to Madurodam which is 3 stops only and in total, it would take about 10minutes (walking combined).

6. Scheveningen Beach

Do you know that Scheveningen is actually a district in The Hague? Do you realize what that’s translate to? A really really long sandy beach. It’s so large that you simply cannot compare this with other beaches of the Netherlands like Wijk aan Zee. And then? A pier, an esplanade, a long boardwalk, fantastic seafood restaurants, a flyer, zipline, windsurfing, bungy jumping and majestic seaside resorts. Can you ask for more?

The first photo you see is the Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus in front of you. But from where? So, here is the most important bit of information for you. I would encourage you to take Tram #1   and get down at  stop Zwarte Pad. Google Map might ask you to get down at Kurhaus stop but don’t do that. This stunning 5 star hotel has a magnificent ballroom which you can visit for free if you walk through the building.

Once you cross the building, you will reach the beach. You can either go to the right to the Scheveningen stand. Or go to the left to have a fantastic view of the Pier. The second photo you see is that of the pier.

The water near the beach is quite shallow. If you take a look at the second photo, you can see that people can still walk comfortably at a respectable distance from the beach. Also, watch the flyer and the architecture in front of that. That’s the boardwalk of Scheveningen. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy ocean breeze and if you arrive there by noon on a Sunny day, the color of the water is fantastic blue. 

You need to climb about two storey to reach to the top of the Boardwalk. If you are wondering where to find the stairs, come to a food joint named Churros Scheveningen (Google Map has this location). There is no entry fee or something. Just climb up and enjoy the beach from a height. The path is also lined with a wide array of cafés and bars. Whenever you feel to sit back and relax, just for a quick drink or light bite. The iconic Pier is also fully sheltered so that if it rains, you still got yourself covered.

Look at the funny toy train. These roam around the beach quite now and then. Ticket can be purchased at designated counter near the Pier. If you think only kids avail this fun ride then you are very wrong. I rather found mostly adults inside the toy train.

The Scheveningen esplanade is decorated with many statues and legos. I have not captured all of those but here are some sample sculptures that you can expect around the beach. I remember that I saw one tall Giraffe Lego but surprisingly I am unable to find the photograph.

As you can understand a lego for display implies that there is a Legoland. Yes, within minutes of walk from the Pier, you can reach Legoland Discovery centre of Scheveningen and the SEA Life Scheveningen. Remember that if you directly want to reach this place, you need to get down at Kurhaus Tram stop. For a rainy day, these places are good as these are completely indoor.

Scheveningen is paradise for sea food lovers. There are way too many food stalls to choose from. If you want to check in the restaurants, yes those are costly. But there are many roadside food joints selling different varieties of fries, fish and chicken. But watch out for Seagulls. There are many and they really annoy a lot. I have seen multiple instances where people have bought the food but couldn’t finish it properly because of the birds.

How To Reach The Hague

The Hague is super easy to reach from several places of the Netherlands. If you are an international traveler, then The Hague (Den Haag Central) can be directly reached from Haarlem, Leiden, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Almere (If you are staying at the eastern side of Holland) or Schiphol Airport. From all these places, take an Intercity express. Try to avoid Sprinter for two reasons. First, Sprinters are slow. Secondly, you can seat on the upper deck of the intercity and the view to The Hague is quite nice.

• Haarlem to Den Haag Central (40 Minutes)
• Station at Schiphol Airport to Den Haag Central (30 Minutes)
• Amsterdam Central to Den Haag Central (50 Minutes)
• Leiden to Den Haag Central (12 Minutes)
• Rotterdam Central to Den Haag Central (27 Minutes)
• Almere Centrum to Den Haag Central (1 Hour)
• Breda to Den Haag Central (50 Minutes)
• Delft to Den Haag Central (15 Minutes)
• Utrecht to Den Haag Central (38 Minutes)

The Hague is a city on the North Sea coast of the western Netherlands. So the farther you are to the east, the more time you’ll need to arrive here. However, being the administrative capital, it is pretty simple to reach The Hague from almost anywhere in Holland. No matter whether you use Google Map or  9292 website , put your destination as Den Haag Central.

How To Get Around?

Of all places I have visited in the Netherlands (and I have visited a lot over the span of two years), I have found that the public transport network within The Hague is the most impressive. Every street is connected by bus or tram. I would say you can compare the public transport network with that of Singapore as well.

Although Buses are available and quite abundant, I would encourage you to avail the Tram service while you are at The Hague. The Tram will take you at the gate of the central station, very near to the Peace palace, stops at the entrance of Madurodam and even takes you straight to the Beach. As I mentioned that Scheveningen has a lot of attractions and the Tram has a stop which is adjacent to each one of those. For a detailed network, please refer to the below network map for The Hague public transport.

If you find the text hard to read from the above image, you can download the original large-size image from this link . Let me know in the comment if  the link  got broken in the future so that I can update the revised link.

If you are a tourist and want to make the most out of public transport for a day, then you can choose to purchase a Tourist Day ticket. For Only €14,50, you can purchase a Day Ticket to travel in any Bus/Tram/Metro/Waterbus in regions of The Hague, Delft, Rotterdam, Lisse (Famous for Keukenhoff). However, please note that you cannot use this ticket on any Train or High Speed Ferries. To know more or purchase this ticket online, please visit  this link .

Best Season To Visit The Hague

First you need to ask yourself a question. What do you want to see? What are you expecting from a visit to The Hague? If your answer is Snow, then you’ll be disappointed. Snow covered Dutch administrative capital is a rare sight and if you are an international traveler, take a look at Munich, Germany.

But wait. You are reading an article of the Netherlands. And for which season is Holland famous for? The Spring. Yes, I know what you are thinking of. The Tulips right? Read  my article  to know how you can visit multiple Tulip fields for free in Holland. However, we are talking about The Hague here. Can we see Tulips here too? Unfortunately No. But understand one thing. From late March, the weather across the Netherlands become very favorable for flowers to bloom. That’s when the country becomes colorful. That’s when the Summer clock starts. And exactly that’s when The Hague shines.

My first recommendation to visit The Hague is in the month of June. That’s because the crowd is still little less (Remember School Holidays are in July – August), the weather is pleasant. Sunlight is there till 10PM. Water temperature is very favorable for swimming (Not like cold April days) and you’ll get to watch flowers from both the Spring and Summer season.

However, if June is not an option, you can visit The Hague anywhere between Late March to Early October. But remember to come to The Hague on a Sunny Day. If it rains, neither you’d be able to enjoy the beach nor the impressive buildings nor the Madurodam. You won’t be able to sit at a cafe in the Plein. Coming to The Hague only to visit Maurithuis or the SEA life is not worth it in my opinion. Let me know in the comments how you think of the idea of visiting The Hague on a rainy day.

Best Time of The Day To Visit

This section will be an interesting read. Don’t skip this please. I have read way too many articles online before visiting The Hague but none of those covered this topic. So, please pay close attention.

Take a look at the two photos below. Both are taken from the Stand at the Scheveningen beach on a Sunny day. The first one was taken around 11AM while the second one was around 6PM. What Difference do you see?

First, the crowd. If you want to avoid crowd, you need to come early. There is no second option. But there are so many things to cover at The Hague. How can I cover all of them in early morning? Cover this way – Enter Madurodam at the very first hour. Spend 3-4 hours, then come to Scheveningen. Enjoy and have lunch here. Then go back to the Binnenhof and Plein area. You’d get good light for photography and the crowds won’t bother you.

Second, color of the water. I earlier thought that to find good color in the water, we only need a Sunny day. But later I realized that the position of the Sun is also an important factor. If you visit Scheveningen around noon, the color of the water will look impressive. However as Sunset approaches, it would look muddy. Yes, you would get other beautiful shots of the Sunset but won’t get color of the water. Only you need to decide what your priority is.

So, a sample day trip could look something like this

10:00AM – Entry to Madurodam

1:00PM – Arrive at Scheveningen

4:00PM – A Visit to the Peace Palace

5:00 PM – Enter the Maurithuis (Only on Thursday, for other days Swap this with Peace Palace)

After your Museum visit, explore the Plein and Binnenhof area at your own pace.

Useful Practical Tips

The Hague is nice. It’s totally worth. I would say it’s incomparable too. For people coming outside of Europe with very limited days might miss this gorgeous city but whoever can manage a day here will definitely be rewarded with some of the best attractions. I visited this city multiple times and here are some insider tips which you must keep in mind during your visit to The Hague

• It would be a long day at The Hague. So, you’d need washroom right? Inside Madurodam, you’d have free access to washroom and Scheveningen beach has several paid washroom facilities. There is a facility inside Maurithuis. I am not sure about the Peace palace but I assume there are facilities.
• The guided tour at Peace palace needs to be booked in advance and online. Plan that well in advance.
• If you run low on OV-chipkaart balance, you can recharge those from within the Tram.
• Trams are super crowded. Don’t expect to get seated. If you absolutely need that, get on either from Den Haag central or from Schevenigen stand.
• Do check out  Combi tickets  of Madurodam. It offers to add one more attraction along with Madurodam at a discounted rate. There are a lot of places to choose from while the famous ones being Esther museum or the Sea Life Scheveningen.
• The Souvenir shop at the extreme end of the Scheveningen Stand offers some totally unique Souvenir. I have bought one Zaanse Schans miniature from there which I never saw anywhere in Holland in my entire two years.

With that, I would conclude my short write up about the impressive city of The Hague. And to you readers?  Have you liked this article? Leave me a note down below. Do you have any questions regarding this topic or any suggestions you want while you are planning? Have I mentioned anything incorrectly? Or any tips from your side? Please feel free to use the comment box. Till I hear from you “doei doei”!

• International
• Politics & Society
• Photo Report
• Relationships
• Learn Dutch
• Attractions
• Restaurants
• Scheveningen
• International Travel
• Bank for Internationals
• Dutch Language School
• International School
• Recruitment Agency
• Relocation Service
• Real Estate Agencies
• Tax Accountant
• Mortgage Advisor
• Psychologist
• DutchReview Team
• Privacy Policy
• Take Down and Notice
• Advertise with DutchReview
• Submit an article
• Editorial Internships

🚀 New feature alert! Find the best businesses for internationals on  DutchReview's Business Directory

29 awesome things to do in The Hague in 2023

The city of peace and justice is always bustling with life, so it’s no surprise that there’s an excess of things to do in The Hague. Ready to discover the third-largest city in the Netherlands? We got you.  

From beautiful beaches, dunes, and parks, to high rises and international organisations — the administrative capital of the Netherlands has the perfect combination of gezellig village vibes, and urban, globalised, big city energy. 

The Hague has something for everyone — including you. 

1. Admire the beautiful Hofvijver

2. fill your belly in chinatown , 3. take a break in the palace garden, 4. go for a stroll in zuiderpark , 5. get the best city-wide views from the grote kerk tower, 6. watch the sunset from scheveningen, 7. get baffled by europe’s biggest panorama painting at panorama mesdag, 8. experience the dutch masters at mauritshuis, 9. have a snack at the world’s smallest fries store, 10. take a bike ride to the dunes, 11. borrel with the locals at plein, 12. join the hipsters at bierkade, 13. get lost in haagse bos, 14. take a day trip to another iconic dutch location, 15. soak up the art at kunstmuseum den haag, 16. eat pizza at grote markt, 17. admire the mighty peace palace, 18. float away on a canal cruise, 19. park your bike and do a walking tour, 20. have a picnic in clingendael park, 21. get a real haagse bier, 22. feel like a giant in tiny madurodam, 23. discover the hague’s dark side at the prison gate museum, 24. stuff yourself at a food hall , 25. let optical illusions confuse you at escher het paleis, 26. go wild at the trampoline church, 27. try the fancy-schmancy stores at passage, 28. go second-hand shopping in zeeheldenkwartier, 29. enjoy a historical liqueur tasting.

This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement .

Located in the very spot where The Hague first came into existence, Hofvijver is an unmissable and unskippable sight on any trip to storktown. 

The large, square lake is the perfect place for a photo shoot, with the world’s oldest functioning parliament building across the water, and the towering modern centre in the background. 

READ MORE | Spotlight on! The Hague shines in magical light festival

Can you spot the prime minister’s office? It’s the little tower next to Mauritshuis museum, nicknamed het torentje (simply, “the tower”)! 

💰 Price: €0 ⏰ Opening hours: N/A 📍 Location: Lange Vijverberg, 2513 AC Den Haag

The characteristic lanterns and gates of Chinatown create a fun ambience as you wander its streets. 

In addition to the obvious Chinese influence, the area also has a bunch of Indonesian restaurants, as well as other ethnic minority stores and cafes. 

READ MORE | The Hague Market: the vibrant open market of the Netherlands

You’ll see a bubble tea shop wherever you turn, and affordable beauty salons which are popular among students. 

💰 Price: regular Dutch restaurant prices, depending on order ⏰ Opening hours: N/A 📍 Location: Wagenstraat 43-63, 2512 AP Den Haag

The Palace Garden, or Paleistuin , is a beautiful green pocket in the centre of The Hague. The park is a popular hangout spot, where The Hague’s residents practice yoga, play games, and feed the birds in the little pond. 

READ MORE | 7 things you didn’t know about The Hague

Pack a picnic basket and take a relaxing break on the grass; you’ll kill two tourist-birds with one stone, and get to admire the King’s working palace at the same time!

💰 Price: €0 ⏰ Opening hours: Every day, 8 AM until 6 PM 📍 Location: Prinsessewal, 2513 EE Den Haag

If small parks like Paleistuin make you yawn, fear not, The Hague has Zuiderpark up its sleeve too! 

The sprawling park is located slightly outside the city centre (20 minutes by public transport, and 15 minutes by bike), but the huge fields are well worth a visit. 

READ MORE | Barbecuing in the Netherlands: how do the Dutch do BBQs?

Running tracks, flowers, lakes — it’s the perfect spot for a stroll or a couple of hours in the sun. Zuiderpark is also a popular festival venue, and for the little ones: visit the nearby petting zoo!

💰 Price: €0 ⏰ Opening hours: N/A 📍 Location: Loevesteinlaan, Den Haag

Although it’s a bit of a stretch, one can argue that the great church of The Hague dates back all the way to the 1200s! 

READ MORE | We promise that these photos of The Hague are the best you will see

Today, the huge building is not used as a church, but as an event venue. The most interesting activity the old building has to offer is to climb up the many steps with a knowledgeable tour guide — and get the best city view for the Insta. 

💰 Price: €7.50 for adults, €5.50 for children  ⏰ Opening hours: March – November, Thursday – Sunday, 12 PM – 4 PM. December – February, Saturdays and Sundays, 12 PM & 4 PM.  📍 Location: Rond de Grote Kerk 12, 2513 AM Den Haag

Scheveningen beach is the most popular beach in The Hague, and it has lots to offer . Grab a drink at one of the many (!) beach bars, go bungee jumping at the pier, or take a ride on the Ferris wheel — you’ll never get bored at a Scheveningen beach day.

READ MORE | Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Scheveningen: What’s going on?

It’s also a popular spot for surfing , or simply hanging out in the sand on a summer evening. Make sure to catch the sunset in the ocean for a magical end to the day. 

💰 Price: €0 ⏰ Opening hours: N/A 📍 Location: Strandweg 34, 2586 KM Den Haag

Hendrik Willem Mesdag is one of the most celebrated 19th-century Dutch painters out there  — he even has a museum named after himself. 

But the Panorama Mesdag is not your average old museum. Sure, it’s got a nice exhibition with tons of beautiful, Dutch art but it’s also got a very special feature. The building was built for the sole purpose of housing the grand “Scheveningen Panorama”!

READ MORE | Panorama Mesdag: A look at the biggest painting of the Netherlands

The painting, depicting the beach in The Hague in the late 1800s, measures 14 metres in height, and 40 metres in diameter. It’s a super cool optical illusion that makes you feel like you’re standing on top of Scheveningen’s highest dune. 

💰 Price: €15 for adults, €12 for children ⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM until 5 PM.  📍 Location: Zeestraat 65, 2518 AA Den Haag

If the great Mesdag didn’t satisfy your thirst for Dutch masters, do not worry. The Mauritshuis museum is packed with astonishing Dutch art, and it’s all located in a beautiful, old building right in the centre of The Hague. 

READ MORE | Forgotten women painters of the Dutch Renaissance and Golden Age

You’ll get the chance to see the oh-so-famous Girl With The Pearl Earring and plenty of other Dutch masterpieces. 

It’s absolutely a must-see attraction on any visit to The Hague, nay, to the Netherlands!

💰 Price: €19 for adults, €0 for children ⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM until 6 PM. Monday, 1 PM until 6 PM.  📍 Location: Plein 29, 2511 CS Den Haag

Okay, it might not be the smallest in the world, but it’s a nickname amongst locals, and it sounds about right. Either way, no trip to the Netherlands is complete without a full meal consisting of just fries (for some reason)!

READ MORE | ‘Friet’ or ‘patat’? The ultimate guide to Dutch fries

‘t Kleinste Winkeltje is so small, it’s always a pleasant surprise when you realise you can actually go inside. The little fries shop serves steamin’ hot, deliciously salty fries, with more mayo than you can possibly imagine. 

But beware, the portions are insane, so either come with a very empty stomach or someone to share it with.

💰 Price: regular Dutch snack bar prices, depending on order ⏰ Opening hours: Monday, closed. Tuesday, 12 PM until 8 PM. Wednesday & Friday, 12 PM until 7 PM. Thursday & Saturday, 12 PM until 9 PM. Sunday, 12 PM until 7 PM.  📍 Location: Papestraat 1A, 2513 AV Den Haag

Okay, so you’ve got the fries part covered, now you have to experience the other key part of Dutch culture: biking ! 

There’s no better place to go for a super-Dutch bike ride than the dunes in The Hague. From the north of the city to the south — you can easily spend a full day in the beautiful landscape. 

READ MORE | See the magical summer flower gardens and the Dutch dunes in a unique way

Our best tip is to go south to Westduinpark — the largest nature reserve in The Hague has very few tourists, and you’ll have a good chance of spotting the Scottish Highland Cows that reside in the area. 

💰 Price: €0 ⏰ Opening hours: N/A 📍 Location: 2566 GC Den Haag

At the core of The Hague, between the old centre and the new part of the city, you’ll find a big square (conveniently) called Plein (“square”).

READ MORE | What do you call a person from The Hague? The origin story of Hagenees vs Hagenaar

Plein is a well-known favourite for the weekly Dutch concept of borreling . With tons of pubs and a great outside area, Plein’s fairy-light-covered trees make for the perfect spot to enjoy a cold, Dutch beer .

💰 Price: regular Dutch pub prices, depending on order ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, time depends on specific location (average opening hours are 10 AM until 2 AM) 📍 Location: Plein 17A, 2511 CS Den Haag

Arguably one of the most gezellige (cosy) streets in The Hague, Bierkade is another great borrel location. 

The street actually has borreling in its blood. The canal was once used as the main transportation line of beer back in the days when The Hague was not allowed to produce the essential beverage itself. 

READ MORE | Is Dutch beer the best in Europe? The Netherlands is the top exporter, once again

It’s the ultimate hipster spot, and the view of the lantern-lit canal in the evening is simply priceless. 

Stop by De Kade for a wide array of nature wines, De Paas for the best beer experience the city has to offer, or Kai 13, Basaal or Ethica for a delicious dinner. 

💰 Price: regular Dutch snack bar prices, depending on order ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, time depends on specific location 📍 Location: Wagenstraat 193, 2512 AW Den Haag

If you’re looking for some greenery (not like that, actual nature this time) on your trip to The Hague, Haagse Bos is a great option. 

READ MORE | Hiking in The Hague: 11 nature spots for the outdoor adventurer

Located super close to the centre, this park-meets-forest crossover is the perfect place to go for a stroll or a picnic. It’s great for both bikers and pedestrians, and it’s accessible for people of all ages. 

Can you spot another one of the King’s palaces (yup, he has more than one) in the middle of the forest? It’s worth sneaking a peek at the fairytale-like building through the trees! 

💰 Price: €0 ⏰ Opening hours: N/A 📍 Location: Bezuidenhoutseweg, Den Haag

Although you can easily spend a week in The Hague alone, the city is also super conveniently located for day trips. 

Being a relatively small country, any city in the Netherlands is easy to access. But from the Hague, you can reach classic Dutch tourist destinations like the Keukenhof tulip field , the great dunes, or the old canals of Amsterdam , in no time. 

READ MORE | Public transport in the Netherlands: the complete guide

Only 10-15 minutes away by train, you’ll find the absolutely iconic Dutch cities of Delft and Leiden . The two old university towns are a must-see for anyone interested in classic Dutch architecture and cosy canal views — without drowning in tourists as you do in Amsterdam. 

If you find yourself missing a more urban vibe, you can head south and take a day trip to Rotterdam , only 20 minutes away. The city is modern and pulsating with life, quite different from anything else you’ll see in the Netherlands!

💰 Price: between €2.90 and €5.70 for one-way train tickets to Delft, Leiden, or Rotterdam ⏰ Opening hours: N/A 📍 Location: Up to you!

Located in a grand, and truly unique, art deco building, Kunstmuseum Den Haag is one of the best museums in the city. 

READ MORE | The Best Museums for Children and Book Lovers in The Hague

From Mondrian to Monet, contemporary and less contemporary, photography, architecture, period rooms, and much more — Kunstmuseum has been described as a “modern palace of the arts” for a reason!

Plan your visit well, though, or else you’ll easily spend the whole day wandering the halls of the museum. 

💰 Price: €17.50 for adults, €0 for children ⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM until 5 PM 📍 Location: Stadhouderslaan 41, 2517 HV Den Haag

Sure, Grote Markt is a popular spot to go out for drinks, but much more importantly: you can also get pizza there. 

Every Sunday at Bakplaats (part of De Boterwaag), you can get two pizzas for the price of one, and it’s seriously delicious too! 

If you’re just looking for a quick snack after a night out, you can also opt for the takeaway single-slice version — it’s much yummier than the basic Dutch snackbar cuisine , and only costs around €6.

💰 Price: between €13 and €17.50 for a one-person pizza ⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday & Wednesday, 11 AM until 1 AM. Thursday & Friday, 11 AM until 1:30 AM. Saturday 10 AM until 1.30 AM. Sunday 10 AM until 10 PM. 📍 Location: Grote Markt 8, 2511 BG Den Haag

The Hague is called the city of peace and justice for a reason, and no visit is complete without seeing the beautiful Peace Palace.

The Peace Palace houses the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the United Nations International Court of Justice and The Hague Academy of International Law. 

READ MORE | 11 of the best free things to do in The Hague

Unfortunately, for security reasons, the building only allows guided tours on a very limited number of dates a year. 

However, dedicated fans of international law who show up early in the morning on a day a session is open for audiences, have a chance at getting inside.

For the less die-hard fans, the visitors’ centre is also a good option, which is open most days, free of charge. 

💰 Price: visitors’ centre is €0 (but donations are appreciated), a guided tour is €16.50 ⏰ Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 12 PM until 5 PM 📍 Location: Carnegieplein 2, 2517 KJ Den Haag

The Hague might not be widely known for its canals, but don’t worry, you can still get the peak tourist experience you came to the Netherlands for. 

READ MORE | A boat tour in The Hague – Why it’s a great idea

Learn about the fascinating history of The Hague, and admire the city’s cosy streets and green pockets from the water.  

De Ooievaart is a favourite when it comes to canal cruises. They offer two types: one that takes you all the way to Delft by boat, and one that takes you all through The Hague.

💰 Price: €13.50 for adults, €9.50 for children ⏰ Opening hours: Daily, upon request, 12 PM and 5 PM 📍 Location: Bierkade 18B, 2512 AB Den Haag

The Hague city centre is highly compact and walkable, so a walking tour is the perfect way to see a lot in a short amount of time. 

The city is also packed with fascinating history, so you’ll easily get all your educational needs covered for the rest of your Dutch vacation. Opt for a guided tour , or stick with the classic guided Free Walking Tour — either one takes you through all the city’s most important highlights. 

💰 Price: €0 for Free Walking Tour The Hague, donation based ⏰ Opening hours: Summer : Daily 10:30 AM, including an extra 1:30 PM spot on Saturdays and Sundays. Winter: Depending on demand and availability.  📍 Location: Plein 29, 2511 CS Den Haag (starting point FWT The Hague)

There’s no shortage of parks in The Hague, but if you have to narrow it down to just one, Clingendael should be your choice. 

The large, peaceful grounds make you feel like you’re in an Austen novel — and it’s the perfect spot for a picnic.

READ MORE | Need some peace and quiet this Autumn? Visit the Japanese Garden in The Hague

There’s even a lovely Japanese garden, and several fields with farm animals nearby. The perfect park for anything from a run, to a date, or a family outing !

💰 Price: €0 ⏰ Opening hours: N/A 📍 Location: Clingendael, 2244 VH Den Haag

In the centre of The Hague, you can find the old (but still functioning) monastery De Haagsche Broeder. 

Not only can you admire the chapel and visit the concept store — you can also buy real Haagse beer from the Kloosterbrouwerij (the monastery brewery)! 

These monks take their beer seriously, and you can purchase a wide array of their craft online or in the store.

💰 Price: €13.50 for a fancy-looking beer pack  ⏰ Opening hours: Friday and Saturday, 2 PM until 8 PM. 📍 Location: Oude Molstraat 35, 2513 BA Den Haag

The family park Madurodam is a staple of any trip to The Hague. In short, it is a 1:25 scale model of the Netherlands, so you can explore (almost) the entire country in as little as an hour (but feel free to take longer). 

The park receives about half a million visitors every year and is a favourite among tourists (and locals) of all ages. It’s the perfect mix of history, geography, art, and fun! 

💰 Price: €18 for adults, €0 for children up to two years ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9 AM until 6 PM. 📍 Location: George Maduroplein 1, 2584 RZ Den Haag

If you’re in the mood for something dark and gloomy, why not dive into the dark side of The Hague, at the Gevangenpoort Museum ? 

Once the gate to the city of The Hague, the 13th-century building is an attraction in itself. 

The museum covers everything about the history of crime and justice in the middle ages, and the interactive exhibitions take you through everything from old torture chambers to different standards of cells. Spooky, but very interesting! 

💰 Price: €15 for adults, €7.50 for children, €0 for children up to 4 years old ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10 AM until 5 PM. Saturday and Sunday, 11 PM until 5 PM. 📍 Location: Buitenhof 33, 2513 AH Den Haag

The Hague has recently been acknowledged for its street food, and a visit to one of the many food halls is bound to be a success. 

Foodhallen Centrum, Foodhallen Scheveningen, and MingleMush are great examples of the great variety and quality of international cuisines you can find in The Hague. 

READ MORE | The Hague among 20 best European street food cities (WTF?)

These places will have something for everyone (trust us, of all cultures and pickiness levels), and leave you with a good impression of the international and entrepreneurial spirit of the Netherlands. 

💰 Price: Varies depending on the specific vendor ⏰ Opening hours: Depends on specific food hall, but generally 12 PM until 10 PM 📍 Location: Haagsche Bluf 40, 2511 CN Den Haag (Foodhallen Centrum)

Maurits Cornelis Escher is a world-famous graphic artist from the Netherlands, born in the late 1800s. 

He produced some of the strangest, and most confusing pieces of art the world has seen, and a visit to the Escher Museum in The Hague is bound to extract a few laughs. 

The museum is centrally located in an old palace, so the surroundings are also worth some attention, if you’re able to take your eyes off the surreal and beautiful art, that is. 

💰 Price: €11.50 for adults, €8.50 for children between 13 and 17 years old, €6.50 for children between 7 and 12 years old. ⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM until 5 PM 📍 Location: Lange Voorhout 74, 2514 EH Den Haag

Yepp, you read that right. As is the case all over the Netherlands, The Hague has quite a few decommissioned churches, that are now used for anything but church service, it seems.

If you have kids (unfortunately, it’s only open for those up to 12 years), you can let them have a bouncy day in church, and jump on dozens of indoor trampolines at Planet Jump !

And don’t worry about hitting the ceiling — the church roof is certainly high enough. 

💰 Price: €8 per hour ⏰ Opening hours: Wednesday, 12 PM until 6 PM. Friday, 12 PM until 8 PM. Saturday, 10 AM until 8 PM. Sunday, 10 AM until 6 PM.  📍 Location: Stadhoudersplantsoen 28, 2517 JL Den Haag

The Passage was modelled after its sister in Paris in the late 1800s. The building was intended as a beautiful shopping venue for The Hague’s finest — a purpose it fulfils to this day. 

The impressive old construction also has a modern wing, giving the shopping experience the best of both worlds. 

Come for a tasty treat at Hop & Stork chocolate store, explore the extensive Nespresso section, or dive into the fashionable boutiques — there are tons of things to keep you occupied. 

For Christmas, the Passage is also a popular Insta-spot, as the great Christmas tree lights up its old halls.

💰 Price: up to you! ⏰ Opening hours: Monday, 11 AM until 6 PM. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, 9.30 AM until 6 PM. Thursday, 9.30 AM until 9 PM. Sunday, 12 PM until 5 PM.  📍 Location: Passage 72, 2511 AA Den Haag

Zeeheldenkwartier is a poorly kept secret in The Hague, and it’s quickly becoming one of the hippest parts of town. 

READ MORE | Where to live in The Hague? Guide to the neighbourhoods of The Hague

The neighbourhood was established in the late 19th century and carries a lot of interesting history. Today, it’s most known for its relaxed atmosphere, cosy neighbourhood vibe, and hip café- and shopping culture. 

Take a stroll and get a new second-hand outfit!

💰 Price: up to you! ⏰ Opening hours: regular Dutch retail opening hours, depending on specific store 📍 Location: Prins Hendrikplein 3, 2518 EV Den Haag

Van Kleef distillery in The Hague has a vast history, an interesting museum, an extensive shop, and fascinating activities. 

It’s the oldest remaining distillery in the city (founded in 1842), offering a cosy atmosphere, and a magically quaint garden overflowing with greens and flowers. 

READ MORE | The Historical Museum of The Hague: discover the fascinating history of The Hague

The distillery offers a liqueur tasting and a cocktail tasting, and if you’re lucky with the weather, it’ll all take place out in the charming garden — accompanied by two house cats! It’s the perfect date idea and, more importantly (in true Dutch style), the perfect excuse to day drink. 

If you manage to keep your attention sharp after many a taste, you’ll also learn quite a bit about Dutch (and The Haguean) history. Win-win!

💰 Price: €23 for their basic tasting & short tour package ⏰ Opening hours: Saturday, 12 PM until 1:30 PM & 2 PM until 3:30 PM. Sunday, 2 PM until 3:30 PM.  📍 Location: Lange Beestenmarkt 109, 2512 ED Den Haag

Although it doesn’t get as much attention as its big brother Amsterdam , The Hague is packed with things to do, and should not be underestimated. Fascinating history and real, gezellig Dutch culture awaits you if you take the trip to the coast of the Netherlands! 

Which attractions will you visit in The Hague? Do you have any suggestions to add to the list? Tell us in the comments below!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in September 2022, but was fully updated in August 2023 for your viewing pleasure. 

Liked it? Try these on for size:

The 11 best authentic dutch villages that you have to visit, a day trip to maastricht: what to see, do, and eat, 10 of the best hotels for an epic stay in amsterdam, what do you think, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Related posts

Latest posts, pollen, allergies, and hay fever in the netherlands: how to survive it, a 14-year-old just took his ex-employer to court… and won, living in hoofddorp as an international: everything you need to know, it's happening, upcoming events, is it alive this unique art exhibition is opening its doors, ‘in brilliant light’: marvel at contemporary african art at this exciting new exhibit, trick your brain into speaking dutch with talencoach’s brainwash method, cherry blossom season, daylight savings time begins, explore one of the netherlands’ top international schools during this virtual open day, do you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur show your skills for a chance to win a €10,000 scholarship, considering a bsc in business administration check out nyenrode university’s amsterdam open day, want to elevate your career check out nyenrode university’s open day for a masters inmanagement, king’s day (koningsdag), the latest dutch news. in your inbox., woah, you look pretty good here.

We're constantly hunting for the latest, greatest, and most Dutch spots for our readers. Want your business to reach an unrivalled expat and international audience?

We like you - a lot

© 2023 All Rights Reserved. All material on this website (DutchReview) is strictly copyright and all rights reserved. If you are dissatisfied with the website or any content or materials on it, your sole exclusive remedy is to discontinue your use of the website. The website may provide links to other websites on the Internet, the content of which is not in our control. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for omissions and errors. If you have found material on this website which is copyrighted by others, please contact the webmaster on this matter in order to have it removed.

23 Unmissable Things to Do in The Hague

The beautiful city of The Hague, or Den Haag as it is known locally, is located in the western Netherlands, on the North Sea coastline. It is the third largest city in the Netherlands, the capital of the South Holland province, and is both the royal and administrative capital of the country. The Hague is also home to the seat of the Dutch parliament, the United Nations’ International Court of Justice, and the International Criminal Court.

This being said, there are also many fun and interesting things to do in The Hague that are not of political or administrative nature. The Hague is one of the only large cities in the Netherlands that is located directly on the coastline and boasts an 11km stretch of beach at Scheveningen. It is home to a plethora of beautiful monuments and buildings, modern hotels, and open spaces. Coupled with the beaches, you really get the feeling of freedom and openness in a buzzing city.

In this article, you will learn a little bit about the history of The Hague, things to do, and by the end of it, you should have an in-depth understanding of the city and how to get around. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to transport yourself to the wonderful city of The Hague.

Read more: Where to stay in The Hague – a hotel guide with recommendations for the best places to stay in The Hague per neighbourhood, per type of traveller and per budget

How to get to The Hague

1. escher in the palace, 2. louwman museum, 3. madurodam, 4. hop on the historical tram, 5. panorama mesdag, 6. the mesdag collection, 7. the mauritshuis royal picture gallery, 8. prince william v gallery, 9. city canal cruise, 10. oranjehotel world war ii prison, 11. kunstmuseum den haag, 12. scheveningen beach, 13. skyview de pier, 14. sea life scheveningen, 15. omniversum, 16. museum beelden aan zee, 17. the binnenhof and hofvijver, 18. enjoy a drink at the square, 19. peace palace, 20. the hague historical museum, 21. palace huis ten bosch, 22. palace noordeinde, 23. the prison gate museum, final words.

DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase via one of those links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost for you.

Being the second most important city in the Netherlands, The Hague is well-connected to the rest of the country by highways and public transport. The Hague is also the second most visited city in the Netherlands together with Rotterdam, switching places now and then.

Wherever you are staying in the Netherlands The Hague could be the perfect destination for a day trip. My preference would be to visit The Hague by train, as the train station is conveniently located in the centre of the city and it has been renovated recently. However I have visited The Hague many times by car, with my favorite place to park being Q Park Maliveld, just a few hundred metres from the city centre.

Tip: Read this post about using the public transport in the Netherlands . It’s packed with tips that only a local knows!

Here are some distances from other major cities in the Netherlands to The Hague by car and the time it takes both by car and by train:

• Amsterdam – The Hague: 65 km/55 min; by train: 50 min
• Schiphol – The Hague: 47 km/40 min; by train: 32 min
• Groningen – The Hague: 240 km/2 hr 40 min; by train: 2 hr 40 min
• Utrecht – The Hague: 70 km/60 min; by train: 38 min
• Rotterdam – The Hague: 25 km/30 min; by train: 23 min
• Eindhoven – The Hague: 140 km/1 hr 40 min; by train: 1 hr 30 min
• Maastricht – The Hague: 225 km/2 hrs 25 min; by train: 2 hrs 40 min

The best way to find out how to travel from A to B in the Netherlands is to use the Glimble app. You can buy your tickets in the app and travel hassle-free. The app is absolutely free to download .

• Click here to download Glimble for Android
• Click here to download Glimble for iPhone

Besides a train connection with the largest Dutch cities, The Hague is also well-connected by bus. Check out the website of FlixBus for more information. For international travel options, check out Omio , where you can also buy train and bus tickets.

If you are staying in Amsterdam and would like to visit The Hague on a day trip, you can also opt for an organized day tour. Here are a couple suggestions:

• Rotterdam, Delft & The Hague Full-Day Tour
• Guided Trip to Rotterdam, Delft & The Hague
• Delft and The Hague Private Tour
• Kinderdijk and The Hague Tour with Museums

Top things to do in The Hague

The Hague is a large cosmopolitan city with beautiful architecture and lots of things to see and do. Read further to find out which are the best things to do in The Hague. On the handy map below I’ve marked all tourist attractions in the city. You can add the map to your Google Maps and use it even if you are offline.

Escher in Het Paleis , or Escher in The Palace in English, is one of the famous museums in The Hague that contains the work and literature on the life story of M. C. Escher . Maurits Cornelius Escher was a world-famous Dutch graphical and imaginative artist who, for the most part of his life, was overlooked in the art world.

However, since 2002, there is now a permanent exhibition of his finest works on display at the Lange Voorhout Palace in The Hague, the former home of Queen Mother Emma . Some of his most famous artworks that you will be able to see here include the lithographs Belvedere , Relativity , and Convex and Concave as well as the woodcuts Day and Night , Snakes , and Tower of Babe l.

If you are a fan of the impossible art of M. C. Escher, the museum dedicated to him in The Hague is a must-visit.

Practical info

Address: Lange Voorhout 74, 2514 EH Den Haag Admission fee: adults – 11,50 EUR; kids (13-17 yoa) – 8,50 EUR; kids (7-12 yoa) – 6,50 EUR Opening times: Tuesday-Sunday, from 11:00 till 17:00 Website: www.escherinhetpaleis.nl

The Louwman Museum , formerly known as the Nationaal Automobiel Museum (National Automobile Museum) and Louwman Collection, is one of the most amazing automobile museums in The Hague. It contains many historic cars, coaches, and motorcycles – 275 to be exact! The collection includes the likes of the Ahrens-Fox Model N-5-2 1000 GMP Fire Engine, the Briggs and Stratton Flyer, Chrysler Town & Country Barrel Back Station Wagon, and the Detroit Electric Clear Vision Brougham to name a few.

Whether you’re a classic automobile fan or not, no visit to The Hague is complete without stopping by the Louwman Museum. It is an appropriate excursion for both young and old and definitely one of the top things to see in The Hague.

Address: Leidsestraatweg 57, 2594BB Den Haag Admission fee: adults – 19 EUR; kids (5-18 yoa) – 10 EUR Opening times: Tuesday-Sunday, from 10:00 till 17:00 Website: www.louwmanmuseum.nl

Located in the Scheveningen district of The Hague, Madurodam is a miniature city containing 1:25 scale replicas of some of the most well-known Dutch cities and cultural landmarks. It is possible to explore the Netherlands within an hour, navigating through the network of buildings, squares, and streets.

It is one of the highly recommend things to see in The Hague, as it accurately tells the story of the Netherlands and how it has evolved into the eccentric country that it is today. With all the buildings and landmarks at a maximum height of 60 cm, it’s a fun adventure for the whole family, including the little ones.

Address: George Maduroplein 1, 2584 RZ Den Haag Admission fee: fixed day ticket – 18 EUR; a family (or friends) of 4 – 18,75 EUR; flex ticket – 23,50 EUR; kids (0-2 yoa) – free of charge Opening times: daily, from 10:00 till 17:00 Website: www.madurodam.nl

One of the most fun things to do in The Hague is taking a ride on the historical tram . This vintage tram will take around all famous attractions in The Hague all the way to Scheveningen and the beach and back to the city. There are 14 stops in total en route where you can hop on and off. There’s also an audio tour available, which I can highly recommend.

Day ticket including audio tour: adults – 16 EUR; kids (4-12 yoa) – 5 EUR Schedule: from 8 April to 11 November, Saturday and Sunday; in July and August, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday; every 30 minutes Website: touristtram.nl

The Panorama Mesdag is a delusional, cylindrical painting by artist Hendrik Willem Mesdag in 1881, which can be viewed in one of the only especially constructed museums in The Hague. It was painted from the highest sand dune in Scheveningen and highlights the sea, dunes, and old fishing village in seaside town.

The painting took a total of four months to complete and Mesdag had the help of four other artists in order to do so. It stands more than 14 meters high, boasting an impressive circumference of 120 meters, justifying the time and manpower taken to paint it.

Address: Zeestraat 65, 2518 AA Den Haag Admission fee: adults – 15 EUR; kids (12-18 yoa) – 12 EUR; kids (4-11 yoa) – 7 EUR Opening times: Tuesday-Sunday, from 10:00 till 17:00 Website: panorama-mesdag.nl

The Mesdag Collection is one of the few museums in The Hague that houses some of the most famous art pieces from around the world, assembled by Hendrik Willem Mesdag and his wife Sina van Houten (affectionately known as Sientjie). The museum is located directly next door to the former residence of the couple and has some pieces of artwork from the likes of Théodore Rosseau, Vincent van Gogh, and Charles-Francoise Daubigny.

Aside from these wonderful paintings, there was an exquisite collection of ceramics by Theo Colenbrander, who was a local from The Hague. The collection even contained pieces from as far as Japan, with the likes of a once-functional Samurai sword and a unique sacrificial vase.

Address: Laan van Meerdervoort 7-F, 2517 AB Den Haag Admission fee: adults – 13 EUR; kids (under 18 yoa) – free of charge Opening times: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, from 10:00 till 17:00; in April, Wednesday-Sunday, from 10:00 till 17:00 Website: www.demesdagcollectie.nl

Sticking to the theme of museums in The Hague, The Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery is a state-owned collection of artworks from non-other than Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other masters from the Dutch Golden Age .

The museum is centrally located in the city on the Hofvijver lake and no visit to The Hague is complete without going to visit the Girl with a Pearl Earring of Vermeer or the Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp of Rembrandt.

Address: Plein 29, 2511 CS Den Haag Admission fee: adults – 19 EUR; kids (under 18 yoa) – free of charge Opening times: Monday, from 13:00 till 18:00; Tuesday-Sunday, from 10:00 till 18:00 Website: www.mauritshuis.nl

The Prince William V Gallery is a part of the Mauritshuis, but is quite often overlooked as it is located in another building. For sure it’s one of the lesser-known hidden gems in the city. The gallery boasts an impressive collection of Dutch and Flemish masterpieces from the personal collection of William V, Prince of Orange .

The Prince William V Gallery is also the oldest museum in the Netherlands. It opened for public in 1774.

Address: Buitenhof 33, 2513 AH Den Haag Admission fee: adults – 5,50 EUR; kids (under 18 yoa) – free of charge; If you have a Mauritshuis ticket you don’t need to pay for the Gallery Opening times: Tuesday-Sunday, from 12:00 till 17:00 Website: www.mauritshuis.nl

Moving away from the museum theme for a moment, take a leisurely cruise on the canals of The Hague and see the city from a completely unique angle. Not only do you get to see the city from the water but also hear the stories of the history of The Hague and current affairs in the city.

A well-renowned company like De Ooievaart has a host of extremely knowledgeable guides that will no-doubt broaden your understanding of this wonderful city with the wind blowing through your hair. There are two routes to choose from, so whether you pick the canal route or the barge route, you will be sure to hear an interesting story or two about The Hague.

Moving back to the theme of museums in The Hague, National Monument Oranjehotel in Scheveningen was a prison used by the Germans in the Second World War. It was here that they interrogated and prosecuted some 25, 000 people who had resisted laws imposed by the Germans. The name Oranjehotel was the name given to the prison as a tribute to those who were housed there.

Oranjehotel is one of The Hague attractions where you can really transport yourself back in time and experience what it was like to be a prisoner here. You’re able to enter one of the death cells as used by the Nazis and put yourself in the Dutch prisoners’ shoes. Luckily you don’t have to stay there for the entire length of a sentence, and you can be released after a couple minutes.

Address: Van Alkemadelaan 1258, 2597 BP Den Haag Admission fee: adults – 12,50 EUR; youth (8-24 yoa) – 7 EUR Opening times: Tuesday-Sunday, from 11:00 till 17:00 Website: www.oranjehotel.org

Kunstmuseum Den Haag is one of The Hague attractions that has changed names several times over the past 150 years. What started out as Museum voor Moderne Kunst became Haags Gemeentemuseum and until 2019, was known as Gemeentemuseum Den Haag . It is one of the ideal museums in The Hague to wander around and gaze at the diverse artworks from some of the most famous modern artists. Think Piet Mondrian , van Gogh , Monet , and Picasso , to name a few.

It is one of the largest museums in Europe, housing in the region of 160, 000 pieces of artwork. Designed by renowned architect Hendrik Berlage , the museum also has many exhibitions on display. Permanent exhibitions include Discover the Modern , Delftware WonderWare , and Chambers of Wonder while current exhibitions include Mondrian Moves and Wiebke Siem .

Fun fact: Hendrik Berlage is also the architect of the Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam, another beautiful example of the Amsterdam School .

Address: Stadhouderslaan 41 2517 HV, Den Haag Admission fee: adults – 16 EUR; kids (up to 18 yoa) – free of charge; youth (19-25 yoa) – 8 EUR Opening times: Tuesday-Sunday, from 10:00 till 17:00 Website: www.kunstmuseum.nl

One of the all-time favorite things to do in The Hague is to pop down to Scheveningen beach on the North Sea coast. It is here that you can get your toes in the sand and enjoy a swim in the summer months. It’s also a great beach for sport lovers and beginners can even try their hand at surfing thanks to surf shops along the promenade offering lessons and rentals.

The beautiful promenade lends itself to walking, cycling, and skating in the summer months and the pristine sandy beaches have earned blue flag status as a result of their superior cleanliness and safety. There is also a plethora of amazing restaurants and beach bars to fill your stomach or quench your thirst after a long day in the sun or a heated volleyball match.

SkyView de Pier is definitely one of the attractions in The Hague that is not to be missed! Towering 50 meters above the North Sea, the giant Ferris wheel offers unparalleled views of Scheveningen beach, the sea, and the nearby neighborhood.

A full rotation trip takes around 12 to 15 minutes, during which time you will be housed in a luxurious gondola and can even share a unique high tea with friends and family. The pastry tower, tea, and prosecco are bound to attract both young and old – no prosecco for the young ones, of course! The combination of amazing views and a glass of prosecco makes it one of the favorite things to do in The Hague.

Address: Strandweg 156 2586 JW Scheveningen Admission fee: including a drink: adults – 15 EUR; kids (up to 12 yoa) – 7,50 EUR; only the Ferris Wheel: adults – 10,50 EUR Opening times: Monday-Thursday, from 12:00 till 20:00; Friday-Saturday, from 11:00 till 22:00; Sunday, from 11:00 till 21:00 Website: skyviewdepier.nl

SEA LIFE Scheveningen is one of the best things to see in The Hague for families with children. There are 45 aquariums that accommodate an array of sea life from fish, sharks, rays, and even Max the Asian small-clawed otter. With more than 4,000 species of marine life, your visit to SEA LIFE Scheveningen will be nothing short of amazing.

As a bonus, you will be able to contribute to the Sea Life trust, an organization that has been set up in order to protect the world’s oceans. Not only will you be able to see this beautiful marine life at Sea Life, but also ensure that the natural marine habitats of these animals are conserved.

Address: Strandweg 13, 2586 JK Den Haag Admission fee: adults – 21 EUR; kids (up to 3 yoa) – free of charge Opening times: daily, from 10:00 till 17:00 Website: www.visitsealife.com

If you are looking for things to do in The Hague that are out of the ordinary and will stimulate your senses, then look no further. Omniversum is a state-of-the-art movie theater that can accommodate some 300 people. The domical theater boasts a screen that surrounds the entire audience, proven to provide an all-round better viewing experience.

The incredible visual experience coupled with amazing audio is bound to give you the feeling that you’re in the screen. Films such as Serengeti, Dinosaurs of the South Pole, or Wild Canada will be nothing short of spectacular in this football-sized arena. You will also be able to taste weird and wonderful things such as algae, urine tea, and insects. It really is an experience not to be missed!

Address: Stadhouderslaan 37, 2517 HV The Hague Tickets: see the website of Omniversum Opening times: daily, from 10:30 till 17:00 Website: www.museon-omniversum.nl

Beelden aan Zee is one of the only museums in the Netherlands to specialize exclusively in exhibiting sculptures. It was founded by Theo and Lida Scholten in 1994, a Dutch couple who were avid collectors of sculptures. You can see some rather impressive artworks at Beelden aan Zee from artists such as Piet Esser, Jaap Kaas, Tony van de Vorst, and Ossip Zadkine.

Aside from the permanent exhibits, there are several temporary exhibits in the museum that continuously change. The Studio by the Sea is made up of three sections – an artists’ studio, an interactive education room, and a lounge. Johan Tahon will be present to teach you all there is to know about sculptures and how they are produced. There is a lot more that goes into it than you might think!

Address: Harteveltstraat 1, 2586 EL Den Haag Admission fee: adults – 17,50 EUR; kids (13-18 yoa) – 8,75 EUR Opening times: Tuesday-Sunday, from 10:00 till 17:00 Website: www.beeldenaanzee.nl

When visiting The Hague, things to do around the city center include a visit to the Binnenhof complex and the Hofvijver lake. Binnenhof is of significant political importance as it is the meeting place of both the House of Representatives ( Tweede Kamer ) and the Senate ( Eerste Kamer ).

In the middle of the Binnenhof is the famous Ridderzaal (The Hall of Knights), which was originally a ball room. Today it’s used for formal receptions and conferences. The most important role of the Ridderzaal is on Prinsjesdag , when the Dutch monarch opens the Dutch Parliamentary year in September and gives there the famous speech from the throne.

The office of the Prime Minister of the Netherlands (currently Mark Rutte), is also stationed here as well as the Ministry of General Affairs – responsible for government policy, planning, information, and the Dutch Royal House.

The Hofvijver lake, at the center of The Hague, is surround by Binnenhof, Mauritshuis, Korte Vijverberg Road, and Lange Vijverberg Road. There is also a small island to be observed in the middle, which has no official name but is often referred to as “the island in the Vijverberg”.

One of the most famous squares in The Hague is called simply The Square – Het Plein . It is located adjacent to the Binnenhof and once served as the kitchen garden of the palace. The square was created in 1632 following the model of Place de Vosges in Paris. The statue in the middle of the square is of William the Silent , who became the founder of Orange-Nassau dynasty, the line of the Dutch monarchs since the 16th century.

On two sides the square is lined up by numerous cafes and restaurants and is a favorite lace for both locals and visitors of the city to get a drink or a bite.

If you’re still asking yourself what to do in The Hague at this point, the Peace Palace ( Vredespaleis ) is absolutely worth a visit. It is of immense international importance as it is home to the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the UN International Court of Justice, and The Hague Academy of International Law.

You can visit the Peace Palace with a guided tour. There’s also a guided tour of the Palace’s Gardens.

Tip: You need a valid passport or an EU ID-card if you want to visit the Peace Palace.

Address: Carnegieplein 2, 2517 KJ Den Haag Admission fee: Visitors Centre – free of charge; a guided tour of the Palace – 15 EUR; kids (up to 7 yoa) – free of charge; guided tour of the Palace Gardens – 12,50 EUR; kids (up to 8 yoa) – free of charge Opening times: (Visitors Centre) Wednesday-Sunday, from 12:00 till 16:00 Website: www.vredespaleis.nl

Another interesting museum to visit in The Hague is The Hague Historical Museum ( Haags Historisch Museum ) located just at the Hofvijver in the heart of the city. This museum tells the story of the city of The Hague through art and it has lovely collection of historical objects. There also temporary exhibitions that handle sensitive historical subjects, like the colonial past of the city.

Address: Korte Vijverberg 7, 2513 AB Den Haag Admission fee: adults – 18 EUR; kids (6-17 yoa) – 5 EUR Opening times: Tuesday-Friday, from 10:00 till 17:00; Saturday-Sunday, from 12:00 till 17:00 Website: www.haagshistorischmuseum.nl

Huis ten Bosch is one of the three official residences of the Dutch monarch and is one of the most visually stunning things to see in The Hague. It is designed in the style of Dutch Baroque architecture and Dutch Classicism, by architects Jacob van Campen, Pieter Post, and Daniel Marot.

The two other official residences of the Dutch Monarch are Nooordeinde, also located in the Hague, and the Royal Palace in Amsterdam. The current tenant (as of 2019) is Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, King of the Netherlands since 2013.

One of the last things to see in The Hague is the Noordeinde Palace , one of the three palaces of the Dutch Royal family. It was once a medieval farmhouse, converted in 1533 in a palace. Following the fall of Napoleon, Noordeinde became a Royal Palace used on and off by various Dutch Kings and Queens as a winter residence.

Since the thorough restoration of the palace in 1984, it has been used as the official workplace of the Dutch Monarchs.

The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens which are open to the public.

Rounding off the list of top things to do in The Hague is The Prison Gate Museum , one of the oldest operational museums in The Hague – it’s been going since 1882! Located on the Buitenhof, next to Prince William V Gallery, a former gate and medieval prison, Gevangenpoort allows you into the inside of an ancient prison.

You can also meet the jailer, executioner, or judge and also be striking distance away from a former functioning guillotine. Make sure you’re on your best behavior though – you wouldn’t want to meet the razor-sharp edge of the mighty blade!

Address: Buitenhof 33, 2513 AH Den Haag Admission fee: adults – 15 EUR; kids (4-17 yoa) – 7,50 EUR Opening times: Tuesday-Friday, from 10:00 till 17:00; Saturday-Sunday, from 11:00 till 17:00 Website: www.gevangenpoort.nl

There are so many reasons to visit and things to do in The Hague that it should be on every traveler’s list. It’s the perfect day trip from Amsterdam, taking a mere 40 minutes by intercity train, or less than half an hour from Rotterdam.

Ease of travel to and within the city, open spaces, long sandy beaches, and a deep history marked by political and administrative ties makes The Hague a must-see destination. When visiting The Hague, attractions are not difficult to come by and you can find something to see and do constantly. After a long day of sight-seeing or laying on the beaches of Scheveningen, there is also no shortage of modern restaurants and bars to end the day at. If you’re not concerned about your waistline, a stroopwafel is the perfect sweet ending to a day in The Hague.

About Daniela

Suggestions

No results ‘ ’.

Searching...

• Français
• Español
• Português

Day trip to The Hague

The most beautiful sights

A day trip to The Hague is the perfect outing for all ages. The past, the present and the future, nature and culture, tranquillity and bustle: there’s something for everyone in the royal city.

A visit to the Mauritshuis is a great starting point for a day trip or weekend away in The Hague. The beach and dunes are nearby, and you can also enjoy a stroll in the bustling shopping streets in the city centre. Need a break or gastronomic adventure? There are many pleasant terraces and atmospheric restaurants to try out in the historical city centre. The Mauritshuis is the prefect starting point for an amazing experience of The Hague!

• Museums in The Hague

Things to see in The Hague

The hague for children, overnight in the hague, more of the hague, the museums in the hague.

Obviously, the Mauritshuis will be part of your program for your day trip to The Hague. You simply have to see the Girl with a Pearl Earring and all the other treasures our city palace has to offer with your own eyes.

Still in the mood after the Mauritshuis? There are many other beautiful museums in The Hague. Within walking distance, you’ll find the Prince William V Gallery (free to visit with your Mauritshuis ticket), the Gevangenpoort (Prison Gate), the Historical Museum of The Hague, Escher in the Palace, and Panorama Mesdag.

If you have a little more time over, you might want to consider taking an art journey through time. You can start your journey at the Mauritshuis, then visit the Art Museum and end your adventure in Museum Voorlinden. That way, you’ll discover the most beautiful works of art from the 17th century to the present day!

Prince William V Gallery

Prince William V of Oranje-Nassau had a beautiful collection of paintings. You can admire this collection in the Gallery. The prince built the room in 1774 to share his collection with the public. The collection, consisting of 150 old masters, formed the foundation for the Rijksmuseum and the Mauritshuis.

The Gevangenpoort (Prison Gate)

The Gevangenpoort Museum is situated adjacent to the Prince William V Gallery. Here, you can discover how rich to poor, known and unknown were once held captive in these cold dungeons.

Historical Museum of The Hague

The city of The Hague has a rich history, and it is also home to Dutch politics and a spectacular range of art and culture. The Historical Museum of The Hague is situated adjacent to the Mauritshuis and is the perfect place to (re)discover the past and present. Marvel at the royal city through the eyes of historical and contemporary figures.

Escher in the Palace

In ‘Escher in the Palace’, you will see 120 works by MC Escher; the master of optical illusions. His famous works play with the viewer and are exciting, funny and captivating. In the royal building, you will witness birds turning into fish, water that seems to flow upwards, and dizzying stairwells.

Panorama Mesdag

A museum specifically designed for one work of art: the Panorama Mesdag. The museum is home to the immense work of art by painter Hendrik Willem Mesdag. Panorama Mesdag, which is no less than 14 metres high and 120 metres long and completely surrounds the visitor, depicts the Scheveningen of the 19th century. An unforgettable experience!

Kunstmuseum (Art Museum)

The Gemeentemuseum The Hague was renamed the Kunstmuseum a few years ago. This special museum still offers the visitor a feast of some 160,000 modern and contemporary works of art, fashion and applied art. From Monet, Picasso, Mondrian and Kandinsky to Francis Bacon and Louise Bourgeois.

Museum Voorlinden

Museum Voorlinden is located in Wassenaar, on the outskirts of The Hague. You will discover exclusive and contemporary works of art that will surprise, move and excite you in this ultramodern museum. The estate itself is well worth a visit!

There’s a lot more to experience around the Mauritshuis. For example, the political heart of the Netherlands, Het Binnenhof, is just around the corner. You will also discover the many shopping streets, De Passage and the Noordeinde Palace within walking distance. Once you’ve passed the palace on your way to the public palace gardens (the Princessetuin), you can also take a peek into all the little antique shops, galleries and antiquarian bookshops.

Fancy a bit of sun, sea and sand? Just hop on the tram to Scheveningen and don't forget to look around you on the way there; you’ll be passing the striking Peace Palace and Madurodam.

The Binnenhof and Hofvijver

Keep your camera ready when you’re standing in front of the Mauritshuis, because the Binnenhof and the Hofvijver are only a few steps away! A nice photograph or selfie will make your adventure in The Hague unforgettable.

Want to find out more about the political heart of The Hague? ProDemos offers various guided tours and an audio tour that show you around the Binnenhof.

Het Lange Voorhout

“Leentje taught Lotje to walk along the long Lindenlaan.” This is a Dutch verse and it’s about the beautiful Lindenlaan along the Lange Voorhout in The Hague. You can follow Lotje's example within only 5 minutes’ walking distance from the Mauritshuis.

Up for some shopping? Take a walk through De Passage - which dates all the way back to 1882 - to the modern shopping streets. Imagine yourself in a bygone era with decorated façades, glass domes and marble floors.

Noordeinde Palace

Ever wondered where King Willem-Alexander works? Take a stroll past it after your visit to the Mauritshuis. His 'work palace' is in Noordeinde. And don’t miss out on the walk through the public park at the Royal Stables after your visit to our monarch. You’ll find it at the end of the street.

Peace Palace

A visit to the Peace Palace is an absolute must when visiting The Hague. The palace is a feast for the eye. Our tip: You can also take a look behind the fence if you book a tour!

Pier Scheveningen

And don’t forget to visit the Scheveningen boulevard during your day trip to The Hague. Go for a nice walk, take a ride on the Ferris wheel or – if you dare – go bungee jumping or zip lining!

There’s also plenty to do for children in The Hague. There are many other adventures to go on once you’ve discovered the most beautiful, the nicest, the most exciting, and the funniest paintings in the Mauritshuis.

The Count of The Hague

"In The Hague there lives a count, whose son is known as Jantje..." The Jantje from this well-known Dutch children's song at the Hofvijver may well have the most beautiful view of all in The Hague! Standing only a few steps away from the Mauritshuis, he looks at the Binnenhof (and secretly also at our museum) and points at it with his little hand.

Madurodam depicts the Netherlands in miniature form. From typical windmills to the modern Rotterdam Erasmus Bridge, and from Amsterdam canal houses to our palaces. If you look really closely, you’ll also see the mini Mauritshuis!

Children's Book Museum

Children don't have to be able to read to love books; the Children's Book Museum offers proof of that. Go on an adventure with Annie MG Smidt, step into the world of Frog, or clamber around the nicest children's book animals.

Sealife & The Beach

Scheveningen beach is only 20 minutes from the Mauritshuis by tram. Enjoy a breath of fresh air or have a drink at one of the many beach bars. You can also visit Sealife. Here, you will meet the most beautiful animals from the sea: rays, jellyfish, sharks, turtles, penguins and lots more.

The Omniversum is an extraordinary experience for all ages. Watch films about animals and nature on a giant screen in the Omniversum. It’s almost as if you’re entering their world.

Do things, look at things, explore and touch things. It’s all possible in the Museon! And there’s lots more to see. From a gigantic sperm whale skeleton to a view of the entire universe. Go and experience it yourself!

It’s amazing to discover a historical city, like The Hague, on foot. There are numerous city walks that include the Mauritshuis.

Via: DenHaag.com

City Walk A Royal Walk (about one hour)

The Hague and the Oranjes (Royal Family) belong together. That’s been true for more than 400 years. This city walk takes you on a discovery trip of the royal history of the royal city.

City Walk The Hague in a day (approximately eight hours)

Don’t have much time, but still want to see as much of The Hague as possible? This day trip to The Hague will help you get to know the most important sights of the city and beach within a few hours.

Via: ProDemos

City walks through political and historical The Hague

Combine a visit to the Mauritshuis with a visit to the Binnenhof and explore the city with one of the four city walks (with a guide or independently).

Can't get enough of The Hague? Then why not stay an extra night and book a room in the chic Hotel des Indes, the Park Centraal with its art deco atmosphere, or the affordable StayOkay Hostel; there are plenty to choose from!

The rich cultural heritage and the many shops and events mean that there is something to do in The Hague in all four seasons. Start discovering it now at www.denhaag.com .

Audio as text

Multimediatour Mauritshuis

Visiting The Hague in 24 Hours: A complete Guide

As a political science major at University, a trip to The Hague has been on my to-go list for quite some time. Yet standing there in the centre of it all, it was still surreal to me to be standing where the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court reside. I had just one night in The Hague for my book signing tour in the Netherlands , so I was determined to hit the ground running and see as much as I could within 24 hours. So with that, here’s what to see and do in The Hague in 24 hours!

How to Visit The Hague in 24 Hours

I told many Dutchies I encountered of my plans to visit The Hague but every single one of them looked at me in confusion. “Den Haag” is how to say it in Dutch, so I would suggest you use this term as it warranted a much better reaction!

Although not the capital of The Netherlands (a title that belongs to Amsterdam), The Hague is indeed the seat of the Dutch parliament and as previously mentioned, the judicial capital of the world. With such a strong international identity, I wasn’t surprised to see this spill out into all aspects of life in The Hague – not least the fantastic little Italian restaurant I found near to my hotel! With stunning stately architecture and cute little cafes/boutiques to discover, I had my work cut out to see in the city in such a short space of time.

Checking In: Hotel Des Indes

For my one night stay, I checked in to the ultra-luxe bucket list hotel, Hotel Des Indes . As part of the Leading Hotels of the World, this hotel has a strong clientele of men in suits and ladies dressed without wrinkles (in their clothes – an unattainable luxury for someone living out of a suitcase).

The hotel is in a great location for exploring, especially if you’re anything like me and plan to find all the great eats around town. A short walk away you will stumble upon Frederikstraat, home to many cute cafes, restaurants and tiny boutiques as you continue to wander along.

Sights & Attractions Not to be Missed

The Hague is deceptively large and there’s much to see, so be ready to hit the ground running!

Binnenhof –  Surrounded by moats, Binnenhof was once a castle and now the seat of Dutch parliament. It is probably the most impressive building in all of The Hague, centrally located and with great restaurants nearby.

Plein –  The most elegant square in the city centre and a great central point to begin your explorations.

Peace Palace –  Home of the International Court of Justice.

Paleis Noordeinde –  The royal palace, used as the office of King Willem-Alexander since he became king in 2013.

Eats & Drinks

How I managed to fit so much in to my two half days in The Hague one will never know, but believe me when I say I found some great eateries!

De Bakkerswinkel – Got a huge portion of yoghurt + granola here for breakfast one morning. They also have a house cat!

FOAM – This is a great little vegan find on Frederikstraat. They do superb smoothies!

Barista Cafe –  Probably the best coffee in town (even if its the only one I tried). But yeah, it was good!

Delicious Sweetness –  Cute little patisserie I picked up a couple of macarons from. The macarons were nice enough, but I knew I could find better!

Patisserie Jarreau –  Hands down the best macarons in The Hague – unsurprisingly by a French pastry chef!

Day Trips from The Hague

If you have more time or are planning a larger trip of the Netherlands, I would highly recommend taking a day trip to Delft (the cutest little town to ever exist) and Leiden (ten minutes by train and another pretty city in the Netherlands).

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

Find me on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Los Angeles

Plan a trip

First trip solo

Packing guide

20 Best Places for Solo Female Travel

Travel after a break up

20 Places in your 20’s

WAYS TO TRAVEL

Solo travel

Adventure travel

Luxury travel

Learn a language

Become a blogger

The Hague: Amsterdam Day Trips

For the next installation in our mini-series on dutch day trips , look no further than the hague. , the hague (aka den haag,  or less commonly, ‘s-gravenhage in dutch ) is one of the most sophisticated spots in the netherlands. , packed with museums, embassies, and cultural contributions, it also serves as the seat of dutch parliament and the residence of the dutch royal family. , the hague rivals brussels as an international hub city– the united nations international court of justice is headquartered at the beautiful peace palace, and the international criminal court is located here as well, leading it to be known as “the city of peace and justice.” , getting there:.

Table of Contents

The Hague is an easy, accessible day trip from Amsterdam and one of the “greenest” cities in Europe. While the architecture of many Dutch cities may start to get a bit repetitive after a while, The Hague is a bit different. It has fewer canals and examples of “Golden Age”-era architecture, but the overall effect is stately and grand , with ample green spaces and tree-lined walking streets. 

Many people think The Hague is boring… and it can be tempting to skip it if you’re pressed for time. However, we urge you to go check it out for a day! The museums alone are spectacular, and it’s a calm and quiet city– which is always a nice break after spending any amount of time in the chaos of Amsterdam 😉

There are a variety of  NS “sprinter” trains  departing from Amsterdam Centraal or Amsterdam Sloterdijk that either have a terminus in The Hague or stop there. The journey takes less than an hour (usually 45-50 minutes) if you take a direct train. There are train options every 15-20 minutes, but some may require you to transfer at the Schiphol Airport stop or in Leiden. There are a few stops in The Hague, so be sure to get off at Den Haag Centraal to be right in the center of town.

Recommended Reading

Haarlem: amsterdam day trips, keukenhof day trip from amsterdam, zaanse schans: amsterdam day trips, top things to do in the hague, visit at least a few of the city's world-class museums..

• Be sure to arrive here early — since it’s fairly small, it gets jam–packed with visitors, especially in the room where Vermeer’s master work Girl with a Pearl Earring is hanging. 
• The interior is absolutely jaw-dropping, super opulent and lavish – and refreshingly self-aware about the origins of that lavishness being rooted in oppression and colonization.  We are really looking forward to a repeat trip.   
• Don’t miss the masterworks by Dutch masters Rembrandt, Vermeer, and beyond here– the collection housed at the Mauritshuis is absolutely world-class.
• You likely won’t need longer than half an hour in Huis van Het Boek , but it’s a really neat historic home with an impressive book collection and interesting rotating exhibits on the first floor. You can also check out its lovely garden in the back. 
• M.C. Escher fans will enjoy Escher in het Paleis , housed permanently in Queen Wilhemina’s former palace.  
• The Kunstmuseum is actually one of Europe’s largest, with over 160,000 works! It is mostly known for modern and contemporary art, but there’s so, so much more. It has a lot of furniture, specifically Delft-ware and other pottery, and also is the “international home” of Dutch artist Piet Mondrian, with over 300 of his works. The museum building is also gorgeous, in an Art Deco style with loads of natural light.

Explore the city center and its surroundings.

The Hague is eminently walkable and pedestrian-friendly. You’ll find life in general to be a bit more laid-back here than in Amsterdam, and you’re less likely to get mowed down by a bike if you step where you shouldn’t!  

• You can tell if the king is in residence if a flag is raised above Noordeinde Palace, and the surrounding  Noordeinde neighborhood has many chic shops and restaurants. 
• The Passage is no mere shopping mall– but a UNESCO World Heritage site. While not as grandiose as its counterpart in Milan, it’s quick and cute to walk through– or to shelter in if the weather turns on you! 
• The Grote Kerk dates back to the 13th century, and it’s an option to climb up to the top for great views of the city. 
• Antiques fans will enjoy exploring the Denneweg area , which has less antiques shops than it did historically but still has a lot of options for shopping, eating, or relaxing. The more chic part of town, the Zeeheldenkwartier , is also fun to window shop or grab some lunch in. 
• Explore the Lange Voorhout, home to a variety of embassies. It used to be mainly occupied by the city’s wealthiest residents, and has a wide promenade to walk on. The neighborhood continuing from this area is also super cute– more reminiscent of the Golden Age architecture of other cities. 
• Check out the imposing Peace Palace , home to the International Court of Justice. You likely won’t be able to go inside if court is in session, but it’s still worth seeing from the outside.  
• Lastly, the Binnenhof was easily our favorite part of the day– it’s absolutely stunning! Fun fact: it’s the oldest parliament building in the world that’s been in continuous use.

Bonus: Visit Scheveningen.

If you have a bit more time, check out Scheveningen. The Hague is the only major metropolitan area in the Netherlands that has a beach within city limits, and it’s only 20 minutes away by bus or tram. There’s also a lovely walking path from the city center, but at 5 kilometers one-way it may be a bit of a stretch for a day trip to do that round-trip. 

Scheveningen has a gorgeous resort called Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus (which is a 5-star resort but free to walk around) as well as fun adventure activities like surfing and bungee-jumping . 

Its boardwalk has a variety of cafés and restaurants, some more touristy than others, and it’s overall a beautiful place to just relax by the water– sunset especially is rumored to be the best time to visit. Definitely adding that to our list!

Fun fact: Scheveningen is a really challenging word to pronounce correctly. As the story goes, it was used during World War II to detect if someone could be a spy– even a German speaker with flawless Dutch otherwise was likely to mispronounce this word, so it was often used to root out German spies in the area.

Keep an eye out for the next few Amsterdam day trips coming your way soon– we’ve got Delft, Gouda, Utrecht, and more queued up! 

In the meantime, you can pin this guide for later on Pinterest here or by clicking on the photos below. 

Lastly, don’t miss our first day trip guides to cute-as-a-button Zaanse Schans ; our favorite Dutch town, Haarlem ; and our springtime guide to the tulips at  Keukenhof Gardens . 

You may also like

Day trips from valletta, a weekend in valletta, how to spend an amazing week in malta, a long weekend in cape town, a weekend in porto, 2 day trips from madrid, a weekend in valencia, a weekend in madrid, the best day trip to efteling, how to spend the best day in salem,....

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Check out our privacy policy for more information. Accept Read More

10 Day Trips from The Hague Worth Taking

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 16th October 2023

Categories Netherlands

Last Updated on 16th October 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

The Hague (known in Dutch as ‘Den Haag’) is not just politics, embassies, and ambassadors, although it obviously has that as well! Instead, the city is a thriving metropolis home to countless cultural destinations and even its own seaside resort. Cheaper to stay in than Amsterdam, The Hague also makes for a great base for exploring the rest of the Netherlands. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best day trips from The Hague !

Kasteel Duivenvoorde

Molendriegang & voorburg, scheveningen, lisse & the keukenhof gardens, enjoyed reading about the best day trips from the hague pin it now, read it again later:, best day trips from the hague.

The beautiful university city of Leiden is easily one of the most underrated cities in Holland… But it definitely shouldn’t be! Home to the oldest university in the country, the oldest botanical gardens, and even where the Heineken Star logo came from, Leiden can be found just a fifteen-minute train ride away from The Hague.

Or, if you’re feeling brave enough, turn your visit into a day adventure and cycle the 15 km or so each way! A cycle ride day trip to Leiden can easily be combined with a day trip to Kasteel Duivenvoorde.

Other highlights of Leiden include Rembrandt’s birthplace, a church with strong ties to the Mayflower, and the chance to spy some of The Miniaturist filming locations.

Delftware pottery and several of the most impressive church towers in Southern Holland can be found in Delft, a city on the train line between The Hague and Rotterdam. Once there, be sure to visit the De Delftse Pauw (The Delft Peacock) , one of the last authentic Delft blue factories.

You can enjoy a free guided tour of the porcelain manufacturer, as well as get the opportunity to purchase some authentic Delftware for yourself (though bear in mind that it can be a little on the pricey side!).

Elsewhere in the city, the Nieuwe Kerk offers one of the best views of the main city square, while the oldest bar in the city dates back some three hundred and fifty years. For more Delft inspiration, check out our suggestions for the best things to do in Delft .

Modern, quirky, and vibrant, there’s no other European city quite like that of Rotterdam. During the Blitzkrieg of WWII, the city was near flattened, leaving behind a blank canvas on which some of the most innovative and unusual structures in Europe have since been built.

One of the best things to do in Rotterdam is simply to wander around the city (or cycle, Rotterdam is pretty vast and is most definitely best seen by bike) and admire the architecture.

From the Markthal (which is the largest archway in Europe and home to the ‘Horn of Plenty’, the largest artwork in the Netherlands) to the Cube Houses by Piet Blom, there’s no shortage of fantastical architecture to spy. If you only have a short time to visit the city, check out our suggestions for how to spend one day in Rotterdam .

Synonymous with the cheese of the same name which originates in this Dutch city, Gouda is a beautiful city home to a traditional cheese weighing station, city hall, and countless canals.

Should you opt to visit this beautiful Dutch settlement between April and August on a Thursday, then you’ll also be able to enjoy the city’s world-famous cheese market. For more inspiration, check out our guide to the best things to do in Gouda .

The capital of the Netherlands is as beautiful as everything you’ve read. With that being said, there’s no denying that in the past decade, Amsterdam has become something of a victim of its own popularity and almost every major attraction should be booked in advance .

As another way of avoiding visiting during peak times, I recommend visiting the city in the shoulder seasons and mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) if possible so as to make the most of the city without the crowds. Visiting Amsterdam as a day trip from The Hague as opposed to staying in Amsterdam can be a great way to save accommodation if you’re travelling on a budget.

Located around 10 km from The Hague city centre, Kasteel Duivenvoorde is easy to visit by public transport (the nearest village of Voorschoten is a couple of kilometres away) or via bicycle (there’s ample bike parking in the castle grounds).

First founded as a fortified structure as early as the 13th-century, much of what you see today was actually built in the 17th. Though tours of the house are solely in Dutch, the grounds can be visited for just €1.50 and the adjacent café serves wonderful coffee.

For those who are looking to experience Dutch windmills up close, Molendriegang is a set of three quintessentially Dutch landmarks, in the very heart of the flat landscape. This isn’t a day trip from The Hague in the traditional sense as Molendriegang is literally a fifteen minute cycle ride away from the city.

Easy to reach via bicycle, a visit to the windmills (which can sadly not be visited and can instead only be admired from the exterior) can easily be combined with a trip to the nearby beautiful and historic villages of Leidschendam and Voorburg.

Though technically a district of The Hague, Scheveningen has its own seaside vibe and is far enough away from the city centre to merit a spot on this list about the best day trips from The Hague. Flocked to by tourists since the 19th-century as a go-to beach destination, the beach can be reached in just fifteen minutes by bus or bicycle from the city centre.

Highlights of Scheveningen include its long sandy beach, as well as an impossibly high Ferris Wheel, offering views onto the crashing waves below. While in Scheveningen, be sure to also check out one of the many beach-front cafés serving all manner of beverages and food. I personally recommend the fries at the Fat Mermaid!

The oldest city in the Netherlands can be found on a direct train line from The Hague, around a forty-minute train ride from the city centre. Often dubbed the ‘Venice of Holland’ thanks to its many waterways, this island has only been connected to the rest of the Netherlands via roads for the shortest period. And once there, you’ll soon see why!

Other than plenty of place names which are difficult to pronounce (try saying Scheveningen five times in a row!) and clogs, there is perhaps nothing more emblematic of the Netherlands than its tulips.

After all, during the Dutch Golden Age, tulips fetched impossibly high prices. In some cases, a single tulip bulb could be valued at the same price as a small canalside house in Amsterdam!

As such, if you’re visiting the Netherlands during tulip season, then one of the best day trips from The Hague is to the Southern Holland tulip belt and right into the tulip city of Lisse.

Once in Lisse, the city is home to attractions such as a tulip museum and the Keukenhof Gardens, which is where you’ll find some seven million flowers! I’ve now been to Keukenhof twice and it’s easily one of my favourite places to visit in Europe. For more inspiration, check out our guide on how to visit Keukenhof, the largest flower gardens in Holland

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

3-Day The Hague Itinerary

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

• The Hague in 3 days
• 1-Day The Hague Itinerary
• 2-Day The Hague Itinerary
• 4-Day The Hague Itinerary
• 5-Day The Hague Itinerary

Table of contents

Day 1: most popular attractions, day 2: proximity is everything, day 3: center of town.

Palace Promenade

The Pier SkyView

Sea life scheveningen, circustheater, where to eat, restaurant fouquet.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Westfield Mall of the Netherlands

Louwman museum, family park drievliet, jr's cuisine, restaurant elea.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Mauritshuis

Escher in het paleis, the passage, panorama mesdag, stan den haag, hotel des indes, angie's kitchen | bar, restaurant en beer garden, catch by simonis.

All travel reservations in 1 place

Never dig through your emails again — access all your flights, lodging, and any reservations in 1 place.

Top searches in The Hague

Popular road trips from the hague, what's the weather like in the hague.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in The Hague for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in The Hague in January
• Weather in The Hague in February
• Weather in The Hague in March
• Weather in The Hague in April
• Weather in The Hague in May
• Weather in The Hague in June
• Weather in The Hague in July
• Weather in The Hague in August
• Weather in The Hague in September
• Weather in The Hague in October
• Weather in The Hague in November
• Weather in The Hague in December

All road trips from The Hague

• The Hague to London drive
• The Hague to Paris drive
• The Hague to Brussels drive
• The Hague to Berlin drive
• The Hague to Rome drive
• The Hague to Barcelona drive
• The Hague to Bruges drive
• The Hague to Prague drive
• The Hague to Dublin drive
• The Hague to Edinburgh drive
• The Hague to Madrid drive
• The Hague to Vienna drive
• The Hague to Milan drive
• The Hague to Florence drive
• The Hague to Budapest drive
• The Hague to Antwerp drive
• The Hague to Cologne drive
• The Hague to Copenhagen drive
• The Hague to Venice drive
• The Hague to Munich drive
• The Hague to Hamburg drive
• The Hague to Lisbon drive
• The Hague to York drive
• The Hague to Istanbul drive
• The Hague to Turin drive
• The Hague to Krakow drive
• The Hague to Liverpool drive
• The Hague to Stockholm drive
• The Hague to Frankfurt drive

Explore nearby places

• Scheveningen
• Leidschendam
• Honselersdijk
• Voorschoten
• Schipluiden
• 's-Gravenzande
• Zoeterwoude
• Berkel en Rodenrijs
• Bergschenhoek

All related maps of The Hague

• Map of The Hague
• Map of Voorburg
• Map of Scheveningen
• Map of Rijswijk
• Map of Leidschendam
• Map of Wateringen
• Map of Kwintsheul
• Map of Delft
• Map of Poeldijk
• Map of Honselersdijk
• Map of Delfgauw
• Map of Wassenaar
• Map of Pijnacker
• Map of Monster
• Map of Voorschoten
• Map of Ter Heijde
• Map of Schipluiden
• Map of Naaldwijk
• Map of De Lier
• Map of Zoetermeer
• Map of 's-Gravenzande
• Map of Zoeterwoude
• Map of Berkel en Rodenrijs
• Map of Leiden
• Map of Katwijk
• Map of Rijnsburg
• Map of Oegstgeest
• Map of Maasland
• Map of Benthuizen
• Map of Bleiswijk
• Map of Bergschenhoek

The Hague throughout the year

• The Hague in January
• The Hague in February
• The Hague in March
• The Hague in April
• The Hague in May
• The Hague in June
• The Hague in July
• The Hague in August
• The Hague in September
• The Hague in October
• The Hague in November
• The Hague in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in The Hague?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

• 3-Day Leiden Itinerary
• 3-Day Wassenaar Itinerary
• 3-Day Katwijk Itinerary
• 3-Day Bleiswijk Itinerary
• 3-Day Scheveningen Itinerary

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

10 Great Day Trips to Take From The Hague

Planning day trips from The Hague is exceptionally easy thanks to the city’s centrality and proximity to important transport hubs like Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht. The Hague is also surrounded by several smaller cities that all have their own distinctive charms.

Lisse lies in the heart of South-Holland’s tulip belt and is surrounded by hundreds of colourful flower fields. The city main attractions include a fascinating tulip museum , castle ‘t Huys Dever and, of course, Keukenhof Gardens .

Leiden’s university is the oldest in the Netherlands and date back to 1575. Since then the city has developed around academia and currently features many stunning buildings associated with the university including Leiden Observatory . Hortus Botanicus botanical gardens and several scholarly museums .

Become a Culture Tripper!

Sign up to our newsletter to save up to 500$ on our unique trips..

See privacy policy .

Rotterdam is actually connected to The Hague by a high speed metro line which means that travelling between either city takes around 30 minutes. As the second largest city in the Netherlands, Rotterdam has plenty to offer travellers, including astounding ultra-modern architecture , world-leading museums and many awesome nighttime hangouts .

The windmills at Kinderdijk

Due to its historical and cultural significance, the windmill network inside Kinderdijk is protected as an UNSECO World Heritage Site. Most of these incredible machines are over 250 years old and were originally built to drain water from the area’s marshlands.

Although Kijkduin is actually part of the Hague its distance from the city’s centre can easily justify an entire day trip. This seaside borough lies roughly 10 kilometre due west of the Binnenhof and is famous for its beautiful coastline, windswept dunes and modernist architecture.

Utrecht might be the most historically charming city in the Netherlands and still features many church buildings from the Middle Ages. The Dom Tower , for example, was built in the 14th century and has stood above Utrecht’s historic town centre ever since.

Delft is a medieval city that lies between The Hague and Rotterdam. This photogenic burg was once an economic powerhouse and famously produced massive quotas of beautiful Delftware pottery during the Dutch Golden Ages. Many buildings from this period are still present within Delft and the city is renowned for its classic architecture.

Haarlem’s medieval town centre is utterly breathtaking and features several magnificent ecclesiastical and municipal buildings that predate the Dutch Golden Age. There’s also a craft brewery inside a former church.

Gouda’s modest size and wide range of historical attractions makes it perfect for day trips from the Hague. Many of these wonderful buildings date back to Gouda’s economic heyday when it was the only city in the Netherlands that was permitted to hold a cheese market (which still takes place every Thursday between April and September).

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Guides & Tips

Slow travel from london to amsterdam and rotterdam.

Artistic Hotels to Stay in Around the World That Double as Galleries 

The Most Cycle-Friendly Cities in the World

48 Hours in Eindhoven: How to Explore the Dutch City of Design

From Factory Town to Design District: the Evolution of Eindhoven

Places to Stay

The best hotels in arnhem, the netherlands.

The Best Hotels in Zaandam, the Netherlands, for Every Traveller

The Best Hotels in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, for Every Traveller

The Best Hotels in Delft for Every Traveller

Behind the Scenes at the Rijksmuseum’s ‘All the Rembrandts’

The 5 Best Cheap Hotels in Rotterdam

Manure Couture: The Dutch Startup Making Clothes Out of Cow Poo

Winter sale offers on our trips, incredible savings.

• Post ID: 1361866
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload