The Hague travel guide
The Hague Tourism | The Hague Guide
You're Going to Love The Hague
The Hague is known as the justice capital of the world and is home to more than 150 international organizations, giving the city a unique, cosmopolitan atmosphere. It has wide avenues, a pretty coastline and some of the best architecture in the Netherlands. It is also an attractive seaside resort.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit The Hague
1. The Parks
The Hague is built around a former hunting manor and still retains some lovely green spaces.
2. The Architecture
The Hague is unusual as a Dutch city in that it features 18th century baroque and classical buildings instead of the usual Dutch renaissance style. There are many fine, broad avenues throughout the city center.
3. The Pier and Promenade
Unusual for a large city, The Hague has a good beach, with an interesting pier and bustling promenade.
4. Madurodam Miniature Park
Save time by seeing all of the Netherlands' attractions in one place and in miniature form!
5. Plein
Pull up a seat at one of the many outdoor cafes in the square of Plein and enjoy some serious people watching.
What to do in The Hague
1. Binnenhof: Former castle of the Counts of Holland
The Binnenhof is the center of the Netherland's government and is housed in the former Castle of Holland's Counts. Take a tour of this magnificent palace and enter through the Stadhouderspoort gate, built in 1620. Admire the equestrian statue of King Willem II sitting on the west side. Walk through the First Chamber House of Parliament located on the Stadhouderlijk Palais, built for Holland's and Zeeland's Stadtholders. Surrounding the Binnenhof are the meeting chambers of Parliament and the Prime Minister's offices. Take a tour of the Ridderzaal, home to the royal throne and a venue for state ceremonies. You'll be mesmerized by the neo-Gothic golden statue of Holland's Count William II, adorned with gargoyles and four coats of arms, the Dutch lion, and the German eagle.
2. Madurodam: The Hague in Miniature
As you step into Madurodam, you'll be hypnotized by this tiny replica of the Hague. This miniature park is the most-visited attraction in the Hague, and for good reason. Housed in the Scheveningen district, each 1:25 scaled model mirrors important Dutch castles, industrial projects, and public buildings. Assist a plane in flight at the Schiphol Airport or be the hero who prevents a massive flood by running the Oosterscheldekering storm surge barrier. After a fun tour, energize with lunch at either the Taste of Holland or Panorama Café and end your evening by purchasing souvenirs documenting your adventure.
3. Mauritshuis: Home to the Masterpieces of the Golden Age
If you love Dutch paintings from the Golden Age, the Mauritshuis is home to the seventeenth-century's impressive achievements by the most famous Dutch painters. Get a first-hand look at Vermeer's most revered masterpiece Girl with a Pearl Earring and revel in the details of the figure's exotic dress, large pearl earring, and the soft shadows on her face and lips. See Rembrandt's Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp, and two of the museum's other permanent displays, The Bull by Potter and Fabritius' The Goldfinch.
4. Vredespaleis: The Peace Palace
Go on a guided 45-minute tour of the two-towered Peace Palace. Immerse yourself in architectural and historical wonder as you explore its magnificent structure and the juridical institutions housed inside the palace. Depending on the season, tours to the Great and Small Hall of Justice, the corridors, and the Japanese Room are available. You'll be impressed by the tallest tower clock, donated in 2013 by Switzerland. A carillon with 47 clocks, owned by the Carnegie-Foundation, are organized throughout the year to play carillon concerts. At night, sit in the garden and enjoy an open air fun movie screened by the Humanity House.
5. Scheveningen Strand: The Scheveningen Beach
Visit one of the Netherland's most popular, safe, and clean beach resorts in the world. Walk alongside the Circus Theater, museums, and seafood restaurants that make the boulevard a hot spot to be. If you crave a hike, stroll the hiking trails and enjoy the Netherland's natural beauty.
1. Binnenhof: Former castle of the Counts of Holland
The Binnenhof is the center of the Netherland's government and is housed in the former Castle of Holland's Counts. Take a tour of this magnificent palace and enter through the Stadhouderspoort gate, built in 1620. Admire the equestrian statue of King Willem II sitting on the west side. Walk through the First Chamber House of Parliament located on the Stadhouderlijk Palais, built for Holland's and Zeeland's Stadtholders. Surrounding the Binnenhof are the meeting chambers of Parliament and the Prime Minister's offices. Take a tour of the Ridderzaal, home to the royal throne and a venue for state ceremonies. You'll be mesmerized by the neo-Gothic golden statue of Holland's Count William II, adorned with gargoyles and four coats of arms, the Dutch lion, and the German eagle.
2. Madurodam: The Hague in Miniature
As you step into Madurodam, you'll be hypnotized by this tiny replica of the Hague. This miniature park is the most-visited attraction in the Hague, and for good reason. Housed in the Scheveningen district, each 1:25 scaled model mirrors important Dutch castles, industrial projects, and public buildings. Assist a plane in flight at the Schiphol Airport or be the hero who prevents a massive flood by running the Oosterscheldekering storm surge barrier. After a fun tour, energize with lunch at either the Taste of Holland or Panorama Café and end your evening by purchasing souvenirs documenting your adventure.
3. Mauritshuis: Home to the Masterpieces of the Golden Age
If you love Dutch paintings from the Golden Age, the Mauritshuis is home to the seventeenth-century's impressive achievements by the most famous Dutch painters. Get a first-hand look at Vermeer's most revered masterpiece Girl with a Pearl Earring and revel in the details of the figure's exotic dress, large pearl earring, and the soft shadows on her face and lips. See Rembrandt's Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp, and two of the museum's other permanent displays, The Bull by Potter and Fabritius' The Goldfinch.
4. Vredespaleis: The Peace Palace
Go on a guided 45-minute tour of the two-towered Peace Palace. Immerse yourself in architectural and historical wonder as you explore its magnificent structure and the juridical institutions housed inside the palace. Depending on the season, tours to the Great and Small Hall of Justice, the corridors, and the Japanese Room are available. You'll be impressed by the tallest tower clock, donated in 2013 by Switzerland. A carillon with 47 clocks, owned by the Carnegie-Foundation, are organized throughout the year to play carillon concerts. At night, sit in the garden and enjoy an open air fun movie screened by the Humanity House.
5. Scheveningen Strand: The Scheveningen Beach
Visit one of the Netherland's most popular, safe, and clean beach resorts in the world. Walk alongside the Circus Theater, museums, and seafood restaurants that make the boulevard a hot spot to be. If you crave a hike, stroll the hiking trails and enjoy the Netherland's natural beauty.
1. Binnenhof: Former castle of the Counts of Holland
The Binnenhof is the center of the Netherland's government and is housed in the former Castle of Holland's Counts. Take a tour of this magnificent palace and enter through the Stadhouderspoort gate, built in 1620. Admire the equestrian statue of King Willem II sitting on the west side. Walk through the First Chamber House of Parliament located on the Stadhouderlijk Palais, built for Holland's and Zeeland's Stadtholders. Surrounding the Binnenhof are the meeting chambers of Parliament and the Prime Minister's offices. Take a tour of the Ridderzaal, home to the royal throne and a venue for state ceremonies. You'll be mesmerized by the neo-Gothic golden statue of Holland's Count William II, adorned with gargoyles and four coats of arms, the Dutch lion, and the German eagle.
2. Madurodam: The Hague in Miniature
As you step into Madurodam, you'll be hypnotized by this tiny replica of the Hague. This miniature park is the most-visited attraction in the Hague, and for good reason. Housed in the Scheveningen district, each 1:25 scaled model mirrors important Dutch castles, industrial projects, and public buildings. Assist a plane in flight at the Schiphol Airport or be the hero who prevents a massive flood by running the Oosterscheldekering storm surge barrier. After a fun tour, energize with lunch at either the Taste of Holland or Panorama Café and end your evening by purchasing souvenirs documenting your adventure.
3. Mauritshuis: Home to the Masterpieces of the Golden Age
If you love Dutch paintings from the Golden Age, the Mauritshuis is home to the seventeenth-century's impressive achievements by the most famous Dutch painters. Get a first-hand look at Vermeer's most revered masterpiece Girl with a Pearl Earring and revel in the details of the figure's exotic dress, large pearl earring, and the soft shadows on her face and lips. See Rembrandt's Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp, and two of the museum's other permanent displays, The Bull by Potter and Fabritius' The Goldfinch.
4. Vredespaleis: The Peace Palace
Go on a guided 45-minute tour of the two-towered Peace Palace. Immerse yourself in architectural and historical wonder as you explore its magnificent structure and the juridical institutions housed inside the palace. Depending on the season, tours to the Great and Small Hall of Justice, the corridors, and the Japanese Room are available. You'll be impressed by the tallest tower clock, donated in 2013 by Switzerland. A carillon with 47 clocks, owned by the Carnegie-Foundation, are organized throughout the year to play carillon concerts. At night, sit in the garden and enjoy an open air fun movie screened by the Humanity House.
5. Scheveningen Strand: The Scheveningen Beach
Visit one of the Netherland's most popular, safe, and clean beach resorts in the world. Walk alongside the Circus Theater, museums, and seafood restaurants that make the boulevard a hot spot to be. If you crave a hike, stroll the hiking trails and enjoy the Netherland's natural beauty.
Where to Eat in The Hague
FLOC on Prinsestraat serves modern Dutch food with menus from EUR35. The Penthouse Restaurant Skybar at the top of The Hague Tower has spectacular views and serves good steaks and seafood from around EUR25 for mains.
When to visit The Hague
The Hague can get cold and wet in the winter, with blustery winds coming off the North Sea. Summer is the best time to visit.
How to Get to The Hague
Plane
The City is served by Rotterdam The Hague Airport, with a good selection of international connections. Bus 33 connects with the metro at Meijersplein, which will take you on to the city center. The combined fare is EUR4.06. A taxi will cost around EUR50.
Train
The Hague has two main rail stations, Den Haag Centraal and Den Haag HS. Both have international and regional connections but Den Haag Centraal has more international services. The fare from Amsterdam is EUR10.20.
Car
The Hague is connected by good, toll-free motorways to Amsterdam (A4, A44), Utrecht (A12) and Rotterdam (A13).
Bus
Regular bus services run from other Dutch cities. The single fare from Amsterdam is from EUR5.
Airlines serving The Hague
Where to stay in The Hague
Wassenaar - is a well-heeled neighborhood with woods, cycle paths and a pretty village-style center, with restaurants and shops close to the beach.
Popular Neighborhoods in The Hague
Scheveningen - is a bustling seaside resort area with the largest pier in the Netherlands, a casino, good beach and some fine restaurants.
Statenkwartier - is located between the seafront sand dunes and the city center. It has some of the city's most outstanding architecture and has good shopping and restaurants.
Where to stay in popular areas of The Hague
Most booked hotels in The Hague
How to Get Around The Hague
Public Transportation
The Hague has an excellent bus and tram network with fares from EUR3.
Taxi
Taxis are plentiful and reliable in The Hague. The starting fare is EUR3.50 and you will then pay around EUR3 per mile.
Car
The Hague is one of the best cities in the Netherlands for driving. Just be careful of the many cyclists, who have right of way. Car rental is widely available from EUR20.
The Cost of Living in The Hague
Shopping Streets
The best shopping is to be found along Spuistraat and Grote Marktstraat, where you will find most of the big department stores, selling everything from jewelry to fashion.
Groceries and Other
A quart of milk in The Hague is priced at EUR0.97, while a dozen eggs will cost EUR3.00.