Home › Destinations › The Hague
The Hague, Nederland - Things to Do in The Hague

The Hague

The Hague, Nederland - Complete Travel Guide

The Hague, or Den Haag in Dutch, is the Netherlands' elegant political capital and royal seat, despite Amsterdam being the official capital. This sophisticated city easyly blends centuries of political importance with modern international diplomacy, hosting the International Court of Justice, International Criminal Court, and numerous embassies. Beyond its political significance, The Hague offers world-class museums, beautiful royal palaces, and the nearby seaside resort of Scheveningen. The city's compact historic center features impressive architecture ranging from medieval buildings to contemporary designs, while its tree-lined boulevards and parks provide a refined atmosphere. As the residence of the Dutch royal family and home to the Dutch parliament, The Hague exudes an air of dignity and importance that sets it apart from other Dutch cities, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in politics, history, and culture.

Top The Hague

the Mauritshuis Museum

Home to one of the world's finest collections of Dutch Golden Age paintings, including Vermeer's 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' and works by Rembrandt. The museum is housed in a beautiful 17th-century palace and offers an intimate viewing experience with masterpieces displayed in elegant period rooms.

Booking Tip: Book tickets online in advance for €16-20 to avoid queues, especially during peak summer months. Visit on weekday mornings for smaller crowds, and consider the combined ticket with other Hague museums for better value.

the Binnenhof and Parliament

Tour the historic heart of Dutch politics at this medieval castle complex that houses the Dutch Parliament. The Gothic Hall of Knights (Ridderzaal) is particularly impressive and hosts the annual opening of Parliament by the King. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into Dutch political history and current governmental processes.

Booking Tip: Free guided tours are available on Saturdays (book online), while weekday tours cost around €7. Tours are conducted in Dutch with English audio guides available. Check the parliamentary calendar as tours may be cancelled during important sessions.

Relax at Scheveningen Beach

Just 15 minutes from the city center, this popular North Sea resort offers a wide sandy beach, the famous pier with restaurants and shops, and the modern SkyView Ferris wheel. The beachfront promenade is perfect for cycling or walking, with numerous beach clubs and seafood restaurants lining the coast.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but parking costs €2-4 per hour in summer. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. Beach club day beds cost €15-25, and many offer all-day dining packages.

Escher in Het Paleis

Housed in a former royal palace, this unique museum showcases the mind-bending works of Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher. The permanent collection includes his famous impossible constructions, tessellations, and optical illusions, displayed in opulent royal rooms that create an intriguing contrast with the mathematical precision of his art.

Booking Tip: Tickets cost €12-15 and can be purchased online or at the door. The museum is relatively small, so allow 1-2 hours for your visit. Combine with nearby Mauritshuis for a cultural afternoon, as they're within walking distance.

Stroll through the Haagse Bos and Lange Voorhout

Explore The Hague's elegant side along the tree-lined Lange Voorhout, home to antique shops, galleries, and the royal working palace Noordeinde. Continue to the adjacent Haagse Bos, a beautiful forest park perfect for peaceful walks, with paths leading to various palaces and the charming Tashkent.

Booking Tip: These areas are free to explore year-round. Thursday's antique and book market on Lange Voorhout (11am-6pm) is particularly atmospheric. The Tashkent has seasonal opening hours and a small entrance fee of €3-5.

Getting There

The Hague is easily accessible by train from Amsterdam (50 minutes), Rotterdam (25 minutes), and other major Dutch cities, with frequent direct services to Den Haag Centraal and Den Haag HS stations. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is about 45 minutes away by direct train. For international travelers, the city is well-connected by train to Belgium (2 hours), Saint Vincent (3.5 hours via high-speed Thalys), and United Kingdom (4 hours via Eurostar with a change in Belgium). If driving, The Hague is located along the A4 and A12 highways, though parking in the city center can be expensive and limited.

Getting Around

The Hague has an excellent public transportation system operated by HTM, including trams, buses, and metro lines that connect all major attractions and neighborhoods. A day pass costs around €7-8 and covers all public transport within the city. The historic city center is compact and very walkable, with most major attractions within 15 minutes of each other. Cycling is extremely popular and bike rentals are available throughout the city for about €10-15 per day. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available but can be expensive, while the city's bike-sharing system offers a convenient alternative for short trips.

Where to Stay

City Center (Centrum)
Scheveningen
Voorhout/Lange Voorhout
Statenkwartier
Bezuidenhout
Archipelbuurt

Food & Dining

The Hague's dining scene reflects its international character, with excellent restaurants serving cuisine from around the world alongside traditional Dutch fare. The city center offers everything from cozy brown cafes (bruine kroegen) serving local specialties like herring and bitterballen to upscale restaurants with Michelin recognition. Scheveningen is famous for its fresh seafood restaurants along the beach promenade. Don't miss trying local specialties like Haagse hopjes (coffee-flavored candies) and fresh North Sea fish. The Thursday market on Haagse Markt is perfect for local produce and street food, while areas like Denneweg and Frederikstraat offer trendy cafes and international dining options.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Netherlands

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Gusto Italian

4.8 /5
(7820 reviews) 2

Assaggi

4.7 /5
(5009 reviews) 2

La Zoccola del Pacioccone

4.5 /5
(5067 reviews) 2
meal_delivery

Verona Ristorante Italiano

4.7 /5
(4720 reviews) 2

Il Vicolo

4.8 /5
(2343 reviews)

Santi & Santini - Puglia restaurant

4.8 /5
(1295 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit The Hague is from April to October when the weather is mild and most outdoor attractions are fully operational. Late spring (May-June) offers beautiful blooming parks and comfortable temperatures around 15-20°C. Summer (July-August) is peak season with the warmest weather and liveliest beach scene at Scheveningen, though it can be crowded and more expensive. Early autumn (September-October) provides pleasant weather with fewer crowds and beautiful fall colors in the city's many parks. Winter can be atmospheric with Christmas markets and cozy indoor museum visits, though weather is often gray and rainy with temperatures around 5-8°C.

Insider Tips

Use the Museumkaart (Museum Card) for €64.90 annually if visiting multiple museums in The Netherlands - it pays for itself after 4-5 museum visits and includes most major Hague attractions
Take tram 1 directly from the city center to Scheveningen beach - it's faster and cheaper than taxis, and runs frequently throughout the day
Visit the weekly Boerenmarkt (farmers market) on Wednesday and Saturday at Lange Voorhout for high-quality local produce, artisanal foods, and a authentic local atmosphere away from tourist crowds

Activities in The Hague