The Hague, Netherlands (Den Haag) is a magnificent city rich in history, art, culture and beautiful beach resorts, but is often one of Holland’s overlooked travel destinations in favour of its larger, more touristy nearby neighbours, Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
Let’s look below at the main reasons why I consider The Hague an ideal European travel destination and still one of my favourite travel spots after over forty trips there.
Read on for the amazing things to see and do in this must-visit Dutch city.
What is Great About The Hague and What is it Best Known For?
You could be forgiven if your mental image of The Hague (if you have one at all) is of stuffy lawyers and International war crimes tribunals but that is only a tiny facet of this lovely low-key historic destination.
The best things about The Hague include:
- world-class museums
- exceptional dining
- theatre
- plentiful recreational opportunities
- beach resorts
- a surprisingly die-hard surf culture
Having routinely travelled to the Netherlands for much of my career, I consider The Hague pretty much a second home. And I love it. I know the city, its culture, and its people well and there just aren’t many bad things to say about this city.
The Hague’s Beaches
One of the best and perhaps most unexpected features of The Hague is its proximity to the North Sea. The city centre is only a few kilometres inland from the sea and is easily accessible by tram, bus, bike or even foot.
The beach area of Scheveningen is a worthy destination all on its own and is home to the area’s surf and beach culture. Surf shops and schools are plentiful offering lessons throughout the year. The best time to surf is from November to March when waves are at their best.
Summer life in The Hague is also not complete without sitting in a beachfront tapas bar and sipping a glass of wine watching the sunset over the ocean!
The Hague is a city you need to get out and explore on foot or bike. Stop in the Plein — The Hague’s main square for a coffee, and visit the tiny back-street Bruin Cafés (Dutch Pubs) like those on the delightful street ‘Oude Molstraat’ (my favourite), in the oldest part of The Hague.
If you’re not shy about talking to others, you may also meet some amazing people — as I have so many times — from cultures all around the world, without much effort.
‘Scheveningen Strand’ Beach Clubs and The Pier
A district of The Hague, Scheveningen — a once tiny coastal fishing village has a distinct culture from The Hague with a unique vibe all of its own. The resort-like area is home to some of the best surfing and beach activities in the Netherlands with the country’s only pier, complete with farriswheel, bungee jump, and zipline attractions.
From Spring to Fall each year, the long stretch of beach at the seaside community of Scheveningen transforms into the epicentre of beach club life, featuring over 50 seaside restaurants and bars built atop multiple temporary boardwalks on the beachfront.
During winter, these clubs all but disappear, although a small number are permanent and open year-round. On a trip last summer, I stayed at the Kurhaus and dined exclusively at a dozen or so beach clubs and was not disappointed.
Breezy summer evenings on the beach are exemplified by sitting in one of Scheveningen’s cozy outdoor patios or terraces, wrapped in a warm wool blanket next to a fire pit enjoying a glass of wine or ‘biertjie’ the traditional 200ml size beer commonly served in the Netherlands.
What is The Hague Best Known for?
The Hague is home to the Dutch Royal Family and over 150 embassies and of course the amazing beaches and dunes of Scheveningen. The world-renowned Mauritshuis Museum is home to Holland’s answer to The Mona Lisa — Vermeer’s Girl With a Pearl Earring.
The International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court also make their home in The Hague.
Must-See and Do Things in The Hague
The Hague has so many things to see and do, you most likely won’t be able to see them in one trip. Here is my list of some of the best, must-see and do things in The Hague compiled from my dozens of trips to the city.
The Hague’s World-Class Museums
If I only had time to do one thing in The Hague, I’d go to the Mauritshuis Museum. Located steps away from The Plein at the end of the historic Parliament buildings and Binnnenhof, it is a must-see. Home to Vermeer’s Girl With a Pearl Earring, numerous Rembrants, Potter’s larger-than-life ‘Bull’ and Carel Fabritius‘ The Goldfinch popularised by the book and film of the same name.
Close by is the M.C. Escher museum (Escher in Het Palace). Located in the former Royal Palace, the museum features nearly 500 perspective-bending works of the 19th-century Leeuwarden-born artist.
If your taste is of an automotive kind, the Louwman Museum showcases automotive design and craftsmanship unlike I’ve seen before. This awe-inspiring museum houses a staggering collection of every imaginable vehicle. Centuries-old carriages, rooms full of Ferraris, Porsches, F1 cars, you name it.
The Royal ‘Paleis Noordeinde’ and the Royal Stables and Gardens
Nestled in the middle of The Hague, along one of the city’s most famous shopping streets sits Nordeinde Palace and its regal Palace Stables and Gardens.
Since 1609, it has remained one of three Dutch royal palaces including Huis ten Bosch Palace where the Royals live, and The Royal Palace in Amsterdam. Norediende Palace is the working office of the Netherlands’ King Willem-Alexander.
While you cannot tour the Palace, It is free to walk through the gardens and the street it sits on, Nordeinde, is a must-see full of coffee shops, restaurants, and an abundance of galleries.
Watch for the trainers exercising the royal horses with their carriages along the streets of Mauritskade, and Zeestraat as they are often out for exercise in the mornings. The inside court view of the stables can be seen in this Google Street view.
Panorama Mesdag Museum
Tucked discretely behind the Hilton The Hague, in what looks like a giant water tank, sits an artistic wonder — the Panorama Mesdag.
The focus of the museum is a single massive 360º cylindrical painting, 120 metres in circumference, of the view of old Scheveningen in the 19th century. The viewer’s vantage point produces a unique, realistic effect making you feel like you are in a tower overlooking the vista. It is well worth a visit.
Panorama Mesdag is located in the centre of The Hague at Zeestraat 65 | Adults €15.00, Free with Museum Card | website | map | +31 70 310 6665
Eating and Drinking in The Hague
Nordeinde the ‘Royal Shopping District’ and Oude Molstraat
Stroll along Nordeinde and browse through amazing galleries with lush rear courtyards, some of which are backing Palace Nordeinde, or visit some of the high-end boutiques on the street dubbed ‘The Royal Shopping District’.
When you are ready for a meal there is plenty to choose from in all price ranges and tastes.
Where to Eat and Drink on Nordeinde:
O’Casey’s Irish Pub & Restaurant – voted best Irish Pub in the world, I visit every time I am in The Hague, it truly is a fantastic pub for pints, great burgers and fish and chips, or their exceptional Quiz Night every Thursday (book ahead!) | $$ | Nordeinde 140 | website | +31 70 363 0698
Lola Bikes & Coffee – whether you are into bicycle culture or not, this is a top café with great coffee and a warm atmosphere | $ | Nordeinde 91 | website | +31 62 908 7793
The Plein (The Hague’s Main Square)
A short walk from the Central Station lies The Plein, home to more than a dozen restaurants directly facing the city’s largest square, many of which turn into nightclubs on weekend evenings, and another half dozen more adjacent to the square.
This is the central hub of The Hague with tourists, locals and professionals alike meeting for dinner, drinks and bites after work. Rain or shine the terraces are open as the canopies have evolved into a fully covered seating area, with heaters for the cold rainy nights. It’s a shame to sit inside!
Where to Eat and Drink at the Plein:
Barlow Bar & Restaurant – a cornerstone of the Plein, for the lively atmosphere, cozy fireplace and good food, and wonderfully comfy terrace | $$ | Plein 15 | website | +31 70 392 3655
Belgian Beer Café Leopold – another personal favourite of mine, great Belgian beer selection and amazing Dutch Apple pie | $$ | Plein 17 | website | +31 70 360 0009
Grote Markt
Close to The Plein is another great, historic square — the Grote Markt, a little smaller than the Plein but very charming.
At the Grote Markt, you’ll find a historic, compact square surrounded by eating and drinking venues complete with terraces, as well as a large central area filled with picnic tables.
The Grote Markt turns into a very popular hub for nightlife in The Hague as the sun goes down. Many of the restaurants in the area turn into dance clubs as the evening progresses and the area tends to get very busy. The square is also home to a great St. Patrick’s day celebration every year.
Where to Eat and Drink at the Grote Markt:
de Boterwaag – go for the ambiance and reasonably priced, quality food, one of my local favourites located in a stunning 17th century weigh house | $$ | Grote Markt 8a | website | +31 70 365 9686
Lange Voorhout and The Deneweg
An iconic tree-lined boulevard, the streets of ‘Lange Voorhout’ frame the stately Hotel Des Indes, and the former Royal Palace that now houses the M.C. Escher museum. This area is also home to weekly markets in The Hague, as well as a growing Christmas Market in December.
Shopping in The Hague
‘Shopping night in the Hague is Thursday night when stores stay open late and the city picks up for the weekend.
De Passage
Dating from 1882, at over 135 years old it is the oldest shopping centre in the Netherlands and remains quite breathtaking, built to emulate the style of Parisian shopping arcades. Boutique stores, galleries, Coffee and Tea shops, restaurants, and the anchor 118-room Novatel Hotel as well as the Hague’s own Apple Store. My personal favourite to spend my hard-earned money on is P.W. Ackerman, a well-respected boutique pen shop in The Hague and Amsterdam.
De Passage links the Spuistraat to Grote Marktstraat, which is where most of the larger shops and department stores like Hema and the Netherlands’ premium department store de Bijenkorf. Dutch retailers Peek & Cloppenburg, C&A, and Mediamarkt are also located around the corner.
Frederik Hendriklaan – ‘de Fred’ Shopping street
Located in the upscale neighbourhood of ‘Statenkwartier’, surrounded by Art Nouveau style architecture is de Fred, home to some of The Hague’s most unique luxury shopping. Filled with boutiques, bakeries, florists and specialty shops, and a large variety of restaurants with lovely terraces.
Should You Day-Trip or is The Hague a Destination City?
Popular opinion is The Hague is an ideal day trip destination, I firmly disagree, Do day trips in the Netherlands from The Hague. This city is a place you must stay a number of days to settle in, get the feel and see all that The Hague has to offer.
When I tell people I am travelling to The Hague I usually get blank stares, having to then tell them I am going to a city just south of Amsterdam. Then I get a nod of recognition. This is part of the greatness of the city, it is a bit sleepy, bordering on quiet in off-peak times, which is when I prefer to go.
The Hague is a city that invites you to explore without the burden of myriad tourists on your back. It is definitely a Destination of its own packed full of charming locals and engaging activities for singles, couples and families alike.
Accommodations – Where to Stay in The Hague
The quality of accommodation in The Hague is of the highest order as it is a prime international business travel destination. As much as this is a city of historical significance, this is also a centre for International law, oil and gas and technology. As such, you will find that the prices can get very out of hand if you try to book close to your arrival date.
Note: I do not get any consideration for these suggestions, the following are all places I usually stay at when in The Hague.
Staybridge Suites The Hague – Parliament – This is a wonderful boutique-style hotel with a view that cannot be beaten, located on the amazing Lange Vijverberg looking directly at the Binnenhof and Parliament. The breakfast room is gorgeous with a larger-than-life Girl With a Pearl Earring mural and a very cozy living room space. | $$ – $$$ | Lange Vijverberg 10/11 | Website | +31 70 209 9030
Hilton The Hague – This is my go-to hotel in the Hague. The location is perfect at the start of Nordeinde, with wonderful staff and a great Executive Lounge with free happy hour drinks and Hors d’oeuvres. | $$$-$$$$ | Zeestraat 35 | Website | +31 70 710 7000
Hotel Booking Tip: Try to book at least a month from your arrival (more if you can) and you will find prices are a fraction of the cost as hotels fill fast. If you can’t find accommodation in The Hague, try Rotterdam, the Rotterdam Marriot is across the street from Rotterdam Central Station, and the excellent Rotterdam Hilton (where I’ve stayed dozens of times) is within two blocks. See where to stay in Rotterdam here. There are loads of budget options available there too.
Conclusion
The Hague remains one of my favourite travel destinations, with such a breadth of things to see, amazing dining and the most picturesque streets like the Deneweg and Oude Molstraat, that I’ve ever seen. All with markedly fewer tourists than its neighbour to the north, Amsterdam. The Hague is definitely one of the most overlooked travel destinations in the Netherlands. Perhaps though, that is not a bad thing for those of us that love to experience this city so frequently.
What do you think, is The Hague a place you’d love to see? Or have you visited before and have more great tips to share? Please leave a comment below, we’d love to hear from you!