- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
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Why Visit The Hague
The Hague's core is the 13th-century Binnenhof, a Gothic castle housing Parliament around the man-made Hofvijver pond. This historic center is a key part of any The Hague travel guide, blending Renaissance facades, Art Nouveau, and a modern skyline.
The city offers a unique coastal experience with 7 miles of coastline. Discover the vast Westduinpark, a protected dune reserve where Scottish Highland cattle roam free. Or explore the ancient Haagse Bos forest, right in the city's heart.
Taste the city by trying a 'Hollandse Nieuwe' herring from a haringkar, held by the tail. The Hague Market offers rich Indonesian-Surinamese flavors from our colonial past. End the day with a local jenever at a classic 'bruin café' for a full experience.
- The HagueNetherlands
- The HagueNetherlands
- The HagueNetherlands
- The HagueNetherlands
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild temperatures, fewer crowds
- Jul-Augwarm, busy tourist season
- Wintercool, occasional rain
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Raincoat
- #LayeredClothing
- #PowerAdapterTypeC
- #Umbrella
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 for nearby beaches & side trips
- Euro (€)
- Dutch
- English widely spoken
- #Mauritshuis
- #PeacePalace
- #ScheveningenBeach
- #Binnenhof
- #Madurodam
- #EscherMuseum
- Explore the historic Binnenhof
- Relax at Scheveningen Beach
- Visit the Mauritshuis for art
- Take a walk in the Haagse Bos
- Experience local markets
- Tour the Peace Palace
Recommended Hotels in The Hague by Experience
Things to do in The Hague
Discover
Exploring The Hague reveals a mix of political history and seaside charm. Visit the Binnenhof, the heart of Dutch politics, see Vermeer's art at the Mauritshuis, and enjoy panoramic North Sea views from the Scheveningen Pier.
Experience
Cycle through the dunes to Wassenaar, shop at the Haagse Markt for global flavors, or attend the annual Parkpop festival. Enjoy classical concerts at the Amare arts complex or browse antique markets along the Lange Voorhout.
Mauritshuis
Museum with Dutch Golden Age masterpieces by Vermeer & Rembrandt.
Binnenhof & Ridderzaal
Historic Gothic castle complex, center of Dutch politics.
Peace Palace (Vredespaleis)
Neo-Renaissance home of the International Court of Justice.
Scheveningen Beach
North Sea beach with a pier, promenade, and water sports.
Madurodam
Miniature park displaying Dutch landmarks on a 1:25 scale.
Escher in Het Paleis
Museum in a former royal palace dedicated to M.C. Escher.
Haagse Markt
One of Europe's largest outdoor markets with diverse goods.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To get to The Hague, fly into Schiphol (AMS) and take a direct train to Den Haag Centraal (30 min). Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) is closer; the trip from The Hague airport to city center is via bus and metro E or a shuttle bus.
Getting Around
Navigating is easy with extensive public transport in The Hague. Trams are iconic. Use an anonymous OV-chipkaart or tap your contactless card for travel. Biking is the local way to explore, with dedicated paths covering the entire city.
Local Essentials
For The Hague travel tips for first-timers: be aware that cyclists have the right-of-way. Driving in The Hague is challenging; use P+R lots. Most places accept cards, but carry cash for markets. Plan a trip by booking museum tickets online.
Where to Stay in The Hague
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore The Hague's local cuisine. Taste fresh haring or crispy kibbeling from a seaside stall. For a sweet treat, try Haagse Hopjes. Embrace the Dutch 'borrel' culture, an afternoon drink with snacks before an early dinner.
Enjoy
For where to eat in The Hague, try Catch by Simonis for sleek seafood dining, reserve ahead. Unwind at El Nino Beach Club for a relaxed vibe, sunset views. Grab coffee at the industrial-chic Capriole Cafe, waterside terrace.
Catch by Simonis
Modern restaurant for fresh seafood. Port views.
Little V
Vibrant spot for authentic Vietnamese. Always busy.
KUA Mexican Kitchen
Authentic tacos and tequila bar. Cozy, book ahead.
Umami By Han Den Haag
Shared dining with Asian-French fusion. Stylish decor.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore The Hague's heritage with must-see events like King's Day, a city-wide street party for the King's birthday. Witness the royal procession on Prinsjesdag, the opening of parliament, a key part of the city's political history.
Enjoy
Discover The Hague's modern pulse through its creative events. Enjoy avant-garde music at Rewire Festival or explore innovative cinema at the International Film Festival The Hague. These are just some of the things to do in The Hague.
King's Day (Koningsdag)
Nationwide street party celebrating the King's birthday.
Vlaggetjesdag (Flag Day)
June event in Scheveningen celebrating the new herring catch.
Int. Fireworks Festival Scheveningen
August competition with impressive firework displays over sea.
Prinsjesdag (Prince's Day)
Royal carriage procession for the state opening of Parliament.
The Life I Live
Free music festival in the city center on King's Night.
Just Peace Festival
Festival focusing on peace and justice with dialogues & films.
A Really Classy City
The Hague has such a stately feel with all the government buildings and embassies. It's clean, easy to navigate with the trams, and feels very international. We spent a lot of time just walking around the Binnenhof area. A very polished place.
Incredible Art and Museums
The main reason for our visit was the museums, and they did not disappoint. Seeing the 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' at the Mauritshuis in person is something else. The museum itself is a beautiful building. A great trip for any art lover.
A City Right by the Sea
Loved being able to take a short tram ride from the city center right to the coast. We had a long walk along the Scheveningen beach and pier. It's a great contrast to the formal city center and adds a whole other dimension to a city break.
Great Shops and Cafes
The Hague is perfect for a weekend of shopping and relaxing. The boutiques on Denneweg were fantastic for browsing. We found a great little place for coffee and a fresh stroopwafel. It's much more laid-back than other major shopping cities.
Beautiful and Walkable
I was really struck by the architecture everywhere. The grand old buildings next to sleek modern ones is quite a sight. We walked all over and saw the Peace Palace, which was magnificent from the outside. Everything feels so dignified and well-kept.
Peaceful and Elegant
A really relaxing city trip. It's not as packed with tourists as Amsterdam, which was a relief. Strolling around the Hofvijver pond in the morning was a perfect start to the day. The city is very green with lots of parks and open spaces.