The Hague

The Hague is perhaps best known among visitors for its beaches, monuments and bustling shopping district, but secretly this city has more to offer. Much more. As the political centre of the Netherlands, it offers a variety of cultural institutions and museums and there is an abundance of welcoming restaurants and bars. Come along as we visit the 'green city by the sea'.

Like a local
Walking around the royal city

Walking around the royal city

Scheveningen and The Hague seen from the sea

The Hague is the 3rd largest city in the Netherlands. Located along the coast, the city is particularly popular with beachgoers who enjoy the sun, sand, sea and the associated amenities. But don’t think of The Hague as just a summer beach destination. With its many cultural sites, popular cafés and restaurants as well as lively festivals, the city is worth a visit any time of year. Not to mention the fact that it’s the seat of the Dutch government and home to the Royal Family, so there are plenty of historical monuments, chic hotels and even a couple of palaces!

The beautiful, centuries-old Binnenhof is a complex of buildings that serves as the seat of the Dutch government. With parts of it dating to the 13th century, it’s one of the oldest parliament buildings still in use anywhere in the world. When walking along the Hofvijver pond, you should check to see if the lights are on in the Torentje, the little octagonal tower that is the office of our Prime Minister. If it seems a bit quiet there, it’s probably because the Binnenhof is currently undergoing an extensive renovation. Walk a few more minutes and you will find The Hague’s most photographed building: the Peace Palace. This is the home of the International Court of Justice, the only judicial body of the United Nations that is located outside of New York.

The Mauritspoort, the entrance to the Binnenhof

Home to the Royal Family for four centuries, you might just run into our King during your visit to ’s-Gravenhage, the city’s formal name. It’s also been the place of work of our Royal Family, including our current monarch King Willem-Alexander. The head of state has an office in the majestic Noordeinde Palace, which is surrounded by trendy boutiques and galleries.

Take a look at The Hague on Google Maps and you’ll immediately notice its long coastline. It consists of different beach sections, each with its own ambiance and character. The quirky Zwarte Pad for example is the perfect spot to chill and party, while the vibrant Noordboulevard has the Pier and the Kurhaus Hotel and a myriad of beach bars, restaurants and other attractions.

Terrace in The Hague

The Hague has a great buzz thanks to its many high-quality restaurants, cafés and clubs, starting with a drink at the centrally located main square, ‘t Plein. The city is also packed with cultural attractions. Art lovers can enjoy days out visiting iconic museums beloved by locals and international visitors alike, such as the Mauritshuis and the aptly named Kunstmuseum (‘Art Museum’). Anyone interested in doing a bit of shopping is also in for a treat. After Rotterdam and Amsterdam, this royal city by the sea has the largest amount of retail space in the Netherlands. Spend some time exploring the charming side streets and shopping at unique boutiques.

Sustainable
Green city by the sea

Green city by the sea

The Hague is a green city by the sea. Visit this lovely city and be surprised by the number of green spaces and parks. Take the Malieveld for example. This huge grass field in the centre of The Hague is a household name in our country, partly because of the numerous events, festivals and demonstrations held here. Its main claim to fame is the Liberation Festival, which attracts around 65,000 people every year in celebration of the country’s liberation after World War II.

Meijendel view on the city of The Hague
Scottish Highlanders - Westduin Park

During your visit, you might really appreciate the peace and quiet of one of the other fantastic parks and sizeable forests. Some of these, such as the Haagse Bos or the Palace Garden, are right in the city centre. Between the city and the beach you can go for a stroll in the Scheveningen Woods. Or why not spend some time in the huge Zuiderpark on the south-east side of the city. Wherever you are, you’re sure to be close to some green nature. Other beautiful parks include Clingendael and Park Sorghvliet.

Head to the sea and you can visit not only the great beaches, but also the amazing dunes. These acres of dune areas and parks make up National Park Hollandse Duinen, a 43-kilometre-long continuous coastal landscape in the province of South Holland that includes Meijendel and the Westduin Park.

Go for a walk or hop on a bike

There is no better way to enjoy nature in The Hague than on foot or by bike. Various cycling routes and hiking routes have been designed specifically for this purpose so that you can get the most out of these marvellous parks, forests, dunes and beaches. Want another top tip? Your visit to The Hague should include at least one tram ride. It is a convenient mode of transport and a truly a unique experience.

Cyclists on the boulevard of Scheveningen
Hidden gems
Off the beaten track

Off the beaten track

The Hague Zuiderstrand people walking on the beach and along the sea

Locals have an appropriate nickname for the Zuiderstrand: ‘the quiet beach’. Located right behind the dunes, it features a number of authentic beach pavilions with unobstructed views of a beautiful sunset. The pavilions here are renowned for their friendly staff, delicious meals and casual vibe.

Pavilions such as Zuid, De Staat, De Kwartel and Millersbeach frequently organise cultural activities such as concerts, theatre performances and beach parties. There’s also De Fuut, the home base of Theo Jansen, an artist and scientist who often works on his spectacular Strandbeesten here.

Animaris Umerus, Scheveningen 2009

Here’s a somewhat unusual suggestion. We recommend you visit this beach when the weather is not that nice. The beaches of The Hague have a wonderful, moody vibe during the windy autumn and winter. Zip up your windbreaker and hike a few kilometres. It will give you a good excuse to enjoy a well-deserved hot chocolate with whipped cream!

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