The Hague Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, activities, and local tips to fully explore The Hague with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to The Hague

The Hague is a vibrant and historical city that offers visitors a unique blend of world-class art, fascinating history, beautiful architecture, and relaxing green spaces. As the seat of the Dutch government and home to many international organizations, including the International Court of Justice, The Hague is an important political center.

Despite its importance as a cosmopolitan city, The Hague has a laid-back atmosphere and a friendly, welcoming culture that makes it a great place to visit. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the best places to visit, things to do, and local tips to help you fully explore and enjoy your visit to The Hague.

List of Places to Visit in The Hague

From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, there are many places to visit in The Hague that fit every traveler’s interest. Here are some of the must-see attractions that top our list:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Hague has a rich cultural heritage that’s reflected in its many museums and historical landmarks. Some of the most top-rated attractions in the city include:

  • Het Mauritshuis: One of the best art museums in the world, with an extensive collection of Dutch Golden Age masterpieces.
  • The Hague Historical Museum: Explore the colorful history of The Hague from its medieval origins to modern times.
  • Peace Palace: A magnificent architectural masterpiece that houses the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
  • Escher in Het Paleis: A museum dedicated to the mind-bending optical illusions and impossible architectures of the Dutch artist M. C. Escher.
  • The Binnenhof: The iconic center of Dutch politics, with its Gothic castle-like buildings, statues, and a beautiful inner courtyard.

Natural Attractions of The Hague: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Beyond the city’s museums and historical places, The Hague also offers a variety of natural attractions to explore, including:

  • Scheveningen Beach: A wide, golden-sand beach that’s great for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
  • The Hague Forest: A vast nature reserve with diverse flora and fauna, walking and cycling trails, and several picnic areas.
  • The Hague Dunes: A magnificent chain of sand dunes that stretch along the coast, offering stunning views and a chance to see unique Dutch wildflowers and wildlife.
  • Palace Gardens of The Hague: An extensive network of parks and green spaces that surround The Hague’s many palaces and residences, with beautiful gardens, fountains, and monuments.

Hiking/Biking Routes of The Hague

The Hague is also a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking and biking. Some of the best trails to explore the city’s natural beauty include:

  • The Hague Dunes Cycling Route: A 23-kilometer bike trail that takes you through the beautiful dunes and forests of The Hague and Scheveningen.
  • Elisabethsvloed Hiking Trail: A 7.2-kilometer trail that meanders through the lush polder landscape of The Hague.
  • Scheveningen Coastal Walk: A scenic coastal walk that stretches for 8 kilometers, offering breathtaking views of the North Sea and the city skyline.

Best Things to Do in The Hague: Activities and Tours

Whether you have a whole week to spend in The Hague or just a few days, there are plenty of things to do and tours to take during your visit. Some of the top-rated activities and tours that we recommend include:

  • The Hague Food Tour: A guided tour that takes you on a culinary adventure through the city, sampling traditional Dutch dishes, cheeses, and sweets.
  • The Hague by Boat Tour: A leisurely canal cruise that takes you around the city’s many canals, historic landmarks, and important political buildings.
  • Segway Tour: An eco-friendly way to explore The Hague’s many attractions, including the Peace Palace and the Royal Palace of The Hague.
  • The Hague Ghost Tour: A spooky walking tour that takes you to the city’s most haunted places, telling you stories of ghosts, ghouls, and mysterious legends.

Week-Long Itinerary for The Hague

If you have a week to explore The Hague, we’ve put together an itinerary that takes you to the top attractions and hidden gems of the city:

Day Activities
1 Visit the Royal Palace of The Hague and the adjacent Noordeinde Palace
2 Discover the art treasures of Het Mauritshuis and Escher in Het Paleis museums
3 Enjoy a day at the beach, strolling along the Scheveningen boardwalk and dining at one of the many beachfront restaurants
4 Explore the historical side of The Hague with a visit to The Hague Historical Museum, the Binnenhof, and the Peace Palace
5 Take a bike tour of The Hague’s natural beauty, including the dunes and forest areas
6 Enjoy a food tour of The Hague, sampling traditional Dutch dishes
7 Take a Segway tour of the city and visit some of the lesser-known attractions, such as the Westbroekpark and the Statenkwartier district

Food and Drink Scene of The Hague

The Hague boasts a vibrant food and drink scene, with many international restaurants and local cafes serving up a diverse array of cuisine and traditional dishes. Some of the must-try local foods and beverages in The Hague include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Hollandse Nieuwe Herring: A raw herring dish that’s served with raw onions and pickles, typically eaten in the summer months.
  • Stamppot: A flavorful mashed potato dish that’s often served with kale, sauerkraut, or carrots.
  • Poffertjes: Miniature pancakes that are often served with butter and powdered sugar.
  • Bitterballen: Deep-fried, crispy meatballs that are typically served as a snack or appetizer.

Local Beverages

  • Jenever: A traditional Dutch gin that’s often mixed with tonic water and garnished with lime or lemon.
  • Heineken: One of the most popular Dutch beers, with a crisp and refreshing taste.
  • Frisdrank: A range of non-alcoholic beverages that are popular in The Hague, including Fanta, Coca-Cola, and Sprite.

Where to Stay in The Hague: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The Hague offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences, including luxurious hotels, cozy guesthouses, and affordable hostels. Some of the top-rated places to stay in The Hague include:

  • Hotel Des Indes The Hague: A luxurious 5-star hotel with elegant interiors, a spa, and a world-class restaurant.
  • Stayokay The Hague: A modern and spacious hostel that’s perfect for budget travelers and backpackers.
  • Boutique Hotel Corona: A stylish and romantic hotel set in a historic 17th-century building, with cozy rooms and top-notch amenities.

What to Buy in The Hague: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

The Hague is famous for its traditional handicrafts, artisanal products, and quirky souvenirs that make great gifts for friends and family back home. Some of the best things to buy in The Hague include:

  • Delftware pottery: Beautiful hand-painted ceramics that have been produced in Delft for centuries.
  • The Hague Beach Towels: Bright and colorful towels featuring the city’s skyline and famous landmarks.
  • Stroopwafels: Thin, crispy waffles that are filled with gooey caramel syrup, a perfect snack for on-the-go travelers.
  • Bikes and bike gear: The Netherlands is known for its cycling culture, and you’ll find plenty of bike shops in The Hague selling everything from high-end bikes to accessories to keep you safe on the road.

Local Culture and Customs of The Hague

The Dutch culture is known for its friendly and welcoming attitude towards foreigners, and it’s no different in The Hague. Here are some tips to help you navigate the local culture and customs of The Hague:

  • Greet with a handshake: In general, Dutch people prefer a firm handshake as a way of greeting.
  • Be punctual: The Dutch are known for their love of punctuality, so it’s considered rude to be late or to keep people waiting.
  • Use public transport: The Netherlands is famous for its bike culture, but public transport is also a popular and efficient way to travel, especially in cities like The Hague.
  • Respect personal space: Dutch people value their personal space, so it’s important not to stand too close or invade someone’s personal space.

Best Time to Visit The Hague

The best time to visit The Hague is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and pleasant, and many outdoor events and festivals take place. However, it’s also the busiest and most expensive time to visit, so be prepared to book your accommodations and activities well in advance.

If you’re looking for cheaper prices and fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) can be great times to visit. The weather is still mild, and you’ll have more leeway to enjoy the city’s attractions and events without the crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of The Hague

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during your visit to The Hague:

Do:

  • Respect the bicycle lanes: The Netherlands is a bike-friendly country, and there are many bike lanes on the road. Make sure to stay clear of these lanes, so you don’t get in the way of the cyclists.
  • Try the local delicacies: Dutch cuisine is delicious, and there are many local dishes worth a try, including stroopwafels, bitterballen, and herring.
  • Speak English: The Dutch are generally fluent in English, so feel free to speak English if you don’t know Dutch.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public places: Smoking is banned in most public places, including bars, restaurants, and cafes.
  • Disrespect the royal family: The Dutch people have a deep respect for their royal family, so it’s important to avoid disrespectful behavior, such as insulting or mocking the monarchy.
  • Forget to tip: Tipping is not mandatory in The Hague, but it’s customary to tip 10-15% of the total bill in restaurants and for other services like hairdressers and taxis.

Safety and Health

The Hague is a very safe city, with low crime rates, and high-quality healthcare. However, it’s always important to take some basic safety precautions and stay informed about any potential health risks during your visit.

Safety in The Hague

The Hague is generally a safe city, but like any city, there are some areas that may be more prone to crime. Some basic tips to keep in mind include:

  • Stay aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in high-traffic areas, and be aware of any suspicious activity or people.
  • Avoid confrontations: If you encounter a potentially dangerous situation or conflict, try to diffuse the situation and avoid confrontation.
  • Use common sense: Use common sense and take the same safety precautions you would in any city: keep your valuables secure, lock your doors and windows, and avoid walking alone at night in quiet areas.

Health in The Hague

The Netherlands has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, with high-quality hospitals, clinics, and medical professionals. Most medical services are covered by public health insurance if you have a valid EU health card. Be sure to bring any necessary medications with you, and check with your doctor or health insurance provider before you travel.

Getting to The Hague: Transportation Options and Logistics

The Hague is easily accessible whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or car. Here are the best transportation options to get to The Hague:

Airports Near The Hague

  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: The largest airport in the Netherlands, with frequent flights to international destinations and direct train connections to The Hague.

Bus Stations Near The Hague

  • The Hague Central Bus Station: The main bus station in The Hague, with connections to many domestic and international destinations.

Other Options

  • Train: The Hague has two main train stations–The Hague Central and The Hague HS–with connections to other cities in the Netherlands and Europe.
  • Car: If you’re traveling within the Netherlands, driving can be an efficient and convenient option, with well-maintained roadways and reliable GPS navigation systems.

How to Get Around in The Hague

The Hague is a compact city that’s easily navigable on foot or by bike. However, it also has a reliable network of public transport options, including buses, trams, and trains. Here are some of the best ways to get around in The Hague:

  • Bike: The Hague is a bike-friendly city, and you’ll find many bike rental shops around the city, making it easy and affordable to explore on two wheels.
  • Public Transport: The Hague has an extensive public transport network that includes buses, trams, and trains. You can purchase tickets at the central train station, from vending machines, or from the driver.
  • Uber: Uber is available in The Hague, providing a convenient and affordable option for getting around the city.
  • Walking: With many of the city’s top attractions within walking distance of each other, walking is an enjoyable and healthy way to get around The Hague.

Where to Go Next from The Hague: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’d like to explore more of the Netherlands during your visit, here are some nearby destinations and excursions that you can consider:

  • Delft: A charming city known for its high-quality pottery and charming historic center.
  • Rotterdam: A cosmopolitan city with cutting-edge architecture, the Netherlands’ largest harbor, and many cultural attractions.
  • Keukenhof Gardens: A vast and colorful park filled with tulips and other flowers, open only during the spring months.

Conclusion

The Hague is an amazing city that offers something for everyone–from historical sites and world-class art museums to beautiful beaches and natural parks. Whether you’re a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast, or a history buff, The Hague has plenty of attractions and activities to keep you entertained.

By following our guide, you’ll have all the information you need to fully explore and appreciate all The Hague has to offer. So pack your bags and get ready for a memorable trip to this beautiful city in the Netherlands.

View of the Binnenhof, the centre of government in The Hague View of the Binnenhof, the centre of government in The Hague Thousands of bikes are left every day in front of the postmodern Thousands of bikes are left every day in front of the postmodern "New Babylon" complex and the Den Haag Centraal intermodal station Den Haag Centraal is a modern, multi-level, multi-modal transportation hub Den Haag Centraal is a modern, multi-level, multi-modal transportation hub Den Haag HS retains its historic building Den Haag HS retains its historic building The ''netkous'', a metal The ''netkous'', a metal "fish stocking", envelops the tram tracks over ''Prinses Beatrixlaan'' William of Orange overlooks the Plein William of Orange overlooks the Plein Binnenhof Binnenhof Mauritshuis and to the right the tower with the Prime Minister's office. Mauritshuis and to the right the tower with the Prime Minister's office. Escher in Het Palais Escher in Het Palais The Hague's The Hague's "ice palace" houses the town hall Paleis Noordeinde Paleis Noordeinde Victory Boogie Woogie, being Mondrian's final work Victory Boogie Woogie, being Mondrian's final work Peace Palace, the home of the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Peace Palace, the home of the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. The ''Strijkijzer'' The ''Strijkijzer'' Japanese garden in Clingendael Park Japanese garden in Clingendael Park Miniature houses in Madurodam Miniature houses in Madurodam The entrance to the Passage, the Netherlands' oldest shopping centre. The entrance to the Passage, the Netherlands' oldest shopping centre. The Hague is a very good destination if you are after Indonesian cuisine The Hague is a very good destination if you are after Indonesian cuisine Chinatown Chinatown Grote Markt Grote Markt Inside Hotel Des Indes, arguably The Hague's most famous hotel. Inside Hotel Des Indes, arguably The Hague's most famous hotel.