The Hague

The Royal Palace of the Hague, also serving as the monarch’s workplace, may not be as exuberant as its counterpart in Amsterdam, but it is an impressive city centrepiece nonetheless. Built as a farmhouse in 1533, it was reformed and repurposed several times over the years, accommodating such pivotal historical figures as Voltaire and notable monarchs such as King Willem I until its most recent extensions in 1984, which have turned it into a working palace, where political and state affairs take place daily. The palace gardens are open to the public throughout the day and make a nice spot for a picnic, where anyone can enjoy the ponds, flowerbeds and marble statues with views of the royal stables, archives and the Dome of Fagel. Look out for the hidden corridors leading to the Old Hague District in one of the corners of the gardens.

One of, if not the most important centres for justice and peace in the world, Peace Palace comprises the United Nations International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Hague Academy of International Law and the Peace Palace Library. Although this is a working palace, which means most areas are closed to the public, there is, however, a visitors centre where those interested can learn more about the history of the palace and the role it plays today in international justice via a free audio tour. On rare occasions, the palace opens its doors to the public for guided tours, but it is advisable to check well in advance if any dates are available as they are few and far between. In any case, the impressive surrounding gardens and Neo-Renaissance buildings are definitely a must-see.

This meticulously detailed miniature park, an homage to all things Dutch past and present is fun for all ages and packed full of interactive experiences as well as informative exhibitions. Hop aboard the Flying Dutchman to witness the Netherlands from the skies in one of the oldest commercial aircrafts in the world. Then, set sail to New Amsterdam whilst reining fire on enemy ships. Skip forward a century or two to save the country from flooding by damming the Dutch banks. Madurodam incorporates cutting-edge technology and innovative designs to showcase the Netherlands’ greatest achievements and plans for a better future.

In 1996, American artist James Turrell designed the Celestial Vault to showcase the sky in all its glory using an innovative astronomical optical illusion. In the centre of this grassy artificial crater, there is a stone bench on which visitors can lie to observe the sky as a curved dome, emphasising the way light affects how we perceive things and inviting those willing to challenge their own perceptions.

This art museum in The Hague is home to some of the most eminent paintings in the world including pieces from Monet and Picasso. Dutch abstract painter Piet Mondrian remains the featured artist at the museum with over 300 of his paintings displayed there. Walking through the halls of this remarkable Art Deco building is an eye-opening experience. The early 20th-century architecture fashioned by H.P. Berlage consisting of colourful brickwork, marble flooring and ornamental brass finishes is considered to be his masterpiece. The museum is open to the public and you can skip the queues by booking ahead of time on their website.