Best Travel Guide The Hague | ArrivalGuides.com

The HagueGuide was updated: 2024-03-08

Nestled on the emerald coast of the Netherlands, The Hague stands as the country's administrative capital and international headquarters for worldwide justice and peace. The sweeping verdant forests, winding canals and rolling sand dunes that serve as the city’s beating heart and lifeblood invite activities like walking, cycling, rowing, or simply relishing the serene ambience. Savour world-renowned Dutch cuisine at Scheveningen Beach, marvel at Dutch Masters in the city's art museums or hop on a tour to learn about the rich history The Hague has to offer.

Do & See

It can be difficult to create an itinerary in a city with so much history and cultural significance. For the history buffs out there, the city is an adventure through time, tracing the Medieval roots of the Grote Kerk to the secret Old Catholic Hideout Church. For those more inclined towards the future, Madurodam is the place to go to learn about how the Netherlands are innovating new damming systems and greening the city by installing solar panels and wind power. Then, for those looking to relax and enjoy themselves, there are numerous parks and canals to explore. Be sure to visit, at least, one of the art museums as it is not every day the Dutch Masters are in town.

Plein

The main square, or Plein, of The Hague is a great place to start upon arrival in the city as it is the focal point of the city and acts as a conduit for many prominent bars, restaurants, historical buildings and active government institutions. The square will be buzzing with life more often than not and sometimes key political figures as well as celebrities can be seen wandering about.

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Mauritshuis

Home to many timeless works of art such as 'Girl with the Pearl Earring' and 'The Goldfinch', the Mauritshuis Museum showcases the Dutch Golden Age of painting in all its splendour. Amongst others featured in the museum are both Rembrandt and Vermeer, two of the most celebrated master painters of this momentous time in Dutch history. In their work, they are able to capture the essence of the Netherlands as a global powerhouse and one of the most prosperous nations in Europe throughout the seventeenth century. Be aware that some of the better-known paintings are occasionally sent around the world to be presented in other art exhibitions so it is advisable to check ahead of time to see if they are on display.

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Binnenhof

Dating back as early as the 13th century, this late medieval building is the oldest remaining parliamentary court still in use today. It was first built as a castle and home to the various counts of Holland, but after several battles for succession, the Binnenhof changed hands many times and, in the process, saw many new administrative buildings erected around it. Extensive renovations are currently underway and not expected to finish before 2028, so politicians have had to find elsewhere to conduct their business. Tours of the surrounding areas are available and more information can be obtained at the Binnenhof Renovation Information Centre, which is right next to the complex.

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Scheveningen

Whether the sun is shining or the clouds are looming, the beach of Scheveningen is packed full of exciting things to do and see on a day out. Just a fifteen-minute bike ride from The Hague's city centre, this eventful stretch of sand dunes and sea is definitely worth a visit for young and old to enjoy the culinary delights that can be found there along with the numerous events such as beach parties, fireworks nights and kite festivals to name but a few. There is a vibrant surf culture in Scheveningen which is active all year round, great for beginners to learn as there are so many surf schools along the beach. During the day, be sure to visit any of the numerous attractions, museums or markets then take an evening stroll down one of the promenades and pick out the perfect spot to eat and drink from over 130 restaurants available.

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Noordeinde Palace

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.

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Peace Palace

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.

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Population:	560,000 (2023)
Currency:	Euro, €1 = 100 cents
Emergency Numbers:	Emergency Services: 112
Newspapers:	The Hague Online: www.thehagueonline.com Den Haag: www.denhaag.nl/en/news The Hague Chronicle: www.thehaguechronicle.org Dutch News: www.dutchnews.nl/category/the-hague
Website:	www.thehague.com www.denhaag.com
Opening Hours:	Most establishments are open from Tuesday to Saturday 10am–6pm, Sunday and Monday noon–6pm. Some shops stay open later on Thursday.
Tourist Information:	The Hague Info Store Koningin Julianalaan 10, The Hague Open Mon–Fri 10am–6pm, Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 10am–3pm www.denhaag.com vvvwinkel@thehague.com