What Is The Hague? An In-Depth Guide To The Netherlands’ ‘International City Of Peace & Justice’

The Hague is a vibrant city located in the southwest corner of the Netherlands and is one of the most important and influential cities in the country. This bustling port city is home to various international organizations, including the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. This makes The Hague an important hub for international diplomacy and justice, earning it the nickname, “International City of Peace & Justice.”In addition to its importance in the world of international justice and diplomacy, The Hague is also a popular tourist destination. This city is bustling with culture, history, and nightlife, which helps it to be the second-largest city in the Netherlands after Amsterdam. With its many attractions, The Hague is a unique and exciting city that’s worth exploring for anyone looking for a change of pace.In this guide, we’ll explore what makes The Hague so special. We’ll learn about the city’s history and culture, as well as what to do and where to go. By the end, you’ll understand why The Hague has rightfully earned its title as
 “International City of Peace & Justice.”

History of The Hague

The history of The Hague is long and rich. This city was first established in 1248 when Count Willem II of Holland ordered a castle to be built in the area that would later become known as The Hague. The castle was given the name Binnenhof and stood for centuries as a symbol of power and security for the city.The city continued to grow and eventually became the de facto seat of government for the Netherlands. From 1806 to 1810, The Hague served as the official capital of the Kingdom of Holland. After Napoleon’s defeat, the city was restored to its former status as a commercial and political centre for the country.Today, The Hague remains an important political and bureaucratic centre for the Dutch government. But it has also become an important hub for international justice and diplomacy. In 1919, it became the home of the Permanent Court of International Justice, which is now the International Court of Justice. Additionally, The Hague is also home to multiple international criminal courts such as the International Criminal Court, the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, and others.

What to Do in The Hague

The Hague is a vibrant city with plenty to do and see. Whether you’re looking to explore local history or just enjoy a night on the town, you’ll find plenty of activities and attractions to keep you occupied during your stay. Here are some of the best things to do while visiting The Hague.

Museums & Galleries

The Hague is home to a variety of fantastic museums and galleries worth exploring. From art galleries to history museums, there’s something for everyone. Some of the most popular museums in The Hague include:

• The Museum Meermanno-Westreenianum – This museum houses an impressive collection of books, manuscripts, and even furniture from centuries ago. It’s one of the city’s oldest museums and offers a fascinating look at how people lived long ago.
• Mauritshuis – This art museum houses one of the world’s most extensive collections of Dutch Golden Age paintings by artists such as Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Jan Steen. Your time here will be well spent exploring these masterpieces!
• Escher in Het Paleis – This museum is devoted to the work of Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher who gained international fame in the 1950s with his mathematically inspired artworks.
• Take out a boat on one of The Hague’s beautiful canals – Cruise around the city on a tour boat or rent your own boat – either way you’ll get some wonderful views of The Hague’s picturesque scenery.

Shopping & Nightlife

The Hague offers plenty of options for shopping or spending an evening out on the town. Spend a day window-shopping on one of the city’s many shopping streets such as Denneweg or Frederik Hendriklaan. Then, head over to Den Haag Centraal for some lively nightlife scenes or venture out to Scheveningen for some beach bars and clubs.

Other Attractions

There are plenty more attractions worth visiting in The Hague including:

• Madurodam – This miniature park features more than 200 models of famous Dutch landmarks such as Schiphol Airport and Palacio Noordeinde.
• Madame Tussauds – Take photos with life-sized wax figures of historical and contemporary figures from all around the world!
• Den Haag Centraal – Explore this historic train station and marvel at its modern architecture.
• Binnenhof – Tour this castle-like complex that served as a royal palace in centuries past and now houses government offices.
• Scheveningen Beach – Relax on this 2-mile long beach during the summer months.

Why Visit The Hague?

The city of The Hague offers plenty to see and do for visitors from all around the world. With its vibrant culture, rich history, bustling nightlife, and assortment of attractions, this city has something to offer every kind of traveler. In addition to all this, however, one cannot ignore its importance in international justice and diplomacy. As “International City of Peace & Justice,” The Hague plays an important role in establishing justice in countries all around the world and is an important hub for international legal proceedings. If you’re looking for an exciting getaway where you can learn more about international law while enjoying everything else that this beautiful city has to offer, then The Hague is an ideal destination for you!