What To Do In The Hague?

The Hague is the seat of government of the Netherlands and is one of the three major cities in The Netherlands, along with Amsterdam and Rotterdam. It has a vibrant city center, plenty of museums and cultural attractions, some beautiful parks and green spaces, and a lively nightlife scene. With so much to do, you may be wondering: what should I do in The Hague? Whether you’re visiting The Hague for a day or a week, this guide will help you find what to do in The Hague.

Museums & Culture

The Hague is home to several important museums and cultural institutions, including the Mauritshuis, world-renowned for its Dutch Golden Age art; the Escher in Het Paleis, with its impressive collection of works by M.C. Escher; and the Panorama Mesdag, a 19th century panoramic painting. The Hague also has its own zoo and botanical gardens, a great way to get out into nature during your visit. Plus, there are plenty of tourist-friendly attractions around the city including Madurodam, an interactive miniature city, and Omniversum, the world’s second-oldest planetarium.

Parks & Nature

For lovers of nature, The Hague offers plenty of options. Closest to the city center is Het Hinkelspel Park, a great spot for a walk or a bike ride. East of the city is the enormous Kijkduin Beach and National Park (http://www.deguikduinentuin.nl/en/national-park-de-guikduinentuin) – perfect for days spent relaxing by the sea. And no visit to The Hague would be complete without a walk in one of the city’s majestic royal parks, like Het Paleis Het Loo and the Julianapark.

Culinary Experiences

The Hague is known for its diverse culinary scene, with celebrated restaurants like Librije’s Zusje (https://www.librijeszusje.nl), where chef Jonnie Boer prepares creative 5-course menus that mingle classical preparations with more contemporary techniques; Restaurant Pasta e Basta (https://www.pastaebastathehague.com/) , a cozy trattoria specializing in homemade pastas; and &Samhoud Places (https://en.samhoudplaces.nl/ ), an ambitious restaurant by top Dutch chef Moshik Roth that offers visitors innovative dishes influenced by Asian and Middle Eastern cooking techniques. There are also plenty of other great places to eat in The Hague, from gourmet burger joints to Indonesian rijsttafels–you’ll be spoiled for choice!

Nightlife & Entertainment

At night, The Hague transforms into a vibrant party destination with a lively array of bars, clubs and restaurants. For drinks, head to The George Boateng (https://thegeorgeboateng.nl/), located in an old cheese and butter factory alongside the canals, or Prince Cocktail Bar (http://princecocktailbar.nl/) if you’re looking for something a little more upmarket. For dancing and DJs, visit Club Neushoorn (https://neushoorn.nl/) or Simplon (https://www.simplon.nl/), while Jazz Café Alto (https://www.jazzcafe-alto.nl/) is perfect for live jazz music. And no visit to The Hague would be complete without a stop at Soho (https://www.soho-denhaag.nl/), a large music hall known for its eclectic lineup of bands, DJs and comedians.

No matter what type of culture or entertainment you’re searching for, you’re sure to find something that suits your tastes in The Hague. With its many museums, parks and gardens, culinary experiences, and nightlife offerings, there’s always something happening in The Hague–so grab your friends, grab some Dutch food or a cold glass of beer, and get ready to explore!

An Insider’s Guide to The Hague

The Hague, located on the western coast of the Netherlands, is known for being the political and cultural center of the country. It is a city that is often overlooked by tourists, but it is definitely worth a visit. The Hague has a lot to offer, from beautiful beaches to historical landmarks, museums, and culinary delights.

Top Attractions

The city is home to many top attractions that cater to travelers of all interests. If you are looking for an immersive cultural experience, head to the Mauritshuis Museum, which is home to famous Dutch paintings, including Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring.” You can also explore the Peace Palace, which is a majestic building built in the early 1900s that houses the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

If you are looking for something to do outdoors, Scheveningen Beach is a well-known destination in The Hague. You can enjoy the sun and the sea breeze, rent a cabana, and indulge in some beachside bars and restaurants. On the way to the beach, you can also visit the miniature city, Madurodam, which showcases the Netherlands’ history, landmarks, and cultural highlights in miniature form.

The Hague’s Culinary Scene

The dining scene in The Hague is diverse and exciting. If you’re looking for a quintessential Dutch experience, head to De Haagsche Hopjes, which serves up traditional Dutch meals in a cozy, laid-back setting. For seafood enthusiasts, catch-of-the-day at De Dagvisser is a must-try. The restaurant serves up fresh seafood prepared in different ways, and the staff is welcoming and friendly.

Lovers of sweets need to visit Lanskroon Bakery, which has been in operation since 1962. The bakery is known for its famous Dutch stroopwafel, a delicious waffle cookie filled with caramel. If you’re looking for a trendy spot, Pistache Café serves up organic dishes inspired by Mediterranean flavors.

Local History and Culture

The Hague has a rich history that is evident in the city’s stunning architecture. The Binnenhof, or Inner Court, is a complex of buildings that is the primary seat of the Dutch government. You can take a guided tour of the Binnenhof, which includes a peek inside the Ridderzaal, a medieval-style hall that is used for royal events and important state ceremonies.

The city is also known for its connection to the famous Dutch painter, Vincent van Gogh. Van Gogh lived in The Hague for a short period when he was trying to establish himself as an artist. The Van Gogh Walk is a self-guided walking tour that takes you through some of his favorite spots in the city and showcases the places that inspired him.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you want to experience something different from the typical tourist attractions in The Hague, there are a few options. One such experience is visiting the historic tram depot at de Haagse Tram Museum. The museum houses vintage trams, and you can take a ride in them around the city.

Another unique experience is visiting the city’s only vineyard, Les Clos Perdus. Located in the city center, this urban vineyard offers tours and wine tasting sessions. If you’re looking for a more active way to see the city, rent a bike and explore the city’s green spaces, including the Westbroekpark, a beautiful park with blooming flowers and a serene pond.

In conclusion, The Hague is a city that is often overlooked by travelers, but it has a lot to offer. Whether you’re interested in history, art, food, or the outdoors, The Hague caters to all interests. With its relaxed vibe, beautiful architecture, and stunning beaches, The Hague is definitely worth a visit.