Explore The Hague

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The Hague is a city on the North Sea coast of the western Netherlands. Its Gothic-style Binnenhof (or Inner Court) complex is the seat of the Dutch parliament, and 16th-century Noordeinde Palace is the king’s workplace. The city is also home to the U.N.’s International Court of Justice, headquartered in the Peace Palace, and the International Criminal Court. ― Google

🗓️ Best Time to Visit The Hague

  • April to September:

    • Best weather for sightseeing, beach walks, and outdoor cafés

    • Tulip season (April–May) is a great time to explore nearby Keukenhof or flower fields

  • October to March:

    • Quieter and cooler, but still ideal for museum visits and cultural experiences

    • Winter is festive with Christmas markets and cozy indoor attractions

✈️ How to Get to The Hague

✈️ By Air

  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) — ~30–40 minutes by train

  • Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) — ~25 minutes by car or public transport

🚆 By Train

  • Well connected to Amsterdam (50 min), Rotterdam (20 min), and Utrecht

  • Main station: Den Haag Centraal; also accessible via Hollands Spoor

🚗 By Car

  • Easy highway access (A4, A12, A13), though city traffic can be busy

  • Ample paid parking and Park+Ride options

📍 Top Attractions in The Hague

🏛️ Binnenhof

  • 13th-century Gothic complex housing Dutch Parliament

  • One of the oldest parliamentary buildings still in use

  • Includes the Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights)

⚖️ Peace Palace (Vredespaleis)

  • Home to the International Court of Justice

  • Icon of global peace and diplomacy — visitor center and guided tours available

🖼️ Mauritshuis Museum

  • World-class art museum featuring Vermeer’s "Girl with a Pearl Earring" and works by Rembrandt

🏖️ Scheveningen Beach

  • A lively North Sea seaside resort with wide beaches, restaurants, and a pier with a Ferris wheel

  • Surfing, kiteboarding, or just a chill seaside walk

🌳 Madurodam

  • A charming miniature version of the Netherlands — fun and informative for all ages

🖼️ Escher in Het Paleis

  • Fascinating museum of optical illusions and prints by M.C. Escher, set in a royal palace

🎯 Activities To Do

  • Take a guided walking tour of The Hague’s historic center and embassies

  • Cycle to Scheveningen or Clingendael Park for a scenic ride

  • Explore Noordeinde Palace, one of the Dutch Royal Family's residences

  • Attend an international court hearing (many are open to the public at the Peace Palace)

  • Visit the Panorama Mesdag — a 360° seascape painting from the 19th century

🏨 Accommodation

Luxury

  • Hotel Des Indes – historic 5-star hotel with royal charm

  • Hilton The Hague – near museums and shopping district

Mid-Range

  • The Collector Hotel – modern, quirky, and centrally located

  • Staybridge Suites The Hague - Parliament – great for longer stays and comfort

Budget

  • The Student Hotel (TSH) The Hague – youthful and affordable with great design

  • easyHotel The Hague City Centre – clean, basic, and centrally located

🍽️ Food & Restaurant Recommendations

Dutch & International Cuisine

  • The Hague offers a refined mix of Dutch, Indonesian, and international cuisine

  • Strong Indonesian culinary presence due to colonial history

Top Picks

  • Restaurant Garoeda – classic Indonesian rijsttafel

  • Calla’s – Michelin-starred fine dining

  • De Eetkamer van Scheveningen – cozy spot near the beach

  • Foodhallen Den Haag – trendy indoor food market with global dishes

  • Walter Benedict – stylish brasserie perfect for brunch or dinner

🧿 Local Culture

  • The Hague is the seat of Dutch government and monarchy but not the capital (that’s Amsterdam)

  • Internationally known for peace and justice, hosting the U.N., ICC, and many embassies

  • The city combines formal elegance with beach town charm

  • Locals are cultured, polite, and often multilingual

  • You'll notice a laid-back vibe, particularly in cafés, parks, and seaside bars