When people talk about the Den Haag markt, they almost always mean the Haagse Markt, the large open-air market held on and around the Herman Costerstraat in the Transvaal district. It is often described as one of the biggest and busiest street markets in Europe, and it reflects the multicultural character of The Hague: stalls selling vegetables, fabrics, spices, snacks, clothes and household goods from all over the world. It is less polished than the tourist centre, and that is exactly what makes it interesting. Here is a practical guide.
What the Haagse Markt is
The market spreads along a long street and surrounding paths, with hundreds of stalls. Unlike boutique food markets, this one is aimed at everyday shoppers, so prices are modest and the atmosphere is lively. The mix of Dutch, Turkish, Moroccan, Surinamese, Indonesian, Chinese and other traders gives it a cosmopolitan feel. You can buy a bag of tomatoes, a length of silk and a phone case within a few metres.
Reports of the market’s size vary, so it is safer to say it is among the largest in the Netherlands and treat claims of the biggest in Europe with caution. In any case, it is much larger than a typical neighbourhood market.
What to buy
Fresh food
The fruit and vegetable stalls are the core of the market, selling good-value produce in generous quantities. Look for herbs, olives, dates, nuts, spices and fresh bread. There are also stalls selling fish, cheese, meat and halal products. Vendors often call out prices in bundles, such as a bowl of fruit for a set amount.
Textiles and household goods
Fabrics, curtains, clothes, shoes, and kitchen items are sold in bulk. Haggling is not a core Dutch habit, but friendly negotiation on larger purchases may work. Quality varies, so check items before you buy.
Street snacks
Snacks come from many cuisines. Look for Turkish pide and gözleme, Surinamese roti and bakabana, Indonesian-inspired snacks, and classic Dutch treats such as stroopwafels and fresh herring. Eating as you browse is part of the fun. A traditional Haagse hopje, a coffee-flavoured sweet, is a good small gift from the city.
When to go
The Den Haag markt runs on several days a week, and not every day has the same number of stalls. Opening days and hours can change, so check the municipal website before you travel. Mornings are best if you want a full range of stalls and fresher produce. Weekends and Saturdays can be busy, and closer to closing time some traders offer reduced prices.
How to get there
The market is a short journey from the city centre. Trams and buses run to the Transvaal area, and Den Haag Hollands Spoor station is the closest main railway station, within walking distance or a short tram ride. From Den Haag Centraal, it is also easily reachable by public transport. Use a journey planner for the current route. If you drive, parking in the area can be limited, so public transport is easier.
Other markets in The Hague
- Lange Voorhout antiques and books market: held on a historic tree-lined avenue in the warmer months, normally on set days in summer, with antiques, art and books. Check dates before you visit.
- Grote Markt and city-centre markets: smaller food markets appear on set days around the centre.
- Scheveningen harbour: not a market in the strict sense, but good for fresh fish from the fishing boats, which you can eat in simple restaurants and kiosks.
Tips for visiting
- Carry small bills and coins, because some stalls do not accept cards.
- Keep valuables in a front pocket or a closed bag, as in any busy crowd.
- Bring a sturdy shopping bag; plastic bags are limited.
- Ask before taking photos of people or stalls.
- Wear comfortable shoes, because you will be on your feet and the ground can be wet.
Combine it with a day in The Hague
The market suits a morning visit, leaving the afternoon for the city’s major sights. The Mauritshuis, home to Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, sits close to the Binnenhof, the political centre. The Peace Palace and the Gemeentemuseum with its Mondrian collection are also worth considering. Finish at Scheveningen beach for sea air.
Prices, opening days and stall numbers change, so check with the municipality or the city’s official visitor site, Den Haag Marketing, before heading out. The Den Haag markt gives you a very different picture of the city from the royal and diplomatic side, and it is a rewarding stop for travellers who like to see how a place actually shops and eats.
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Image credit: Fred Romero from Paris, France via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0).
