The Hague has a reputation as a serious city of courts and embassies, but it is also a place where you can fill a day without spending anything. This list of free things to do in the hague shows how to enjoy the beach, parks and architecture on a tight budget. Opening times and rules can change, so check the latest information.
Walk the Binnenhof area
The Binnenhof, the historic complex that has long housed the Dutch parliament, sits at the heart of the city next to a pond called the Hofvijver. You can walk around the outside, take photos of the buildings and the water and enjoy the atmosphere for free. Some parts may be under renovation, so views may vary.
Spend time at the beach
Scheveningen is the city’s seaside district, with a wide sandy beach, a pier and a promenade. Access to the beach is free, and in good weather it is busy with locals. A walk along the water in any season is refreshing. You can also continue north to Kijkduin for dunes and quieter sand.
Parks and forests
The Haagse Bos, a large forest within the city, has tree-lined paths ideal for a stroll. Clingendael Park has a Japanese garden that opens for a short season each year, and the grounds are lovely to walk through. Westbroekpark is known for its rose garden in summer.
See the Peace Palace from outside
You can walk to the fence and see the famous building that houses international courts. Our guide to the Peace Palace in the Hague gives background and tells you what to expect from the visitor centre.
Free culture and markets
- Wander the Grote Markt and the pedestrian streets
- Browse the antique shops and cafés on the Denneweg
- Visit the weekly markets, such as the large one on Thursdays and Saturdays near the Markt, check current days
- Look at street art and quirky murals around the city
- Enter churches and some public buildings with no fee
Cheap eats
A herring sandwich from a stall is a classic cheap snack. Markets sell fresh fruit, bread and cheese, and Dutch fries are filling. If you want to try something more indulgent later, take a look at our post on a wine bar in the Hague.
Getting around for less
The city centre is walkable, and bicycles can be rented cheaply. Public transport uses an OV-chipkaart or contactless payment; check what is accepted. For the trip from Amsterdam, see the train from Amsterdam to the Hague.
Make a free day plan
Start with the Binnenhof in the morning, lunch at a market, afternoon in a park and finish at the beach for sunset. This is a satisfying day without spending a euro on admission.
Closing
With good shoes and a bit of curiosity, the Hague is easy on the wallet. Find more information on The Hague at Wikipedia. More city guides at invisionfree.com.
