A city with several faces
The Hague (Den Haag) is where the Dutch government sits, where international courts do their work, and where you can also walk to the beach. Visitors often skip it for Amsterdam, which makes it calmer and, for many, more interesting. This guide to things to do in The Hague groups the city by area so you can plan a day or a weekend.
The historic centre
Binnenhof
The Binnenhof is the heart of Dutch politics and has been for centuries. The complex has been under renovation for several years, so access varies. Check the official visitor information before you go, and even from outside the buildings and the Hofvijver pond make a classic photo.
Mauritshuis
This small museum sits next to the pond and holds well-known Dutch Golden Age paintings, including Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring and Rembrandt’s The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp. It is compact enough to see in a couple of hours.
Noordeinde Palace and the Lange Voorhout
Walk through the old streets to the palace, then along the Lange Voorhout, a tree-lined avenue with grand houses and museums.
Museums and culture
- Escher in Het Paleis: a museum dedicated to the graphic artist M.C. Escher, housed in a former royal palace.
- Kunstmuseum Den Haag: modern art, design and fashion, including a large Mondrian collection.
- Panorama Mesdag: a huge 19th-century circular painting of Scheveningen.
- Peace Palace: home of the International Court of Justice. You can see it from outside and visit the visitor centre.
Scheveningen
A tram ride from the centre takes you to Scheveningen, the city’s beach resort. The long promenade, the pier and the wide sandy beach make it a popular summer destination, and in winter a brisk walk by the North Sea feels very Dutch. Seafood stalls and beach clubs line the shore.
Madurodam
Madurodam is a miniature park showing Dutch landmarks at a small scale. It is mostly outdoors, family friendly and surprisingly detailed. Check the opening hours, because they change by season.
Shopping and food
The city centre has a mix of high street shops, boutique streets and covered arcades. For food, look for Dutch classics:
- Herring with onions, usually served from a stand
- Bitterballen with mustard
- Stroopwafels
- Indonesian rijsttafel, since the city has strong links with Indonesia
The Hague has a long tradition of Indonesian cuisine, and you will find many restaurants serving it. Pick a place with a short menu and busy tables.
Parks and green spaces
The Hague is one of the greener Dutch cities. Haagse Bos, a large wooded park, stretches near the royal residence of Huis ten Bosch. Westbroekpark is known for its rose garden, which looks best in summer.
Day trips from The Hague
Delft, with its blue-and-white pottery and canals, is a short train ride away. Leiden and Rotterdam are also close, and Amsterdam is under an hour by train. All can be reached with the national rail network, whose timetables are on the NS website.
Getting around
Trams and buses cover the city, and the compact centre is walkable. Cycling is easy and bikes can be rented. Public transport uses an OV-chipkaart or contactless bank card payment, so check current rules.
A suggested two-day plan
Day one
1. Morning at the Binnenhof and Mauritshuis.
2. Lunch near the Plein.
3. Afternoon at Escher in Het Paleis.
4. Evening stroll along the Lange Voorhout and dinner in the centre.
Day two
1. Tram to Scheveningen for the beach and promenade.
2. Lunch by the sea.
3. Afternoon at Panorama Mesdag or Madurodam.
4. Sunset on the pier.
When to go
Spring and early summer are pleasant, with tulips nearby and long days. Summer weekends bring crowds to the beach. Winter is quieter, with cosy cafes and fewer queues.
Practical tips
- Buy an all-day public transport ticket or use contactless payment on trams if you plan to ride between the centre and Scheveningen several times.
- Museums often have timed tickets in busy periods, so booking the Mauritshuis ahead can save a wait.
- The weather is changeable. A light rain jacket is more useful than an umbrella on a windy coast.
- Many shops are closed on Sunday mornings, though restaurants and the beach stay open.
- If you only have half a day, combine the Mauritshuis, the Binnenhof exterior and a walk through the centre, then finish with a tram to the sea.
Final thoughts
The things to do in The Hague range from world-class art to a sea breeze on the beach, which makes it a rewarding stop on any Dutch itinerary. Give it at least a full day, check opening times in advance, and leave time to simply wander the centre.
Related reading: Best Things to Do in Brooklyn: A Local-Style Guide.
