Most visitors tick off the Binnenhof and the beach, but the list of unusual things to do in The Hague is much longer. The city is the seat of Dutch government and home to international courts, yet it also hides quirky museums, a Victorian-era painting in the round, a miniature Netherlands and forest walks that start a few minutes from the centre. Here are ideas for travellers who want something different.
Unusual things to do in The Hague, starting with Panorama Mesdag
This is one of the oddest experiences in the city. Panorama Mesdag is a huge circular painting of the Scheveningen shoreline from the nineteenth century, displayed in a dedicated building. You climb up to a viewing platform in the middle and the artwork surrounds you, with sand dunes placed in the foreground so the join between real and painted is hard to spot. Check the official site for current opening times and tickets.
Visit Escher in Het Paleis
The Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher is known for impossible staircases and tessellations. A museum in a former royal palace on Lange Voorhout dedicates its floors to his work, with playful optical installations that suit families and adults alike. It is a good rainy-day plan.
See the Netherlands in miniature
Madurodam is a park of scale models of Dutch landmarks and landscapes. It sounds touristy, but the level of detail is part of the fun, and it is a nice way to see how canals, windmills and ports fit together before you travel on. Look at the official site for details before you go.
Walk the Peace Palace grounds from outside
The Peace Palace is the seat of the International Court of Justice. Interior access is limited and usually organised via the visitor centre, so check ahead. Even from the gates, the neo-Gothic and Renaissance-style building makes a striking photograph, and it explains why The Hague calls itself the international city of peace and justice.
Sculpture by the sea
Museum Beelden aan Zee in Scheveningen is built along the dunes and focuses on sculpture, with a mix of indoor galleries and outdoor art facing the North Sea. After you visit, walk the promenade and the pier. On a windy day, the whole stretch feels wonderfully wild.
Take a break in the Haagse Bos
Pack a light lunch and treat the forest as a pause between museums.
The Haagse Bos is an old forest right next to the city centre. Wander the paths, spot the herons and enjoy a quiet hour. Further along, the Clingendael estate has a Japanese garden that opens only during limited periods each year, so verify the dates before planning a visit.
Other offbeat stops
- Museum of Communication: A small museum about phones, post and media, often fun for kids.
- Hofvijver views: The pond beside the Binnenhof makes a photogenic spot at dusk.
- Chinatown on Wagenstraat: A short stroll from the centre for noodles and dim sum.
- Indonesian food: The Hague has a long connection with Indonesian cuisine. Look for a rijsttafel spread.
Getting around
Most of the sights above sit within a short tram ride of each other, so you rarely need more than a few stops between them, and walking between the centre and the museum quarter is pleasant in dry weather.
The city is compact, with trams and buses connecting the centre, Scheveningen and the museum quarter. Trains stop at Den Haag Centraal and Den Haag HS. Cycling is easy on the flat terrain, though keep an eye on tram tracks. A day ticket or contactless payment keeps things simple, and you can check the current options on the local transport operator’s website.
A sample one-day plan
- Morning: Panorama Mesdag, then a walk through the old centre.
- Lunch: Indonesian food near the centre.
- Afternoon: Escher in Het Paleis or Madurodam.
- Evening: Sunset on the Scheveningen pier and a fish snack from a kiosk.
FAQ
Is The Hague worth a visit beyond the political sights?
Yes. The mix of sea, parks and art makes it a rewarding alternative to Amsterdam.
How far is it from Amsterdam?
Direct trains usually take around fifty minutes, depending on the service.
For more ideas, see our Netherlands travel notes. If you want background on the city, the Wikipedia article on The Hague is a useful start. These unusual things to do in The Hague show a side of the city that most day-trippers skip.
