The Hague is better known for politics and the sea than for wine, yet a good wine bar the hague has to offer can make an evening feel unhurried and special. The city has a quiet, cosmopolitan side, thanks to its international community, and that shows in its bars. Here is how to find a place that suits you. Venues open and close often, so check current opening hours and reviews.
What makes a good wine bar?
A good wine bar has a short, thoughtful list, staff who can talk about it without showing off, and wines poured by the glass so that you can taste a few. Snacks matter too: cheese, charcuterie, olives and warm small plates make wine taste better. Seating should be relaxed, not rushed.
Neighbourhoods to try
Start in the old centre, around the Plein and the Noordeinde area, where cafés and small bars sit between shops and historic buildings. The Denneweg, with its antiques and restaurants, is another good area for a quiet drink. In the evening, the streets near the Grote Markt also have lively spots. Scheveningen, the seaside district, adds seaside terraces for warm days.
What to order
Ask for a recommendation by describing what you like: light and fresh, full and fruity, or something a little unusual. Many bars offer a flight of three small pours so you can compare. Dutch bars often pair wine with local cheese, which suits the country well, and you can read about that in our article about the Dutch cheese market.
Tips for your evening
- Reserve a table on Friday and Saturday
- Ask about food options before you sit down
- Taste with a small bite to keep the evening comfortable
- Check whether card payment is available, as some places are card-only
- Tip modestly: rounding up is common in the Netherlands
Combining with sights
You can build a pleasant evening around the city’s sights. See the Peace Palace in the Hague in the afternoon, wander the old centre and then settle in for a glass. If you are on a limited budget, take a look at our list of free things to do in the Hague for a lighter day before an indulgent evening.
Getting there
The Hague is easy to reach by train from Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Trams run across the city and make evening trips easy. For route details, see our guide on the train from Amsterdam to the Hague.
Drink responsibly
Plan your way home, leave the bike at your hotel if you’ve had several glasses and drink water between pours. Alcohol is for adults only.
Final thoughts
A good wine bar is a place to slow down. Try a couple of wines, share a plate and talk. For more on the city see The Hague on Wikipedia. More guides are on invisionfree.com.
