General Information
Den Haag, or The Hague, is the political heart of the Netherlands and home to the Dutch government, the Royal Family, and the International Court of Justice. Unlike Amsterdam, it offers a blend of historic grandeur, modern architecture, and seaside charm. Known for its museums, embassies, and cultural institutions, The Hague is also the gateway to the beautiful North Sea beaches of Scheveningen. Whether you’re exploring majestic palaces, world-class art museums, or vibrant café culture, The Hague offers a unique Dutch experience.
Location
Located on the west coast of the Netherlands, The Hague is in South Holland, about 60 km southwest of Amsterdam. It lies between Rotterdam and Leiden, with the Scheveningen Beach just a short tram ride away.
How to Get There
- By Air:
- Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) – 30 minutes by train.
- Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) – 20 minutes by car or train.
- By Train:
- Den Haag Centraal & Den Haag HS are major railway stations with direct connections to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Brussels.
- By Bus:
- FlixBus and Eurolines offer budget-friendly connections from other European cities.
- By Car:
- Easily accessible via highways A4, A12, and A13.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March – May): Tulip season, pleasant temperatures (10°C – 18°C).
- Summer (June – August): Warm weather (20°C – 25°C), perfect for beach trips.
- Autumn (September – November): Cooler (10°C – 18°C), fewer tourists, great for museums.
- Winter (December – February): Cold (0°C – 8°C), cozy cafés, Christmas markets, and museums.
Key Festivals:
- King’s Day (April 27): City-wide celebrations and street parties.
- Flag Day (June): Traditional arrival of the first herring catch in Scheveningen.
- North Sea Jazz Festival (July): One of Europe’s biggest jazz festivals.
- International Fireworks Festival (August): Stunning displays over Scheveningen Beach.
Where to Stay
- Luxury:
- Hotel Des Indes – A historic 5-star hotel with royal elegance.
- Hilton The Hague – A stylish hotel in the city center.
- Mid-range:
- Boutique Hotel Corona – A charming hotel near Binnenhof.
- Staybridge Suites The Hague – Ideal for longer stays with modern comforts.
- Budget:
- The Student Hotel The Hague – A trendy and affordable option.
- EasyHotel The Hague – A simple yet comfortable budget stay.
- Unique:
- Paleis Hotel – A boutique hotel with royal-themed interiors.
- B-aparthotel Kennedy – A stylish aparthotel near museums.
Top Attractions
- Binnenhof & Ridderzaal: The seat of Dutch politics and a must-visit historic landmark.
- Mauritshuis Museum: Home to Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring” and other Dutch masterpieces.
- Peace Palace: The iconic home of the International Court of Justice.
- Scheveningen Beach & Pier: A vibrant seaside destination with shops, restaurants, and a Ferris wheel.
- Madurodam: A miniature park showcasing the Netherlands in small scale.
- Escher in Het Paleis: A museum dedicated to the mind-bending art of M.C. Escher.
- Panorama Mesdag: A 360-degree painting offering a unique historical view of the Scheveningen coast.
- Grote Kerk: A stunning medieval church with impressive stained glass.
- Noordeinde Palace: One of the Dutch Royal Family’s working palaces.
- Haagse Markt: One of Europe’s largest open-air markets, with international foods and goods.
Getting Around
- Public Transport: Trams and buses operated by HTM are efficient and easy to use with an OV-chipkaart.
- Biking: The Hague is very bike-friendly, and rentals are widely available.
- Walking: The city center is compact and best explored on foot.
- Taxis & Ride-sharing: Uber and taxis are available but can be expensive.
- Tram to Scheveningen Beach: Tram 1 or 9 gets you to the beach in 15 minutes.
Local Cuisine
- Haring (Dutch Herring): Fresh, raw herring served with onions and pickles.
- Kibbeling: Fried battered fish, a popular snack at Scheveningen Beach.
- Stamppot: A traditional Dutch dish of mashed potatoes and vegetables.
- Indonesian Rijsttafel: A selection of small Indonesian dishes, reflecting The Hague’s colonial history.
- Dutch Cheese: Sample local cheese at De Haagse Kaasshop.
Best Restaurants & Cafés:
- The Penthouse: A rooftop restaurant with panoramic city views.
- Bøg: A top-rated Nordic-inspired restaurant.
- Restaurant Basaal: A cozy Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant.
- Waterproef: A fine-dining seafood restaurant in the harbor.
- Café de Oude Mol: A hidden gem for craft beer and local atmosphere.
Shopping
- De Passage: The Netherlands’ oldest shopping arcade, full of elegant boutiques.
- Noordeinde: A chic street with designer stores and art galleries.
- Haagsche Bluf: A stylish shopping area with unique architecture.
- Haagse Markt: A massive open-air market with multicultural goods.
- The Sting & Bijenkorf: Popular department stores for fashion and gifts.
Nightlife
Crazy Pianos (Scheveningen): A fun bar with live piano performances by the beach.
Grote Markt: A lively square with bars, restaurants, and live music.
Paard: A famous venue for concerts and club nights.
De Zwarte Ruiter: A cool rock bar with live music.
Bleyenberg Rooftop Bar: A trendy rooftop spot with great cocktails.
