The Hague: sights, beaches, museums, the Binnenhof and more!

Like a local

Walking around the royal city

Scheveningen and The Hague seen from the sea

The Hague is the 3rd largest city in the Netherlands. Located along the coast, the city is particularly popular with beachgoers who enjoy the sun, sand, sea and the associated amenities. But don’t think of The Hague as just a summer beach destination. With its many cultural sites, popular cafés and restaurants as well as lively festivals, the city is worth a visit any time of year. Not to mention the fact that it’s the seat of the Dutch government and home to the Royal Family, so there are plenty of historical monuments, chic hotels and even a couple of palaces!

The beautiful, centuries-old Binnenhof is a complex of buildings that serves as the seat of the Dutch government. With parts of it dating to the 13th century, it’s one of the oldest parliament buildings still in use anywhere in the world. When walking along the Hofvijver pond, you should check to see if the lights are on in the Torentje, the little octagonal tower that is the office of our Prime Minister. If it seems a bit quiet there, it’s probably because the Binnenhof is currently undergoing an extensive renovation. Walk a few more minutes and you will find The Hague’s most photographed building: the Peace Palace. This is the home of the International Court of Justice, the only judicial body of the United Nations that is located outside of New York.

The Mauritspoort, the entrance to the Binnenhof

Home to the Royal Family for four centuries, you might just run into our King during your visit to ’s-Gravenhage, the city’s formal name. It’s also been the place of work of our Royal Family, including our current monarch King Willem-Alexander. The head of state has an office in the majestic Noordeinde Palace, which is surrounded by trendy boutiques and galleries.

Take a look at The Hague on Google Maps and you’ll immediately notice its long coastline. It consists of different beach sections, each with its own ambiance and character. The quirky Zwarte Pad for example is the perfect spot to chill and party, while the vibrant Noordboulevard has the Pier and the Kurhaus Hotel and a myriad of beach bars, restaurants and other attractions.

The Hague has a great buzz thanks to its many high-quality restaurants, cafés and clubs, starting with a drink at the centrally located main square, ‘t Plein. The city is also packed with cultural attractions. Art lovers can enjoy days out visiting iconic museums beloved by locals and international visitors alike, such as the Mauritshuis and the aptly named Kunstmuseum (‘Art Museum’). Anyone interested in doing a bit of shopping is also in for a treat. After Rotterdam and Amsterdam, this royal city by the sea has the largest amount of retail space in the Netherlands. Spend some time exploring the charming side streets and shopping at unique boutiques.

The many flavours of The Hague

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De Haagsche Bluf: Foodhallen The Hague

The Foodhallen The Hague, located in the exclusive Haagsche Bluf shopping mall, is a food hall and proper local experience featuring 12 food stands and two bars.

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7 delightful child-friendly restaurants in The Hague

Boasting beaches, a wide variety of tourist attractions and great shops, The Hague attracts visitors young and old. These restaurants are great places to enjoy a delicious meal with the whole family.

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Chinatown

You don’t need to go to Manhattan or San Francisco to explore a fantastic Chinatown. With various Chinese supermarkets and restaurants, The Hague has its own Chinatown with everything you’d expect from a culturally vibrant neighbourhood.

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Nona

Sicily in The Hague but with a modern twist. It sounds extraordinary, but Julia Nona, daughter of a Sicilian family, serves Fine Sicilian food at Mauritskade number 67.

Read more on nonathehague.nl
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Bar & Restaurant Milú

A cocktail bar and a (partly) vegan restaurant combined. This is a lovely location where locals enjoy spending the evening catching up with old friends. Who needs chicken when their buffalo cauliflower wings are so good.

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Sustainable

Green city by the sea

The Hague is a green city by the sea. Visit this lovely city and be surprised by the number of green spaces and parks. Take the Malieveld for example. This huge grass field in the centre of The Hague is a household name in our country, partly because of the numerous events, festivals and demonstrations held here. Its main claim to fame is the Liberation Festival, which attracts around 65,000 people every year in celebration of the country’s liberation after World War II.

During your visit, you might really appreciate the peace and quiet of one of the other fantastic parks and sizeable forests. Some of these, such as the Haagse Bos or the Palace Garden, are right in the city centre. Between the city and the beach you can go for a stroll in the Scheveningen Woods. Or why not spend some time in the huge Zuiderpark on the south-east side of the city. Wherever you are, you’re sure to be close to some green nature. Other beautiful parks include Clingendael and Park Sorghvliet.

Head to the sea and you can visit not only the great beaches, but also the amazing dunes. These acres of dune areas and parks make up National Park Hollandse Duinen, a 43-kilometre-long continuous coastal landscape in the province of South Holland that includes Meijendel and the Westduin Park.

Go for a walk or hop on a bike

There is no better way to enjoy nature in The Hague than on foot or by bike. Various cycling routes and hiking routes have been designed specifically for this purpose so that you can get the most out of these marvellous parks, forests, dunes and beaches. Want another top tip? Your visit to The Hague should include at least one tram ride. It is a convenient mode of transport and a truly a unique experience.

Cyclists on the boulevard of Scheveningen

Green tips for the royal capital

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Ethica

Ethica is ideally situated along the charming De Gracht canal in The Hague. Enjoy vegetables from our own garden and game from the Netherlands. Ethica won the Gaia Green Award 2023 and can call itself one of the most eco-friendly restaurants in the Netherlands!

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Clingendael

Clingendael is considered one of the most beautiful estates in the Netherlands, not in the least because of its extraordinary Japanese garden. Definitely worth a visit.

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The best vegan restaurants in The Hague

The green city by the sea has plenty of fantastic vegan restaurants. Here is a selection.

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Museon

The Museon is striving to become a climate-neutral building. The interactive museum not only has The Hague's largest solar panel, it’s also home to the largest green roof in the city. Which perfectly aligns with the Museon's mission and programming.

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Meijendel

Meijendel is the largest interconnected dune area in the province of South Holland. The beautiful nature reserve stretches between Scheveningen, The Hague and Wassenaar. It’s a splendid place for a brisk walk or bicycle ride.

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Westduinpark

People who love uncommon animals will enjoy visiting the Westduinpark nature reserve to spot the magnificent Scottish Highland cattle. It’s also a particularly wonderful place for a nice walk.

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Hidden gems

Off the beaten track

The Hague Zuiderstrand people walking on the beach and along the sea

Locals have an appropriate nickname for the Zuiderstrand: ‘the quiet beach’. Located right behind the dunes, it features a number of authentic beach pavilions with unobstructed views of a beautiful sunset. The pavilions here are renowned for their friendly staff, delicious meals and casual vibe.

Pavilions such as Zuid, De Staat, De Kwartel and Millersbeach frequently organise cultural activities such as concerts, theatre performances and beach parties. There’s also De Fuut, the home base of Theo Jansen, an artist and scientist who often works on his spectacular Strandbeesten here.

Here’s a somewhat unusual suggestion. We recommend you visit this beach when the weather is not that nice. The beaches of The Hague have a wonderful, moody vibe during the windy autumn and winter. Zip up your windbreaker and hike a few kilometres. It will give you a good excuse to enjoy a well-deserved hot chocolate with whipped cream!

Hidden gems: for something different

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Stadsboerderij Pluk

Want a break from the hustle and bustle. Why not enjoy some peaceful fun on a farm? Hidden amongst the greenery of Madestein recreation area is Stadsboerderij Pluk! Stroll in the botanical garden and visit the small, charming petting zoo.

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Amare

Amare is a major new cultural centre that is home to a high-quality programme of dance, music, theatre and community art of international standard. It’s sustainably built and all the food and drinks are organic, fair trade and mostly vegetarian.

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Spot street art

Street art is ubiquitous in The Hague. The beautiful (legal) creations give the city an attractive, raw edge. To promote this colourful form of public outdoor art, there is even a proper platform for professional street art and graffiti artists: The Hague Street Art.

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Hidden terrace gardens

The Plein and the Grote Markt are familiar territory for those who love to spend time relaxing on a terrace. But The Hague has plenty of other less well-known places where you can sit on a terrace with a refreshing drink and some snacks. Here is a nice, neatly arranged list.

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The Hague Market

The Hague Market is Europe's largest covered market but it’s relatively unknown amongst holidaymakers and visitors to The Hague. It deserves to be better known because it’s a real meeting place of many cultures.

Read more on dehaagsemarkt.nl
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Visit a food festival

Enjoy a pint? Check. Fancy some gin? Check. Love festival food? CHECK! The Hague is known for its many food and beverage events. This list is sure to tickle your fancy.

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