Discover The Hague
The Hague is a city of many faces. It’s where government buildings stand next to museums, historic squares merge into wide avenues, and where you can find the long sandy beach just a few kilometres from the city centre. The city is often called the green city by the sea – and for good reason. This episode of Orange Horizons explores The Hague: the political heart of the Netherlands and centre of international justice, which is also a relaxed coastal city where culture, nature and an urban buzz come together.
- Visit the political heart of the Netherlands.
- Enjoy museums, palaces and green parks.
- Combine city, beach and culture in one fabulous day.
🎧Listen to the episode about the Hague: the green city by the sea.
Officially known in Dutch as ’s-Gravenhage, The Hague is one of the largest cities in the Netherlands and plays a unique role in the country. Although Amsterdam is the capital city, the Dutch government has been based in The Hague for centuries. The historic Binnenhof, located along the Hofvijver (a small lake), has served as the country’s political centre since the Middle Ages.
The Binnenhof is also home to the Dutch Prime Minister’s office, known as the Torentje (little tower). The government offices are currently undergoing extensive renovation, but the Binnenhof is still one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.
Just a short distance away you will find another iconic building: the Peace Palace. This impressive complex is home to the United Nations International Court of Justice and other legal institutions. It’s the reason why The Hague is known around the world as the international city of peace and justice.
But The Hague has more to offer than politics and diplomacy. The city also has a rich cultural offering. Visit the Mauritshuis museum to see world-famous paintings such as the Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer, one of the iconic Dutch Masters. And not far from the Mauritshuis you will find the Kunstmuseum Den Haag, with its extensive collection of modern and contemporary art.
Shopping enthusiasts will also find plenty to do here. The Hague has one of the largest shopping areas in the Netherlands, with well-known shopping streets and smaller side streets brimming with charming boutiques and galleries.
The abundance of greenery in and around the city also adds to The Hague’s exceptional character. The Malieveld is a large, open field near the city centre and is well-known for hosting festivals and other events. And within walking distance you will find the Haagse Bos, one of the oldest forests in the Netherlands.
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Noordeinde Palace, located on the edge of the city centre. This is the working palace of King Willem-Alexander and visitors can enjoy a quiet stroll in the beautiful Palace Garden behind the palace.
Those venturing a little further west will reach Scheveningen. This famous Dutch coastal town offers a long boulevard, the historic Kurhaus beachfront hotel, and the iconic pier extending out over the North Sea. The beach is quite lively in the summer, but it’s also a popular spot for long coastal walks during autumn and winter.
Just behind the dunes you will find the Hollandse Duinen National Park, a vast nature reserve with walking and cycling paths winding through the beautiful coastal landscape.
The Hague can perhaps best be described as a city that perfectly merges different worlds: politics and culture, city and nature, history and modern life.
Want to know more about how The Hague developed this special, unique blend and the best ways to explore the city? Listen to the episode using the player above or via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Podimo and Pocket Casts.
