Explore The Hague’s many cultural gems, from museums packed with masterpieces to former royal residences and palaces. Nature lovers will appreciate the city’s spacious parks and long sandy beach.
Officially called ‘s-Gravenhage, this proud Dutch city is more often referred to as Den Haag (The Hague). The capital of the Zuid-Holland province, The Hague is home to the International Court of Justice and the Dutch parliament. Contemporary architecture, boutique shops, exotic restaurants and futuristic nightclubs give the historic city a modern twist.
The Hague’s good network of trams and buses make it easy to get around without a car. Your first port of call should be Madurodam, because this miniature park displays many of the country’s major buildings and inventions.
To get a bird’s-eye view of the city itself, ride the glass panorama elevator of The Hague Tower to the 41st floor. Have a drink in the restaurant at the top of the tower or head to the bars around the city’s central squares Plein and Grote Markt.
Look up at the historic tower where the Dutch prime minister works at central Binnenhof. This palatial complex has a public courtyard and you can tour the buildings with a guide. Stroll past former palaces and mansions along the historic tree-lined avenue called Lange Voorhout.
Don’t miss your chance to see two world-famous Dutch masterpieces: Girl with a Pearl Earring by Vermeer and Victory Boogie Woogie by Mondriaan. The Vermeer is just one of the works by Dutch masters in the historic Mauritshuis. Find the Mondriaan and other famous European contemporary art in the striking Gemeentemuseum.
On a sunny day, follow the locals to the parks or the beach. The rose garden in the spacious Westbroekpark and the Japanese garden of Clingendael Park are exceptional botanical displays. Another great place for a stroll is Scheveningen Beach, where you can watch the sun go down and go partying after dark.
Reach The Hague by flying into Rotterdam The Hague Airport and then catch a train or shuttle bus to the city center. There are also national and international train routes to The Hague.
