The Hague surprises most visitors. Some people even say: “Oh, it’s an actual city”, they believed if was a name for the seat of government. But there are so many things to do in The Hague, I love to tell you all about it.
While Amsterdam gets the spotlight (rightly so) this city offers something very different and special: world-class museums without the crowds (except for the Mauritshuis), excellent restaurants (the city is famous for Indonesian food, thanks to a large Indonesian community here), easy beach access, and the city just feels very international, but at the same time so typically Dutch.
As someone who grew up here (I am from a tiny village called Monster, I know, which is right at the beach near The Hague). I can tell you The Hague is perfect for travelers who want quality experiences without the tourist circus that Amsterdam can feel like.
The city has enough to offer for two full days, and the area combined with Rotterdam and Delft can be a trip on it’s own.
You’ll find the Netherlands’ political heart here (the parliament buildings are very pretty). The Hague is also home to the royal family, international courts, and most embassies.
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Where To Stay In The Hague
My Top Pick: Hotel Des Indes: Historic Luxury
This 5-star palace dates to 1881 and maintains its grandeur. Located on prestigious Lange Voorhout, you’ll walk in footsteps of Theodore Roosevelt and Anna Pavlova. The traditional High Tea experience alone justifies a visit.
Book this Hotel
Other Recommended Hotels:
Hilton The Hague: Embassy quarter location provides security and sophistication. Spacious rooms, excellent Nikkei restaurant, and five-minute walk to Central Station. Popular with business and diplomatic travelers.
Boutique Hotel Corona: A comfortable, well-located hotel: just steps from the historic Passage shopping arcade and the parliament buildings. The hotel has friendly, welcoming and helpful staff.
The Hague Museums Worth Your Time
Mauritshuis: See Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring
This is the museums many tourist know, and the reason they travel to The Hague. This 17th-century home houses one of the world’s finest Dutch Golden Age collection in an intimate setting that feels like wandering through a grand home (which it originally was). You’ll see Vermeer’s famous “Girl with a Pearl Earring” alongside works by Rembrandt, Jan Steen, and Johannes Vermeer.
Practical info: Open Mon 1-6 PM, Tue-Sun 10 AM-6 PM. It’s extremely important to book your tickets in advance (more information and tickets). This museum is small and often sells out. Crowds are managed carefully.
Kunstmuseum Den Haag: The World’s Largest Mondrian Collection
This stunning 1935 Art Deco building contains 300 Mondrian worksāthe world’s largest collection. For me personally, the building of the Kunstmuseum itself is already a destination, it’s truly eye-candy if Art Deco is your thing.
You’ll also find pieces by Monet, Picasso, and contemporary Dutch artists and it has a lovely cafe in the light atrium. The museum is also known for high-profile exhibition, so if you’re lucky you might catch something extra special.
Practical info: Tue-Sun 10 AM-5 PM. You can buy tickets at the door.
Escher Museum: Mind-Bending Art in a Former Royal Palace
M.C. Escher’s impossible staircases and mathematical art fill Queen Emma’s former Winter Palace. The royal setting adds something extra to Escher’s playful optical illusions. Interactive exhibits let you experience his techniques firsthand.
If you like to be surprised, and like to wonder how things are even possible. Then this is a great museum to visit. The Museum is also very close to the Mauritshuis, making it a great combo.
ā¤·PS: here is a link for a discounted combo ticket for Escher and the Mauritshuis.
Practical info: Tue-Sun 11 AM-5 PM. No advance booking needed. Tickets valid for one year from purchase.
Panorama Mesdag: Step Into 1881
This is my favorite hidden find museum in The Hague. My travel planning clients always get very excited when we talk about this museum, because you otherwise don’t really hear about. Mauritshuis and Escher usually take the spotlight.
The Panorama Mesdag museum is home to Europe’s largest circular painting which wraps around you in a 360-degree experience. Standing in the center, you’ll feel transported to 1881 Scheveningen fishing village. It’s the world’s oldest surviving 19th-century panoramaāgenuinely unique. You truly feel you’re at the beach, but you’re not.
Super interesting hour to spend. Practical info: Tue-Sun 10 AM-5 PM. | More information and tickets
Other Things To Do In The Hague
Madurodam: The Netherlands in Miniature
This miniature park features 338 Dutch landmarks built to exact 1:25 scale. Interactive elements bring tiny cities to lifeāplanes taxi at miniature Schiphol, boats navigate canals. The Park also host more and more attractions like its newest addition “De Windjager”, where everything revolves around the power of the wind.
I have so many childhood memories from here. My grandparents loved to take me here and I loved going there. The things I remember most from my childhood are trains. It was just magical to see them pass by, but I also really love the interactive this place where you need to insert a coin and things would start moving like a fun fair.
Today things are modernized and you don’t need coins anymore, you just tap a contactless payment card. It’s still fun, that I miss that interaction (but I’m probably just getting old).
Don’t be mistaken that Madurodam is just a fun place for kids, I think for adults too, especially if you like miniature, you really appreciate the level of detail and it’s a great way to learn about important buildings and places from across the Netherlands.
Practical info: Plan 2-3 hours for the full experience. Open daily. Winter 11 AM-5 PM, summer 9 AM-6 PM. Get your tickets online before you go to avoid like at ticket counter (with an advance ticket, you go directly to the turnstiles).
Vredespaleis (Peace Palace): International Justice Headquarters
Home to the International Court of Justice, this neo-Renaissance building symbolizes global peace efforts. The free Visitors Centre provides context. Guided interior tours require advance booking. Opening hours are limited and there are strict ID rules for tours.
Practical info: Visitors Centre Wed-Sun 12-5 PM. More information about regulations and tours can be found at the Vredespaleis website.
Scheveningen Pier: Sea Views and Thrills
This 382-meter pier extends into the North Sea, featuring Europe’s first sea-built Ferris wheel. SkyView provides 360-degree panoramic views from climate-controlled gondolas. The pier also offers Netherlands’ only bungy jump.
Practical info: Pier access free daily 10 AM-10 PM. Lines can be long on busy days, I recommend getting your Scheveningen SkyView tickets in advance.
Binnenhof: Political Heart of the Netherlands
The 13th-century complex houses Dutch parliament in buildings that once served as a castle. The iconic Ridderzaal (Knights’ Hall) hosts the annual state opening of parliament each September. Free to admire from outside; interior tours require advance booking and valid ID. Which are harder to get. And now they’re renovating not really worth trying to get. But the outside is still very pretty.
It’s location is super handy right next to the Maurtishuis.
Heritage Tram Tour: Vintage Transport with Character
I love this, but I love everything on rails. If you’re visiting between April and October on weekends, you can explore The Hague aboard a nostalgic hop-on hop-off historical tram.
This vintage tram connects most tourist attractions in the city and continues to Scheveningen beach. It’s both practical transportation and a bit of local historyāthese restored trams give you a taste of how locals traveled decades ago.
Definitely, buy a ticket for this Heritage Tram if this is something you’d enjoy too, it helps them also a lot with the restoration costs.
Guided Bike Tours: See More
Want to cover more ground while learning local stories? Then I recommend you join this guided bike tour around The Hague. You’ll see neighborhoods most visitors miss. It’s an active way to see the real city and some great sites along the way.
Practical info: Tours typically run 2-3 hours and include bike rental. Make sure to make advance reservations for this bike tour.
Local Food Specialties in The Hague
Indonesian Cuisine: The Hague’s Culinary Pride
The Hague hosts one of Netherlands’ largest Indonesian populations, creating the country’s best Indonesian food scene. There are good places in Amsterdam for sure. But the Hague is the place to be for Indonesion food. Try these local favorites:
- Restaurant Soeboer has served authentic Indonesian dishes since 1958. Every local knows this institution.
- Bogor Roemah Makan operates since the 1960s, perfect for trying “Rijsttafel”āa sample of everything.
- Trio Eethuis offers Jakarta-style “Bami Goreng” and the Netherlands’ best satay according to many locals.
Dutch Sweets Worth Trying
Haagse Hopjes: Traditional coffee-caramel hard candies created in The Hague in the 18th century.
Haagse Kakker: Sweet bread filled with raisins, almonds, and cinnamon. Try the original at century-old Bakkerij Hessing where it was invented.
Exceptional Restaurants in The Hague
Dekxels: Mediterranean-Asian Fusion Done Right
Dekxels restaurant in The Hague deserves the ranking. Chef creates sophisticated sharing plates blending European and Asian flavors. Multiple reviewers call it “Michelin-worthy,” and I agree, my favorite the Pork Belly. It’s very central right next to the Escher Museum.
Catch by Simonis: Harbor Views with Michelin Recognition
This modern Scheveningen seafood restaurant has a great location with spectacular marina views and serves exceptional seafood. Not very cheap, but definitely a place for a special meal. If you crave seafood while The Hague this is where I would go.
Portfolio Restaurant: Perfect Scores Don’t Lie
Rare perfect ratings reflect this intimate Asian-inspired restaurant commitment to excellence. The menu consists of small dishes that together from a great meal. Their multi course menu has a set price around 100 euro. They also offer wine pairings for each dish (6 glasses).
Cafes in The Hague for Coffee and Conversation
The Hague is littered with cute cafes, and you don’t have to worry as much about “coffee shops” aka weed places as in Amsterdam. The Hague has wonderful cafes, just enter a place that has a vibe that speaks to you. But here are some ideas:
CafƩ Blossom: Neighborhood Gem Near Peace Palace
This spacious cafe combines eclectic furniture, plants, and stained glass details. The quiet residential location means locals outnumber tourists. Exceptional homemade food uses organic ingredientsātry the famous chocolate cake.
Hop & Stork: Historic Passage, Perfect Coffee
Located in The Hague’s historic 1885 Passage shopping arcade, this coffee and chocolate shop earned recognition as one of Netherlands’ top three coffee shops. Watch truffles being made while enjoying espresso rated 10/10 by coffee experts.
Bookstor CafƩ: 102 Years of Literary History
This place is truly fantastic. The coffee and pastries are fine, but the setting is what makes this place so cozy. It’s Noordeinde institution and it combines a bookstore with cafe in a historic building filled floor-to-ceiling with books. The conservatory with stained glass windows provides perfect atmosphere for book lovers.
Ps. I did not make a typo, the name truly is Bookstor.
Getting to The Hague
The Hague sits perfectly positioned for easy access from anywhere in the Netherlands. From Amsterdam, direct trains run every 15 minutes and take just 50 minutes to Den Haag Centraal station. Schiphol Airport connects via direct train in 35 minutes. You can also pre-book a taxi if you prefer door-to-door transportation and more comfort.
For detailed transportation options, including tips on train tickets and getting around the city, check out my complete guide:
ā¤· How to Get to The Hague from Amsterdam
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In The Hague
How many days do I need in The Hague?
Two days covers the major museums and attractions comfortably. Three days allows time for Delft (15 minutes away) and a relaxed pace. 4-5 days and you can add Rotterdam too. Day-trippers from Amsterdam can see highlights but pick carefully or you will feel rushed. I recommend no more than 3 activities. For example Mauritshuis, Mesdag and Madurodam. Or replace Madurodam for Escher.
Is The Hague worth visiting if I’m going to Amsterdam?
Yes! Most tourist go to Delft or Rotterdam but The Hague offers world-class art without Amsterdam’s crowds, better Indonesian food, and unique attractions like the Peace Palace. It feels authentically Dutch rather than tourist-focused. I might be biased being born in this area but it’s one of my favorite regions in the Netherlands.
What’s the best way to get around The Hague?
Walking covers the historic center easily. HTM Trams connect outlying areas like Scheveningen beach, Madurodam, and even Delft. The city center is compactāmost attractions sit within 15 minutes’ walk of each other. Getting to Rotterdam requires a short train journey.
When is the best time to visit The Hague?
April through October offers the best weather for walking and beach visits. Museums operate year-round. July-August brings crowds (especially beach goers from Germany, and Dutch tourists) but also more outdoor events and longer daylight. There really isn’t a bad time to visit this city. Personally I love going to the beach when it rains, its overcast or windy. There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. After a refreshing walk there is nothing better then sitting at the on-beach restaurants for a hot chocolate with whipped cream. In my mind the beach is definitely not something just for summers.
Can you visit The Hague’s government buildings?
The Binnenhof exterior is always accessible for photos. Interior parliamentary tours require advance booking and valid ID (no copies accepted) and with the renovations currently often not available. Tours operate in English but availability varies with parliamentary schedule. I would stick to the exterior, which is already cool. And there are lots of information signs explaining the functions and history, so it already feels like you’re visiting a museum.
Ready to explore The Hague? Start with booking your museum and attraction tickets via the links above, especially for Mauritshuis. Then you’re ready to explore, that is missing on most tourists itineraries (maybe except for Mauritshuis).
Read More:
- Things to do in nearby modern Rotterdam
- Discover the beautiful old town of Delft, once home to Vermeer
- How to travel by train in the Netherlands
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