The Hague is one of the most distinctive cities in the Netherlands.
Seat of government: the Dutch government is based here, alongside countless monuments and historic neighbourhoods.
City of peace and justice:The Hague is also known as the ‘city of peace and justice’.
Royal residence: with many members of the Royal House living in the elegant parts of The Hague, the city is also known as the residential city.
By the sea: a real treat is the beach at Scheveningen, the best-known seaside resort on the Dutch coast, where you can sunbathe in summer and enjoy a bracing walk in winter. You haven't truly seen Holland until you've seen The Hague!
Museums
The Hague's museums house a remarkable art collection; two of the most famous museums in the Netherlands are located here.
Mauritshuis: home to 'Girl with a Pearl Earring', alongside countless other works by the Old Masters.
Kunstmuseum Den Haag: an authority in art and fashion, home to the world's largest Mondrian collection, including the famous Victory Boogie Woogie, as well as one of the finest fashion collections in the world.
Amusement parks and the beach
For a day out, you're spoilt for choice in and around The Hague.
Madurodam: admire the whole of the Netherlands in miniature, a treat for young and old.
Duinrell: an amusement park with plenty of fun for the whole family.
Drievliet: another amusement park right next to The Hague, popular with children.
Omniversum: a unique cinema experience on a giant dome screen, a treat for young audiences too.
Monuments
The Hague also offers plenty of world-class art and culture; as you walk through the city, you'll notice just how many historic buildings and landmarks you come across.
City walks: various routes take you past the palaces and other historic buildings of this royal city.
The Binnenhof: a guided tour here comes highly recommended, revealing the political secrets of The Hague.
Architecture and coast
The Hague proves that a modern skyline and a historic city centre can go hand in hand; thanks to the city's (political) history, you'll find countless historic buildings, palaces, squares and parks.
Scheveningen Pier: the beach's main eye-catcher, with a unique character all its own.
Kurhaus: the stately hotel that, together with the pier, defines Scheveningen's skyline.
Shopping
The range of shops is just as varied as the city itself.
From luxury to trinkets: you'll find everything from upscale department stores and well-known global brands to charming streets full of boutiques.
Fashion for every budget: plenty of fashion and shoe shops, from exclusive haute couture to major well-known brands and contemporary design stores.
Haagsche Bluf and Denneweg: whether you shop at the ‘Haagsche Bluf’ or in the elegant Denneweg, you're sure to find what you're looking for in The Hague; and if it happens to rain, there are plenty of covered shopping options too.
Plein and Grote Markt: here you'll find plenty of lively bars and restaurants, buzzing every day of the week.
Practical information
From Scheveningen you're quickly in The Hague, whether you come by car or by public transport.
By tram or bus: trams 1 and 9 run directly between Scheveningen and the centre of The Hague, roughly every 10 minutes throughout the day; buses 21 and 23 also cover the route. On sunny days, operator HTM adds extra 'Strandexpress' trams with no intermediate stops.
Parking in the centre: The Hague's city centre is largely low-traffic, so head straight for a car park. Around the Museum Quarter, close to the Mauritshuis and Binnenhof, you'll find car parks such as Q-Park Mauritskade and Interparking Museumkwartier.
Book ahead: several car parks let you reserve a space online in advance, often at a better day rate than simply driving in.
P+R as an alternative: if you'd rather not park right in the centre, choose a Park and Ride on the edge of The Hague; from there the tram takes you straight into town.
