The Hague is one of the most distinctive cities in the Netherlands.
Seat of government: the Dutch government and parliament are based around the centuries-old Binnenhof, alongside countless monuments and historic neighbourhoods.
City of peace and justice: the International Court of Justice sits in the Peace Palace, which is why The Hague is known as the ‘city of peace and justice’.
Royal residence: the King has his working palace on the Noordeinde and other members of the Royal House live in the city too, which is why The Hague is also called the residence 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.
Omniversum: a unique film experience on a giant dome screen, a treat for younger audiences too.
Monuments
As you walk through The Hague, you will notice how many historic buildings and palaces the city has.
The Binnenhof: the political heart of the Netherlands with the medieval Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights), where the King delivers the speech from the throne on Prinsjesdag.
Peace Palace: this stately palace from 1913 is the seat of the International Court of Justice; the visitor centre tells the story of the building.
Noordeinde Palace: the King's working palace; the palace itself cannot be visited, but the Paleistuin garden behind it is open to the public.
From the station, you walk in about an hour and a half past the palaces, the political heart and the liveliest squares of The Hague, all the way to the Peace Palace.
Den Haag Centraal: the starting point, easy to reach by train and tram.
Lange Voorhout: the stately avenue with palaces and mansions beneath old lime trees, home to Escher in Het Paleis; just around the corner is the chic Denneweg.
Plein: the lively square with terraces, surrounded by government ministries.
Mauritshuis:Girl with a Pearl Earring and other old masters, right on the Hofvijver pond.
The Binnenhof: the centuries-old political centre with the Ridderzaal; on the other side is the Prison Gate.
Grote Markt: the buzzing nightlife square full of cafés and terraces, ideal for lunch or a drink.
Noordeinde Palace: the King's working palace, on a street full of galleries and boutiques; take a moment to enjoy the Paleistuin garden.
The Hague proves that a modern skyline and a historic city centre go together well; thanks to the city's (political) history you will find countless historic buildings, palaces, squares and parks.
Kurhaus: the stately hotel that, together with the pier, defines the skyline of Scheveningen; read more about the history of the Kurhaus.
Westbroekpark: a green oasis between city and sea, famous for its rose garden with thousands of roses.
Shopping
The shopping scene is as varied as the city itself.
From luxury to knick-knacks: you will find everything from luxury department stores and well-known global brands to cosy streets full of boutiques.
Fashion for every budget: plenty of fashion and shoe shops, from exclusive haute couture to big-name brands and contemporary design stores.
Haagsche Bluf and Denneweg: whether you shop at the Haagsche Bluf or on the chic Denneweg, you are sure to find what you are looking for in The Hague; and when it rains, there are plenty of covered options too.
From Scheveningen you are in The Hague in no time, 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 about every 10 minutes all day; buses 21 and 23 also cover the route. On sunny days, transport company HTM runs extra non-stop ‘Strandexpress’ trams.
Parking in the centre: the city centre of The Hague is largely car-free, so park your car straight away in a car park. Around the Museumkwartier, close to the Mauritshuis and the Binnenhof, you will find car parks such as Q-Park Mauritskade and Interparking Museumkwartier.
Book in advance: several car parks let you reserve a space online, often at a better day rate than if you simply drive in.
P+R as an alternative: if you would rather not park in the middle of the city, choose a Park and Ride on the edge of The Hague; from there the tram takes you to the centre in no time.
