The Hague

Introduction

Located on the west coast facing the North Sea, The Hague serves as the administrative center and seat of government for the Netherlands. While Amsterdam holds the title of official capital, you will find that The Hague has functioned as the de facto capital since the era of the Dutch Republic.

Before you go

Prepare for a city with a distinct international character shaped by its status as a global judicial capital and home to numerous international organizations. Unlike the atmosphere of Amsterdam, you will find The Hague to be more sedate and conservative, characterized by wide avenues, 18th-century mansions in baroque and classicist styles, and a sense of stately elegance. While the city center offers grand architecture like the Binnenhof and upscale neighborhoods with art nouveau influences, areas further from the sea and the center transition into less affluent districts. You can enjoy extensive green spaces, coastal recreation, and a multicultural scene that includes some of the country's best Indonesian cuisine.

When navigating the city, keep these points in mind:

• The coast provides milder winters and cooler summers, though you should expect windier conditions in the winter and more humid air during the summer.
• Take standard precautions against pickpockets and theft in crowded areas such as shopping streets, trams, trains, and stations.
• While the city center is monitored by cameras at night, certain neighborhoods southwest of the center are less affluent; specifically, avoid the Schilderswijk and Transvaal areas after dark.
• If you are unsure about your route late at night, consider taking a taxi to your destination.

Getting there

You can reach the city by air through two nearby airports. Rotterdam The Hague Airport is accessible via Metro line E from Den Haag Centraal station to Meijersplein, with a connecting bus line available for those traveling toward Rotterdam Centraal. Alternatively, Schiphol Amsterdam Airport serves as a frequent gateway, offering several direct trains per hour and an hourly night train from Hollands Spoor.

The city is served by two primary train stations: Den Haag Centraal and Den Haag Hollands Spoor. Den Haag Centraal is the larger station, located within walking distance of the city center and Malieveld park, and provides extensive local public transport links via tram and bus. It serves as a hub for domestic routes to cities like Utrecht and Groningen, as well as international connections to destinations such as Berlin and Prague. While Den Haag Hollands Spoor is used for specific international trains to Antwerp and Brussels, it sits in a different area of town and is located a short walk from the center via the Stationsweg road through Chinatown.

If you prefer to travel by car, the city is linked to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht via toll-free motorways. To avoid potential traffic delays near the historic center or at the coast during warm summer days, you can utilize the P+R Hoornwijck park and ride facility, where you can park and take a tram into the heart of the city.

Getting around

Navigate the city using an efficient and frequent network of trams, buses, and RandstadRail light rail. These transit options primarily run on tracks separated from other traffic for a speedy journey through the area. You can also explore the city by bicycle via an extensive network of bike paths, with various rental options available including app-based services.

If you prefer to travel on foot, the compact city centre is easily navigable. For example, it takes about 10 minutes to walk from Centraal Station to reach the Binnenhof and the Hofvijver pond. For those traveling by car, parking is limited in the inner city, but several centrally located options are available near main shopping streets.

Where to stay

While the city maintains an international profile, its selection of hotels is primarily geared toward business guests across various price points. If you prefer to stay in a neighboring city, the Randstad region is well connected by frequent train services, trams, and buses, allowing you to base yourself in Delft, Leiden, Zoetermeer, Rijswijk, or even Rotterdam.

For those seeking central locations, several options provide convenient access to transit. You can find no-frills accommodations near busy tram lines or choose a stay that includes breakfast and WiFi. For longer stays, some properties offer suites with kitchenettes and dedicated lounge areas. If you prefer a more upscale experience, the historic center offers elegant boutique hotels in quiet environments, spacious rooms near local landmarks, or luxury options housed in former aristocratic residences featuring opulent bars and lounges. Alternatively, if you are looking for a hostel experience, you can find options ranging from large, corporate-style facilities near train stations to age-restricted riverside locations with mixed dorms.

Food & drink

Experience the rich tradition of Indonesian and colonial Dutch-Indies cuisine, a culinary staple in the city due to its large Dutch-Indonesian community. You can find authentic flavors at various establishments, including those specializing in Sumatran cuisine or offering sateh and Nasi Rames. For a different experience, visit the local Chinatown area near Gedempte Gracht, Gedempte Burgwal, and Wagenstraat for Chinese dishes, or explore other regional options like Surnamese, Lebanese, or Greek food.

Depending on your preference for atmosphere, you can choose from a variety of dining environments:

• Traditional Dutch cafes offering coffee and sandwiches.
• Grand cafes featuring typical Dutch grandeur near central landmarks.
• Specialized sushi restaurants with sushibars.
• A selection of ice cream parlors located near the Grote Kerk.

What to see and do

Explore the heart of the city to experience a wealth of historic architecture from the medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. You can stroll through the center on foot, where you will find numerous outdoor cafes and shopping opportunities near the Plein on the Lange Poten or just east on the Hofweg. The elegant Plein is lined with historic government buildings and features a statue of William of Orange in its center; during the summer months, the sidewalk cafés along its north side are popular spots for locals and officials alike.

The historical core offers several sites of cultural and architectural significance:

• Binnenhof: A 13th-century castle that serves as the seat of government, featuring a medieval courtyard and the Ridderzaal.
• Mauritshuis: A 17th-century palace housing works by Dutch Masters such as Vermeer and Rembrandt.
• Gevangenpoort: A former prison gate from 1370 that now functions as a museum where you can see medieval cells and tools of justice.
• Lange Voorhout: A tree-lined square with grand 18th-century townhouses, hosting an antique market on Thursdays and Sundays.
• Escher in Het Paleis: A former royal palace converted into a museum dedicated to the works of M.C. Escher.
• Nieuwe Kerk: A 17th-century church that now serves as a concert hall and contains the grave monument of Baruch Spinoza.
• Stadhuis: A large white building known as the Ice Palace, featuring a lofty main hall with various exhibits.
• Denneweg: A street filled with antique and specialty shops, located near the Hooigracht and Smidswater canals.

Three days in The Hague

Day one, you can begin your journey by exploring the historic heart of the city. You might visit the Binnenhof to experience the traditional atmosphere of the Dutch Republic.

Day two, you can travel to the Malieveld or explore the local character of the Schilderswijk neighborhood.

Day three, you can wander through Chinatown before heading toward the nearby area of Transvaal.