The Hague is the seat of the Dutch government and a global centre for international law, but it is also a coastal city, with the seaside resort of Scheveningen forming its shoreline on the North Sea. That mix of institutions, embassies, offices and beach gives the city a character quite different from Amsterdam or Rotterdam, and it shapes where you will want to sleep.
For a visitor, the practical geography is fairly simple. The historic centre clusters around the Binnenhof and the Hofvijver, with the main shopping streets and the Plein close by. Den Haag Centraal and Hollands Spoor are the two railway stations, and the city is well connected by tram and bus, both within The Hague and to neighbouring cities such as Delft, Leiden, Zoetermeer, Rijswijk and Rotterdam. The city also has a business district at the Beatrixkwartier, a museum cluster around the Gemeentemuseum, and the coastal strip at Scheveningen. This guide covers which of these areas to base yourself in, and what each is like for different kinds of traveller.
Best areas to stay in The Hague
1. The historic centre
The area around the Binnenhof, the Plein and the main shopping streets is the most central base in the city. It puts you within walking distance of the Hofvijver, the Passage shopping centre, the Grote Marktstraat and the Binnenhof itself, and it is where most of the city's hotels are found, from budget chains to luxury addresses. It suits first-time visitors who want to walk to the main sights and have trams and buses on the doorstep.
Expect some noise: several streets here carry tram traffic, and rooms facing the street will hear it, while rooms facing an inner courtyard or garden will be quieter. This is also the area to choose if you want to be close to the restaurants and shops rather than relying on transport in the evenings.
2. Around Hollands Spoor station
The streets near Hollands Spoor, the city's other main station, are a practical base rather than a scenic one. The main advantage is transport: the station gives you frequent trains, and the area is a short walk from the hostels and budget accommodation clustered nearby. It suits budget travellers and those arriving or leaving by train who want to keep luggage transfers short.
It is not the historic centre, so you will use trams or trains to reach the Binnenhof and the museums. If you are staying here, check whether your street carries tram lines, as some do.
3. Bierkade and the riverfront
Bierkade is a riverfront area of The Hague, close enough to the centre to walk or take a short tram ride, and served by tram 16. It is a quieter, more residential-feeling base than the shopping streets, and it is where you find hostel-style accommodation aimed at younger and budget-conscious travellers.
Because it sits slightly apart from the main hotel cluster, it rewards anyone who prefers a calmer street at night while still being connected to the centre.
4. The Beatrixkwartier business district
The Beatrixkwartier is the city's business district, built around offices and the striking Netkous tram viaduct. It is a base for business guests rather than sightseers, and it sits at some distance from the old town and most tourist attractions. What it offers is excellent tram connections: being right at the tram stop means getting anywhere in the city is straightforward.
Some accommodation here is in tall towers, so upper-floor rooms can come with wide views over the city. Choose it if your trip is work-focused or if you value a direct tram line over walking distance.
5. The museum quarter around the Gemeentemuseum
The area around the Gemeentemuseum, near the World Forum Convention Centre, is a museum-focused base away from the main centre. It suits visitors whose priority is the museums and the convention centre, and it is quieter than the shopping district. It is not within walking distance of the Binnenhof, so you will depend on trams and buses to reach the rest of the city.
6. Willemspark
Willemspark is a quiet, elegant residential area close to the historic centre, and it is where you find small, calm hotels in a leafy setting. It suits travellers who want a peaceful base with easy access to the centre, and it is a good fit for couples and anyone who prefers a residential street to a commercial one.
7. Between the city and Scheveningen
The woodlands separating The Hague proper from Scheveningen form a green belt with accommodation set among the trees. This area is close to the international institutions and to Madurodam, and it is a tram ride from both the city centre and the beach. It suits visitors who want to combine the city with the coast, and families who want space and greenery rather than street life.
8. Scheveningen
Scheveningen is The Hague's coastal area and its popular seaside resort. Basing yourself here means the beach is on your doorstep, with the city centre a tram ride away. It suits travellers who want a seaside stay and are happy to commute into the city for the sights, and it is a natural choice in the warmer months.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: no-frills chain rooms where only the accommodation is included and extras are charged separately; standard chain hotels with breakfast and WiFi included; hostels with mixed dorms and some double rooms with private facilities, often close to Hollands Spoor or in the Bierkade riverfront area.
- Mid-range: business-oriented chain hotels, often very centrally located, with modern appointments; long-stay style suites with kitchenettes and a fitness room; hotels in the business district, including some in tall towers with upper-floor views; and hotels attached to the convention centre near the museums.
- Splurge: luxury and boutique hotels in the historic centre and in Willemspark, including a long-established grand address and international five-star chains, some with notably spacious rooms and quiet, elegant surroundings.
Best area for a first visit
The historic centre is the best base for a first visit. It puts the Binnenhof, the Plein, the Passage and the main shopping streets within walking distance, and it has the widest choice of accommodation across all price ranges. You also get the best transport links, so day trips and the beach at Scheveningen remain easy.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stay in The Hague or in a neighbouring city?
The Randstad is very well connected, with frequent trains, trams and buses, so accommodation in Delft, Leiden, Zoetermeer, Rijswijk or even Rotterdam is a realistic option. If you do this, plan around the train stations rather than the city centre.
Do I need to pay a tourist tax?
The Hague charges a tourist tax (Toeristenbelasting) per night, which is not included in the cost of your stay and must be paid on arrival. Budget for it separately when comparing prices.
Which area is best if I am arriving by train?
Both Den Haag Centraal and Hollands Spoor are useful. The historic centre is convenient for Centraal, while the budget hostels cluster within a short walk of Hollands Spoor.
Is it noisy in the centre?
Some central streets carry tram traffic, and rooms facing them will hear it. Rooms facing an inner courtyard or garden are quieter, so it is worth checking which side your room is on.
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