Walk through centuries at the Binnenhof and Plein
Stand on the Plein and you're in the political heart of the Netherlands. The square itself is lined with historic government buildings on three sides, and the fourth opens to cafés where politicians slip away for a drink—Prime Minister Mark Rutte has been spotted here with a pint. The statue in the centre honours William of Orange, founding father of the Dutch nation. Just northwest lies the Binnenhof, a 13th-century castle that began as the residence of the Count of Holland and has served as the seat of government ever since. Though the Binnenhof is currently closed for restoration (reopening expected in 2028), you can view progress from a temporary tower at the Buitenhof square, or attend parliament itself: the House of Representatives meets every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in a modern 1992 chamber, while the Senate meets Tuesdays in a splendid 17th-century Dutch-styled room with a lavishly painted ceiling.
See old Dutch masters and royal collections in small, walkable museums
The Mauritshuis occupies a 17th-century palace overlooking the Hofvijver pond and houses the collection of the last Dutch stadtholder, William the V. A complete tour takes just over an hour, but the paintings are extraordinary: Johannes Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring and View of Delft hang here, as do Rembrandt van Rijn's The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp and his self-portraits at ages 20 and 63. The museum is small enough to feel intimate, large enough to reward a leisurely visit. Nearby, the Galerij Prins Willem V displays 18th-century paintings from the Mauritshuis collection in its own dedicated gallery. For something different, Escher in Het Paleis, a former royal palace converted in 2002, showcases the optical illusions and geometric patterns of M.C. Escher. The top floor offers interactive screens, games, and an immersive Escher Room. On Sundays and during school holidays, workshops for children are available.
- Mauritshuis: adult €14, under 18 free; combined ticket with Galerij Prins Willem V €17.50
- Galerij Prins Willem V: €5
- Escher in Het Paleis: €9.50
Explore memorials and monuments across the city
The Hague holds space for remembrance. Visit the Haags Verzets- en Bevrijdingsmonument, the Indië-monument, or the Nationaal Onafhankelijkheidsmonument to understand the city's role in history. The Johan de Witt memorial recalls the brothers who were buried in the Nieuwe Kerk after being lynched during the Rampjaar of 1672. The Wereldvredesvlam stands as a symbol of peace. These scattered across the city invite slow, reflective walking and conversations about Dutch identity and history.
Wander tree-lined squares and antique-lined streets in the centre
The heart of The Hague contains most of its historic architecture from the medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, and is easily navigable on foot. Lange Voorhout is a large tree-lined square bordered by grand 18th-century townhouses—especially beautiful in spring when crocuses bloom. On Thursdays and Sundays, a very good antique and book market sets up here, and every summer the square hosts Den Haag Sculptuur, a free outdoor sculpture exhibition. The Denneweg is prime for antique and specialty shops, with good pubs and upscale restaurants alongside. Parallel to the Denneweg run the Hooigracht and Smidswater canals, two of the very few in The Hague. Nearby, the Oude Stadhuis is a small 15th-century building expanded in the 18th century, facing the Grote Kerk, now an exhibition space. The Nieuwe Kerk, built 1649–1656, now serves as a concert hall and holds the grave monument of Baruch Spinoza in its garden.
Visit the royal palace and explore the city's institutional side
Paleis Noordeinde is the office of King Willem-Alexander, and while normally closed to the public, the 17th-century façade can be seen from Noordeinde street, which is lined with art galleries. The Palace Gardens opposite are open for walking. For a museum experience tied to the city's role in global affairs, Beeld en Geluid Den Haag documents broadcasting and media history in the Netherlands. For a darker chapter, the Gevangenpoort (Prison Gate Museum) occupies a 1370 gate to the Binnenhof complex that became a prison in 1420. Now a museum, it displays torture instruments and original medieval cell blocks. A combined ticket with Galerij Prins Willem V costs €10.
The Hague rewards slow exploration on foot: the centre is compact, the museums are small and focused, and the squares invite lingering. Come in spring for the crocuses, summer for the sculpture exhibitions, or any season to watch the city where Dutch government has gathered for nearly 800 years.