Things To Do
in The Hague
Nestled in the western part of the Netherlands, this city is famous for being the seat of the Dutch government and parliament, despite not being the capital. It is renowned for its significant role in international law and justice, housing the International Court of Justice.
With its beautiful blend of historic architecture and modern skyscrapers, alongside picturesque parks and the nearby North Sea coastline, it offers a unique charm and a diverse cultural experience.
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank je wel" - Thank you
- "Alsjeblieft" - Please
- "Hoe gaat het?" - How are you?
- "Tot ziens" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Mauritshuis, home to Vermeer's 'Girl with a Pearl Earring'. Appreciate the Dutch Golden Age paintings in a stunning historic building.
Wander through the picturesque streets of the city center and visit the Binnenhof. Take a moment to enjoy lunch at a charming café nearby.
End the day with a stroll along the beach at Scheveningen. Dine at a seafood restaurant while watching the sunset.
Begin your morning with a peaceful walk in Haagse Bos, a beautiful forest park. Enjoy the fresh air and tranquility before heading to the next destination.
Visit the Clingendael Park and its Japanese Garden, a hidden gem of beauty. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the serene surroundings.
Head to the city's famous Scheveningen Pier for a leisurely evening. Experience the vibrant atmosphere and enjoy some local snacks.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- International city with a diverse, multicultural environment
- Home to many international organizations, including the United Nations and the International Criminal Court
- Rich in history and culture with numerous museums and historical sites
- Excellent public transport system and accessibility
- High quality of life with a focus on sustainability and green spaces
- Safe city with low crime rates
- Strong educational institutions and opportunities for expatriates
- Higher cost of living compared to other Dutch cities
- Weather can be unpredictable and often rainy
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities like Amsterdam
- Bureaucratic processes can be complex, especially for expats
- Language barrier may exist, although many locals speak English
- Housing can be competitive and difficult to find
Best Activities in The Hague
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
The Hague has several beautiful beaches such as Scheveningen and Kijkduin where you can relax, go for a walk, or try water sports like surfing and kitesurfing.
The Hague has many parks and nature reserves including Westbroekpark, Haagse Bos, and the dunes of Westduinpark, offering opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the natural beauty.
The Hague is a bike-friendly city with well-marked cycling routes, making it a great place to explore by bike and enjoy the city's surroundings.
Tours
Uncover the best of The Hague with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in The Hague
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic seaside location offering panoramic views of the beach and city skyline.
Museum located in a historic building offering views of the city center and old town architecture.
Historic political center with picturesque views of the surrounding buildings and courtyard.
Food in The Hague
The Hague Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Dutch dish of raw herring served with onions and pickles. Best enjoyed at stalls in the city's outdoor markets and along the coastline.
Must-Try!
A hearty mashed potato dish mixed with vegetables such as kale or carrots, often served with a Dutch smoked sausage. Can be found at local pubs and traditional Dutch restaurants.
A local coffee candy with a rich caramel flavor, originating from The Hague. Widely available in candy shops and local markets.
Unique Experiences
Get to know The Hague better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the largest open-air markets in the Netherlands, offering a wide range of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and international foods. The market also features numerous stalls serving diverse street food from around the world.
Scheveningen Beach is known for its fresh seafood stalls, particularly for the iconic Dutch herring. Visitors can enjoy herring served in the traditional Dutch manner while taking in the seaside atmosphere.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect personal space and privacy, especially when interacting with strangers or acquaintances in public spaces.
Being punctual is considered respectful, so always strive to arrive on time for appointments or social gatherings.
Demonstrate consideration for the diverse cultural backgrounds of the people in The Hague, and be open-minded in your interactions.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of The Hague with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in The Hague
Ensure a smooth experience
In The Hague, tipping is not mandatory, but it is customary to leave a 5-10% tip at restaurants, cafes, and bars if the service was satisfactory. Tipping for other services such as taxi rides and hotel staff is also appreciated but not required.
In The Hague, cash is widely accepted, but credit and debit cards are also commonly used for payments. Contactless payments are increasingly popular, and most businesses and establishments in the city accept major international cards.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into The Hague.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The Hague is beautiful in spring, with blooming flowers, mild temperatures, and festivals such as King's Day and Liberation Day.
Summer brings warm weather and the opportunity to enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities in The Hague.
Autumn is a lovely time to visit The Hague as the leaves change color, and there are cultural events and concerts to enjoy.
During winter, The Hague is decorated with festive lights, and visitors can enjoy ice skating and holiday markets.
The Hague at Night
Hiking in The Hague
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful nature reserve located just outside The Hague, Meijendel offers scenic hiking trails through dunes, forests, and along the beach.
This forested area provides a network of paths for hiking, showcasing the serene beauty of Dutch woodlands just north of The Hague.
A coastal area with stunning dune landscapes, Westduinpark is perfect for hiking enthusiasts looking to enjoy the natural beauty and coastal views.
This trail combines both water features and dunes, offering a unique hiking experience close to The Hague, ideal for nature lovers.
Located a bit further out, Voornes Duin offers expansive hiking trails through dune landscapes, forests, and along the coastline.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into The Hague through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach The Hague by plane.
The largest and busiest airport in the Netherlands, located approximately 40 km north of The Hague, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol serves as a major international hub for flights to and from Europe and beyond.
Located about 25 km north of The Hague, Rotterdam The Hague Airport is a smaller international airport that offers a variety of European and some intercontinental flights.
Situated around 100 km south of The Hague, Brussels Airport serves the capital of Belgium and is a major European hub with numerous international connections.
Approximately 125 km southeast of The Hague, Eindhoven Airport primarily serves low-cost carriers and offers a mix of European destinations.
Located around 150 km east of The Hague, Düsseldorf Airport is one of Germany's major international airports, catering to a wide range of international and domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The native population of the Netherlands, predominantly speaking Dutch.
A demographic group comprising individuals with origins from Europe and surrounding regions, including a significant presence of historical Indonesian heritage.
A significant community consisting of people with Turkish heritage, often linked to migration waves in the 1960s and 1970s.
A large demographic group originating from Morocco, contributing to the multicultural landscape of The Hague.
Individuals of Surinamese descent, mostly originating from the former Dutch colony of Suriname.
People from the Caribbean Netherlands, specifically the former Netherlands Antilles.
Comprising various nationalities from across Europe, including but not limited to Eastern European, German, British, and others.
A demographic group representing various African nations and cultures, contributing to the city's diversity.
Includes individuals from Asian countries such as China, India, and other nations, contributing to the multicultural environment.
A diverse group comprising individuals from various other backgrounds not specifically categorized.
The Soul of The Hague
Discover the essence of The Hague through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is extremely popular in The Hague, with multiple professional and amateur clubs. The city is home to ADO Den Haag, a prominent team in Dutch football.
Field hockey enjoys widespread popularity in The Hague, with several clubs and a strong local league. The city has produced numerous national team players.
Ice skating is a favored winter sport in The Hague, with many locals enjoying both recreational skating and competitions, especially during colder months.
Tennis is a well-liked sport in The Hague, with various clubs offering facilities for recreational play and competitive tournaments.
Volleyball is commonly played in The Hague, including beach volleyball, given the city's proximity to the coast.
Cycling is a popular activity in The Hague, supported by the city's extensive network of bike paths. Many residents use bicycles for commuting and leisure.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting The Hague.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
The Hague boasts numerous eateries that cater specifically to vegetarians and vegans, offering a wide variety of plant-based dishes, including traditional Dutch cuisine with a vegetarian twist.
Many restaurants in The Hague provide gluten-free alternatives and are accommodating towards gluten intolerances. It's advisable to inform the restaurant staff about any dietary restrictions when making a reservation.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of The Hague with these cultural adventures.
