The Hague walking tour & city guide
Parliament, palaces, masterpieces and a beach.
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The Hague (Den Haag) is the seat of the Dutch government and the home of the royal family, although Amsterdam is the capital. It is a green, elegant city of embassies and international courts, with a world-class art museum and a long sandy beach just a tram ride from the center.
The Binnenhof and the Mauritshuis
The Binnenhof, a complex of buildings around a courtyard with the medieval Hall of Knights, has been the center of Dutch politics for centuries. It is one of the oldest parliament buildings in the world still in use, although it is currently under long-term renovation. The Hofvijver pond in front of it offers the classic view.
Next door, the Mauritshuis is a small but outstanding museum, home of Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring and View of Delft, as well as works by Rembrandt and Fabritius's The Goldfinch.
International city and the sea
The Peace Palace houses the International Court of Justice, and The Hague calls itself the 'international city of peace and justice'. Madurodam, a miniature park, shows the whole country at a scale of 1:25.
Scheveningen, the city's seaside district, has a long beach, a pier with a Ferris wheel and a historic Kurhaus hotel. It is lively in summer, with beach bars, surfers and fresh fish on the harbor.
Visiting tips
The Hague is less crowded than Amsterdam and easy to explore by tram. Delft is just 15 minutes away. On King's Day, April 27, the whole country turns orange, and The Hague celebrates with markets and music.
Top sights in The Hague
- 1
Binnenhof
The historic seat of Dutch politics.
- 2
Mauritshuis
Home of the Girl with a Pearl Earring.
- 3
Peace Palace
The seat of the International Court of Justice.
- 4
Scheveningen
A beach resort with a pier and promenade.
- 5
Madurodam
The Netherlands in miniature.
- 6
Escher in The Palace
A museum of M.C. Escher's optical illusions.
Food markets & where to eat in The Hague
Chinatown
A small Chinatown in the city center.
Haagse Markt
One of Europe's largest open-air markets.
Scheveningen harbor
Fresh fish and seafood stands.
Denneweg
A charming street of cafés and restaurants.
Food to try in The Hague
Indonesian rijsttafel
A 'rice table' of many small dishes, a Hague specialty.
Kibbeling
Battered fish with garlic sauce.
Raw herring
Especially fresh in early summer from Scheveningen.
Haagse hopjes
Coffee-flavored candies invented in The Hague.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to The Hague
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in The HagueCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in The Hague.
- eSIM for NetherlandsStay online from the moment you land.
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