Are you visiting The Hague and are you looking for fun sights and things to do?
Below we share the must-see places that you should not miss during your visit. We also share some of our favourite activities to make sure you don’t get bored!
1. Admire the Peace Palace (Het Vredespaleis)
This beautiful, imposing building is all about political and international law. Here you will find the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the International Court of Justice of the United Nations and the Hague Academy of International Law. You will also find the law library here.
Be sure to take a look inside and take one of the guided tours.
2. Walk around the political center of The Hague
The Binnenhof is the place around which The Hague was built and has been the political center of our country for centuries. Walk around this building complex, where our ministers make decisions every day. Nice to book a tour along the Ridderzaal, the Torentje and the Hofvijver.
A nice way to discover The Hague is through this walking tour. Here you visit all the highlights and you immediately get all the background information.
Address
2513 AA Den Haag
3. Visit the Noordeinde Palace
For many this is seen as a highlight of the sights in The Hague, because this is the working palace of our king. In addition to the Royal Stables and the Royal Archives, there is a Palace Garden, which is open to the public!
Address
Noordeinde 68, 2514 GL Den Haag
4. The Hague Market
It is one of the largest covered markets in Europe, with more than 500 stalls and thousands of visitors. Cultures from all over the world come together here, so there is a lot to be found on the market; from clothing to the most exotic fruits.
The market is open on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM.
Address
You can reach the market through two main entrances. You can find these on the Hoefkade and the Hobbemaplein. You can find the side entrances via Herman Costerstraat.
5. Get on your bike and tour through The Hague
One of the best ways to experience The Hague is by bicycle. The means of transport of almost every Dutch person and therefore an easy and convenient way to get from A to B.
If you don’t know the city that well yet, it is of course a great idea to join an organized tour. They will tell you all the ins and outs of The Hague and show you the best spots.
For example, book a highlights bike tour from seeTheHague, in which you will be guided by a professional in 2.5 hours and you will see all the highlights of the city. Really recommended!
6. Go ice skating or skiing in the Uithof
Whether you want to skate, snowboard, ski, go-kart, climb, laser game; it’s all possible at De Uithof. This huge indoor center offers all kinds of activities all year round.
For example, take a lesson in skiing or put on your skates and skate laps on the 400 meter ice track. Also an ideal place for an outing with your friends or colleagues.
Address
Jaap Edenweg 10, 2544 NL Den Haag
7. Go to the beach in Scheveningen
It is the largest seaside resort in The Hague and in the summer it is packed with people enjoying the Dutch sun. It has a lively boulevard with the Kurhaus as an eye-catcher.
Visit the Colorado Charlie beach bar for a relaxing drink or a fun party, walk on the pier and take a ride on the Ferris wheel, buy an ice cream and or eat fresh fish at one of the many restaurants, such as Catch by Simonis.
Read here what the best beach bars in Scheveningen are!
8. Grote Kerk
It is one of the oldest buildings in The Hague and the place where many wedding and baptism celebrations of our royal family take place. On weekends you can visit the church and take a guided tour in which you learn more about the rich history of this church.
Address
Rond de Grote Kerk 12, 2513 AM Den Haag
9. Visit an event at the Malieveld
This large lawn in the middle of The Hague has become a household name. It was once part of the Haagse Bos (The Hague forest), but now it is mainly used for all kinds of events, festivals and demonstrations.
For example, Pink gave a performance here in 2019 and the liberation festival is held every year.
Address
Koekamplaan, 2594 AA Den Haag
10. Have a drink at a high altitude in The Penthouse
Do you want to view The Hague from above? Then pay a visit to The Penthouse.
Not only can you spend the night here, they also have a restaurant and bar on the 42nd and 40th floors with a beautiful view. Order a nice cocktail and watch the sun set.
Address
Haagse Toren, Rijswijkseplein 786, 2516 LX Den Haag
11. Discover the Zeeheldenkwartier
One of the nicest areas in The Hague is the Zeeheldenkwartier. On the edge of the city center you will find the nicest shops, restaurants and cafes in this neighbourhood. Whether you are looking for nice design furniture, vintage items or tasty coffee; you are in the right place here!
12. Stroll along the Lange Voorhout
This beautiful avenue in The Hague changes with the seasons and is equally enchanting every time. With countless crocuses in the spring and orange leaves in the autumn, it is one of the most beautiful walking lanes in Europe.
Stroll along the avenue along the trees and stately buildings and experience it yourself!
13. Go shopping in Noordeinde
Located around the king’s working palace, you will find the historic Noordeinde. This shopping area is filled with unique boutiques and art galleries. Well-known names such as Cartier, Scotch & Soda and Dille & Kamille are also located here.
Would you like to have a bite to eat or a drink? No problem. In Noordeinde you will find Palmette, Yoghurt Barn, Lola Bikes & Coffee and Jamey Bennett.
14. De Passage
The oldest shopping arcade is now a national monument and filled with well-known shops, restaurants and a hotel. The passage consists of beautiful arcades, walkways, carved facades and glass domes. Definitely a must to walk through!
Address
Passage 72, 2511 AA Den Haag
15. Madurodam
Foto: Madurodam
At Madurodam you can visit the whole country in a short time. How is that possible you might wonder? The park is full of hundreds of miniatures depicting the Netherlands! It is also full of things to do, making it a fun attraction for children.
The buildings you encounter come from historic inner cities, port areas, airports, modern neighbourhoods, nature reserves and you name it. You will also find miniature cars, planes and boats.
Tip: buy your ticket for Madurodam here.
Address
George Maduroplein 1, 2584 RZ Den Haag
16. The Japanese Garden
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Japanese Garden was created by the owner of the Clingendael estate. Thanks to her multiple trips to Japan, she was able to ship statues, bridges and lanterns to the Netherlands.
It is a nice place to relax and enjoy all the beautiful elements that the garden has to offer. However, because the garden is very fragile, the garden is open to visitors for a number of weeks in the spring and autumn.
Address
Wassenaarseweg Den, 2597 VH Den Haag
17. Visit one of the many museums
The Hague is full of impressive museums, each filled with unique paintings and other art objects. Below we share some museums that are definitely worth a visit.
Escher in Het Paleis
At the Lange Voorhout you will find the Escher art museum in Het Paleis (The Palace). The museum is filled with more than 150 prints and the most famous works by Maurits C. Escher. See his artworks of Italian landscapes, famous building creations and more.
Buy your ticket for Escher in Het Paleis here.
Address
Lange Voorhout 74, 2514 EH Den Haag
Panorama Mesdag
Have you ever seen a panorama painting? In The Hague at Panorama Mesdag you will find a work of art in cylindrical shape of no less than 14 meters high and 120 meters in circumference. The painting shows Scheveningen in the surroundings of Seinpostduin.
Tip: you can easily order your ticket for Panorama Mesdag via this link. (getyourguide link)
Address
Zeestraat 65, 2518 AA Den Haag
Mauritshuis
In this beautiful building you will find the absolute gems of Dutch painting. There are paintings by the world famous Rembrandt and Vermeer, such as Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring” and “The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp” by Rembrandt.
A must for your visit to The Hague if you are a lover of history and art.
Also nice: if you want to visit the Mauritshuis and are new to The Hague, it might be interesting to do this city tour including a visit to the Mauritshuis.
Address
Plein 29, 2511 CS Den Haag
Kunstmuseum (Art Museum)
Atelier Van Lieshout, Henry, de Statistocraat, 2016. Foto: Gerrit Schreurs
This time no 17th century paintings, but modern art. Did you know that the Kunstmuseum in The Hague has the largest collection of Piet Mondrian paintings in the world? Also view the silver collection, the famous Delft Blue and the interactive wonder rooms.
Address
Stadhouderslaan 41, 2517 HV Den Haag
18. Visit the coast of Kijkduin
In addition to Scheveningen, The Hague has another seaside area: Kijkduin. Kijkduin is a lot smaller and therefore ideal for a quieter day at the beach. Take a walk through the dunes, explore the area by bike or enjoy a breath of fresh air on the beach.
19. Go surfing in Scheveningen
For the active ones among us, there are also plenty of options in The Hague. Have you ever tried water sports? Or are you already an experienced water sports enthusiast? A few minutes from the center is Scheveningen beach, where you can surf, windsurf, paddle board and you name it.
You can simply book a lesson through various surf schools. For example via this surf school, where they teach you how to ride your first wave in two hours!
20. Enjoy a Royal Afternoon Tea
We probably all know the afternoon tea (in the Netherlands we call it a high tea). You know, that English classic activity in which you stuff yourself with sweets and tea. Scones, sandwiches, brownies and other goodies are displayed on the etagere and the tea flows freely.
In a stately city like The Hague, it is therefore extra nice to enjoy such a chic, royal afternoon. For example, do this at Hotel Des Indes, where you get the full experience.
Read more great places for a high tea in The Hague here!
Which of the above sights are you going to tick off your bucket list in The Hague?
