The Hague (Den Haag) is not only the third largest city in the Netherlands, it is the seat of the country's government and the home of the royal family. It is also a city full of history, many great museums and art galleries, and endless entertainment opportunities.
Located near the North Sea (where you'll find the seaside resort of Scheveningen), The Hague is also home to many government ministries and embassies, along with the headquarters of many major international organizations, including the International Court of Justice.
The Hague is also the city of the arts, and has been the home of many notable Dutch artists. The big draw? They were undoubtedly attracted by the pleasant wide city streets, elegant and spacious squares and parks, and attractive residential suburbs.
Find the best places to visit in and around the city with our list of the top attractions and fun things to do in The Hague.
1. The Mauritshuis
The handsome Mauritshuis, a huge and elegant residence built in the classical style in 1641, is one of the most important museums in The Hague. Highlights include a small room, or "treasury," containing valuables and antiques, along with several paintings.
One of the most important of these works of art is Rembrandt's anatomy lesson. Vermeer's view of Delft; Jacob van Rusdael's view of Harlem; The Lament of Rogier van der Weyden, a masterpiece of medieval painting. Guided tours are available in English, and a great app showcasing many of the museum's masterpieces can be downloaded for free before your visit. There is an upscale restaurant and shop on the premises.
Address: Plein 29, 2511 CS Den Haag
2. Explore the Many Buildings of the Historic Binnenhof
The Binnenhof or "Inner Court" is located in the middle of the oldest section of The Hague. This irregular group of buildings is constructed around a large central courtyard. Its origins go back to 1250 and associated with the construction of a castle (long ago), it quickly became the seat of the ruling aristocracy, and today houses the two chambers of Parliament.
The most important building in the complex is the magnificent Ridderzaal, or Knights' Hall, which is still used for functions and receptions (see No. 5 below for more information on this amazing structure).
In the North Wing, the Chamber is the official residence of the Prime Minister. Also of interest are the Rolzaal courthouse dating from 1511 and the Lairessezaal with its 17th-century paintings by Gerard de Lairesse.
Other highlights include the First Room, famous for its painted medals depicting statesmen and a portrait of King William II under the country's coat of arms. The second chamber - the legislature that oversees the government - sat in the former ballroom from 1815 until 1992.
Address: 2513 AA Den Haag
3. Visit Escher in the Palace (Escher in Het Paleis)
This exquisite collection of works by artist MC Escher is housed in the former winter palace of Queen Mother Emma. While the building itself is a historic attraction, the permanent collections are the big draw here.
Known as Escher in the Palace (Escher in Het Paleis), highlights include some 150 original prints and lithographs showcasing his most famous work, and are famous for their incredible swings on perspective and perception.
Other important collections include the woodblocks and lithographs from which Escher created his prints, as well as examples from his early work.
The museum encourages young and old to interact, offering a scavenger hunt game for children and a chance for visitors to experience creating their own optical illusions and mosaics.
English language guided tours are available, as are helpful audio guides. There is also a café and museum shop on the premises.
Address: Lange Voorhout 74, 2514 EH Den Haag
4. Take a Virtual Trip to the Seaside at Panorama Mesdag
Housed in a custom-made rotunda, the Panorama Mesdag (also known as the Scheveningen Panorama) is a giant 120m long and 14m high painting painted in the 19th century by H.W. Mesdag and his wife, Sientje Mesdag-Van Houten with other artists from the Hague School.
This stunning landscape depicts coastal Scheveningen as it was around 1880, with mesmerizing views of the sea, beach, and sand dunes.
Designed to create the illusion of 3D and a 360-degree view, this amazing circular canvas - obliquely from above, thanks to its large sand dunes with a number of real objects - creates the illusion that you are standing in the center of this beautiful landscape.
The building also contains a collection of paintings by Mesdag and his wife, and the museum shop sells related gifts and souvenirs. More examples of Mesdag's work, along with other artists from the Hague School, are on display at Mesdag Museum.
Address: Zeestraat 65, 2518 AA Den Haag
5. Step Back in Time in the Ridderzaal: The Knights' Hall
At the eastern end of the Binnenhof's central courtyard (see #2 above), the 13th-century Knights' (Ridderzaal) Hall is a stunning historic building still used for government receptions and the opening of Parliament each September.
This large Gothic hall - measuring 40 meters by 20 meters - features several impressive stained glass windows depicting the heraldry of Dutch cities, as well as a stunning rose window in the arms of the main noble families of the Netherlands.
The heavy wooden roof structure with its 18-meter beams looks like an overturned ship, and the carved wooden heads that symbolize eavesdropping from "higher powers" are supposed to deter members of the assembly from lying.
Originally built as a banquet hall, it was later used as a market, walkway, drill hall, stadium and even a hospital before being restored in 1904.
Address: Hofweg 1-H, 2511 AA Den Haag
6. Feel Like a Giant at Madurodam
Madurodam is a truly unique attraction, which tourists of any age will enjoy. Famous for its extensive miniatures depicting life in the Netherlands in a 1:25 scale, visitors can wander between the different areas, each made in perfect detail to recreate the country's most famous attractions.
When visiting Amsterdam in miniature, visitors can peek into the windows of the Rijksmuseum and see small copies of artwork hanging on the walls.
Visitors can wander among the mannequins like giants, admiring famous buildings such as The Peace Palace, De Volharding Building, Anne Frank House, and St.
Other fun things to do here include trying out interactive exhibits featuring Dutch wind energy and windmills. For older children, there is an excursion center, while younger children will enjoy the playgrounds.
There are also many perfect photo props, such as a large tampon or giant tulips. The unique experience here is Fantasitron where you get to have a 3D scan, which is used to create a miniature character of yourself.
For a special experience, one of the top things to do in The Hague at night is to visit Madurodam when the streets and buildings are lit up, especially at Christmas.
Address: George Maduroplein 1, 2584 RZ Den Haag
7. Kunstmuseum Den Haag
Located in the modern residential district of Duinoord, a garden suburb with houses built in a style influenced by traditional Dutch houses (hofjes), the Kunstmuseum Den Haag, or Municipal Museum, is a must-see.
Also known as Gemeentemuseum Den Haag, it was designed by H.P. Berlage in 1935. The museum displays a wide range of materials relating to the city's history.
It also houses impressive collections of 19th and 20th century art, applied and decorative arts (including ceramics, silver, and furniture), and an impressive collection of traditional and electronic musical instruments.
Of particular note is a section dedicated to modern art with many works by Piet Mondrian and Paul Klee. Check the museum's website for details of special temporary exhibitions and workshops.
Address: Stadhouderslaan 41, 2517 HV Den Haag
8. See the Dream Cars at the Louwman Museum
The Louwman Museum houses the world's oldest collection of cars, which now number over 200 vehicles from all over the world. The oldest model in the range is the 1886 Benz Patent Motor Car, which is single cylinder and the first car to be patented.
Other early models include such rarities as the 1887 De Dion-Bouton Trepardoux Steam Quadricycle, the 1895 Buffum Four Cylinder Stanhope, and the 1897 Daimler 6-HP Twin-Cylinder Six-Seat Brake.
Some of the more unusual models include the 1910 Brooke Swan Car, the 1932 Curtiss Aerocar Land Yacht, and the 1951 Taruffi Italcorsa/TARF II. Cars are represented from all over the world, the latest of which include electric and hybrid models, as well as racing cars.
Address: Leidsestraatweg 57, 2594 BB Den Haag
9. The Peace Palace
The famous Peace Palace (Vredespaleis), an imposing brick building constructed between 1907-13, was largely paid for by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Built in a mixture of Gothic and Neoclassical styles, its tall, arched facade is flanked by its steeply pitched roof and 80-meter-high tower.
Home to the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Academy of International Law, and a library of international law, it boasts a rich interior that has been contributed by many countries, including marble from Italy, wood paneling from Brazil and the USA, and ornamental iron balustrade from Germany.
Weekend guided tours take place through the palace and around the magnificent gardens. Reservations can be made through the Visitor Center (see official website below).
Address: Carnegieplein 2, 2517 KJ Den Haag
10. Take a Walk in the Park at Landgoed Clingendael
The gardens surrounding the cottage at Landgoed Clingendael (Huys Clingendael) date back to the 16th century, creating a peaceful city oasis.
The garden is open year-round and is free to the public, and includes a large playground and picnic area, as well as a tea room adjoining the perfectly landscaped English Garden.
The Japanese Garden, the most impressive part of the estate, is only open for a few weeks each spring and fall due to its fragility.
It contains a variety of artifacts brought back from Japan by Mrs. Daisy, the former owner of the estate, who made this garden in 1910, including stone lanterns, water barrels, and small wooden bridges.
Address: Clingendael 12a, 2597 VH, The Hague
11. See the Seaside at Scheveningen and the Pier
The Scheveningen resort area is a popular place to visit during the summer months with both locals and tourists. In addition to being a beautiful beach area on the shores of the North Sea, this area is home to many top attractions and activities to do, as well as being a regular host to many festivals and concerts.
Those looking for a unique way to enjoy the view will want to visit the SkyView de Pier, a Ferris wheel-style observation wheel, which features gondolas where tourists can enjoy a meal or even tea. This is on the water among the many other attractions on this huge pier, which include zipline, bungee jumping, and plenty of shopping and restaurants.
Another highlight of the Scheveningen area is SEA LIFE Scheveningen, an aquarium that houses a variety of ocean life, including sharks, stingrays, turtles, otters, and penguins.
Address: Strandweg 150-154, 2586 JW Den Haag
12. Hike through Haagse Bos and Visit Huis Ten Bosch
One of the most beautiful open spaces in The Hague, Haagse Bos is a two-kilometre stretch of parkland famous for its beautiful winding roads.
Stretching all the way from the old town center to the border of Wassenaar suburb, it's a fun way to spend time as you explore one of the country's oldest forests, protected from deforestation since the Middle Ages.
The park's most notable feature is Huis ten Bosch, a moat-lined mansion built in 1646 as a royal country residence.
Best known as the site of the world's first international peace conference in 1899, the palace is now home to King Willem-Alexander. While it is not open to the public, there are great views of the building from various points around the park.
Another palace worth touring due to its great outside views is the Noordeinde Palace. The best views are from the gardens of Noordeinde Palace (admission is free), which also offers a great view of the Royal Stables, home to the horses used to pull the royal trainers.
Address: 's-Gravenhaagse Bos 10, 2594 BD Den Haag
13. The Prison Gate Museum (Gevangenpoort)
On the north side of the Binnenhof is the Prison Gate (Gevangenpoort), a well-preserved structure built in 1296 as a guard gate.
It was converted into a prison in the 15th century, where brothers Cornelis and Johan de Witt, accused of trying to assassinate Prince William III, were murdered in 1672 (a memorial to them stands in the adjacent courtyard).
Old prisons and torture chambers have been open to the public since the 1880s and house a large collection of paintings, prints, and antiquities - as well as torture devices - illustrating the administration of justice in the 17th century. English language tours are available.
Address: Buitenhof 33, 2513 AH Den Haag
14. The Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk
The oldest part of the Gothic Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk (St. James the Great Church) dates back to the 14th century, while newer sections, including the 100-meter-high tower, were added around 1420.
Unique in the Netherlands for its hexagonal shape, the tower was in The original served as a lookout point (the bell was too large for the tower and could be seen inside the church).
A new Carillon, one of the largest in the Netherlands with 51 bells, was installed in 1959 and can be visited as part of a tour of the tower (the views over the city are incredible).
Highlights of the beautiful vaulted interior include numerous monuments and tombstones, including those of the poet and statesman Constantin Huygens, who died in 1687, and physicist and astronomer Christian Huygens, buried here in 1695. Another notable feature is the carved wooden pulpit from 1550 , the coats of arms of the Knights of the Golden Fleece, a large organ of the nineteenth century, and the stained-glass windows in the choir and north wing.
Address: Rond de Grote Kerk 12, 2513 AM Den Haag
15. Take a Quick Trip to Duivenvoorde Castle
Just 15 kilometers northeast of The Hague, the small town of Voorschoten and the delightful Duivenvoorde Castle (Kasteel Duivenvoorde) is an impressive medieval castle restored in 1631.
The original decorations and furnishings have been preserved, including family portraits, Delftware, a large collection of Chinese and European porcelain, and many silver objects. Also of note is the English-style garden.
Address: Laan van Duivenvoorde 4, 2252 AK Voorschoten
16. Drievliet Amusement Park
Families visiting The Hague will want to leave some time to explore the Drievliet theme park, located near the city centre. This little park is great for all ages, with plenty of rides for kids like teacups and kid-driven tractors.
Family attractions for all ages include Ferris wheels, slides, a fence maze, and the Ghost Museum - a traditional carnival-style haunted house. There are also plenty of exciting rides to please the older kids, including a roller coaster and a variety of water activities including waterslides, a spray park, fountain square, and spray rides.
The park also provides family entertainment, including live shows and movies, in its "5D" theater, which includes movable seats and other technology to make viewers feel like they're really in motion.
The park is open in early May through the first weekend of September, plus additional weekends in April, weather permitting.
Address: Avenue of 's-Gravenmade, Den Haag
17. Visit Lisse
Located about 30 kilometers from The Hague (about a half-hour drive or one-hour train ride), Lisse is the perfect destination for flower lovers. It is home to one of the best flower gardens in the Netherlands, the Keukenhof, which has extensive gardens, as well as hosting special events throughout the summer.
Nearby, visitors can head to the Black Tulip Museum, which takes an in-depth look at the Dutch tulip industry from its inception to the present day. Lisse is also home to a beautiful 12th-century castle, 't Huys Dever, which is open for tours.
18. Explore Old Town Gouda and the Grote Kerk of Sint Janskerk
There is much more to the Dutch town of Gouda than cheese. This historic city, 33 kilometers east of The Hague, has one of the most attractive city halls in the country, and is more famous for its appearance as a place of worship than a place of government.
In the spacious triangular market, this late Gothic building (by Jan Keldermans, 1449-59) was originally surrounded by a moat.
The beautiful exterior staircase in Renaissance style was added in 1603. On the east wall is a carillon, ringing every half hour with movable figures representing the granting of the town charter by Count Floris V in 1272. In the Trosal (Marriage Hall), look for a 7th-century tapestry Ten made by David Rovellard in Gouda.
The most important church in Gouda is the Grote Kerk in Sint Janskerk, which dates back to the 15th century and is one of the largest in the Netherlands.
In addition to its size, the other most famous feature is the brightly colored glass windows, the Goudse Glazen, which include both biblical and historical themes. T
he best glass was the work of Wouter and Dirk Krabeth between 1555 and 1577, while Charles Eck designed the newer window, War and Liberation in 1947.
Where to Stay in The Hague for Sightseeing
In The Hague, most of the main attractions and architectural attractions are located between the city center and the sea, so this area is the best base if you are visiting for the first time. Hotels tend to cluster around the Binnenhof, where you'll also find the Ridderzaal (the Knights' Hall) and the Prison Gate Museum.
Other attractions, such as the Mauritshuis and the Escher Museum are within walking distance of here, and the beach resort of Scheveningen is less than a 10-minute drive away. Here are some highly rated hotels in this convenient location:
Luxury hotels:
- Located in the Embassy District, steps from the most luxurious shopping areas, Hilton The Hague features a 24-hour fitness center and is within walking distance of most of the city's top sites.
- Hotel Des Indes, a former palace near some of The Hague's best museums, drips with historic elegance.
- About a 10-minute walk from the Binnenhof, the pet-friendly Paleis is a popular boutique option, with friendly service and elegant rooms.
Mid-range hotels:
- In a great location, across the street from the Binnenhof, the boutique Hotel Corona is at the upper end of mid-range hotels, with large rooms decked out in rich, comfortable colours.
- If you're looking for the modern conveniences of a chain hotel, the Mercure Hotel Den Haag Central is just a short walk from the Binnenhof.
- The Holiday Inn Express The Hague - Parliament, an IHG hotel, offers clean, contemporary rooms, and breakfast is included. It is located minutes from Mauritshuis and the Escher Museum.
Budget hotels:
- Close to the Old Town Hall and a short walk from the Binnenhof, the Ibis Den Haag City Center has elegant and modern aesthetics. Breakfast is also included in the rates.
- A five-minute walk from the Escher Museum, the great-value easyHotel Den Haag City Center has clean rooms and friendly staff.
- Another good option is the family-run Staten Hotel, just a 10-minute walk from the Gemeentemuseum.