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The Hague

Visit The Hague

You roll into The Hague and immediately sense a city where historic elegance meets beachside freedom. Palaces, embassies and wide boulevards sit side by side with sandy shores and lively boardwalks. For any Dutch road trip, The Hague is that perfect mix of culture, coast and city energy all in one stop.

Start your day walking the charming streets of the city center. It's where you can explore boutique shops, cafés and museums. Feel the salty breeze as you stroll along Scheveningen Beach. Watch surfers ride the waves or sip a drink at a beachside bar. From art-filled galleries to government buildings with grand facades. The Hague is a city that balances tradition and modernity effortlessly.

By evening, the city shifts gears. Cozy restaurants, craft bars and hidden terraces pulse with life. While the lights of the coastline shimmer on the horizon. Neighborhoods like Statenkwartier, Zeeheldenkwartier and the city center each have their own flavor. From historic charm to youthful energy.

The Hague is a city of contrasts: urban sophistication meets seaside relaxation. Whether you’re here for a few hours on a Netherlands road trip or staying a few days, The Hague will surprise you with its layers, its pace and its unmistakable Dutch cool.

Top sights to visit

  • Peace Palace This is the iconic symbol of The Hague as the City of Peace and Justice. Home to the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. tThe palace is an architectural marvel.
  • Mauritshuis Housed in a beautiful 17th-century city palace, this museum holds a collection of masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age. Its collection includes Johannes Vermeer's world-famous Girl with a Pearl Earring, Rembrandt's The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp and Carel Fabritius's The Goldfinch.
  • Binnenhof & Hofvijver The historic Binnenhof is the political heart of the Netherlands and the world's oldest House of Parliament still in use. While the complex is currently undergoing a major multi-year renovation, you can still admire the architecture from the outside. Particularly the central courtyard and the adjacent Hofvijver, which provides a picturesque view of the buildings reflected in the water.
  • Scheveningen Beach and De Pier As the only major Dutch city right on the North Sea, The Hague's beach resort is a must-visit. You can stroll the long boulevard, visit the iconic Kurhaus Hotel, and walk out onto the modern SkyView de Pier, which features a Ferris wheel towering 50 meters above the sea. The beach is a popular spot for sunbathing in the summer and long, refreshing walks in the winter.
  • Escher in the Palace This museum is dedicated to the impossible world of Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher. The mind-bending lithographs and optical illusions are housed in the former Winter Palace of Queen Mother Emma. The combination of royal chambers and geometric artwork creates a unique and grand ambience.
  • The Hofjes (Secret Courtyards) The Hague has several hidden hofjes, which are historic inner courtyards surrounded by small houses. Originally built for the poor or elderly. They are peaceful oases tucked behind unassuming front doors. Look for the entrance to the Hofje van Wouw (closed on weekends) or the Hofjes near Prinsestraat for a glimpse into a quiet old-world side of the city.
  • Van Kleef Museum and Distillery Rumored to have been a favorite spot of Vincent van Gogh, this is the only remaining Genever (Dutch gin) producer in The Hague. The shop and museum offer a look at the history of Dutch spirits and liquors. A great place to sample traditional drinks.
  • Lange Voorhout While it's centrally located, this beautiful tree-lined, L-shaped promenade feels like a hidden aristocratic boulevard. It's lined with grand buildings, embassies and galleries. Depending on the season, you might find an antique and book market or a sculpture walk here.
  • Panorama Mesdag A unique cylindrical painting offering a 360-degree view of 19th-century Scheveningen and the Dutch coast.

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History of The Hague

The history of The Hague is unique in the Netherlands because it was never officially granted city status until 1806. It grew from a simple 13th century hunting lodge established by the Counts of Holland. It became the seat of political power from the start. Centered around the beautiful Binnenhof complex, where Parliament still meets today. This unique history explains why The Hague feels so different from the industrial port of Rotterdam or the commercial hub of Amsterdam.

As the Netherlands expanded its trade and empire overseas, The Hague grew rapidly. It was here that the wealth from the Dutch East Indies (VOC) was managed. It resulted in the elegant neighborhoods and grand architecture that you still see today. However, the city’s real transformation came at the beginning of the 20th century, when it was chosen as the location for the first international peace conference. This led to the construction of the magnificent Peace Palace, permanently anchoring the city’s destiny as the global center for international law and justice.

World War II left its mark, with large parts of the city destroyed to make way for the German Atlantic Wall defenses along the coast. Despite this trauma, The Hague retained its foundational role. Today, the city is a blend of diplomatic precision, royal ceremony, and seaside access, thanks to the popular beach at Scheveningen. Every street and building reflects its identity as the City of Peace and Justice.