{"id":50852,"date":"2021-02-02T07:00:14","date_gmt":"2021-02-02T15:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=50852"},"modified":"2025-08-22T21:44:55","modified_gmt":"2025-08-23T04:44:55","slug":"the-hague-city-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/the-hague-city-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"THE HAGUE CITY GUIDE FOR EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELLER"},"content":{"rendered":"

Original letters from Oscar Wilde, the world\u2019s oldest book museum, a trippy M.C. Escher optical illusion museum and a date with \u201cThe Girl with The Pearl Earring\u201d. These are just some of the unique experiences only on offer in The Hague.<\/p>\n

The Netherlands\u2019 third city is an unsung gem quietly courting adoration beside Amsterdam\u2019s revelry<\/a> and Rotterdam\u2019s bustle. The quietest of the three, The Hague is serene, spacious and has an 11-kilometre white sand beach called Scheveningen (Sh-keh-veh-nin-ghen).<\/p>\n

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This delightful Dutch coastal city can best be described as gezellig (a Dutch concept akin to the Danes\u2019 Hygge). It\u2019s \u201cthe judicial capital of the world\u201d, the seat of the Dutch government and parliament, and the residence of the current king Willem-Alexander and his much-adored Argentinian-born wife Maxima.<\/p>\n

Whether you wish to savour art from the Dutch Golden Age, sip on fine Malbec at a sky-high restaurant or bungee jump over the North Sea, this city will deliver.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s The Hague travel guide for every type of traveller!<\/p>\n

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For Beach Lovers<\/h2>\n

The Hague has much to offer water lovers. There\u2019s a wave for surfers of all levels in Scheveningen and beginners can grab a bite, do a spot of shopping and get lessons at Hart Beach<\/a> surf shop and school.<\/p>\n

There are endless rolling dunes for beach walks and the stunning Panorama Mesdag Museum, a 360-degree painting of the dunes and Scheveningen village as it was in 1881.<\/p>\n

Scheveningen also hosts an annual European fireworks festival and in previous years, you\u2019d find thousands (around ten) diving into the ice-cold North Sea for the annual Unox-sponsored New Year\u2019s Day dive<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Unox brand provides brave divers with warm orange hats before the dive, and hot soup afterwards. Lekker!<\/p>\n

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Scheveningen has been referred to as \u201cthe Santa Monica of Europe\u201d and The Hague is the only big city with a beach directly on the North Sea coast.<\/p>\n

Come here for a spattering of beachside restaurants and bars or take a walk on the pier (De Pier). There\u2019s an open-air deck, too, and you can also bungee jump over the sea if that tickles your fancy.<\/p>\n

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For Art Lovers<\/h2>\n

Mauritshuis<\/h3>\n

No trip to The Hague is complete without a visit to the Mauritshuis<\/a> museum, which is a stone\u2019s throw from Binnenhof, the world\u2019s oldest parliament building that\u2019s still in use (yet another unique feat in The Hague). You can actually see into the Prime Minister\u2019s office right from one of Mauritshuis\u2019 rooms.<\/p>\n

The Mauritshuis building itself is a masterpiece and was owned by Count Johan Maurits of Nassau-Siegen, who was the governor-general of the then-Dutch colony of Brazil.<\/p>\n

Visit Mauritshuis to see works from Dutch masters like Jan Steen, Rembrandt and Carel Fabritius\u2019 The Goldfinch, star of a 2019 Hollywood movie of the same name.<\/p>\n

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The jewel in the museum\u2019s crown is undoubtedly Vermeer\u2019s \u201cThe Girl With The Pearl Earring\u201d<\/a>, which has been at the Mauritshuis for over 100 years. It was bought for two Guilders (less than $1) at a market and was only discovered to be a Vermeer after it was cleaned.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe girl\u201d is one of the world\u2019s most famous paintings. Much like the Mona Lisa, she invites intrigue due to the ambiguity of her gaze.<\/p>\n

Lighting and the way she\u2019s painted means some see her eyes as green, others see brown, her emotions aren\u2019t immediately discernible and her pearl earring probably isn\u2019t a pearl at all.<\/p>\n

Tickets need to be reserved in advance via the Mauritshuis website<\/a>. It is also possible to make an impromptu visit and reserve any last-minute slots that are available.<\/p>\n

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The M.C. Escher Museum<\/h3>\n

The Hague is also home to the M.C. Escher museum, Escher in the Palace<\/a>, which fans of the artist\u2019s mathematically inspired optical illusions will find particularly pleasing.<\/p>\n

Escher is one of the most famous graphic artists in the world and a visit to this permanent exhibition is a thoroughly regal experience being set in the former winter palace of Queen Mother Emma of the Netherlands.<\/p>\n

Prepare to be amazed by his mind-bending works including House of Stairs, Convex and Concave, and Drawing Hands.<\/p>\n

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For History And Culture Lovers<\/h2>\n

The Palaces<\/h3>\n

The Hague is a city of palaces. The Dutch royal family have three official residences, two of which are in The Hague: Paleis Huis ten Bosch in the Haagse Bos forest, and Noordeinde.<\/p>\n

The Koninklijke Schouwburg<\/a> (the Royal Theatre) was originally built as a palace for Prince Karel van Christiaan van Nassau-Weilburg.<\/p>\n

Feel free to catch a play there in the most regal of settings. There is a small selection of shows in English and some that aren\u2019t spoken at all so don\u2019t let a lack of Dutch skills hold you back.<\/p>\n

The Peace Palace<\/h3>\n

The Peace Palace (Vredespaleis)<\/a>, is the home of two of the most important courts in the world: the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), though deceptively, it is not actually a palace.<\/p>\n

The statuesque building is the global home of world peace and was financed by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.<\/p>\n

The first stone was laid in 1907 shortly before World War One and world leaders were requested to donate decorations and building materials for this temple of peace \u2013 and they did.<\/p>\n

Today, the Peace Palace is an astounding collection of artefacts and adornments from all corners of the globe: marble from Italy, wood from El Salvador, vases from China, a fountain from Denmark and a Faberge egg from Tsar Nicholas II in Russia that was so large that a special train track needed to be built to bring it in.<\/p>\n

In the Japanese Room, where members of the Permanent Court of Arbitration hold their meetings, the walls are covered with refined silk and golden tapestries made by over 48,000 Japanese weavers over several years and they are a stunning sight to behold.<\/p>\n

Guided tours are available and must be booked in advance. Tours are led in and around the palace (including the lovely gardens) and the Great Hall of justice.<\/p>\n

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Museum Meermanno (Huis Van Het Boek)<\/h3>\n

A bibliophile\u2019s dream, Huis Van Het Boek<\/a> is the oldest book museum in the world. It\u2019s located in the former residence of Baron Van Westreenen van Tiellandt, an avid book collector.<\/p>\n

The house became the property of the state after the Baron passed away and it opened to the public as a museum in 1852.<\/p>\n

The museum showcases Western book history from all periods including handwritten medieval manuscripts and fragments of a Latin Bible.<\/p>\n

The museum also has one of the world\u2019s most impressive miniature book collections and proudly owns one of the first printed copies of Oscar Wilde\u2019s final work, \u201cThe Ballad of Reading Gaol\u201d, where coincidentally; half of an original letter signed by Oscar Wilde himself was found.<\/p>\n

This and many other priceless pieces of history may be enjoyed at this impressive 18th-century Herenhuis building. To secure your spot, timed entry tickets must be purchased online on the museum\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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For Food Lovers<\/h2>\n

Raw Herring<\/h3>\n

While in The Hague, indulge in some of the edible splendours that the Netherlands is recognised for including raw herring, traditionally served with raw onions. The dish is traditionally eaten by picking up the herring by the tail and gradually sliding it into the mouth.<\/p>\n

You can sample raw herring at any of the many iconic street-side fish stalls or stalletjes, which are typically awash with patriotic red, white and blue colours alongside Dutch flags.<\/p>\n

You can also have yours cut into pieces or with bread but don\u2019t ask to have your herring with mayonnaise on top \u2013 it\u2019s not a burger. Also, watch out for the birds (meeuwen); they\u2019re cunning, fast and they want your meal just as much as you do.<\/p>\n

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The Penthouse<\/h3>\n

Spoil yourself and go up to the tallest restaurant in the Netherlands, The Penthouse<\/a>. This spot sits pretty on the 42nd floor of The Hague Tower in the Holland Spoor neighbourhood.<\/p>\n

As you take in the scenery while going up in the lift, there\u2019s also sign that tells you \u201cyou\u2019re pretty\u201d. Once you arrive, there are fabulous views wherever you\u2019re seated and you can also step out onto the deck to feel the wind in your hair and further inspect your surroundings.<\/p>\n

The North Sea can be spotted as well as the city of Delft, which is about 11 kilometres away. Sunset is a popular time to dine here so if that\u2019s when you\u2019d like to visit, be sure to reserve well in advance.<\/p>\n

Seasonal local products influence the menu and you can take your pick of three, four or five courses. Each course is paired with a decadent wine from a different region. The menu itself is in English and Dutch and includes a witty back-story about each of the wine pairings.<\/p>\n

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Fries With A Twist<\/h3>\n

The Dutch are known for their love of French fries (\u201cpatat\u201d or \u201cfrites\u201d) and you can expect to find a vendor selling these soft-in-the-middle, crispy-on-the-outside wonder sticks on almost any corner you turn. You\u2019re also spoilt for choice toppings-wise.<\/p>\n

The mainstay combination is patat met (fries with mayonnaise) or patatje oorlog (fries with mayonnaise, sate sauce and onions), which translates as \u201cwar chips\u201d.<\/p>\n

Sate sauce, a spicy mixture of peanuts, kecap manis, ginger, chilli and turmeric, is widespread in the Netherlands due to the sizeable Indonesian population in the country. Look past the curious name and try this oddly harmonious marriage.<\/p>\n

For a gourmet helping of patat, look no further than the posh friterie known as Frites Atelier<\/a> where things are turned up a notch.<\/p>\n

The potatoes are sourced from the province of Zeeland and embellished with fancy toppings like pulled pork and piccalilli, braised beef in old brown beer and grated Comt\u00e9 cheese with homemade truffle mayonnaise, all topped with samphire salt.<\/p>\n

Van Kleef Museum, Jenevers And Liqueurs<\/h3>\n

One of the absolute highlights of my most recent trip to The Hague was a jenever tasting at Van Kleef<\/a>, the Hague\u2019s last standing distillery and museum.<\/p>\n

The experience was elevated from culinary outing to history lesson with the presentation of The Hague\u2019s very first telephone book.<\/p>\n

Van Kleef used to produce medicines, perfumes and liqueurs including jenever, and it was once one of the most important businesses in the city.<\/p>\n

In The Hague\u2019s first phone book which was published in 1893, there were only 126 local telephone numbers and Van Kleef\u2019s was number 1 – before the king\u2019s.<\/p>\n

One of Van Kleef\u2019s most famous customers was the painter Vincent van Gogh, who lived on the very same street (Lange Beestenmarkt) for a few years while working at his uncle\u2019s international art trade company.<\/p>\n

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The tasting sessions take place in the ever so quaint back garden and include thorough explanations of jenever and it\u2019s illustrious history. Many are none the wiser of gin\u2019s roots, which lie in Dutch distilleries like Van Kleef.<\/p>\n

When Dutch Stadtholder William of Orange married into the English throne by wedding Mary Stuart, he brought along his national drink, jenever, which was far from painless to pronounce in his new surroundings. It was shortened to \u201cjen\u201d which is the \u201cgin\u201d we know today.<\/p>\n

You can also pick up a bottle in the shop and sample some local liqueur flavours like \u201cKru\u00ecde Bagg\u00e2h\u201d and \u201cTears of the bride\u201d, named to denote the bittersweet sobs of women about to leave their families after finally finding freedom.<\/p>\n

My absolute favourite liqueur, however, is the purple-hued Volmaakt Geluk, which has a saucy back-story that I\u2019ll let you discover when you visit The Hague yourself.<\/p>\n

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Where To Stay In The Hague<\/h2>\n

Hotel Des Indes<\/h3>\n

Hotel Des Indes<\/a> is a grand property in the former city palace of Baron van Brienen, a counsellor of King William III who needed entertainment quarters in the centre of the city.<\/p>\n

Des Indes feels like stepping into the Old World with high ceilings and a fabulous bar to boot (which is also stocked with Van Kleef goodies). Try the gin-soaked Mayflower cocktail or order a surprise drink and the mixology masters will whip up something that\u2019s not on the menu.<\/p>\n

Hotel Des Indes<\/a> is part of the illustrious Leading Hotels of the World Group<\/a> and its amenities include a spa, sauna, swimming pool, gym and private dining spaces.<\/p>\n

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The Old World feeling continues in the rooms where black and white photos of old greats adorn the walls and vintage wooden chests make up the cupboards while kingly drapes hover over the bedding.<\/p>\n

There are nifty little touches all around like the Delfts Blauw (Delft\u2019s Pottery) vases which display the room numbers and all four floors tell a rich story.<\/p>\n

Des Indes\u2019 wall of fame<\/a> shows a who\u2019s who of important dignitaries and famous faces that have lodged here including European royalty, Theodore and Eleanor Roosevelt, Audrey Hepburn and the spy Mata Hari.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a temporary residence for many new ambassadors in the Netherlands who are often picked up by horse and golden carriage and taken to the nearby palace for the traditional ceremony to present their credentials to the king.<\/p>\n

It is also the place where Anna Pavlova, one of the most famous ballet dancers of all time, took her last breath.<\/p>\n

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Hotel \u2018t Sonnehuys<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019ve got tickets for a dazzling show at Scheveningen\u2019s AFAS Circustheatre, you couldn\u2019t lodge any closer than \u2018t Sonnehuys.<\/p>\n

The townhouse hotel is ideally located 5 minutes walk from the beach, the pier and the boulevard to fulfil all your seaside shopping and dining needs. It\u2019s also close to the Tram 9 route to get into the centre of The Hague in no time.<\/p>\n

\u2018t Sonnehuys has sea view rooms, it\u2019s consistently high-rated and the lovely proprietor is always on hand to ensure it truly feels like your home away from home.<\/p>\n

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The Hague is great to explore on foot, by bike, by mouth; in winter, in summer, for leisure, for history seeking or for beaching. Do it!<\/p>\n

To plan the perfect Netherlands trip, be sure to read our Ultimate Guide to Amsterdam<\/a>!<\/p>\n

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We hope that this article has helped inspire you to visit The Hague. If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below. <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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