Best Attractions in The Hague, Netherlands

The Hague (Den Haag) offers a captivating blend of royal heritage, political significance, cultural treasures, and seaside charm that sets it apart from other Dutch cities. Often overshadowed by Amsterdam, this elegant city surprises visitors with its diverse attractions—from world-class museums housing masterpieces like “The Girl with the Pearl Earring” to 11 kilometers of stunning beaches. Whether you’re drawn to historic buildings, international institutions, artistic masterpieces, or simply want to experience the unique atmosphere of the Netherlands’ seat of government, The Hague rewards visitors with experiences that can’t be found elsewhere in the country.

The Hague boasts an impressive collection of museums that cater to diverse interests. From Dutch Golden Age masterpieces to modern art installations, the city’s cultural institutions offer something for every art enthusiast.

The Mauritshuis is home to some of the most celebrated works of the Dutch Golden Age. Housed in a 17th-century mansion, this compact museum punches well above its weight with masterpieces including Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring” and “View of Delft,” Rembrandt’s “The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp,” and works by Jan Steen and Frans Hals.

The museum’s intimate setting allows for an up-close experience with these iconic paintings. The building itself, once the residence of Count Johan Maurits, is a masterpiece of Dutch classicism with its elegant rooms and ornate decorations complementing the artwork on display.

Housed in the former winter palace of Queen Mother Emma, Escher in Het Paleis showcases the mind-bending works of M.C. Escher. The Dutch graphic artist is renowned for his mathematically inspired optical illusions and impossible constructions. The museum displays a comprehensive collection of his works, from early landscapes to his famous “impossible” prints like “Ascending and Descending” and “Relativity.”

Interactive exhibits allow visitors to step into Escher’s world and experience his perspective-challenging concepts firsthand. The palace setting adds another layer of interest, with its grand rooms and royal history providing a striking contrast to Escher’s modern, mind-bending art.

For contemporary art lovers, Museum Voorlinden offers a refreshing experience just outside the city center. This privately-owned museum opened in 2016 and features modern and contemporary art in a purpose-built structure surrounded by beautiful gardens. The museum is known for its immersive installations, including Leandro Erlich’s “Swimming Pool,” where visitors can walk underneath what appears to be a full pool of water.

The building itself is a work of art, designed to maximize natural light and create a seamless connection between the art inside and the nature outside. The surrounding estate adds to the experience, with sculpture gardens and landscaped grounds perfect for a post-museum stroll.

Step back in time at Panorama Mesdag, home to a massive 360-degree cylindrical painting depicting Scheveningen as it appeared in 1881. Created by Hendrik Willem Mesdag, this 14-meter-high panorama creates the illusion of standing on a dune overlooking the fishing village and sea. The clever use of real sand and objects in the foreground blends seamlessly with the painted canvas, creating a remarkably immersive experience.

Beyond the panorama itself, the museum houses additional works by Mesdag and his contemporaries, providing context for this unique masterpiece that represents one of the largest paintings in the Netherlands.

Unlike most major Dutch cities, The Hague boasts direct access to the North Sea coast, with 11 kilometers of sandy beaches. The coastal areas offer a refreshing contrast to the city’s urban attractions and are popular with both locals and tourists year-round.

Scheveningen is The Hague’s premier beach resort, offering a vibrant seaside experience just a short tram ride from the city center. The wide sandy beach is lined with restaurants and beach clubs that operate year-round, though many of the temporary pavilions are dismantled during winter months. The area’s most recognizable landmark is the Scheveningen Pier, which extends 380 meters into the North Sea and features shops, restaurants, and a Ferris wheel offering panoramic views.

The elegant Kurhaus hotel, with its distinctive red-roofed silhouette, stands as a reminder of Scheveningen’s history as a fashionable 19th-century resort. Today, the promenade buzzes with activity, from casual beachgoers to water sports enthusiasts braving the North Sea waves.

For a more relaxed beach experience, head to Kijkduin, The Hague’s smaller and more family-friendly coastal resort. Surrounded by sand dunes and nature reserves, Kijkduin offers a quieter alternative to bustling Scheveningen. The beach is backed by a modest shopping center and several restaurants, with a more laid-back atmosphere that appeals to families and those seeking tranquility.

The surrounding dune landscape is perfect for walks and cycling, with trails leading through the protected natural areas that separate Kijkduin from the city. During summer, beach clubs set up along the shore, offering comfortable loungers and seaside dining.

For a truly unique coastal experience, consider staying in one of the Haagse Strandhuisjes (The Hague beach houses) located directly on the sand at Kijkduin. These compact but well-equipped cabins offer the rare opportunity to sleep with the sound of waves just meters from your door. Despite their small size, the beach houses include all modern amenities, with large windows maximizing the spectacular sea views.

Staying in a beach house provides a completely different perspective on The Hague, combining city access with an immersive natural experience. The houses are built with sustainable materials and powered by renewable energy, adding an eco-friendly dimension to this distinctive accommodation option.

Beyond the well-known museums and beaches, The Hague offers several distinctive attractions that provide unique experiences you won’t find elsewhere in the Netherlands.

Experience the Netherlands in miniature at Madurodam, a meticulously crafted park featuring 1:25 scale models of Dutch landmarks, historical sites, and infrastructure. This charming attraction allows visitors to “tour” the entire country in just a few hours, with interactive elements that bring the miniature world to life. Watch tiny boats navigate Rotterdam’s harbor, see planes land at Schiphol Airport, and marvel at the detailed recreation of Amsterdam’s canal houses.

Beyond its entertainment value, Madurodam has a touching history as a living memorial. Created in memory of George Maduro, a Dutch war hero who died in World War II, the park donates its profits to children’s charities, making it perhaps the world’s most cheerful war memorial.

For a glimpse into the darker side of Dutch history, visit the Prison Gate Museum (Museum de Gevangenpoort). This former medieval prison offers a fascinating look at justice and punishment from the 15th to 19th centuries. Located near the Binnenhof, the museum features original cells, torture chambers, and a collection of historical punishment devices that reveal how justice was administered in earlier times.

Guided tours take visitors through the grim corridors and cells, sharing stories of famous and infamous prisoners who were held here. The museum provides a stark contrast to The Hague’s modern identity as the International City of Peace and Justice, highlighting how far concepts of justice have evolved over the centuries.

Step into the elegant Passage, the Netherlands’ oldest shopping arcade dating back to 1885. This covered shopping street with its distinctive glass dome roof offers a refined shopping experience reminiscent of similar passages in Paris or Milan. The arcade houses a selection of boutiques, specialty shops, and cafés in a charming historical setting.

While shopping, be sure to stop at Hop & Stork for a coffee and to try hopjes, The Hague’s signature coffee-flavored caramel candies. These sweet treats were invented by accident when Baron Hop left a mixture of coffee and sugar on the stove for too long, creating a caramelized confection that has become the city’s culinary calling card.

Despite being one of the Netherlands’ largest cities, The Hague offers abundant green spaces where visitors can relax and connect with nature without leaving the urban environment.

The Haagse Bos (The Hague Forest) is one of the oldest forests in the Netherlands and a green oasis in the heart of the city. This historic woodland once served as the hunting grounds for the counts of Holland and has been protected since the 16th century when Charles V decreed that it could never be cut down. Today, it offers walking and cycling paths through mature trees, with open meadows perfect for picnics.

Within the forest lies Huis ten Bosch Palace, one of the royal residences. While the palace itself is not open to visitors, the surrounding forest provides a peaceful retreat from urban life and a glimpse of the natural landscape that existed before the city grew around it.

Clingendael Park combines formal gardens, woodland areas, and open spaces in a harmonious landscape that changes with the seasons. The park’s crown jewel is its Japanese Garden, created in the early 20th century by Baroness Marguérite van Brienen after her travels to Japan. Due to its fragility, this exquisite garden is only open to the public for a few weeks each spring and autumn.

The rest of the estate is accessible year-round and features a tea house, ponds, and the International Institute of International Relations “Clingendael,” housed in the estate’s manor house. The park’s diverse environments make it perfect for leisurely exploration, with something new to discover around each corner.

Rose enthusiasts should not miss Westbroekpark, home to one of the largest rose gardens in Europe. The park displays over 20,000 roses representing more than 300 varieties, creating a spectacular show of color and fragrance during the summer months. Beyond the rose garden, the park offers pleasant walking paths, a tearoom, and a small harbor where boats can be rented.

The park hosts the annual International Rose Competition, where new varieties are judged for their beauty, fragrance, and resilience. Even outside rose season, the park’s landscaped grounds and waterways make for a pleasant outdoor excursion.

The Hague’s diverse population and international character have created a rich cultural tapestry that visitors can experience through food, markets, and neighborhood exploration.

Immerse yourself in The Hague’s multicultural atmosphere at the Haagse Markt, Europe’s largest outdoor market. Operating four days a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday), this sprawling market features hundreds of stalls selling everything from fresh produce and international foods to clothing, electronics, and household goods. The market reflects the city’s diverse population, with products from Suriname, Turkey, Morocco, and beyond.

Food lovers will find the market particularly rewarding, with opportunities to sample Dutch specialties like herring and stroopwafels alongside international street food. The market is located between the Transvaal and Schilderswijk neighborhoods, two of The Hague’s most multicultural areas, and provides an authentic glimpse into the daily life of the city’s residents.

The Hague boasts the largest Chinatown in the Netherlands, centered around Wagenstraat and its surrounding streets. This vibrant district is home to Chinese, Indonesian, Thai, and Vietnamese restaurants, as well as Asian supermarkets and specialty shops. The area is marked by decorative gates and lanterns, creating a distinctive atmosphere within the city center.

Culinary highlights include dim sum at restaurants like Full Moon City or Woeng Kee, traditional pastries from St. Anny Tea House, and bubble tea from numerous vendors throughout the district. Beyond food, the neighborhood offers glimpses of Asian culture through its shops, temples, and seasonal celebrations like Chinese New Year.

The Hague’s colonial history has created strong ties with Indonesia, resulting in the city having some of the best Indonesian restaurants in Europe. The rijsttafel (rice table), a Dutch colonial adaptation of Indonesian cuisine featuring numerous small dishes served with rice, is a must-try culinary experience. Restaurants like Garoeda, Bali James, and Warung Bude Kati offer authentic flavors that showcase the complex spices and techniques of Indonesian cooking.

For a more casual experience, try Indonesian street food like satay (grilled skewers) or bakso (meatball soup) at the Haagse Markt or from small takeaway establishments throughout the city. These flavorful dishes provide insight into the cultural connections that have shaped The Hague’s diverse character.

Families visiting The Hague will find plenty of attractions designed to engage and entertain younger travelers, from interactive museums to unique recreational activities.

The Museon-Omniversum combines an interactive science museum with an impressive dome theater to create an educational experience that appeals to curious minds of all ages. The museum’s “One Planet” exhibition explores global challenges and sustainability through hands-on displays that encourage visitors to touch, experiment, and discover. The adjacent Omniversum features a 23-meter dome screen that immerses viewers in spectacular nature documentaries and science films.

Regular workshops and special exhibitions keep the content fresh and engaging, while the museum’s approach to complex topics makes them accessible to younger visitors without oversimplifying. The combination of interactive learning and immersive visual experiences makes this a perfect rainy-day activity for families.

The Children’s Book Museum (Kinderboekenmuseum) celebrates the world of children’s literature through interactive exhibits that bring beloved stories and characters to life. Located in the same building as the Royal Library, this engaging museum encourages children to explore the creative process behind their favorite books and discover new stories through play and imagination.

Exhibits are designed to be hands-on, with opportunities for children to create their own stories, step into fictional worlds, and learn about the authors and illustrators who create children’s books. While many exhibits focus on Dutch children’s literature, the museum’s playful approach transcends language barriers, making it enjoyable even for visitors who don’t speak Dutch.

For an unusual and energetic activity, head to Planet Jump, a former church that has been transformed into a trampoline park. This unique repurposing of a religious building is characteristic of The Hague’s pragmatic approach to historic structures and provides a fun way for children (and adults) to burn off excess energy.

The facility features wall-to-wall trampolines, an obstacle course, and a rotating climbing wall, with a dedicated area for younger children. The soaring church architecture creates a dramatic backdrop for bouncing, with the original stained glass windows and arched ceilings still visible above the modern recreational equipment.

The Hague’s central location makes it an excellent base for exploring other highlights of the Netherlands. Several attractive destinations are within easy reach by public transportation or car.

Just 15 minutes by train from The Hague, Delft offers a quintessential Dutch experience with its picturesque canals, historic center, and famous blue and white pottery. This charming university town is compact enough to explore on foot, with highlights including the Markt Square with its impressive Town Hall, the leaning tower of the Oude Kerk (Old Church), and the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) where members of the Dutch royal family are entombed.

No visit to Delft would be complete without learning about its famous pottery tradition. Royal Delft (De Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles) is the last remaining factory of the 32 that once produced the iconic blue and white ceramics, and offers tours showing how this traditional craft continues today. The Vermeer Centrum provides insight into the life and work of Johannes Vermeer, Delft’s most famous artistic son.

Rotterdam, the Netherlands’ second-largest city, presents a striking contrast to The Hague’s more traditional architecture. Heavily bombed during World War II, Rotterdam rebuilt itself as a showcase for innovative modern architecture. Just 25 minutes by train from The Hague, the city offers attractions including the distinctive cube houses, the Markthal food market with its spectacular ceiling artwork, and the Erasmus Bridge spanning the Maas River.

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen and the Kunsthal, while those interested in maritime history can visit the Maritime Museum or take a harbor tour to see Europe’s largest port in action. Rotterdam’s dynamic food scene and nightlife make it worth considering for an extended visit beyond just a day trip.

Leiden, a historic university city just 15 minutes by train from The Hague, offers beautiful canals, museums, and botanical gardens in a less touristy setting than Amsterdam. Home to the Netherlands’ oldest university (founded in 1575), Leiden has a youthful energy balanced by centuries of history visible in its well-preserved center.

The city’s museums include the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (National Museum of Antiquities), Naturalis Biodiversity Center, and Museum De Lakenhal, which tells the story of Leiden’s textile industry. The Hortus Botanicus, one of Europe’s oldest botanical gardens, features a diverse collection of plants including species brought back by Dutch explorers from around the world.

To make the most of your visit to The Hague, here’s some essential practical information to help you plan your trip efficiently.

The Hague is easily accessible by public transportation. The nearest international airport is Amsterdam Schiphol, from which direct trains run to The Hague in about 30 minutes. Rotterdam The Hague Airport is another option, connected to The Hague by bus and train connections via Rotterdam.

By train, The Hague is well-connected to other Dutch cities and international destinations. The city has two main stations: Den Haag Centraal in the heart of the city, and Den Haag HS (Hollands Spoor) slightly south of the center. Both stations are served by domestic and international trains.

The Hague has an excellent public transportation system of trams and buses operated by HTM. Single tickets can be purchased on board, but for multiple journeys, consider getting an OV-chipkaart, the Dutch public transport smart card. The city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making walking a pleasant option for exploring the main attractions.

Cycling is another popular way to get around, with dedicated bike lanes throughout the city and rental options available at the main train stations and through bike-sharing services. For trips to Scheveningen beach, tram lines 1, 9, and 11 provide regular service from the city center.

The Hague can be visited year-round, with each season offering different advantages. Summer (June-August) brings the warmest weather, perfect for enjoying the beaches and outdoor cafés, though this is also the busiest tourist season. Spring (April-May) offers blooming parks and gardens, while autumn (September-October) provides mild weather and fewer crowds.

Winter (November-March) can be cold and windy, especially along the coast, but offers a more local experience with festive Christmas markets and the opportunity to see museums without the summer crowds. The Japanese Garden in Clingendael Park is only open for a few weeks in spring and autumn, so plan accordingly if this is on your must-see list.

The Hague offers a distinctive Dutch experience that sets it apart from more frequently visited cities like Amsterdam. Its unique combination of political significance, cultural treasures, and coastal charm creates a multifaceted destination that rewards exploration. From world-class museums housing Dutch masterpieces to the impressive seat of government at the Binnenhof, from the international institutions that have earned it the title “City of Peace and Justice” to the expansive beaches of Scheveningen and Kijkduin, The Hague presents a more balanced view of contemporary Dutch life than its more tourist-oriented counterparts.

The city’s manageable size makes it possible to experience its diverse attractions without feeling overwhelmed, while its excellent transportation connections make it an ideal base for exploring other highlights of the Netherlands. Whether you’re drawn by art, history, politics, or simply the pleasure of strolling elegant streets and relaxing on sandy beaches, The Hague rewards visitors with experiences that can’t be found elsewhere in the country. As you plan your Dutch adventure, consider giving this royal city the time it deserves to reveal its many treasures.