What to See in The Hague?

The Hague (Den Haag) might surprise you. Often overshadowed by Amsterdam, this elegant Dutch city offers a perfect blend of cultural treasures, political significance, and seaside charm. As the seat of Dutch government and home to the royal family, The Hague combines stately architecture with world-class museums, peaceful gardens, and 11 kilometers of stunning beaches. Whether you’re planning a day trip from Amsterdam or a longer stay, this guide will show you what to see in The Hague to experience its unique character and unexpected delights.

The Binnenhof is where The Hague was born and remains the beating heart of Dutch politics. This medieval complex houses both chambers of the Dutch parliament and the Prime Minister’s office. The most striking building is the 13th-century Ridderzaal (Knights’ Hall), an impressive Gothic structure where the monarch delivers the annual speech opening Parliament. Walking through the courtyard is free and gives you a sense of the city’s political importance. For a deeper understanding, guided tours of the interior are available when parliament is not in session.

The Peace Palace is The Hague’s most iconic building and the reason the city is known as the “City of Peace and Justice.” This impressive neo-Renaissance structure houses the International Court of Justice (the UN’s principal judicial body) and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Built in the early 20th century with funding from American steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, the palace features contributions from countries worldwide, including Japanese silk tapestries and British stained glass windows.

While the exterior is impressive on its own, the interior is truly spectacular. Guided tours are available when the courts are not in session, offering a glimpse into the Japanese Room, the Great Hall of Justice, and other ornate chambers. If you can’t take a tour, the Visitor Center provides excellent information about the palace’s history and mission.

Housed in a 17th-century mansion, the Mauritshuis is home to some of the world’s most famous Dutch Golden Age paintings. The star attraction is Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” often called the “Dutch Mona Lisa.” You’ll also find Rembrandt’s “The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp” and works by Frans Hals and Jan Steen. The museum is compact enough to explore in 1-2 hours, making it perfect for a day trip. Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds, especially during peak tourist season.

Housed in a former royal palace, this museum is dedicated to the mind-bending works of Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher. Known for his mathematically inspired optical illusions and impossible constructions, Escher’s art challenges perception and reality. The museum displays his famous works like “Drawing Hands,” “Relativity,” and “Ascending and Descending.” The top floor features interactive exhibits where you can experience optical illusions firsthand, making it a hit with visitors of all ages.

For a truly unique museum experience, visit Panorama Mesdag. This cylindrical painting, created in 1881, is one of the largest paintings in the world at 14 meters high and 120 meters in circumference. Standing on a central platform, you’re surrounded by a 360-degree view of the seaside village of Scheveningen as it appeared in the late 19th century. The clever use of real sand and props in the foreground creates a remarkable 3D effect that makes you feel like you’re actually at the beach. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the past and an impressive artistic achievement.

The Hague is the working city of the Dutch royal family, and Noordeinde Palace is the King’s official workplace. While the palace interior is not open to the public, you can admire its elegant facade and explore the beautiful palace gardens behind it. These public gardens offer a peaceful retreat with manicured lawns, flower beds, and sculptures. From the gardens, you can also see the Royal Stables, where the royal horses and carriages are kept. It’s a lovely spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll away from the bustle of the city center.

For a glimpse into the darker side of The Hague’s history, visit the Prison Gate Museum. This medieval gatehouse served as a prison from 1428 to 1828, housing political prisoners and criminals. The museum displays instruments of torture and punishment from centuries past, and guided tours take you through the original cells and torture chambers. It’s a fascinating if somewhat macabre look at how justice was administered in earlier times. The museum is located near the Binnenhof, making it easy to combine with other attractions in the city center.

Just a 15-minute tram ride from the city center lies Scheveningen, The Hague’s famous beach resort. With 11 kilometers of sandy shoreline, it’s the perfect place to relax after sightseeing. The beach is lined with restaurants and beach clubs that are dismantled in winter and rebuilt each summer. The highlight is the Scheveningen Pier, which features a Ferris wheel, bungee jumping, zip-lining, and shopping. Don’t miss the iconic Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus, an elegant 19th-century building that has hosted everyone from European royalty to The Rolling Stones.

Clingendael Park is one of The Hague’s most beautiful green spaces, featuring landscaped gardens, ponds, and walking paths. The highlight is the Japanese Garden, created in the early 1900s by the former owner of the estate, Lady Daisy. It contains rare Japanese plants, ornamental bridges, stone lanterns, and authentic Japanese water features. Due to its fragility, the Japanese Garden is only open for a few weeks each spring (late April to early June) and autumn (mid-October to early November). If your visit coincides with these periods, don’t miss this tranquil oasis.

Madurodam offers the Netherlands in miniature, with detailed 1:25 scale models of famous Dutch landmarks, towns, and infrastructure. Interactive exhibits let you operate the Rotterdam port, prevent a dike breach, or load containers onto ships. It’s both entertaining and educational, providing insight into Dutch history, culture, and engineering achievements. Particularly popular with families, Madurodam gives visitors a bird’s-eye view of the country’s highlights, from Amsterdam’s canal houses to the Delta Works flood barriers.

Car enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Louwman Museum, home to the world’s oldest private collection of automobiles. Housed in a striking building designed by American architect Michael Graves, the museum displays over 250 historic and classic vehicles dating from 1886 to the present. Highlights include the 1910 Swan Car, James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5, and the Jaguar used by Winston Churchill. Even if you’re not a car buff, the collection’s artistic and historical significance makes it worth a visit.

The Kunstmuseum Den Haag houses the world’s largest collection of works by Dutch artist Piet Mondrian, including his famous “Victory Boogie Woogie.” The museum itself is an architectural masterpiece designed by H.P. Berlage, featuring beautiful Art Deco details. Besides Mondrian, the museum displays works by Picasso, Monet, and Kandinsky, along with decorative arts, fashion, and musical instruments. The Wonderkamers (Chambers of Wonder) offer interactive exhibits that make art accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages.

De Passage is the Netherlands’ oldest shopping arcade, dating back to 1885. This elegant covered gallery with its glass roof and ornate details houses upscale shops, cafés, and restaurants. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth walking through to admire the architecture and soak up the atmosphere. While there, try a Haagse Hopje, a coffee-flavored caramel candy that originated in The Hague and makes for a perfect souvenir or sweet treat during your explorations.

For a taste of local life, visit the Haagse Markt, the largest outdoor market in Europe. With over 500 stalls selling everything from fresh produce and flowers to clothing, electronics, and international foods, it’s a multicultural hub that reflects The Hague’s diverse population. The market is especially known for its affordable street food representing cuisines from around the world, including Surinamese, Turkish, Moroccan, and Indonesian dishes. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, it’s a great place to sample local flavors and pick up unique souvenirs.

Due to the Netherlands’ colonial history in Indonesia, The Hague has some of the best Indonesian restaurants in Europe. The signature dining experience is rijsttafel (rice table), a feast consisting of rice accompanied by up to 40 small dishes representing the diverse cuisines of Indonesia. These might include satay skewers, rendang beef, gado-gado salad, and various spicy sambals. Popular restaurants for rijsttafel include Restaurant Blauw, Garoeda, and Didong, but reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

The best time to visit The Hague is from late spring to early fall (May to September) when the weather is mild and the beach areas come alive. April and May offer the bonus of blooming tulips in nearby flower fields. Winters are cold and often rainy, but the city is less crowded, and museums provide cozy indoor activities. If possible, avoid visiting on Mondays when many museums have limited hours or are closed entirely.

The Hague offers a perfect balance of cultural richness, historical significance, and seaside relaxation that few European cities can match. While Amsterdam gets most of the attention, The Hague provides a more authentic Dutch experience with fewer crowds. From world-class art and royal palaces to international courts and beautiful beaches, the city’s diverse attractions cater to all interests. Whether you come for a day trip or a longer stay, The Hague will surprise and delight you with its elegant charm and unexpected treasures.