The Hague is where politics and international law collide in the Netherlands. Here you’ll find the States General, Supreme Court, as well as all foreign embassies.
At Leiden and Delft, the historic inner cities offer narrow streets. However, Rotterdam stands out with wide avenues featuring 18th-century residences.
City life
The Hague, being the seat of government and home to numerous international organizations, can offer plenty of work opportunities for expats moving here. Plus there’s no shortage of trendy eateries, yoga studios and nature reserves where one can relax as well as excellent healthcare facilities available here; living here truly can be enjoyable!
While Amsterdam doesn’t feature many canals (they were drained during the late 19th century), it does boast beautiful streets lined with large, stately 18th-century buildings intended for diplomats and wealthy Dutch families. Furthermore, this city of contrasts boasts historic structures sitting alongside modern office blocks and apartment complexes; additionally its residents hail from over 100 nationalities!
As such, The Hague boasts a vibrant nightlife scene that caters to everyone. There are excellent restaurants, eclectic bars, and incredible dance clubs such as Crazy Pianos or Paard that provide fantastic dancing. Or enjoy drinks by the sea at one of Scheveningen or Kijkduin beachfront bars!
Numbeo’s index shows that The Hague boasts an extremely high quality of life. This city, situated in the Netherlands, ranks first when measured against various criteria including cost of living, crime rate, healthcare quality and public transportation access.
Beaches
Scheveningen beach offers something for everyone: miles of sandy coastline suitable for sun seekers, kite surfers, families with young children and dog walkers as well as dog-walkers and yachters. A popular spot for water sports as well as events such as North Sea Sailing Regatta in May or International Kite Festival in September – there’s something here for everyone at Scheveningen!
This long, winding beach offers multiple experiences. Zwarte Pad, to the north of its famous pier, serves as party central during summer months with rustic beach bars and music spots. Meanwhile, Noordstrand boasts numerous restaurants as well as the Kurhaus Hotel and Haagsche Bluf shopping mall, making for the ideal setting to stroll along Strandweg promenade and soak in some fresh sea air.
Scheveningen offers dog-friendly beaches throughout October-May as long as their waste is cleaned up afterwards, and other times of the year it may only be allowed on certain sections of Zuiderstrand and Kijkduin or when taken on to the beach at sunset where leashes must be used.
Westduinpark Nature Reserve provides beachgoers who prefer greenery a bit of respite with plenty of woods and dunes valleys, as well as being abundant with birdlife. There is also a loop trail which passes by bunkers from Atlantic Wall.
Nightlife
The Hague may be known for its formality, yet there remains an active bar and cafe culture in its center around Plein square. There you will find bustling bars and restaurants from traditional brown cafes to trendy designer spots lining this square; at night Scheveningen transforms into beach clubs for dancing under the stars; while Zeeheldenkwartier houses intimate music venues that cater to more laidback crowds.
Het Paard van Troje offers an exquisite experience for nightclub enthusiasts. Boasting internationally-acclaimed DJs and artists alike, Het Paard van Troje delivers an immersive audio-visual experience. For something less formal, Huppel The Pub is an old favorite among beer fans – its wooden interior and subdued lighting create a cozy yet welcoming ambience, while regular live music events attract an eclectic crowd.
Millers Nightclub in The Hague is an upscale venue known for its extensive selection of craft beers and spirits, as well as hosting frequent live music events. Gekke Geit (Crazy Goat), which attracts young creative crowds, provides drinks such as locally made craft beers, organic wines, eclectic decor and eccentric decorations which complement its funky ambience – making Gekke Geit an excellent place for people wanting a dance or to unwind – every Thursday to Saturday nights and admission is free.
Food & Drink
The Hague is an ideal city for foodies. There is something available at every price point – from lunch specials and delicious ramen to classic Japanese decorations and small booths, and more. One great restaurant that caters to foodies in The Hague is SET, where lunch specials and volcano ramen can be found – their volcano ramen can be quite spicy so be wary! SET also features classic Japanese decorations, making their atmosphere authentic Japanese style. Additionally, Mingle Mush is another option near Den Haag Centraal offering dishes from around the globe such as Surinamese cuisine as well as African and Lebanese cuisine as well as offering wine from lesser known regions – not SET and Mingle Mush.
As well as restaurants, The Hague boasts many bars and cafes for any mood or atmosphere imaginable, ranging from lively night clubs to more peaceful locales. Chinatown can also be found here – I like going there for lunch with friends or dinner with family; their dim sum is divine and chicken wings make an appearance too!
De Filosoof stands out amongst The Hague’s many excellent coffee places as my personal favorite, featuring interesting wines with knowledgeable staff who know their stuff! Additionally, its owner is super welcoming – making this an excellent place for wine enthusiasts and enthusiasts to meet each other.
Summer nights in The Hague offer great beachfront bar scenes in Scheveningen or you could try one of the many pubs and clubs throughout the city center. Additionally, Oude Molstraat provides cozy beverages or you could head up to Bleyenberg where there’s the first rooftop bar of The Hague with an adjoining feel good restaurant, private karaoke room and even private karaoke room!
Shopping
Shopping in The Hague can be an enjoyable experience, from exclusive haute couture houses hidden behind ancient facades to contemporary concept stores in small clinker streets. The city center provides everything from big department stores and trendy fashion boutiques within walking distance of many famous attractions to large malls such as Leidschendam-Voorburg or Delft offering even more choices.
There are also plenty of markets offering fresh fish, exotic spices and local fruit and vegetables at reasonable prices – the largest one is held on Herman Costerstraat on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Grote Marktstraat, home to well-known department stores as well as designer clothing boutiques and restaurants. You’ll also find The Passage, one of the oldest covered shopping arcades in the Netherlands. Also worth seeing are Hema outlet at the train station as well as de Bijenkorf on Wagenstraat which provides protected shops against rainy weather conditions.
Parimar International Booksellers specialises in art, history and other special subjects and has an attractive selection of stationery items. At Heemstraat is where tea lovers will find paradise; here they can choose from no less than 180 types! Their ladies will also be happy to recommend something suitable. Furthermore, the store also hosts an informal Tea Club for their loyal customers which allows you to meet other enthusiasts of this beverage while taking advantage of the very reasonable prices and loyalty card discount on purchases!