The Hague is home to numerous international organizations and its political life is dominated by national government offices and diplomatic missions.
Scheveningen Beach Resort attracts millions of tourists and locals every year. Additionally, The Hague features a Chinatown with restaurants and grocery stores.
The city offers many museums, such as the Mauritshuis, Escher Museum, Municipal Museum, Prison Gate Museum and Panorama Mesdag. There are also numerous shops such as Mauritskade.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Hague, situated on the North Sea coast in western Netherlands, serves as home for several government ministries and embassies of both countries as well as those of the United Nations. Known for being an international law and arbitration hub, including its International Court of Justice and Permanent Court of Arbitration of the UN as well as Organisation for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and Europol. Willem-Alexander lives and works out of Noordeinde Palace during his stay there.
The Hague boasts several museums and cultural institutions, such as the Mauritshuis, Escher Museum and Municipal Museum. There are also art galleries as well as an expansive theater district. Lange Voorhout and Passage offer shopping districts within its boundaries while De Haagsche Park and Peace Palace Gardens can also be found within its limits.
In addition to museums, The Hague features numerous sporting venues. Haagsche Rugby Club (HRC), basketball team SK Haagsche Hoogeveen and an ice hockey club called HYS Den Haag all compete within its city limits. Furthermore, The Hague serves as host for CPC Loop Den Haag half-marathon races every year.
The Hague is home to numerous academic institutions, such as the Hague Academy for International Law and Hague University of Applied Sciences. Furthermore, The Hague hosts Europeana digital platform for cultural heritage.
One of the city’s distinctive features is its historic canal boat collection, originally used to transport goods and people across its streets but now serving as recreational attractions for visitors. There are over 40 canal boats currently active within its borders – some even offering guided tours!
The Hague is home to the International Criminal Court (ICC) located at the Peace Palace. This court can prosecute individuals charged with war crimes, genocide or other serious violations of international humanitarian law. As one of the world’s premier legal instruments it has been recognized by numerous treaties and organizations around the globe.
Beaches
From afar, The Hague might appear like a dull political hub and international law centre; but close up she reveals hidden gems and pockets of nature to delight all visitors. From art museum enthusiasts to nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventure enthusiasts, this “city of peace and justice” offers something special for everyone.
The Hague boasts an expansive coastline that is sure to draw in beach lovers all year long, from sunbathers and surfers alike. Enjoy one of Scheveningen’s relaxed beach bars for a drink or walk along Zuiderstrand or Kijkduin and feel the sand between your toes – there are 11 kilometers of shoreline on offer here in this seaside city.
Scheveningen offers year-round swimming for those seeking adventure, although you should keep the nudist beach close in mind. For something a bit quieter and relaxinger, why not head south towards Kijkduin where there is a smaller version of Scheveningen’s promenade.
Westduinpark, just south of Kijkduin, offers visitors an ideal place to see Highland cows grazing freely on its dunes during the summer season – roaming freely among seafront dunes and beaches as they graze or play around them.
Spending a day at the beach with the children can be an excellent way to encourage active fun – especially when temperatures heat up! Rent or take lessons for surfboarding or kite surfing; rent kayaks for kayaking lessons; try your luck at watersports such as sand yachting or dinghy sailing; perhaps you could even rent surfboards!
The Voorlinden Museum in Wassenaar may not be your first choice when planning a beach visit, but it’s definitely worth your while to check it out. It features interactive artwork that engages all five senses – such as standing in a full swimming pool or seeing life-sized sculptures that seem to be taking in some sun on Scheveningen’s beaches! Plus it makes a fun and intriguing way of spending some quiet time away from crowds on Scheveningen!
Nightlife
The Hague is renowned for its vibrant nightlife scene, boasting an abundance of bars and clubs that cater to an eclectic crowd. Drinks options vary from frothy beers to premium whiskies and wines; and The Hague boasts numerous culinary-focused establishments such as restaurants and bars that specialize in fine cuisine.
Clubs and dance venues throughout Amsterdam provide partygoers with a range of atmospheres for dancing. Party-goers will find hipster hangouts in the city center, Cuban cocktail bars in Scheveningen and Kijkduin, and cozy brown pubs located throughout the old town – something sure to suit anyone from raucous electro parties to laid-back jazz concerts – there’s sure to be somewhere for every mood in this vibrant city.
While The Hague is generally safe, it is wise to remain alert, particularly at night. Make sure you bring an ID card with you when visiting bars and clubs; IDs may be checked at bars. Tipping is common practice but not obligatory in the Netherlands; taxi fares are reasonable while public transit provides reliable service.
One of the best things to do in The Hague is visiting a bar and tasting some Dutch beer. There is an impressive range of breweries within walking distance from The Hague’s central train station, such as Fiddler Pub which boasts casual atmosphere while serving traditional British pub food and regularly hosting quiz nights – perfect for meeting expats!
Muziekcafe De Paap is an iconic music venue in The Hague’s historic center that hosts live musical performances every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening. This bar’s friendly environment welcomes patrons of all ages; making it a favorite spot among locals as well as visitors.
Ned Kelly’s is another popular bar, known for its Australian theme and offering a friendly environment. They serve a selection of beers – both imported from Australia as well as locally-brewed Dutch beers – while their interior features memorabilia from this nation-spanning nation, creating an energetic yet welcoming ambience. Their liquor selection and exceptional service stand them out; staff is always happy to recommend new drinks while sharing their knowledge of city’s past with customers.
Restaurants
The Hague, known as the political heart of the Netherlands, boasts stunning architecture, lively neighborhoods and a long cultural legacy. Visitors to The Hague will enjoy exploring Binnenhof and sunbathing at Scheveningen beach – there is something here for every traveler in this charming Dutch city!
With Michelin-star restaurants and local cafes strewn throughout The Hague, finding your ideal meal should not be an issue. From mouthwatering stroopwafels to spectacular burgers, The Hague boasts delicious treats sure to make any visit unforgettable.
The Mauritshuis is one of The Hague’s premier museums, and an ideal destination for art enthusiasts. Boasting an exquisite collection of paintings spanning several centuries and decorated with luxurious furnishings throughout, its spacious rooms make an impressionistic statement about art appreciation.
Apart from The Hague’s many fine dining establishments, there are also a great number of budget eateries where you can grab something to eat on a budget. As The Hague is a popular student and young professional destination, you’ll find numerous cheap eats throughout the city.
Royal Seafood Restaurant at De Gracht is an absolute must for seafood enthusiasts, serving an abundance of freshly caught scallops, oysters and fish dishes using locally-sourced ingredients that you won’t find elsewhere. Plus they even use Michelin stars!
Ethica Restaurant provides healthy dining at its best with their extensive vegetarian and vegan cuisine, boasting local farm-sourced vegetables as well as sustainable seafood dishes for an authentic local flavor experience. Enjoy this relaxing oasis on The Hague’s historic De Gracht canal!
Kijkduin Beach in The Hague is a favorite among families, providing them with an opportunity to stroll around and experience the beauty of the North Sea. Meijendel and Westduinpark, part of National Park Hollandse Duinen, also make for delightful daytrips.