The Hague Travelers Recommend

Bursting with museums and heritage buildings and rich in cultural and political pedigree, The Hague is one of the Netherlands’ most important cities. Three days in town gives you enough time to enjoy the city’s world-renowned galleries, visit its top landmarks, and even go on a diverting day trip. Here’s how to plan the perfect stay.

Day 1: Get to Know the City

Elegant, atmospheric, and packed with heritage architecture and major government buildings, The Hague’s city center is, happily, also very walkable. Begin your 3-day stay with an immersive walking tour to learn about the city’s history and see landmarks ranging from the Binnenhof government complex to the Peace Palace and the Noordeinde Palace. In the afternoon—after you’ve paused for a quick bite—do as the Dutch do and continue your explorations by bike. Set off from the city center, venture to the city’s North Sea beaches, and ride by the historical Windmill De Korenaer. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, return to the city center for a multi-stop tasting tour to top local restaurants.

Day 2: Cultural Excursions

The Hague has so many top museums that choosing between them can be a challenge. Spend your second day in town, then, with a wide-ranging cultural immersion. In the morning, head to one of the city’s most in-demand institutions, the Mauritshuis, and book a tour with an art historian to learn about the museum’s vast collection of masterpieces (including Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring ). Alternatively, head to Escher in Het Paleis, which celebrates illustrator M.C. Escher’s physics-bending compositions, or to the Madurodam, a family-friendly park with miniature models of Dutch landmarks.

In the afternoon, see another side of the region’s artistic legacy by visiting Delft. Just a short journey away, the town’s workshops have been making traditional blue-and-white-painted pottery for centuries. In the evening, return to The Hague proper, and indulge with a meal at one of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants or enjoy a tasting of local beers.

Day 3: Dutch Day Trips

The Hague is within commuting distance of many of the Netherlands’ top destinations, so on your third day in town, head out to see more of the country’s sights. If you’re visiting in the spring, make sure to visit Keukenhof, which is one of the largest gardens in the world and is located less than an hour from the city. The garden is famed for its fields of rainbow-hued tulips; upwards of 7 million bulbs are planted each year.

Alternatively, if you have more of an urban sensibility, you can head to trendy Rotterdam, also a quick journey away. The historic port city is the second largest in the country and boasts contemporary architecture, a cutting-edge cultural scene, and adventurous dining. Head to the Markthal market for authentic Dutch foods, tour shops and galleries in the (fittingly named) Cool District, and visit Museumpark for a dose of education.

While The Hague isn’t a national capital, it remains one of the most politically important and culturally vibrant cities on the planet. Look past the bureaucrats and businesspeople, and you’ll find plenty of historical appeal. Here are some must-see historical sites in The Hague.

Inner Court and Hall of the Knights (Binnenhof and Ridderzaal)

The Binnenhof complex of buildings sits within the historic center of The Hague. Former aristocratic residences now house the chambers of Parliament and the residence of the prime minister. The 13th-century Knights’ Hall (Ridderzaal) was restored in 1904 and is today used for state receptions.

Noordeinde Palace

This palace has served as a royal residence since 1609 when the state gifted it to the widow of William of Orange. It remains a working palace, and while it’s not open to the public, the views from the street are well worth the visit.

Mauritshuis

This historic 17th-century building, formerly a residence and hotel for elite guests, now houses one of the world’s best collections of 17th- and 18th-century art—some 800 works by a range of artists.

Prison Gate Museum

The Prison Gate Museum occupies a gatehouse that served as a real prison between 1428 and 1828. Visitors can see the old prison and torture chambers while learning the sometimes gruesome details about 17th-century justice.

The Hague—locally known as Den Haag—is the Netherlands’ third-largest city and a political heavyweight. Beyond the government buildings, however, The Hague’s cutting-edge restaurants, masterpiece-packed museums, and atmospheric neighborhoods demonstrate the city’s diverse appeal. Here’s how to make the most of your 2-day stay.

Day 1: An Introduction to the City

**Morning:**Begin your 2-day trip to The Hague with a relaxing, cultural immersion. The city is justifiably celebrated for its exceptional museums, of which the Mauritshuis Museum is a particular highlight. Venture inside in the company of an art historian to learn more about the canvases—including works by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Rubens—on display.

**Afternoon:**Following your gallery-hopping, grab a light bite and get out in the fresh air: Afternoon is the perfect time to discover (and capture photos of) The Hague’s top attractions. A walking tour will help you navigate between local highlights such as the Peace Palace, Binnenhof government complex, and Old City Hall.

**Evening:**Once you’ve worked up an appetite, wind down your first day in town with a culinary excursion. Food-themed walking tours will invite you to sample numerous bites and visit several eateries in a single evening, while beer-tasting tours offer equal parts education and entertainment. 

Day 2: Alternative Explorations

**Morning:**After discovering The Hague’s heavy hitters, spend your second day visiting outlying towns and lesser-known neighborhoods. Begin with Delft: A quick trip by car or train, the town lent its name to the blue-and-white ceramics that have been made here for centuries. Go for a workshop tour, and even pick up a special souvenir.

**Afternoon:**Upon returning to The Hague proper, do as the Dutch do and go for a bike ride. Cycle through the oldest quarters in the city center, and even discover nearby beaches—it’s only a quick trip to nearby resorts such as Kijkduin.

**Evening:**The Hague may have a buttoned-up reputation, but visit Grote Markt and you’ll quickly discover a different side of the city. The bustling market square is ringed with trendy bars and restaurants that get ever more crowded after dark. Drop by to discover the nightlife—and for a celebratory end to your stay.

Home to embassies, government buildings, and the International Criminal Court, The Hague’s political reputation precedes it—but there’s way more to do here than merely hobnob with bureaucrats. From vibrant museums to avant-garde restaurants, The Hague boasts culture aplenty. Here’s how to see it all in just one day.

Morning: A Sightseeing Introduction

The Hague (known locally as Den Haag) is an accessible and walkable city, and exploring on foot is one of the best ways to experience its major attractions. Set off on a walking tour to learn more about the city’s history and discover its major landmarks, from the Binnenhof (a complex of government buildings) and the Old City Hall to the Noordeinde Palace and the Peace Palace. Alternatively, fashion your own walking-tour itinerary based on your interests, whether they skew political or cultural.

Afternoon: Museum Explorations

The Hague is a cultural heavyweight, and nowhere is that more evident than in its surfeit of exceptional museums. Following your walking tour, spend your afternoon enjoying a relaxed gallery ramble. The Mauritshuis Museum is home to masterworks such as Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, while Escher in Het Paleis celebrates the works of Dutch illustrator M.C. Escher. For a cultural outing of a different stripe, the Louwman Museum hosts an enviable collection of classic cars.

Evening: Gastronomic Discovery

Following your museum forays and sightseeing adventures, let your hair down in the evening—and get a dose of The Hague’s vibrant nightlife offerings—on a relaxed, guided beer tasting. Sample a number of different beer styles, mingle with locals, and even listen to live music. If gastronomy is more your style, then The Hague’s eclectic restaurant scene is also well worth discovering. Go for a self-guided culinary walk to visit multiple top eateries in the space of one night, enjoy wine pairings alongside, and discover different neighborhoods along the way.

As the Dutch seat of government, and the home of multiple embassies and international institutions, the Hague has quite a buttoned-up reputation. But unbeknownst to most outsiders, this coastal city has a fun and vibrant food scene that’s anything but stuffy. Here’s what you need to know about eating in the Hague.

Must-Try Dishes

Dutch food tends to be rustic and hearty, with meat, potatoes, and cheeses such as gouda and edam all playing starring roles on the dinner table. Beer is a popular drink; it’s often paired with tasty bar snacks, such as bitterballen (meatballs) and patat frites (fries topped with mayonnaise, or in some cases tomato ketchup, garlic, or peanut sauce).

The North Sea provides plenty of fresh fish to the city’s restaurants, from mackerel to mussels, while street food carts around the city sell soft and salty cured herring, typically served with onions and pickles, and—in some cases—a side serving of kroketten (croquettes).

For sweet treats, try pannenkoeken (pancakes) and poffertjes (fluffy mini pancakes topped with powdered sugar). You’ll also find some excellent Indonesian food in the Hague, where there is a strong Indo-Dutch community.

Must-Do Experiences

• Get the inside track on the Hague’s dining hot spots during a guided food tour.

• Sample snacks from curbside vendors and beloved local bakeries.

• Experience what the Dutch call gezelligheid (a cozy atmosphere—the Netherland’s answer to Denmark’s hygge ) while dining, drinking, and chatting with fellow food lovers.

• Sample craft beers brewed in the Hague and beyond.

• Get tips about the best restaurants in the city and what to order.