A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dover vs. The Hague for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Dover or The Hague?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dover and The Hague can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a breathtaking, iconic, and rustic town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

The Hague

The Hague is a global, international, and bustling city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.

Dover and The Hague: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Dover or The Hague?

Visitors will usually find more to do in The Hague than Dover, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. The Hague is better known for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Dover is more popular for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Dover is more touristy than The Hague and is popular for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe. The Hague is well known for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy. Also, The Hague is famous for The Peace Palace.

How is Dover different from The Hague?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between The Hague and Dover. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dover or The Hague?

Dover
The Hague

Dover is very good for its museums and history. However, The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

Dover is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Dover or The Hague? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dover
The Hague

The Hague is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in The Hague is an experience not to be missed. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dover. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

Is Dover or The Hague Better for Nightlife?

Dover
The Hague

The Hague is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

The Hague offers plenty to do in the evening. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Dover or The Hague Better for Music?

Dover
The Hague

The Hague is a well-known place for its music scene. However, Dover is not a live music destination.

The music scene in The Hague is very popular with diverse venues. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

Dover is not a live music destination.


Is Dover or The Hague Better for Hiking?

Dover
The Hague

Dover is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, The Hague is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Dover. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

The Hague is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or The Hague?

Dover
The Hague

The Hague is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in The Hague. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or The Hague Better for Families?

Dover
The Hague

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Dover or The Hague.

Dover is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

The Hague is a family-friendly town. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.


Is Dover or The Hague Better for Couples?

Dover
The Hague

Dover is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Dover makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

The Hague makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

Is Dover or The Hague Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dover
The Hague

Both Dover and The Hague are notable destinations for backpackers.

Dover is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

It's common for backpackers to visit The Hague. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.

Is Dover or The Hague Better for Students?

Dover
The Hague

The Hague is a world-class destination for students. However, Dover is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit The Hague. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.

Dover is not popular with students.


Is Dover or The Hague Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dover
The Hague

The Hague is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in The Hague can get you to most places easily. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Dover or The Hague a more walkable city?

Dover
The Hague

Dover and The Hague both are notable when exploring on foot.

Dover is a somewhat walkable town. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

The Hague is somewhat walkable. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.

For even more information, also check out Is Dover Worth Visiting? and Is The Hague Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in The Hague or Dover?

How long in Dover or The Hague?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dover and The Hague. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dover than in The Hague. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dover, and 1-3 days is enough time in The Hague.

Couples should spend more time in Dover than The Hague. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Dover that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in The Hague than Dover if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in The Hague.


  • How many days in Dover or The Hague? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dover 2-4 
    The Hague 1-3

One day in Dover or The Hague?

You'll find food and museums around the town of Dover. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Each neighborhood in The Hague has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.


A weekend in Dover or The Hague?

You'll find museums and food around the stunning destination of Dover. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in The Hague. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dover or The Hague?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the breathtaking town of Dover. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The Hague is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the big city destination of The Hague. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dover or The Hague?

Dover is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find live music and food around the international big city of The Hague. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to Netherlands, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, The Hague or Dover?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dover is £124, while the average daily cost in The Hague is £152. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dover and The Hague in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dover £62
    The Hague £89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dover £124
    The Hague £178
Compare Hotels in Dover and The Hague

Looking for a hotel in Dover or The Hague? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Dover


Hotels in The Hague


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dover Hotel Prices and The Hague Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dover £39
    The Hague £16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dover

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dover:

  • Private transfer from Dover to London hotel or airport: $210
  • Private Transfers from Heathrow Airport to Dover Cruise Port: $147
  • Private Transfer from Dover Port to London Gatwick Airport (LGW): $55
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London City Hotels: $98
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London Airport (LHR): $66
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to Gatwick City Hotels: $55
  • Dover to Heathrow and London Direct Shared Transfer: $131
  • One-Way Taxi Transfer from Dover Seaport to London: $254

Hired Cars and Shuttles in The Hague

Also for The Hague, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Den Haag: Train Transfer Den Haag from/to Rotterdam: $8.23
  • Utrecht: Train Transfer Utrecht from/to Den Haag: $16
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Den Haag: $17
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Den Haag: $20
  • Eindhoven: Train Transfer Eindhoven from/to Den Haag: $28
  • Taxi Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $126
  • Private Transfer from The Hague City to Schiphol Airport : $137
  • Private Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam: $137
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to Schiphol Airport: $257
  • Amsterdam: Private Transfer to/from The Hague: $278

Is it cheaper to fly into Dover or The Hague?

Prices for flights to both The Hague and Dover change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dover £38
    The Hague £47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in The Hague

For The Hague, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • WALKING DINNER DELFT | 3 courses incl. 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dover £20
    The Hague £29

Tours and Activities in Dover

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dover are as follows:

  • Canterbury Landmarks Private Walking Tour: $218
  • Canterbury Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $276
  • Canterbury Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Canterbury's World Heritage Sites Guided Walking Tour: $229
  • Christmas Tales in Canterbury – Private Walking Tour: $217
  • Dover & White Cliffs Tour; Canterbury, Coastal Towns & Castles: $210
  • Dover Castle Admission Ticket: $29
  • Dover Cruise Ship to Leeds Castle via Canterbury, Villages & back: $177
  • Dover Shore Excursion:Post-Cruise Tour to London via Canterbury and Leeds Castle: $172
  • From Dover Cruise Ship; Grand Tour of White Cliffs Country & back: $108
  • From London: Dover Castle and White Cliffs Tour by Car: $1,083
  • Literary & Cultural Heritage: Canterbury Private Walking Tour: $218

Tours and Activities in The Hague

For The Hague, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in The Hague: $3.27
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in Delft: $3.27
  • The Hague Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • The Historical Heart of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $8.02
  • Gilde Den Haag: City Walking Tour NL-DEU-ENG: $8.56
  • The Hague Self-Guided Audio Tour : $9.00
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $9.36
  • Delft: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • The Hague Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Escher in The Palace Museum Ticket: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dover £7.71
    The Hague £25

Sample the Local Flavors in Dover

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dover:

  • Full Day Wine Tour in Sussex and Kent: $178

Sample the Local Flavors in The Hague

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in The Hague:

  • The Hague Pub Trail: Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dover and The Hague, we can see that The Hague is more expensive. And not only is Dover much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dover would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dover and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in The Hague would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in The Hague than you might in Dover.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dover Expensive? and Is The Hague Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dover or The Hague?

The Hague has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover and The Hague, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Dover or The Hague?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Dover or The Hague in the Summer?

Both The Hague and Dover during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Dover because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to The Hague this time of year.

In the summer, Dover is around the same temperature as The Hague. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dover in July average around 17°C (63°F), and The Hague averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In The Hague, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dover. In the summer, Dover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as The Hague. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while The Hague receives 202 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in July than The Hague. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dover 17°C (63°F) 
    The Hague 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Dover or The Hague in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and The Hague. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Dover this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to The Hague for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Dover is generally a little warmer than The Hague. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 12°C (54°F), and The Hague fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Dover usually receives more sunshine than The Hague during autumn. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while The Hague receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dover usually receives less rain than The Hague. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dover 12°C (54°F) 
    The Hague 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Dover or The Hague in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dover as well as The Hague. Many travelers come to Dover for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to The Hague in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The Hague can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Dover. Dover is much warmer than The Hague in the winter. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and The Hague fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Dover often gets more sunshine than The Hague. Dover gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while The Hague receives 47 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in January than The Hague. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dover 4°C (40°F) 
    The Hague 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Dover or The Hague in the Spring?

Both The Hague and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dover in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to The Hague for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Dover is a little warmer than The Hague. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dover in April average around 9°C (47°F), and The Hague averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Dover usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as The Hague during spring. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while The Hague receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dover usually receives less rain than The Hague. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dover 9°C (47°F) 
    The Hague 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for The Hague and Dover

Dover The Hague
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)