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

Should you visit Wellington or The Hague?

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

Should I visit Wellington or The Hague? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Wellington

Wellington is a funky, compact, and laid-back city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

The Hague

The Hague is a international, bustling, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Wellington and The Hague: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for students
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Wellington or The Hague?

Tourists will generally find more to do in The Hague than Wellington. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. The Hague is very popular for its music and big city activities, while Wellington attracts visitors for its museums, beaches, and hiking. Wellington is more touristy than The Hague and is known for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. The Hague is famous for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy. It is also well known for The Peace Palace.

How is Wellington different from The Hague?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Wellington
The Hague

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

Wellington is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Wellington
The Hague

Both Wellington and The Hague offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

Wellington has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

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.

Is Wellington or The Hague Better for Nightlife?

Wellington
The Hague

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Wellington and The Hague.

Wellington has a large number of nightlife venues. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

The Hague is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

Is Wellington or The Hague Better for Music?

Wellington
The Hague

The Hague is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Wellington is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in The Hague while you're in town. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

Wellington is not a live music destination.


Is Wellington or The Hague Better for Beaches?

Wellington
The Hague

Wellington is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, The Hague is not a beach destination.

Wellington is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

The Hague is not a beach destination.

Is Wellington or The Hague Better for Hiking?

Wellington
The Hague

Wellington is very good for its hiking trails. However, The Hague is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Wellington. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

The Hague is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wellington or The Hague?

Wellington
The Hague

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Wellington and The Hague.

Wellington is well-known for its shopping. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

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.


Is Wellington or The Hague Better for Families?

Wellington
The Hague

Wellington is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Wellington is a very family-friendly destination. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in The Hague. 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 Wellington or The Hague Better for Couples?

Wellington
The Hague

With fun activities for couples, both Wellington and The Hague make for a nice place to visit.

Wellington makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

The Hague is a good city for couples to visit. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

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

Wellington
The Hague

Wellington is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Wellington is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

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 Wellington or The Hague Better for Students?

Wellington
The Hague

The Hague is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent 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.

Wellington is popular with students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

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

Wellington
The Hague

Visitors will find great public transit in both Wellington and The Hague.

Wellington has some very good public transit options. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

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

Is Wellington or The Hague a more walkable city?

Wellington
The Hague

Wellington is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Wellington is very walkable. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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


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

Should I spend more time in The Hague or Wellington?

How long in Wellington or The Hague?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Wellington and The Hague. In our opinion, Wellington has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Wellington than The Hague. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Wellington, and 1-3 days is enough time in The Hague.

Families should spend more time in Wellington than The Hague. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Wellington, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Wellington than The Hague 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 Wellington.


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

One day in Wellington or The Hague?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Wellington. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

When visiting The Hague, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in The Hague, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Wellington or The Hague?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid-back destination of Wellington. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

When visiting The Hague, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Wellington or The Hague?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the funky city of Wellington. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The Hague, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Wellington or The Hague?

Wellington is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

The Hague is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, The Best Luxury Tours to Netherlands, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, The Hague or Wellington?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Wellington is $104, while the average daily cost in The Hague is $191. 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 Wellington and The Hague in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wellington $61
    The Hague $112
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wellington $122
    The Hague $224
Compare Hotels in Wellington and The Hague

Looking for a hotel in Wellington 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 Wellington


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: Wellington Hotel Prices and The Hague Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wellington $12
    The Hague $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Wellington

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

  • Wētā Workshop Experience with Guided Transfers: $61
  • Wellington Airport Transfer to Wellington Hotels and Vice versa: $75
  • Wellington Airport (WLG) to Wellington - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
  • Private Transfer with Wellington Dial a Driver: $72
  • Private Transfer from Wellington hotels to Wellington Cruise Port: $26
  • Private Transfer from Wellington Cruise Port to Wellington Hotels: $26
  • Private Airport Transfer: $78
  • Departure Transfer: Wellington Central City Centre Hotels to Wellington Airport: $13
  • Arrival Transfer: Wellington Airport to Central Wellington City Centre Hotels: $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in The Hague

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

  • Utrecht: Train Transfer Utrecht from/to Den Haag: $16
  • Taxi Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $126
  • Private Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam: $137
  • Private Transfer from The Hague City to Schiphol Airport : $137
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to Schiphol Airport: $258
  • Eindhoven: Train Transfer Eindhoven from/to Den Haag: $28
  • Den Haag: Train Transfer Den Haag from/to Rotterdam: $8.29
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Den Haag: $20
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Den Haag: $17
  • Amsterdam: Private Transfer to/from The Hague: $280

Is it cheaper to fly into Wellington or The Hague?

Prices for flights to both The Hague and Wellington 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
    Wellington $30
    The Hague $59
Typical Food Prices in Wellington

For Wellington, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner
    $9.02

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Wellington

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

  • Walking Food Tour Of Wellington: $151
  • A Taste Of Wellington Food Tour (half Day): $185

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
  • WALKING DINNER ZOETERMEER | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Wellington $16
    The Hague $37

Tours and Activities in Wellington

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

  • 5 hour Wellington City Heights Shared tour: $90
  • A Taste of Kapiti - Kapiti Foodie Delights Tour: $288
  • From Cave to Coast Wellington Highlights Tour: $118
  • From Source to Sea Remutaka Mountain Bike Cycle Tour: $103
  • From Half-Day Foodie Tour of the Wairarapa: $106
  • From Taste Buds Tour of Petone: $167
  • Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour: $178
  • Full Day Tour of Wellington: $178
  • Full-Day Wellington Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour: $51
  • Fully customizable tours: $148
  • Guided Small Group Walking Tour in Wellington: $45
  • Guided Wellington Sightseeing Tour by Electric Bike: $78

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 Delft: $3.27
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in The Hague: $3.27
  • Amsterdam: The Hague, Delft and Rotterdam Private Day Tour: $538
  • Bicycle tour The Hague Highlights: $27
  • Boattour The Hague and Scheveningen: $188
  • Delft: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.29
  • Den Haag: Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Discover Delft with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Discover The Hague's city center with an Outside Escape game tour: $27
  • Drive it yourself electric Dune & Summer Flower GPS audio tour: $97
  • Drive it yourself electric History and Castle GPS audio tour: $97
  • Drive it yourself electric Tulip and Flower Fields GPS audio tour: $139

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Wellington $12
    The Hague $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Wellington

Also in Wellington, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wellington Craft Brewery Half Day Tour: $93
  • Wellington Craft Brewery Half-Day Guided Tour with Tastings: $96
  • 5 hour Martinborough shared Chefs Wine Tour with Gourmet lunch: $151
  • Martinborough Full Day Wine Tour: $169
  • Chefs Private Martinborough wine tour with Gourmet Lunch: $361

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 Wellington and The Hague, we can see that The Hague is more expensive. And not only is Wellington much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Wellington is in Pacific and The Hague is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Wellington would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Wellington 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 Wellington.

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


Which is Bigger, Wellington or The Hague?

The Hague has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Wellington. When comparing the sizes of Wellington 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 Wellington or The Hague?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wellington is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but The Hague has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Wellington or The Hague in the Summer?

Both The Hague and Wellington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wellington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to The Hague for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Wellington is generally around the same temperature as The Haguein July. Daily temperatures in Wellington average around 18°C (64°F), and The Hague fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in The Hague. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wellington. Wellington usually receives more sunshine than The Hague during summer. Wellington gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while The Hague receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Wellington usually receives less rain than The Haguein July. Wellington gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Wellington 18°C (64°F) 
    The Hague 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Wellington or The Hague in the Autumn?

Both The Hague and Wellington during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Wellington for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to The Hague in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Wellington is a little warmer than The Hague in the autumn. The daily temperature in Wellington averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and The Hague fluctuates around 11°C (51°F)in October.

In the autumn, Wellington often gets more sunshine than The Haguein October. Wellington gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while The Hague receives 105 hours of full sun.

Wellington usually gets more rain in April than The Haguein October. Wellington gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Wellington 15°C (58°F) 
    The Hague 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Wellington or The Hague in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Wellington and The Hague. Many visitors come to Wellington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to The Hague for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

The Hague can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Wellington is much warmer than The Hague. Typically, the winter temperatures in Wellington in July average around 10°C (49°F), and The Hague averages at about 2°C (36°F)in January.

Wellington usually receives more sunshine than The Hague during winter. Wellington gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while The Hague receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

Wellington gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Wellington usually receives more rain than The Haguein January. Wellington gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Wellington 10°C (49°F) 
    The Hague 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Wellington or The Hague in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Wellington as well as The Hague. Most visitors come to Wellington for the beaches during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to The Hague because of the activities around the city.

In October, Wellington is generally much warmer than The Haguein April. Daily temperatures in Wellington average around 13°C (55°F), and The Hague fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Wellington often gets more sunshine than The Haguein April. Wellington gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while The Hague receives 158 hours of full sun.

Wellington usually gets more rain in October than The Haguein April. Wellington gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Wellington 13°C (55°F) 
    The Hague 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for The Hague and Wellington

Wellington The Hague
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 10°C (49°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 10°C (50°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 17°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)