The allure of The Hague is undeniable, especially since it offers food, nightlife, music, and family-friendly activities.
One of the most famous buildings in The Hague is called Binnenhof. This is the building that seats the Dutch Parliament. The building was constructed as a complex in the 13th century, with a Gothic church in the center. Binnenhof sits on the Hofvijver Lake and is a stunning sight to see.
Another prominent building to visit in The Hague is the Peace Palace, which is occupied by The International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Outside the gates is an eternal peace flame, which represents the goal of international peace.
Maurithuis is one of many museums in the city. It is The Hague's most notable museum as it holds many historical collections, which include a couple of well-known pieces. Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer is the main attraction of the museum, however, you can also find the painting that the Pulitzer Prize winning novel, "Goldfinch", is based off of.
If you are in The Netherlands, renting bikes should be a priority if you're looking for a true cultural experience. This is the main mode of transportation for Dutch people, and there are designated bike paths on every road. As such, if you have a bike for the day you will be able to see much more without having to wait for trams and buses.
If you feel like a leisurely outdoors activity, then head to the Meijendel Dunes. Located between the city center and the beach, the dunes are the perfect spot for walking, jogging, hiking or biking.
Haagse Bos is well worth wandering around as well. There are small lakes and parks scattered throughout this forest area. In the Clingendael Park you will find the breathtaking Japanese Garden with bridges, sculptures, lanterns and water features that were brought to The Netherlands from Japan in the 20th century. The garden is only open eight weeks out of the year in the spring and fall due to its fragile nature.
Another activity for summer travelers is the Parade Theater Festival. Known and loved by many locals, the Parade Theater is a travelling festival that incorporates theater acts, dance, music, food, and amusement park rides. It is suitable for children during the day, but becomes more of a party scene at night. If you do decide to go during the day, entry is free. The festival is located in Westbroekpark, which is accessible by tram and bus.
Music:
The Hague has a well-known music scene that draws a sizable crowd. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.
Shopping:
Visiting this shopping destination is an experience you can't afford to miss. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.
A nice way to explore destinations in The Hague is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Get the best out of Delft by creating memories during our private walking tour! For $142 details
- Private half-day Delft and Rotterdam Tour for $200 details
- Private half-day Delft and The Hague tour for $200 details