🇳🇱 The Hague Travel Guide

The Hague is one of those cities that quietly captivates you: refined, peaceful, and full of depth. With its blend of seaside charm, royal elegance, and international spirit, The Hague feels both grand and approachable. One moment you’re wandering through historic palaces and embassies, the next you’re barefoot on the beach in Scheveningen, watching surfers catch the last waves of the day.

This The Hague Travel Guide is here to help you experience the city’s unique mix, from world-famous art and political landmarks to cozy cafés and hidden courtyards. Whether you’re here for culture, coastal relaxation, or a taste of Dutch sophistication, The Hague offers a slower, richer way to explore the Netherlands.

Let’s plan your perfect getaway to The Hague! ✈️

Navigation

🏞️ What to do in The Hague?
🍽️ What to eat in The Hague?
🏨 Where to stay in The Hague?
🗺️ The Hague Itineraries
📍Day Trips from The Hague
🌤️ Best time to visit The Hague
🚊 How to get around in The Hague?
💬 Frequently Asked Questions

🏞️ What to do in The Hague?

Under construction!

🍽️ What to eat in The Hague?

Under construction!

🏨 Where to stay in The Hague?

Under construction!

🗺️ The Hague Itineraries

Under construction!

📍Day Trips from The Hague

Under construction!

🌤️ Best time to visit The Hague

The Hague offers something special year-round, but the best time to visit is between May and September, when the city’s seaside charm and cultural life are in full swing. Think long sunny days, beach festivals, and vibrant outdoor cafés lining the historic streets and plazas.

🌸 Spring (April to June) is especially lovely, with tulips in bloom and mild weather perfect for strolling through the royal gardens or cycling along the coast.

☀️ Summer (July and August) brings warm temperatures, beach days in Scheveningen, and a packed calendar of outdoor events, just be ready for bigger crowds and higher hotel rates.

🍂 Autumn (September to early November) is quieter but still pleasant, with crisp air and fewer crowds, a great time to enjoy museums, indoor food halls, and cozy cafés.

🌨️ Winter (November to March) is colder and quieter, but Rotterdam’s creative scene keeps things interesting with light festivals, exhibitions, and indoor attractions like Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen. Read more…

🚊 How to get around in The Hague?

The Hague is a graceful blend of seaside calm and royal charm, and it’s just as easy to explore as it is beautiful. With smooth public transport, scenic bike routes, and walkable neighborhoods, getting around is simple and stress-free. Read more…

As with many Dutch cities, biking is one of the best ways to see The Hague. The city is flat, green, and incredibly cycle-friendly, with paths that take you from palace gardens to the beach in under 20 minutes.

💡 Tip: Rent a bike through OV-fiets, Donkey Republic, or at Den Haag Centraal Station. Be sure to lock your bike and ride confidently — locals are fast and know the rules.

The Hague’s center is compact, elegant, and perfect for walking. Whether you’re strolling around the Binnenhof, wandering past embassy-lined streets, or window-shopping in the Passage, you’ll find plenty of beauty at a relaxed pace.

💡 Tip: Bring comfy shoes, cobblestone streets are pretty but not heel-friendly. And don’t skip the short walk from the city to the seaside at Scheveningen if you’re feeling adventurous.

HTM runs an efficient network of trams and buses throughout The Hague and surrounding areas. Trams are especially handy for trips to Scheveningen Beach, Madurodam, or nearby cities like Delft.

💡 Tip: Use an OV-chipkaart or pay contactless with your debit/credit card. The 9292 app is great for real-time schedules and trip planning.

Getting to the beach is incredibly simple, just hop on Tram 9 or 1, which will take you straight to Scheveningen Boulevard. You’ll go from city life to sandy toes in under 20 minutes.

💡 Tip: For a sunset dinner, take the tram late in the day and enjoy beachside dining with your toes in the sand.

Taxis are available but not always easy to hail on the street. Uber and Bolt operate in The Hague and tend to be cheaper and more convenient than traditional taxis.

💡 Tip: Always check fare estimates in the app. For airport rides, consider pre-booking to avoid peak pricing.

Den Haag Centraal and Den Haag HS stations connect you to the rest of the Netherlands. In less than 15 minutes, you can reach Leiden, Rotterdam, or Delft. Amsterdam is under an hour away.

💡 Tip: Download the NS app for train times, platform info, and digital ticket options. Perfect for spontaneous day trips!

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Hague safe for travelers?

Yes, The Hague is considered a very safe and peaceful city, even by Dutch standards. It’s home to embassies, government buildings, and international courts, so security is taken seriously. Just like in any city, stay alert in crowded areas and keep an eye on your belongings.

What’s the best way to get around The Hague?

The Hague has a great public transport system — with trams, buses, and trains connecting all parts of the city. It’s also flat and compact, making it easy to explore by bike or on foot.
Tip: Get an OV-chipkaart or use your debit/credit card directly on trams and buses. The 9292 app is handy for routes and schedules.

When is the best time to visit The Hague?

The best time to visit is from May to September, when the weather is mild and perfect for enjoying parks, beaches, and outdoor cafés. Spring brings colorful tulips, and summer is ideal for a seaside escape in Scheveningen.

Is The Hague expensive?

The Hague is slightly more affordable than Amsterdam, especially for accommodation and food. You’ll find a wide range of options — from local street snacks to high-end dining and cozy beach cafés.

Do I need to speak Dutch?

Nope! English is widely spoken in The Hague, especially in shops, restaurants, and museums. Since it’s an international city, you’ll get by easily even if you don’t speak a word of Dutch.

What is The Hague known for?

The Hague is known as the political and royal capital of the Netherlands. It’s home to:
– The Dutch Parliament (Binnenhof)
– The Peace Palace and International Court of Justice
– The Royal Palace Noordeinde
– The Scheveningen seaside
– World-class museums like the Mauritshuis (hello, Girl with a Pearl Earring)

How do I get to The Hague?

The Hague is easy to reach by train from anywhere in the Netherlands:
– From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: 30–35 minutes by train
– From Rotterdam: just 20 minutes
– International trains (Thalys, Eurostar) connect nearby cities like Brussels and Paris
Use Den Haag Centraal or Den Haag HS stations depending on your route.

What kind of food should I try in The Hague?

The Hague has a rich and international food culture. Try:
– Haring (raw herring) from a seaside stand
– Dutch-Indonesian rijsttafel — a colonial-era fusion feast
– Kibbeling (fried fish bites with garlic sauce)
– Fresh stroopwafels or a snack from Haagse Markt, one of Europe’s largest outdoor markets

Can I take day trips from The Hague?

Absolutely! The Hague is a perfect base for day trips. Nearby options include:
– Delft: famous for blue pottery and charming canals
– Leiden: a picturesque university town with great museums
– Rotterdam: bold, modern, and just 20 minutes away
– Keukenhof Gardens (seasonal): for spring tulip magic
– Gouda: for cheese lovers!

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