Translate
Overview
The Hague (Den Haag in Dutch) is the seat of the Dutch government and parliament, the residence of the royal family, and home to the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court — a combination that gives the city a weight and seriousness rarely matched by cities of its size. Despite this institutional gravitas, it is also a genuinely liveable, walkable city with excellent museums, a vibrant food scene, and direct tram access to a North Sea beach.
Unlike Amsterdam, The Hague has relatively few canals and more of an open, boulevard-style urban character. Stately 17th- and 18th-century architecture sits alongside modernist government buildings and a compact, shopping-friendly city centre. The city's international population — drawn by embassies, courts, and NGOs — contributes to a diverse, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
The Hague is often treated as a day trip from Amsterdam, but visitors who stay longer discover that it rewards a slower pace: leisurely afternoons in the Mauritshuis, evening drinks in the Denneweg neighbourhood, and morning walks along the dunes at Kijkduin or the pier at Scheveningen.
Before You Go
Visas
The Netherlands is a Schengen Area member. Visa requirements depend on your nationality and travel history. Do not rely on general summaries — check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Dutch immigration authority (IND) for current, country-specific guidance.
Health
No specific vaccinations are required for travel to the Netherlands beyond routine immunisations. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the city. EU/EEA citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC); all other travellers should arrange comprehensive travel health insurance before departure.
What to pack
- A compact, windproof rain jacket; weather is changeable year-round
- Comfortable walking shoes; the city centre is best explored on foot
- A small daypack if you plan to cycle or visit the beach at Scheveningen
- An EU-compatible power adapter (Type C/F, 230V) if travelling from outside Europe
Getting There
By Air
The nearest international airport is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), approximately 50 km north of The Hague. Direct trains connect Schiphol to Den Haag Centraal station; the journey takes roughly 30–45 minutes depending on the service. Verify current timetables and fares on the NS (Dutch Railways) website before travel. Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) handles a smaller number of European routes and is located closer to the city; check connections locally.
By Train
The Hague has two main stations: Den Haag Centraal and Den Haag HS (Hollands Spoor). Both are served by domestic Intercity and Sprinter services. Direct trains run from Amsterdam Centraal, Rotterdam Centraal, Utrecht, and Leiden, among other cities. International Thalys and Eurostar services connect Amsterdam to Brussels and London; from those cities, connecting trains reach The Hague. Verify international schedules on Eurostar and Thalys/Eurostar websites.
By Road
The Hague is accessible by car via the A4 (from Amsterdam) and A13 (from Rotterdam). Parking in the city centre can be expensive and space is limited; using a park-and-ride facility on the outskirts and taking public transport into the centre is often more practical. Check current P+R locations via the municipality's official website.
Getting Around
The Hague has an extensive tram and bus network operated by HTM. Trams are the most convenient way to move between the city centre, Scheveningen beach, and residential neighbourhoods. The OV-chipkaart (public transport smart card) is the standard payment method on all local transit; single-use paper tickets are available but generally less economical. Verify current fare structures on the HTM website.
Cycling is a natural choice: the city is flat, has a well-developed cycling infrastructure, and bike rental is available near both main train stations. For visitors planning day trips, the national NS-fiets rental scheme (available at many stations) offers a straightforward option.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps operate in the city. Walking is entirely practical within the historic centre, between most museums, and along the Hofvijver lake to the Binnenhof area.
Things to See & Do
Museums and Galleries
- Mauritshuis — A small but exceptionally fine collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings, including Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring and Rembrandt's The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp. Book tickets in advance, especially in summer.
- Gemeentemuseum Den Haag (Kunstmuseum) — Holds the world's largest collection of works by Piet Mondrian alongside decorative arts and fashion exhibitions. Verify opening hours on the museum's official site.
- Escher in Het Paleis — Dedicated to M.C. Escher, housed in a former royal winter palace on the Lange Voorhout.
- Peace Palace — The seat of the International Court of Justice; guided tours of the exterior grounds and visitor centre are available on select days. Check the Peace Palace visitor programme before visiting.
Historic Sites
- Binnenhof — The medieval complex at the heart of Dutch parliamentary life. Access to parts of the complex may be restricted depending on ongoing renovations and parliamentary sessions; confirm current visitor access with the official Binnenhof visitor service.
- Hofvijver — The ornamental lake in front of the Binnenhof is one of the city's most photographed spots and free to view at any time.
- Passage — A 19th-century covered arcade connecting Spuistraat and Hofweg; one of the oldest shopping arcades in the Netherlands.
Scheveningen Beach
The seaside resort district of Scheveningen is reachable by tram in around 15–20 minutes from the city centre. The beach is broad and well-equipped, with a long pier, seafood restaurants, and watersports hire in season. Outside summer it is a quieter but atmospheric place for a North Sea walk.
Food & Drink
The Hague's dining scene reflects both its Dutch heritage and its cosmopolitan, international character. The Denneweg street and surrounding area in the Zeeheldenkwartier neighbourhood concentrate many independent restaurants, wine bars, and specialty coffee shops. The Chinatown district around Wagenstraat is one of the largest in the Netherlands and offers a wide range of Asian cuisines.
For traditional Dutch food, look for herring (haring) stands throughout the city — eating raw herring by the tail is a local custom. Stroopwafels, cheese (notably Gouda, produced nearby), and Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken) are other foods worth seeking out at markets and traditional cafes.
The Haagse Markt on Herman Costerstraat is one of the largest open-air markets in the Netherlands, running several days a week and selling everything from fresh produce to spices and street food. Verify current market days locally. The city also has a solid selection of Belgian-style brown cafes (bruine kroegen) for beer and jenever (Dutch gin).
Shopping
The main pedestrian shopping street is Spuistraat/Spui and its extensions, lined with Dutch and international retail chains. The Grote Marktstraat and adjacent streets form the commercial core of the city centre.
For more individual retail, the Denneweg and Noordeinde streets offer independent boutiques, antique dealers, and design shops. Noordeinde is also home to the Royal Palace (the King's working palace, not publicly open), lending the street a dignified character.
The Passage arcade is worth a visit as much for its 19th-century architecture as for its shops. For secondhand books, vintage clothing, and curiosities, the area around the Haagse Markt rewards browsing.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
- General emergency (police, fire, ambulance): 112
- Non-emergency police: 0900-8844 (verify this number is current before travel)
Money
ATMs are widely available throughout the city. Card payment is broadly accepted, including contactless, though some smaller markets and independent cafes may prefer cash. Always carry a small amount of euros as a backup.
Connectivity
Free public Wi-Fi is available at both main train stations and in many cafes and hotels. EU travellers benefit from roaming regulations; non-EU visitors should check their carrier's international data rates or purchase a local SIM on arrival.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory in the Netherlands but rounding up a bill or leaving 5–10% at a sit-down restaurant is appreciated. Tipping at cafes and for takeaway is at your discretion.
Safety
The Hague is generally a safe city for travellers. Standard urban precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings in busy areas such as train stations and the Haagse Markt, and keep valuables secure.
Cycling infrastructure is extensive but busy; pedestrians should be aware of tram tracks and dedicated cycle lanes, as cyclists have priority and move quickly. Do not walk in cycle lanes.
For current travel advisories, consult your government's official foreign affairs or state department website before departure.
Local Culture & Etiquette
The Hague has a more formal atmosphere than Amsterdam, partly due to its governmental and diplomatic functions. Dress standards in restaurants and cultural venues tend toward smart casual. English is very widely spoken and you are unlikely to encounter difficulties communicating as a visitor.
The city has a significant Surinamese and Indonesian community, a legacy of Dutch colonial history, which is reflected in its food culture and neighbourhoods. This diversity is generally a source of local pride and gives the city an international character that extends well beyond its institutional role.
King's Day (Koningsdag, 27 April) is celebrated with outdoor markets, music, and orange-clad festivities across the Netherlands, including in The Hague. The city also hosts the international Parkpop festival (Europe's largest free open-air pop festival, traditionally held in June — verify dates and programme annually) and various events tied to its role in international law and human rights.
