The Hague Activities Guide: Art, History, and Coastal Charm

The Hague (Den Haag) offers visitors a unique blend of royal heritage, world-class art, international diplomacy, and beachside relaxation. As the Netherlands' administrative capital and home to the Dutch royal family, The Hague carries an air of understated elegance. Yet it's also a vibrant, multicultural city with excellent museums, beautiful architecture, and the lively seaside district of Scheveningen just a tram ride away. This guide covers the essential activities and experiences that make The Hague worth exploring.

Must-See Museums & Galleries

Mauritshuis

Home to one of the world's finest collections of Dutch Golden Age paintings, the Mauritshuis is The Hague's crown jewel. Housed in a stunning 17th-century mansion, the museum's compact size makes it perfectly manageable in a couple of hours.

Highlights:

Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring" — The museum's most famous resident
Fabritius' "The Goldfinch" — Made famous by the Donna Tartt novel
Rembrandt's "The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp"
Vermeer's "View of Delft"

Practical Information:

Address: Plein 29
Hours: Mon 13:00-18:00, Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00, Thu until 20:00
Admission: €19 adults, free for under 18
Tip: Download the free multimedia tour app before visiting. Your ticket also includes entry to Galerij Prins Willem V.

Kunstmuseum Den Haag

Housed in a magnificent Art Deco building designed by H.P. Berlage, the Kunstmuseum is a paradise for modern art lovers. The museum holds the world's largest collection of works by Piet Mondrian.

Highlights:

Mondrian's "Victory Boogie Woogie" — The abstract painter's final, unfinished masterpiece
De Stijl movement collection — Including works by Theo van Doesburg
Modern art by Van Gogh, Picasso, Kandinsky, and Egon Schiele

Practical Information:

Address: Stadhouderslaan 41
Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00
Admission: €16 adults, free for under 18
Combined ticket: Available with Escher in the Palace

Escher in the Palace (Escher in Het Paleis)

Located in the elegant Lange Voorhout Palace (former royal residence), this museum is dedicated to the mind-bending works of Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher.

Highlights:

Original prints spanning Escher's entire career
Interactive installations that bring his optical illusions to life
The "Eye" installation — A disorienting immersive experience

Practical Information:

Address: Lange Voorhout 74
Hours: Tue-Sun 11:00-17:00
Admission: €12.50 adults, €8.50 students, free for under 6
Perfect for: Families, art lovers, anyone who enjoys puzzles and illusions

Panorama Mesdag

A unique 19th-century cylindrical painting depicting the seaside village of Scheveningen as it appeared in 1881. Standing on a central platform, you're completely surrounded by the massive 14-meter-high, 120-meter-circumference canvas.

Practical Information:

Address: Zeestraat 65
Hours: Mon 12:00-17:00, Tue-Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun 11:00-17:00
Admission: €15 adults, €12.50 students/seniors

Gemeentemuseum (Museum of The Hague)

Focuses on the city's history, with exhibitions on everything from local archaeology to the history of the beach resort at Scheveningen.

Practical Information:

Address: Korte Beestenmarkt 16
Hours: Tue-Sun 12:00-17:00
Admission: €12.50 adults

Historic Sites & Architecture

Binnenhof (Inner Court)

The political heart of the Netherlands for over 800 years, the Binnenhof complex houses the Dutch parliament and government offices. The medieval buildings surround a tranquil courtyard that feels worlds away from the busy city.

What to see:

Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights) — Gothic hall used for state openings of parliament
Torentje (Little Tower) — The Prime Minister's office
Inner Court — Peaceful courtyard with a central fountain

Practical Information:

Address: Binnenhof 1
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-16:00 (guided tours only)
Tours: €12.50, book online in advance
Free: The courtyard is accessible freely during daytime hours

Peace Palace (Vredespaleis)

This magnificent neo-Renaissance building houses the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Built in 1913 with funding from Andrew Carnegie, it symbolizes The Hague's role as the "City of Peace and Justice."

Visitor Center:

Interactive exhibits on the building's history and the organizations within
Free 30-minute audio guide tour
Hours: Tue-Fri 10:00-17:00, Sat-Sun 11:00-17:00
Admission: €14.50 adults

Guided Palace Tours:

Available weekends at 10:30, 12:00, 13:30, and 15:00
Must book online in advance (limited walk-in spots available at 10:00)
Bring passport/ID for security

Noordeinde Palace

The King's working palace — while not open to the public, the exterior is worth viewing. The classical facade and equestrian statue of William of Orange make for excellent photos.

Location: Noordeinde 68

Tip: Visit during the changing of the guard ceremony (irregular schedule — check the royal website).

Lange Voorhout

One of Europe's most elegant avenues, lined with linden trees and grand 18th-century mansions. Many now house embassies, museums, and galleries. Perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Neighborhoods to Explore

The Hague City Center

Plein and Grote Markt form the lively heart of the city. Surrounded by bars, restaurants, and the 15th-century Grote Kerk (Great Church), this is where locals gather for drinks and socializing.

Don't miss:

Grote Kerk — Climb the tower for city views (seasonal hours)
Stadhuis (City Hall) — Striking modern "Ice Palace" building
De Zwarte Ruiter — Traditional brown cafe for a local beer

Scheveningen

The Hague's beach resort district offers 11 kilometers of sandy coastline, a historic pier, and plenty of entertainment.

Activities:

Scheveningen Pier — Walk to the end for North Sea views, try the zip line or bungee jump
Beach pavilions — Relax with drinks and food right on the sand (seasonal)
Sea Life Scheveningen — Aquarium with underwater tunnel
Kurhaus — Historic luxury hotel and spa
Harbor — Watch fishing boats return, eat fresh kibbeling

Getting there: Tram 1 or 9 from city center (20 minutes)

Statenkwartier

An upscale neighborhood with beautiful early 20th-century architecture, the Frederik Hendriklaan shopping street ("De Fred"), and proximity to the beach.

Highlights:

Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture
Boutique shopping and specialty food stores
Close to Scheveningen and museums

Chinatown

Located around Gedempte Burgwal and Wagenstraat, The Hague's Chinatown offers Asian supermarkets, restaurants, and the striking Chinese gate (Paifang).

Unique Experiences

Amare Cultural Complex

The Hague's striking new cultural center houses the Netherlands Dance Theater, National Theatre, Royal Conservatory, and Residentie Orchestra under one roof. Even if you don't catch a performance, the architecture is worth seeing.

Location: Spuiplein 150

Madurodam

A miniature park featuring 1:25 scale models of Dutch landmarks and cities. While touristy, it's genuinely well-done and offers insights into Dutch geography and architecture.

Practical Information:

Address: George Maduroplein 1
Hours: Daily 09:00-20:00 (summer), 11:00-17:00 (winter)
Admission: €19.50 adults, €16.50 children

Van Kleef Distillery

The only surviving distillery in The Hague, producing genever (Dutch gin) since 1842. Tour the historic premises and taste different styles of this traditional spirit.

Practical Information:

Address: Lange Beestenmarkt 109
Hours: Thu-Sat 12:00-18:00
Tastings: From €12

Haagse Markt

Europe's largest open-air market with over 500 stalls. A sensory experience of colors, smells, and cultures reflecting The Hague's diversity.

Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 09:00-17:00 Location: Herman Costerstraat

Outdoor Activities

Parks & Gardens

Haagse Bos A large forest park in the city center, perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling. The oldest forest in the Netherlands, dating back to medieval times.

Westbroekpark Beautiful rose garden with over 20,000 rose bushes representing 300 varieties. Best visited in June-July when in bloom.

Clingendael Park & Japanese Garden Estate with beautiful grounds and a stunning Japanese Garden (open only 6 weeks per year in spring and autumn — check dates). The estate also houses the Clingendael Institute for international relations.

Beaches

Scheveningen Beach The main beach resort with plenty of facilities, beach clubs, and activities. Can get crowded on summer weekends.

Zuiderstrand Quieter beach south of the harbor, popular with locals and windsurfers.

Kijkduin Family-friendly beach with calmer waters, good for swimming.

Cycling

The Hague is very bike-friendly. Rent a bike and explore:

The city center's historic streets
The 11km beachfront boulevard
The dunes and nature reserves north of Scheveningen

Rental: Various shops around Centraal Station and Scheveningen (€8-12/day)

Seasonal Activities

Spring:

Japanese Garden at Clingendael (limited opening)
Tulip fields at Keukenhof (day trip, 30 minutes away)
King's Day celebrations (April 27)

Summer:

Beach season at Scheveningen (beach clubs open)
Outdoor concerts and festivals
Long evenings perfect for terrace dining

Autumn:

Museum openings and exhibitions
Japanese Garden second opening period
Prinsjesdag (Prince's Day, third Tuesday in September) — the state opening of parliament

Winter:

Christmas markets (December)
Ice skating at various locations
New Year's dive at Scheveningen (Nieuwjaarsduik)

Practical Information

The Hague City Pass

Consider the Museumkaart (€65, valid one year) if visiting multiple Dutch museums, or individual combination tickets:

Mauritshuis + Escher: €27
Kunstmuseum + Escher: €24

Getting Around

Trams and buses: Excellent network, OV-chipkaart or contactless payment
Bike: The best way to explore like a local
Walking: City center is compact and walkable

Day Trips

Delft (15 minutes) — Charming canal town, Vermeer's birthplace
Leiden (20 minutes) — Historic university city
Rotterdam (30 minutes) — Modern architecture and vibrant culture
Keukenhof (30 minutes) — World-famous tulip gardens (spring only)

The Hague rewards visitors who look beyond its serious governmental reputation. With world-class art, beautiful architecture, a vibrant food scene, and easy beach access, it offers a more relaxed and authentic Dutch experience than Amsterdam — at a more reasonable price.