The Hague

Eco-friendly travel guide to The Hague advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in The Hague, Netherlands.

The Hofvijver and the buildings housing the States General of the Netherlands

Air quality: 3.5 / 5

Exploring by foot: 4 / 5

Exploring by bicycle: 5 / 5

Public transportation: 4 / 5

Parks: 4 / 5

Outdoor activities: 5 / 5

Locals' English level: 4 / 5

Safety: 4 / 5

Accommodation: US$50 - $140

Budget per day: US$25 - $60

Responsible Travel

The Hague is a city on the western coast of the Netherlands on the North Sea, the administrative and royal capital of the Netherlands and the capital of the province of South Holland. It is also the seat of government of the Netherlands and hosts the International Court of Justice, one of the most important courts in the world.

To play your part as a responsible tourist,

You can book an eco-friendly hotel or resort at a very reasonable price as there are plenty of green hotels.

Buy souvenirs from the local markets rather than going to the shopping malls where they sell internationally branded things.

Learn about The Hague's history and cuisine while exploring the charming streets, and make food stops to taste local delicacies.

Whether you are a local or a tourist to get to know the area even better while on foot or cycle with the local guides or the multiple tours conducted by the hotel you are staying in or you can book such tours on online sites, such as tripadvisor travelocity. Not using a car or a bus will reduce your carbon footprint.

Air Quality and Pollution

In accordance with the World Health Organization's guidelines, the air quality in the Netherlands is considered moderately unsafe. A quick sweep over The Hague air pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI):

PM2.5 AQI - 43

PM 10 AQI - 9

O3 AQI - 1

NO2 AQI - 21

Respect the Culture

The Hague is famous as the International City of Peace and Justice. Also, The Hague is the government city of The Netherlands, and it’s the city where the Dutch Royal Family lives. The city is one of the most multicultural cities in The Netherlands. Language and culture are intertwined. You cannot understand one's culture without accessing its language directly. Though there are plenty of English speaking locals, Dutch is mostly spoken in the city of Hague. It differs from Standard Dutch almost exclusively in pronunciation. So knowing basic greetings in Dutch would be great. To understand one’s culture, you must take a special interest in their food culture. Though traditional Dutch cuisine is quite simple and straight forward with many vegetables and meat, you must taste their lips-smacking street food to understand the roots of the forgotten dishes.

Top 10 Places to Visit

The Mauritshuis - It is an art museum that houses the Royal Cabinet of Paintings which consists of 854 objects, mostly Dutch Golden Age paintings. The collections contain works by Johannes Vermeer, Rembrandt van Rijn, Jan Steen, Paulus Potter, Frans Hals, Jacob van Ruisdael, Hans Holbein the Younger, and others. Originally, the 17th-century building was the residence of count John Maurice of Nassau. It is now the property of the government of the Netherlands and is listed in the top 100 Dutch heritage sites. The English language guided tours are available, and a superb app showing the museum's many masterpieces can be downloaded for free in advance of your visit.

Madurodam - Named after George Maduro, a Dutch law student from Curaçao who fought the Nazi occupation forces as a member of the Dutch resistance and died at Dachau concentration camp in 1945 this miniature park is one of the tourist attractions of The Hague. It is home to a range of 1:25 scale model replicas of famous Dutch landmarks, historical cities, and large developments. The park is now divided into three themes: water, as a friend and an enemy; historical cities; and The Netherlands as an inspiration for the world. Each theme offers different activities - from light shows to mixing music. Small coin slots trigger bridges, factories, or an oil tanker on fire. While aesthetic improvements have been made, the informative aspect has also been improved. Small television stands show brief video footage or in-depth information. Visitors receive chipped cards upon entry, which can be used to trigger these.

Binnenhof - Built in the 13th century, Binnenhof is a gothic castle situated along the lake, Hofvijver. With its origins dating back to 1250 and tied to the building of a castle, it soon became the residence of the ruling aristocracy, and today houses both chambers of Parliament. It is counted among the Top 100 Dutch heritage sites. The Binnenhof is among the oldest Parliament buildings in the world still in use.

Escher in Het Paleis - Escher in Het Paleis is a museum in The Hague, Netherlands, featuring the works of the Dutch graphical artist M. C. Escher. It is housed in the Lange Voorhout Palace since November 2002. In 2015 it was revealed that many of the prints on display at the museum were replicas, scanned from original prints and printed onto the same type of paper used by Escher, rather than original Escher prints as they had been labeled. Nonetheless, Escher in Het Paleis is a museum dedicated to the artist’s work. Explore over 150 of his most famous prints, in addition to woodcuts, mosaics, landscapes, and more. The second floor has been converted to an interactive, optical illusion experience, so that visitors may ‘see things through Escher’s eyes.’ Since the place was once a palace, there are many areas, including the ballroom, that maintain its regal charm, making it a popular venue for weddings and other special events.

Scheveningen Pier - Opened in 1959, The Scheveningen Pier is a pleasure pier in the Dutch resort town of Scheveningen near The Hague. The current pier is the second in the town, the first being lost just after, and as a result of, the Second World War. In addition to being a lovely beach area on the shores of the North Sea, this area is home to several top attractions and things to do, as well as a regular host to several festivals and concerts. Other than a ferries-wheel, which features gondola cars where tourists can enjoy a meal or even high tea. This sits on the water among many other attractions on this huge pier, which includes a zipline, bungee-jumping, and plenty of shopping and restaurants. Another highlight of the Scheveningen area is SEA LIFE Scheveningen, an aquarium featuring a variety of ocean life, including sharks, stingrays, turtles, otters, and penguins.

The Peace Palace - The Peace Palace is an international law administrative building in The Hague, the Netherlands. It houses the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, The Hague Academy of International Law, and the Peace Palace Library. The Palace officially opened on 28 August 1913, and was originally built to provide a home for the PCA, a court created to end the war by the Hague Convention of 1899. Weekend guided tours are conducted through the palace and around the superb gardens bookings can be made through the visitor center.

Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk - At just over 300 feet tall, Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk, or St. James Church, is one of the tallest buildings in The Hague. The building is located on the Torenstraat, named for its high tower. Members of the House of Orange-Nassau have been baptized and married there. The church was built during the 15th and 16th centuries in classic gothic style; it has incredible architectural attributes, as well as beautiful interior features. The Protestant church is open for occasional services and tours of the facility but is most commonly used as a location for special events.

Panorama Mesdag - Panorama Mesdag is a panorama by Hendrik Willem Mesdag. Housed in a purpose-built museum in The Hague, the panorama is a cylindrical painting more than 14 metres high and about 40 metres in diameter. From an observation gallery in the centre of the room, the cylindrical perspective creates the illusion that the viewer is on a high dune overlooking the sea, beaches, and village of Scheveningen in the late 19th century. This is an incredible piece of artwork to see, not only for the beautiful painting skill but also because the image itself is such an important part of Hague history and culture. There is a gazebo in the center where visitors may stand to get a full view of the work, as well as appear as if they are in the painting themselves.

Huis Ten Bosch - Huis ten Bosch, is a royal palace in The Hague, Netherlands. It is one of three official residences of the Dutch monarch; the two others being the Noordeinde Palace in The Hague and the Royal Palace in Amsterdam. Construction of Huis ten Bosch began on 2 September 1645. Famous as the location of the world's first international peace conference in 1899, the palace is now home to King Willem-Alexander. While not open to the public, there are fine views of the building from various points around the park. Another palace worth walking around for its fine exterior views is Noordeinde Palace.

Landgoed Clingendael - Clingendael is one of the most beautiful estates in the Netherlands. The park located between The Hague and Wassenaar has an eventful history. Since the sixteenth century, various garden and landscape architects have contributed towards the look and atmosphere of this country estate. Behind Huys Clingendael's residence lies a large playground and field where children play and families enjoy picnics. There are several walking routes you can follow and there is also a tearoom you can visit for a cup of tea or coffee with apple pie or ice cream.

This miniature park known at the Madurodam is one of the main tourist attractions

Explore

Internationally, The Hague is often known as the "judicial capital of the world" due to the many international courts that are located in the city. The Hague is home to more than 150 international organizations, as well as many EU institutions, multinational companies, and embassies. This gave the city a distinct international character. The Hague offers great architecture, from the picturesque government complex of the Binnenhof to the grand and stately mansions on Lange Voorhout. Museums like the Mauritshuis rank among the best in the country. For food aficionados, The Hague offers some of the country's best Indonesian cuisine, due to large-scale immigration from this former Dutch colony. The city also offers good opportunities for outings, such as extensive green spaces for walking and bicycling as well as dunes and seaside recreation areas just a few trams stops away from the city centre.

City Parks

The Hague is among the greenest cities in the Netherlands and features many beautiful parks and gardens.

Westbroekpark - An English-style park from the 1920s. This beautiful park is completely surrounded by water and is accessible via footbridges from the north and south. This park is Renowned for its Rosarium or rose garden, with 20,000 different varieties of roses blooming from June until November. The park features a number of restaurants, including an excellent stir-fry joint and a waterside tea house.

Haagse Bos - Haagse Bos is among the oldest surviving forests in the Netherlands and has played an important role in the history of The Hague. It stretches from the suburb of Wassenaar to the northeast and goes right to the doorstep of Centraal Station, where there is a small fenced-off area with deer. Haagse Bos also has a large birds-nest built on top of a pole with which the local municipality has succeeded in attracting a pair of storks since the stork is in the city's emblem.

Scheveningse Bosjes - Scheveningse Bosje is a small inner-city forest located inside Scheveningen district in The Hague. Home to the Indiëmonument, which commemorates Dutch victims of the Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies. The forest originated on a series of dunes and covers several hilly areas.

Palace Gardens - Originally known as the Princesses’ Garden, These tranquil gardens trail behind Noordeinde Palace in central The Hague, where the Dutch Royal family has resided for generations. There are many peaceful spots inside, as well as flowerbeds, fountains, and ponds.

Japanese Garden - Created in the early 20th century by the former owner of Clingendael estate, Marguerite M. Baroness van Brienen, this Japanese garden has many exotic plants and objects from Japan, including authentic bridges, lanterns, and an entire pavilion. As the garden is quite delicate, it is only accessible for a short time during spring and autumn.

The Lush green view of the Westbroekpark

National Parks

The Hague has no National Parks in its territory, but still, if you are willing to walk amid wildlife Westduinpark is the one for you. It is a nature reserve. Covering the ground between Scheveningen esplanade and Kijkduin’s north-eastern limits, this long land on The Hague’s coast was once part of the House of Orange hunting grounds but hadn’t been well maintained. Major restoration efforts were undertaken in the 1930s, and the grounds were returned to their natural beauty. Many joggers and mountain bikers train in the park due to the hilly terrain.

Beaches

The Hague is a coastal city located on the western coast of The Netherlands, along the North Sea. The Hague, or Den Haag, is home to The Netherlands' most popular seaside resort, Scheveningen, and a nearby, smaller, resort known as Kijkduin. Scheveningen pier was built in 1901. It burned down in the Second World War and was rebuilt in 1959 and restored in 2015. The Ferris wheel is the most popular attraction at the pier, but the newest attraction at the pier is a zipline, where you get a birds-eye view of the beach and coastline. Some attractions in Scheveningen include Madurodam, the pier, the Sports Club and Beach Stadium, and plenty of restaurants and shopping at Scheveningen Harbour.

Next door, Kijkduin beach is slightly smaller than Scheveningen. Very family-oriented with beach clubs and restaurants, Kijkduin is popular all year long. Kijkduin lies on the edge of a wide stretch of dunes.

People at Scheveningen Beach in The Hague

Landmarks

Noordeinde Palace - It is one of the three official palaces of the Dutch royal family. Since 2013 it has been used as the official workplace of King Willem-Alexander. It is situated centrally in the city of The Hague, connecting the good shopping streets with the Parliament and even two (on hidden) lovely parks.

Nieuwe Kerk - This place represents a beautiful protestant church architecture. The church was taken into use in 1656. The building serves no longer as a church. Today it is a home for concerts and dance performances as well as for organizing meetings. One more thing that would be good to check in advance before visiting The Hague; an art performance in this building must be an awesome experience.

Kloosterkerk - Around 500 years old, this church is one of the must-visits in The Hague. The church is known today as the church where Beatrix of the Netherlands occasionally attends services. Over the years, this church has endured many changes, socially and structurally. Between 1952 and 1957 the church was thoroughly renovated and the wall between the nave and choir was removed. Furniture and works of art which had been saved from the demolition and stored in the Peace Palace were placed in the church, including the pulpit of oak (c. 1700) with Flemish carvings showing the Four Evangelists, a stained glass window depicting the twelve apostles by Lou Asperslagh, the mosaic 'The Last Supper' from 1925 by Johan Thorn Prikker. Today the Kloosterkerk is home to an energetic Protestant congregation.

Omniversum - Omniversum is a wide-screen film theatre in The Hague that shows spectacular films on a giant domed screen that runs halfway around the audience. It has a screen 4500 times larger than an ordinary TV, pumps out 15,000 watts of sound from 36 speakers, and immerses your senses in the most amazing film experience ever.

The iconic Noordeinde Palace

Museums

Other than the Mauritshuis, Escher in Het Paleis, Panorama Mesdag, and Peace Palace, The Hague offers a plethora of museums. Here are some of them which you must visit.

Kunstmuseum Den Haag - The Kunstmuseum Den Haag is an art museum in The Hague in the Netherlands, founded in 1866 as the 'Museum voor Moderne Kunst'. Later, until 1998, it was known as 'Haags Gemeentemuseum', and until the end of September 2019 as 'Gemeentemuseum Den Haag'. It is renowned for its large Mondrian collection, the largest in the world. His last work, Victory Boogie-Woogie, is on display here. Just as spectacular as the collection of Kunstmuseum Den Haag is Berlage’s dazzling Art Deco building which has been home to the museum since it was completed in 1935.

The prison gate museum - The Gevangenpoort (Prisoner's Gate) is a former gate and medieval prison on the Buitenhof in The Hague. The Hague has been the political heart of the Netherlands for centuries. The Prison Gate Museum, however, proves that the way politics is conducted has changed immensely over time. Between 1428 and 1828, the gatehouse was a prison for many famous regents. In 1882, the Gevangenpoort became a prison museum. The "gate" function was lost in 1923 when the houses adjoining the Hofvijver were taken down to build the street that now allows busy traffic, including trams.

Museon - It is a popular science museum in The Hague. The museum was initiated in 1904 by the newspaper director Frits van Paasschen, who wanted to establish a museum where children could learn about the industry. Educational and fun!

Haags Historisch Museum - The Hague Historical Museum ('Haags Historisch Museum') displays the history of The Hague in all its facets. Cityscapes and portraits, silverware and glass collections, dollhouses and Dutch Royal memorabilia bring the stories of the city to life and shed light on local history and culture.

The Hague Museum of Photography - The Hague Museum of Photography organizes multiple exhibitions every year. They cover a wide range of periods, disciplines, and genres in the history of photography, often focusing on the portrayal of mankind. The Hague Museum of Photography houses works by national and international photographers and has had exhibitions that range from traditional to contemporary works.

Inside the Kunstmuseum Den Haag

Eat

Uitsmijter spek en kaas: a couple of eggs fried with bacon and cheese

Dutch cuisine is formed from the cooking traditions and practices of the Netherlands. The country's cuisine is shaped by its location in the fertile North Sea river delta of the European Plain, giving rise to fishing, farming (for crops and domesticated animals), and trading over the sea, its former colonial empire, and the spice trade.

The Hague has some authentic traditional restaurants where you will find mouthwatering food that will simply take your eating spree to another level.

Traditional Local Restaurants

There are many local traditional restaurants in The Hague, to name a few:

Calla’s - If you are not afraid of emptying your purse for good food, then this is the place for you. Calla’s offers some of the best traditional food in The Hague. The interior of the restaurant is as spectacular as its Gillardeau oysters with coconut, cucumber, and wasabi sorbet.

The Penthouse - This exclusive restaurant occupies the 42nd floor of The Hague Tower. Enjoy the refined modern Dutch dishes that change regularly.

Bacco Perbacco - One of the most visited restaurants in The Hague. Though there are very few tables at the restaurants, you will have to book before you visit. The amazing atmosphere with quality food, all the trouble of finding a seat is worth it.

Dekxels - Another restaurant in the modest neighbourhood of The Hague catches the attention of the tourists as well as local people because of its amazing food and delicacies. The menu is adventurous, and although it includes European cuisine, the most distinctive is its Asian fusion dishes. For example, try the beef tataki with shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven spice), garlic, chives, nori (seaweed), and ponzu (a citrus-based Japanese sauce). More regular dishes include truffle risotto and Peking-style duck.

Simonis aan de Haven - Fan of seafood? Then this is the place for you. ‘The best seafood restaurants in the town’ have a large and airy place with the seafood is served canteen-style, so you order at the counter and wait until they call your number. However, it’s reliably delicious. Portions are generous and prices inexpensive.

Walter Benedict - It is an attractive bistro-style restaurant with an elegant facade and bare-brick walls inside. The menu is a canny combination of French and Dutch dishes plus the odd surprise – it serves a mean Flammkuchen (tarte flambée).

Vegetarian and Vegan

The Hague is famous for its non-vegetarian food. But if you are a vegetarian/vegan worry not, The Hague has many restaurants to offer. From breakfast to brunch, dinner to late-night snacking, and every meat-free meal in-between, we're sure that you'll find the very best veggie dining experiences via our list of veg/vegan restaurants.

Foam - FOAM stands for "Fresh Organic and Meat-Free." This plant-based catering service opened its own restaurant in early-2016. Provides breakfast and lunch, juice and smoothie, cakes, coffee and high tea. Continues to provide vegan catering and cooking workshops.

Fast and Vegan - One of the finest vegan restaurants in The Hague, Fast and Vegan serves various breakfast foods plus cakes and fast food lunch options like burgers.

Veggies on fire - Keen to have savoury meals, fresh salads, and rich desserts from-scratch with organic ingredients? Then this is the place for you. With a cosy interior with large windows this place offers, seasonal and changing specials with sample hearty meals like vegan schnitzel, chipotle burger, and cutlets with roasted potatoes, and not to forget their weekly rotating soups.

De Vegetarishe Snackbar - Located opposite Hollands spoor station, this restaurant offers veggie burgers, sandwiches, brunch food, cupcakes, and ice cream. A must visit if you deem to have a quick munch.

Hortus - Established in 2015, this restaurant has quickly become ‘the talk of the town’ for it’s outwardly veggie and vegan food.

Street Food

Bara - Bara is sort of like a Surinamese doughnut that is made with various spices before being fried. You can eat it more similar to a sandwich with chicken or vegetables.

Empanadas - From the Dutch Caribbean, you’ll find empanadas. These delicious filled pastries (vegetarian and meat) are served to-go although be sure to linger around the tables to enjoy the delicious salsa that makes it even more delicious.

Turkish Pizza- You’ll find numerous spots in the Hague, to snack on delicious and fresh Turkish food made in front of you. It’s never a good idea to come hungry here and a good Turkish pizza is always delicious.

Burek- a common pastry that is served in Turkey, it’s a good hold over until you get a proper lunch.

Lekkerbek - a breaded fish served with salt, sounds delicious doesn’t it?

Empanadas

Drink

Dutch people enjoy their quiet time with the drinks they love. Coffee, tea, fruit juices are drunk at breakfast. But if you are looking for just ONE Dutch alcohol to try over a short trip, try genever. Genever is a traditional Dutch liquor that is the precursor to modern-day gin. Genever is nowadays considered an old-man kind of drink but is still easily found. It is certainly not for the faint-hearted and does not enjoy the same popularity as gin. It is typically taken straight and is very strong.

Other than that, the most popular beer brands in The Hague are Amstel and Heineken. Dutch liqueurs are excellent such as Dutch Gin, Orangebitter, Schrobbeler, etc.

Tap-water

The Netherlands has one of the most strict rules and regulations for its tap water. Hence the quality is very good.

Organic Cafés

If you are a vegetarian or a vegan, there are multiple cafés in The Hague that serve non-vegetarian as well as veg and vegan meals.

Here are the names of some famous cafés where you can visit-

The Bookstore

Hometown Coffee

Cafe Blossom

Urban Cafe

Bleyenberg

Pistache Cafe

Hop & Stork

Breweries

The Netherlands is full of beautiful places to visit during the day, and at night is still even more captivating. With an enormous variety of nightlife places, from cafes, restaurants, bars, and clubs, The Hague being the third-largest city in the Netherlands loves to have fun during the night.

Here are the names of some most-visited bar/pubs in the city -

De Paas

Bleyenberg

De Oude Mol

Wicked Wines

Bar and Restaurant Milú

The Penthouse at The Hague Tower

Rootz

Huppeldepub

Zwarte Ruiter

Activities

Here are our favourite things to do in The Hague -

Keukenhof Gardens tour

Self-Guided Interactive Walking Tour of Delft

Surf lesson at Scheveningen, a district of The Hague

Bicycle tours

Guided Horse Tram or Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour through Historic Delft

Yoga and Retreats

While roaming around the city if you want to relax and rejuvenate, yoga retreats in The Hague you should look for. Some of the most-talked yoga retreats in the city are -

Bikram Yoga Den Haag

Living Yoga

Accommodation

There are plenty of hotels, hostels, guest houses in prime locations in The Hague. Nowadays, most opt for online bookings; don’t forget to read the reviews on them.

Green Hotels

Carlton Ambassador Hotel - Located in The Hague, Carlton Ambassador Hotel is in the city centre and near a train station. Mauritshuis and Madurodam are cultural highlights, and some of the area's popular attractions include Sea Life Scheveningen and Duinrell. Palace Garden and Museon are also worth visiting. Looking to get your feet wet? Waterskiing and windsurfing adventures can be found near the property. Guests love the hotel's location for sightseeing.

Park Centraal Den Haag - Another hotel in the city center in The Hague which is well-loved by the guests. With good shopping. Mauritshuis and Madurodam are cultural highlights, and some of the area's popular attractions include Sea Life Scheveningen and Duinrell. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Silverdome, or consider a night out at LVC. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including golfing.

Fletcher Boutique Hotel Duinoord - Located in Wassenaar, Fletcher Boutique Hotel Duinoord is near theme parks and by the sea. Other than the Duinrell and Sea Life Scheveningen, Naturalis Biodiversity Center and Japanese Garden are also worth visiting. Take the opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like hiking/biking trails.

Carlton Beach - Located on the beach, Carlton Beach is in the Scheveningen neighbourhood and is connected to a shopping centre. Scheveningen Pier and Peace Palace are notable landmarks, and some of the area's popular attractions include Sea Life Scheveningen and Madurodam. Duinrell and Glowgolf Scheveningen are also worth visiting. Windsurfing offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking and hiking/biking trails nearby.

Golden Tulip Leiden Centre - Located in Leiden, Golden Tulip Leiden Centre is in the city centre and near a train station. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Hortus Botanicus and Keukenhof Gardens, while Museum Boerhaave and Naturalis Biodiversity Center are cultural highlights. Don't miss out on a visit to Madurodam.

Hostels and Guest Houses

Hostels and guest houses come with a lesser budget as well as it helps the locals to earn extra. The Hague offers a plethora of budget-friendly hostels and guest houses –

Stayokay The Hague

Hostel the Golden Stork

Hostel The Hague

Jorplace Beach Hostel

Cosy Dinner and Bed

Bed and Breakfast Leonie

B&B Eriprijs

Becán Bed and Breakfast

Apartments

If you want to stay longer and want your privacy, renting apartments can be a good option for you. You may come across many tourists with whom you can enjoy the daily lives of The Hague. You can book them online sites such as www.booking.com etc. On such sites, locals advertise their apartment, location, and connectivity with the transport modes. Read the reviews on them before renting one. To name a few apartments where tourists can stay –

Stayci Serviced Apartments Westeinde

The Hague Shortstay

BizStay The Hague

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfers share their homes, cities, and lives in profound, meaningful ways, making travel anywhere in the world a truly social experience. You will find many hosts if you want to couch-surf in The Hague. There are multiple online sites such as couchsurfing.com which help tourists to take this option of staying. Still, if you want to opt for this option, extra precaution is necessary, especially for the females. Do not hesitate to ask for the details and the references of the host. And a little tip, never interfere with their beliefs and lives.

Camping

If you want to go camping, these are the places recommended for you -

Den Hague Campground

Camping Duinhorst

NTKC Campground de Haan

How to Get There

With its proximity to most major cities in the Netherlands, a coastal location, and cosmopolitan character, The Hague is one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands. You can visit during a day trip from Amsterdam, or stay in the city and explore in full its many spectacular attractions and charming sights. The easiest way to reach there is by air.

Air

The Hague shares an airport with Rotterdam. Rotterdam The Hague Airport can be reached from The Hague Central Station by RandstadRail Line E, with an Airport Shuttle to and from Meijersplein Station. However, with several direct trains per hour from the railway stations Hollands Spoor and Centraal, and also with an hourly night train from station Hollands Spoor, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is more frequently used by people travelling to and from The Hague by air.

Schipol Airport, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Bus

Travelling to the Netherlands is easier than ever today – thanks to the increasing number of bus routes, you can reach your favourite destination quickly and at a low price. You can book a cheap ticket for a bus trip to The Hague, Amsterdam and many other famous Dutch cities.

A local bus on the streets of The Hague

Train

There are two main railway stations in The Hague: Central and The Hague HS, both of which offer connections to locations around the Netherlands and in Belgium and Germany. From Amsterdam: Direct trains run from Amsterdam Central Station to The Hague Central Station and The Hague HS every 30 minutes, with journeys taking a little under an hour.

From Amsterdam Airport Schiphol: If you’ve just arrived at the airport, trains to The Hague run every 10 to 20 minutes.

From Brussels Airport: People travelling to Europe via Brussels Airport can take a train straight to The Hague.

From Dusseldorf Airport: Train connections are also available from Dusseldorf Airport.

Centraal Station, The Hague

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking in the Netherlands is quite easy, and legal in most places, though not on motorways. The basic idea is that when you're allowed to walk somewhere, you can stand there for hitching too. Standing on a motorway entrance just in front of the motorway sign is allowed as well as standing on a petrol station along the motorway. Asking the Dutch people at a service station is faster than waiting while using the thumb for hitchhiking.

Others

The Hague is connected by toll-free motorways to Amsterdam (A4 and A44), Rotterdam (A13), and Utrecht (A12). Access to the centre is through the A12 motorway that penetrates the city centre and ends on a large traffic junction just north of the historic centre. Approaching and leaving the city from any of these motorways can take a long time during the morning and evening rush hours. On hot summer days, hundreds of thousands of people try to reach Scheveningen beach by car, and huge traffic jams of up to 50 km long may occur, causing traffic delays of up to several hours. On such days, consider taking public transportation. A park and ride facility, P+R Hoornwijck, opened in 2008 on the Laan van Hoornwijck by the Ypenburg interchange. Motorists can easily reach it from the A4 (Exit 9) and A13 (Exit 7).

If you are not willing to travel by road, then a ferry is another option you can opt for. Regular ferries sail from Harwich to Hook of Holland. If you bring bicycles (small charge or free), there is a traffic-free cycle route to The Hague, an easy ride of under an hour and a half. Public transport options also exist.

Moving Around

The Hague is a city where you can find history in its every nook and cranny. If you want to divulge the originality of the city, you have to leave the usual transportation mode and look for a slower mode of transportation. So, here are some of the modes of transportation you can choose.

Walk

If you prefer to be independent and like walking, which is designed to take you to the must-sees and some lesser-known sights. You will be amazed at how these self-guided tours can help to know about The Hague. If you are not confident to make it alone, you can always hire a local guide. Many tour guiding programmes are held by the hotel itself. There are multiple online sites to book walking tours on, such as tripadvisor denhaag, viator, etc.

Bicycle

There are a wide variety of guided cycle tours on offer. Whether you're interested in the touristic highlights, the seaside resort of Scheveningen, or the region of The Hague, there's sure to be a bike tour that fits the bill. The tours can be anything from an hour to a whole day. For longer tours, the distance is usually indicated. There are private tours and group tours. Bringing your own bike should be possible, but don't expect any discount if you do!

Electronic Vehicles

If you find walking and cycling a bit stressful, worry not. Public transport is the best option for you.

Public Bus

There are extensive city and regional bus lines in Holland. This means that, wherever you are, there are bus services that will take you to most places, quickly and affordably. While bus companies vary per region, the connections are generally excellent, so you can reach your destination quickly. You will need a valid ticket to travel by bus: a single-use chipcard or an anonymous OV-chipkaart (smart card).

Tram, Train and Subway

Along with buses, The Hague has an efficient city-wide system of light rail (called RandstadRail), trams, running mostly on free tracks allowing for a fairly speedy ride. HTM runs the public transport system in The Hague and some of the surrounding areas. Rotterdam-based RET runs a Randstadrail line between The Hague and Rotterdam, through various suburbs. Centraal Station has easy access to trams on the south side (Rijnstraat), but the main lines (Randstadrail 2, 3 and 4, tram 6) stop on platforms crossing the main station hall at level 1.

Sustainable Shopping

The concept of sustainable shopping is new to the world. People are trying to change their lifestyles and adopting eco-friendly practices that support the local community. As a responsible tourist, you must buy souvenirs and antiques from the local markets of The Hague.

Food Markets

Here are the names of some food markets in The Hague -

De Haagse Markt

Hofweg Farmers’ Market

Neighbourhood Market Scheveningen

The cheese market in Hague

Flea Markets

For street shoppers who love flea markets, here are the names of some markets where you can find souvenirs as well as local things,

Snuffelmarkt Blijdrop

Waterlooplein Markt

Lapjesmarkt

Bos en Lommer Markt

Second Hand Stores

Some of the best second-hand stores in The Hague are -

Reshare (Salvation Army)

Bij Priester

Evy’s vintage

Zusjes vintage boetiek

Bibeloo Enzo

Second hand rose

Kringloop Rataplan

Eco-Fashion

Apart from buying antiques and crafts, you can always go for sustainable fashion. You will get to experience a Dutch-style with reusable clothing. Here is our list of shops where you can visit:

Duurzame mode | Mae Sue kantoor

inti ferreira Den Haag

WWen | Duurzame mode

Khipu

Yogisha - Yogawinkel Den Haag

Recycling

The average waste separation percentage in the Netherlands is approximately 50%. In 2020 we want to separate 75% of our waste, but to achieve this, cooperation between the municipality, HMS, and citizens is invaluable. All parties play an important role in the recycling of waste back to raw materials, and so it costs much less energy to produce products.

Waste

As a new international in The Hague, one might feel overwhelmed by all the policies and regulations regarding household waste disposal, but sustainable habits are easy to adopt. The Dutch take great pride in maintaining their environment. Most neighbourhoods have trash bin curbside pickup, other places trash bags that are collected from 7.00 and 22.00 hrs. There is usually an underground rubbish container within 75 metres of each home.

Work and Study Abroad

The Netherlands is located in Mainland Europe bordering Germany and France. The country is known for its innovative education methods. If you pursue an education in the Netherlands you get to experience visionary architecture, contemporary fashion, and tons of street markets. Several scholarships are offered for international students who choose to study in the Netherlands. These can be government-funded or offered by the university of choice based on merit. Nevertheless, it is best advised to check with the university or government in your home country for financial aid options and apply well in advance to be accepted.

Many students choose to work while pursuing their education in the Netherlands. Depending on their nationality, students may work for up to sixteen hours a week with a work permit from their employer. An MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) which is a provisional residence permit alone is not enough to work in the Netherlands. Any potential employers must apply for a work permit on your behalf.

If you have to undertake a work placement as part of your course, you do not need a work permit. But you do need to take out a Dutch health insurance plan before you begin any work placements.

Exchange Student

As mentioned above, exchange student programs are very much available in The Hague. All you have to do is, contact your home university if they have collaboration with the university here.

Au Pair

There are many Au Pair jobs available in The Hague. To have a good salary or a likeable job you have to submit your resume to online portals like aupair., greataupair, topaupairs. The jobs they provide like, child care, old age home jobs, etc.

Volunteering

For an international, volunteering can have many benefits. It can be an excellent way of building a local network of like-minded people and it can help your Dutch language skills. Whether you want to do your share of work in the community or you are looking for opportunities to connect with people - The Hague region is bursting with volunteer opportunities. As an international, you also have your pick from many English-language organisations that need assistance like ‘Volunteer the Hague’, ‘NL Cares’. If you are already connected to any institutions, you may ask if they can use you as a volunteer. This is often the case for religious centres, such as a church or mosque, or when there is an elderly home close to your home. If you have any children in primary school, they may occasionally be able to use the assistance of a parent in the classroom. Refugee shelters and homeless shelters are also often looking for people to volunteer their time or donate. If you love animals, you may check in with your local vet or animal pound to offer your services.