Places / Europe / Netherlands
The Hague
Visited in March 2020
At a glance
- Country
- Netherlands
- Region
- South Holland
- Population
- 548,320
- Best time to go
- May to September
- Main airport
- Rotterdam The Hague (RTM)
- Coordinates
- 52.08°N, 4.31°E
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Overview
Amsterdam is the Dutch capital, but The Hague is where the government, the king and many international courts are based. It is a refined, green city of embassies, stately townhouses and excellent museums.
It is also a seaside city. A short tram ride takes you to the beach at Scheveningen, and the dunes stretch along the coast. Add Delft just down the road, and it makes a calm, rewarding base.
Things to see
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Photo: Hubertl, CC BY-SA 4.0 Mauritshuis
A jewel-box museum of Dutch Golden Age painting, home to Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0 Binnenhof
The historic parliament complex beside the Hofvijver pond, one of the oldest seats of government still in use.
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Photo: Thomas Wolf , www.foto-tw.de, CC BY-SA 3.0 de Peace Palace
The grand home of the International Court of Justice, with a visitor centre telling its story.
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Photo: Roel Wijnants, CC BY-SA 3.0 Kunstmuseum Den Haag
The world's largest collection of Mondrian's work, in an elegant 1930s Art Deco building.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France, CC BY 2.0 Escher in Het Paleis
M.C. Escher's mind-bending prints, displayed in a former royal palace.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0 Scheveningen beach
A long sandy beach with a pier, beach bars and a promenade, ideal on a summer evening.
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Photo: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0 Day trip to Delft
Vermeer's hometown, with canals, a market square and blue-and-white pottery, just 15 minutes by train or tram.
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Photo: Gellerj, CC BY-SA 3.0 Madurodam
A miniature Netherlands with famous buildings and landscapes in perfect detail.
Find tours -
Cycle through the dunes
Follow the bike paths through the dunes from Scheveningen along the coast.
Where to stay
City centre
Close to the museums, shops and government buildings.
Hotels in City centreZeeheldenkwartier
A creative neighbourhood with independent shops, cafés and bars.
Hotels in ZeeheldenkwartierScheveningen
Beachside hotels and seafood restaurants, a tram ride from the centre.
Hotels in ScheveningenStatenkwartier
Quiet and elegant, between the centre and the beach.
Hotels in Statenkwartier
Getting around
Trams link the centre, Scheveningen and Delft, and the city is good for cycling.
Trains from Amsterdam Schiphol reach Den Haag Centraal in about 30 minutes. Rotterdam The Hague Airport is a short bus or taxi ride away.
When to go
May to September is best for the beach and outdoor terraces. Spring brings tulips nearby, while winters are grey and windy.
Plan your trip to The Hague
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.