The Hague holds an odd distinction among European capitals-in-spirit: it’s the seat of the Dutch government and home to the King, yet Amsterdam remains the country’s official capital. That administrative quirk gives The Hague a calmer, more dignified feel than Amsterdam’s canal-crowded tourist trail, with grand government buildings, world-class art museums, and a proper North Sea beach all within easy reach of each other.
Related: Doge’s Palace Venice: A Guide to Touring the Seat of Venetian Power
Best Things to Do in The Hague
Visit the Mauritshuis Museum
This compact but exceptional museum houses Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring” alongside major works by Rembrandt and other Dutch Golden Age painters, all inside a 17th-century mansion small enough to see thoroughly in a couple of hours.
Walk Through the Binnenhof
The Binnenhof complex, one of the oldest parliament buildings still in use anywhere in the world, sits around a central courtyard beside the Hofvijver pond, with the Ridderzaal’s turreted facade forming one of the city’s most recognizable images.
See Miniature Holland at Madurodam
This outdoor park recreates Dutch landmarks, from windmills to Schiphol Airport, at 1:25 scale, giving a genuinely fun overview of the country’s architecture and history that works well for families and curious adults alike.
Relax at Scheveningen Beach
The Hague’s seaside district has a long sandy beach, a pier stretching out over the water, and a boardwalk lined with seafood stalls selling herring the traditional way, making it an easy tram ride from the city center for an afternoon by the North Sea.
Tour the Peace Palace
Home to the International Court of Justice, this grand building symbolizes The Hague’s role as a center of international law and diplomacy. The interior is only accessible on limited guided visits, but the surrounding gardens and exterior are worth seeing regardless.
Top-Rated The Hague Tours & Experiences
Best Time to Visit
Late spring through summer makes the most of Scheveningen beach and outdoor museum grounds like Madurodam, with long daylight hours typical of Dutch summers. Shoulder months bring fewer crowds to the Mauritshuis and Binnenhof if museums are the main priority, and mild autumn afternoons still suit a walk along the boardwalk even without swimming weather.
How to Get There
The Hague is about 50 minutes by train from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, making it an easy day trip or a calmer alternative base for exploring the Netherlands. Rotterdam and Delft are both a short train ride away for those combining several Dutch cities, which makes The Hague a practical hub for a multi-city Dutch itinerary rather than a single isolated stop.
Good to Know
The Mauritshuis is small enough that lines can form despite its size, so booking a timed entry in advance is worthwhile. Trams connect the city center to Scheveningen beach efficiently, so a car is unnecessary for most visits.
Between a masterpiece-packed museum, a genuine beach, and the seat of Dutch government all within a short tram ride, The Hague offers a more relaxed, still deeply rewarding alternative to the busier stops on a typical Netherlands itinerary. Give it at least a full day, and it’s easy to see why plenty of visitors end up wishing they’d budgeted two.
Write Your Review
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!