The Hague, Den Haag in Dutch, is located right by the coast and is home to the Dutch parliament. The Hague boasts many beautiful museums and an amazing beach. Spending one or two days here would be ideal to really get to know the city but you could also visit as a day trip from Amsterdam as I did.

Getting to The Hague:

The closest airport would be the Rotterdam The Hague Airport. You could also fly into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The train journey from Amsterdam to The Hague takes around 45 minutes to an hour and costs about €12 per journey. Train travel within the Netherlands is not complicated and very efficient in getting you where you need to go in the shortest time possible.

How to get around:

When you get off the train at Den Haag Centraal, you can easily walk toward the city centre. Many of the museums and landmarks are within walking distance. It is nice to just wander around the city; you never know what you might find. There are also trams running all around the city if your legs get tired.

Things to do:

Binnenhof

The Binnenhof is located at 2513 AA The Hague right in the city centre. The building complex has been the centre of Dutch politics for centuries. It is the meeting place of both the States-General of the Netherlands and the Ministry of General Affairs. It also houses the office of the Prime Minister of the Netherlands.

Ridderzaal

While at the Binnenhof be sure to check out the oldest building in the Inner Court. Also known as Knight’s Hall, it is definitely the most striking building in the square. It was constructed in the early 13th century and used to be the former castle of the counts of Holland.

Mauritshuis

Located at Plein 29, 2511 CS Den Haag, the Mauritshuis is home to the greatest Dutch masterpieces of the 17th century. Check out works by Rembrandt and Vermeer in the museum. Admission is free up and until 18 otherwise, it costs €15.50 for an adult ticket.

If you like museums as much as I do, do consider getting a Museum Card which grants you access to many museums all over the Netherlands.

Madurodam

This theme park in The Hague features miniature replicas of various Dutch cities and landmarks. It is located at George Maduroplein 1, 2584 RZ Den Haag and admission is priced at €17.50 for a 24-hour ticket. I have heard that it is a very interesting experience. You feel like a giant among all the tiny buildings.

I wish I had reserved a ticket beforehand so that I could enter. Unfortunately, I was unable to get in due to the new reservation rules in light of coronavirus. Not to worry, I will be back to visit one day.

Peace Palace

The palace is home to the United Nations International Court of Justice and is located at Carnegieplein 2, 2517 KJ Den Haag. You can only enter the grounds by following a guided tour which costs €11. The tour starts in the Visitor Centre and takes you through the garden. Remember to bring your passport or valid EU identification in order to enter the palace.

Scheveningen Pier

Head down to the pier for a day of fun; there are tons of activities to enjoy. You can find food stalls and arcade games all around. Grab a bird’s-eye view from atop the Ferris wheel and if you are feeling adventurous you can even bungee jump off the pier. De Pier is located at Strandweg 150-154, 2586 JW Den Haag.

Scheveningen beach is a great spot to visit in the summer. You will see this entire stretch packed with people. Unfortunately, now that summer is over, the cloudy skies, as pictured above, are here to stay. The summer crowds have left the beach for now. However, don’t be sad that summer is over; there are still so many things to do in the Netherlands.

I hope you enjoyed my little write up about The Hague. I had a great day with my friend Jack, exploring the city. As a university student, day trips are all I can manage for now but I hope to be exploring more of the Netherlands soon. Cheers guys have a great week ahead.