15 Best Things to Do in The Hague

The Hague (Den Haag in Dutch) is the third-largest city in the Netherlands, after Amsterdam and Rotterdam. While Amsterdam is the official capital, The Hague is just as well known and home to several top attractions.

This is mainly because it serves as the political centre of the country and hosts many national and international institutions. For visitors, this means you’ll find a mix of government buildings, museums and cultural sights, along with the North Sea coast just a short distance away. It’s a city where politics, history and seaside life come together.

We’ve visited The Hague several times and selected the 15 places and experiences we think are most worth considering for a first trip.

1. The Inner Court (Het Binnenhof)

The Inner Court (Het Binnenhof in Dutch) is one of the most important historic sites in the Netherlands and the political centre of the country. It’s a compact complex of buildings in the heart of The Hague where many national decisions are still made today.
The Binnenhof dates back to the 13th century and is home to both the Eerste Kamer (Senate) and Tweede Kamer (House of Representatives). Despite its political function, the area is usually largely open to visitors.

The most recognisable structure here is the Ridderzaal (Knight’s Hall). This Gothic building was originally used as a ceremonial hall for the counts of Holland. Today, it is still used for important national events, including the King’s annual speech on Prinsjesdag.

Next to the Ridderzaal stands the Torentje, a small octagonal tower dating back to the 14th century. It originally served as a summer residence for the counts of Holland. Today, it is used as the office of the Dutch Prime Minister and is often mentioned in political news.

Alongside the Binnenhof lies the Hofvijver, the body of water that defines the view of this part of the city. Although often referred to as a pond, it was originally a natural dune lake. Together with the historic buildings, it forms one of the most recognisable scenes in The Hague.

2. Mauritshuis

The Mauritshuis is one of the most well-known museums in the Netherlands and is located right next to the Binnenhof in the centre of The Hague. It focuses mainly on Dutch and Flemish paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries, a period often referred to as the Dutch Golden Age.

The museum is housed in a 17th-century townhouse, which gives it a more intimate feel compared to larger museums. Inside, you’ll find a relatively compact collection, but one that includes many well-known works.

The most famous painting here is Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer. Other highlights include The Goldfinch (Het Puttertje) by Carel Fabritius and several works by Rembrandt, including portraits and historical scenes. The Mauritshuis is often described as the home of Rembrandt and Vermeer because of the importance of these artists within the collection. The museum’s rooms are arranged in a way that allows you to move through the artworks at a relaxed pace. In addition to Dutch masterpieces, the collection also includes works by famous international artists.

3. Escher in the Palace

Close to both the Binnenhof and the Mauritshuis, you’ll find Escher in the Palace (Escher in het Paleis in Dutch). This museum is dedicated to the work of Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher, who is known for his optical illusions and mathematically inspired artworks.

The museum is housed in the former Lange Voorhout Palace, which was once used as a royal residence. Since 2002, it has been home to Escher’s work. Inside, you can see over 120 prints, including both his early Italian landscapes and his later, more complex works such as tessellations, impossible buildings and the well-known Metamorphoses series.

The historic palace interiors contrast with Escher’s often abstract and surreal work, which makes the visit feel slightly different from a traditional art museum.

On your way to the museum, you’ll walk along the Lange Voorhout, one of the more elegant streets in The Hague. It’s lined with historic buildings and trees, and depending on the season, you may come across markets or small exhibitions. It’s a quieter part of the city compared to the main shopping areas.

4. City Center

The city centre of The Hague is a lively area that works well for shopping, dining and walking between different parts of the city. You’ll find a mix of large international chains, smaller local shops and more specialised boutiques.

Some of the oldest streets in The Hague are located in the Hofkwartier, near the Haagse Toren. These streets developed from old dune paths, which explains their slightly winding layout. This part of the city has been active since medieval times and still has a more traditional atmosphere compared to the newer shopping streets.

The main shopping areas are spread across different parts of the centre. Grote Marktstraat is focused on larger retail chains, while Noordeinde is known for more upscale shops. Denneweg has a mix of design, antique and lifestyle stores. Lange Voorhout is less focused on shopping, but is known for its historic setting and occasional markets.

If you prefer indoor shopping, De Passage is worth visiting. It’s the oldest covered shopping arcade in the Netherlands and stands out for its architecture. Larger retail stores such as De Bijenkorf are also located nearby, and Westfield Mall of the Netherlands is a short distance outside the city centre.

Food is an important part of any visit to the city centre. You’ll find a wide range of restaurants, cafés and bars throughout the area. When the weather is good, terraces fill up quickly, especially around the main squares.

In terms of opening hours, Thursday is traditionally the late shopping evening (koopavond) in The Hague, when many stores stay open until 9 pm. There is also a weekly Sunday opening, usually between 12 pm and 5 or 6 pm. Larger stores often have extended hours, while smaller shops may vary.

5. The Hague Market

If you’re in The Hague on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday, you can visit The Hague Market (De Haagse Markt). It has been operating since 1920 and is the largest uncovered market in the Netherlands and one of the largest in Europe.

The market is laid out across three long aisles, each over 450 metres in length. These are filled with stalls selling a wide range of products, including fresh produce, flowers, clothing, fabrics and international food items.

One of the defining features of the market is its international character. Many cultures are represented, both in the products on offer and the people working at the stalls. This gives the market a lively and varied atmosphere.

On busy days, especially Saturdays, the market can attract up to around 40,000 visitors. Despite its size, the layout is clear and easy to navigate, so it doesn’t feel chaotic.

The market is located slightly outside the city centre, but is easy to reach by public transport. Stops such as De Haagse Markt and Hoefkade are within walking distance. If you’re travelling by car, there is a parking area at De Heemstraat.

6. Grote Kerk

The Grote Kerk is a late medieval church in the centre of The Hague, and together with the Binnenhof, one of the oldest buildings in the city. There was likely already a wooden church on this site as early as the 13th century, before the current Gothic church was built.

Today, the building is open to visitors, though it’s also occasionally rented out as a venue for congresses, exhibitions and similar events. The building itself is worth seeing, but the real highlight, climbing the church tower, is covered separately below.

7. Haagse Toren (Church Tower)

Climbing the Haagse Toren is one of the best things to do in The Hague, and a genuine highlight with 600 years of views to show for it. From climbing the 288 steps to discovering centuries-old stories, every visitor leaves the Haagse Toren with a new perspective on the city. As a 600-year-old icon in the heart of The Hague, the tower combines a storied history with a breathtaking view, and gives you a tangible piece of the city’s past.

The tower can only be climbed with a guide. Independent climbs are not possible. Climbs usually start at set times and are available throughout the year.

8. Old City Hall

The Old City Hall (Oude Stadhuis) consists of two parts: a 16th-century section facing the Dagelijkse Groenmarkt, and an 18th-century extension along the Grote Halstraat. It can be visited on the inside as part of a guided tour, but most people choose to view it only from the outside, which we’d also recommend. It’s located right next to the Grote Kerk with the tower (viewpoint), so you can perfectly combine a quick stop at the old city hall with a visit to the church and its tower.

9. Prison Gate Museum (Gevangenpoort)

The prison gate (Gevangenpoort) is a former gate and medieval prison on the Buitenhof in The Hague. It stands next to the 18th-century art gallery founded by William V, Prince of Orange, in 1774, known as the Prince William V Gallery.

This is a great place to experience the past, and we found it genuinely touching. Inside the Gevangenpoort is the prison gate museum where you get a real sense of how people were arrested and punished here for centuries. The stories told within these walls actually happened. Walking through the old cells and ending up in the torture chamber, it’s easy to vividly imagine how terrible conditions must have been for the people held here.

When the gate was built in the 13th century, it was the only access point to the forecourt of the Binnenhof. The Binnenhof, with its now-famous Ridderzaal, was originally built as a hunting lodge.

In the early 1400s, the gate took on an additional function: prisoners of the count were held here. Later, it also served as a prison for the Court of Holland, and eventually became a kind of state prison. The Gevangenpoort of that time bears little resemblance to a modern prison, where detainees sometimes serve sentences lasting many years.

10. Panorama Mesdag

The Panorama of Scheveningen is the most popular sight in the museum, and what we enjoyed most ourselves. It’s the oldest panorama in the world still on display in its original location, an impressive 120 metres long and 14 metres high. It shows Scheveningen as it looked in 1881, and the scale alone makes it worth the visit. We had no idea what to expect of a 360° artwork of that size, and were really surprised when we entered the museum. I don’t exaggerate when I say that Panorama of Scheveningen at Panorama Mesdag was one of the best museums visits I’ve ever had.

The museum combines this permanent panorama with temporary exhibitions, and its collection offers the most complete and varied overview of the work of Hendrik Willem Mesdag and his wife Sientje anywhere in the world.

Since 2026, Panorama Mesdag has officially become a Rijksmuseum (national museum), recognising its significance as Dutch cultural heritage.

11. Haagse Bos

Haagse Bos is a large green area located close to the city centre, within the Haagse Hout district. It stretches from the Malieveld near the centre towards Wassenaar and covers roughly 100 hectares. It is also one of the oldest remaining forests in the Netherlands.

The park consists of forest sections, ponds, open spaces and a network of walking paths. Because of its size, it helps to decide in advance which part you want to visit. You can explore it on foot, but it’s also common to enter by bike or public transport and continue walking from there.

Koekamp is the section closest to the city centre. It borders the Malieveld and includes ponds, winding paths and open grass areas. This part of the park is known for its views towards the city and for the presence of deer, which can sometimes be seen resting in the open areas.

For families, there are several playgrounds within the park, including Speeltuin Haagse Bos and Speeltuin Robin Hood. There are also designated play forests where children can build dens and explore more freely.

The Haagse Bosvijver is one of the central points of the park. It’s a pond surrounded by walking paths and is a good place for a short walk or a rest.

Within the park, you’ll also find Huis ten Bosch, the residence of the Dutch King. The building is not open to the public, but can be seen from certain points within the park.

At the edge of Haagse Bos, the Louwman Museum can be reached on foot. Because distances in the park are larger than they appear, it’s useful to plan your route if you want to combine multiple locations.

12. Japanese Gardens

The Japanese Garden is located within Landgoed Clingendael, just west of Haagse Bos. It is one of the more distinctive green spaces in The Hague and is known for its quiet atmosphere and careful design.

The garden contains a range of rare plants and trees. Due to its age and fragility, access is limited and it is only open for a short period each year, usually in spring (about six weeks starting at the end of April) and in autumn (usually for about two weeks in October). Entry is free, but visitor numbers are controlled to help preserve the site.

The garden is characterised by its moss-covered ground, small water features and traditional planting. In spring, it becomes more colourful with blooming azaleas, rhododendrons and ornamental cherry trees.

You can reach the garden via Landgoed Clingendael along the Wassenaarseweg. From there, signposted paths guide you through the estate.

Because of its limited opening period, the garden often feels relatively calm despite its popularity. It’s a place to walk slowly and take in a quieter setting compared to the rest of the city.

13. Madurodam

Madurodam is one of the most unique attractions in The Hague. This miniature park presents the Netherlands through detailed scale models at around 1:25, combining famous landmarks, cities and cultural highlights from across the country in a highly detailed setting.

You’ll find hundreds of miniatures here, along with interactive attractions, shows and hands-on experiences for both adults and children. In total, there are around 430 miniatures, several interactive attractions and dozens of activities that make the park more than just a traditional model display. Even well-known sites are recreated in impressive detail, including large projects that required thousands of hours of work.

Madurodam is located in Scheveningen, roughly halfway between the city centre and the beach. You can easily reach it by bike, car or public transport. Plan around 2 to 3 hours for a visit, although it can easily take longer if you’re exploring everything in detail or visiting with children.

In 2026, Madurodam has introduced a renewed Dutch-themed entrance, including a striking 5.5-metre Delft blue clog, along with refreshed miniature cities. With this update, Madurodam continues to position itself as the theme park about the Netherlands.

14. Scheveningen: De Pier, Boulevard & Attractions

Scheveningen may feel like its own seaside town, but it’s actually part of The Hague.

It’s one of the most popular beach destinations in the Netherlands. The wide sandy beach is busy in summer but pleasant year-round for walks along the coast. A highlight is the long beach boulevard (Zuidboulevard), which stretches for almost two kilometres and has been partly renewed in recent years, making it a lively place to stroll, eat or simply sit by the sea.

The main beach stretches from the boulevard all the way to the harbour breakwater. It’s the most visited stretch of coastline in the city and offers a classic seaside experience with beach clubs, restaurants and a lively atmosphere. A more distinctive part of Scheveningen is Het Zwarte Pad, a slightly more alternative beach area. It’s quieter in parts than the central beach, but also one of the main hotspots for beach clubs and summer nightlife.

The boulevard and pier area can easily fill a full day, thanks to the mix of attractions and activities. The most iconic feature is the Ferris wheel on Scheveningen Pier, which offers panoramic views over the North Sea and coastline. On the pier itself, you’ll also find restaurants, food stalls and seasonal activities, including bungee jumping for those looking for something more adventurous.

There’s more to explore nearby as well. Attractions such as SEA LIFE Scheveningen, Beelden aan Zee and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre make the area suitable for different interests and weather conditions. Together, they turn Scheveningen into a full-day destination that combines beach life, culture and entertainment.

If you prefer nature over attractions, you can head into the surrounding dune areas (Meijendel). Walking or cycling through the dunes offers a quieter alternative and connects directly to other green areas around The Hague.

15. Dunes and Beaches

Scheveningen is the most well-known beach in The Hague, but it can get crowded, especially in summer. If you prefer quieter areas, there are several dune and beach landscapes nearby that offer more space and a calmer atmosphere.

The dune areas around The Hague are a strong contrast to the busy coastline. Meijendel is one of the most beautiful dune landscapes in the region, with a mix of sandy paths, forests and open dune valleys. Oostduinpark and Oostduinen are much closer to the city and offer a peaceful alternative with easy access. Westduinpark and the area around Kijkduin are also excellent options if you want more space, fewer crowds and a more relaxed beach atmosphere.

Traveling with your dog? Dog rules also vary by season and location. From 1 October to 15 May, dogs are allowed off-leash on all beaches in The Hague. In Scheveningen, dogs are allowed off-leash year-round only on the northern stretch of the beach, also known as Noorderstrand or ‘t Puntje.

Share Your Feedback & Questions

Have you ever been to The Hague or are you planning to visit soon? Share your experience and questions in the comments section down the page. We’d love to hear from you!