The Hague is a city in The Netherlands which is home to the International Court of Justice. Here are a few things to do in The Hague;
- Peace Palace
- Madurodam- Mini Europe
- Dutch Parliament – Binnenhof
- Mauritshuis – Art from the Dutch Golden Age
- Noordeinde Palace
- Old City Hall and New City Hall
- The Hague Historic City Center
- Photographing push bikes
You’ll find several great value hotels in The Hague for every budget.
Peace Palace
The Peace Palace is one of the most beautiful buildings in The Hague, perhaps all of The Netherlands. It’s called the Peace Palace because it’s the International Court of Justice (the principal judicial body of the United Nations). Additionally, it houses the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Hague Academy of International Law as well as the Peace Palace Library. It is possible to visit the Peace Palace as part of an organized tour therefore check the tour times. Finally, the Peace Palace has been awarded the European Heritage Label for its importance in recent European history. As a matter of fact, those involved in the Srebrenica massacre were sentenced here.
Mini Europe
A short walk from the Peace Palace you’ll find Mini Europe known locally as Madurodam. It is very similar to the Mini Europe found in Brussels, they are very popular in this part of the world.
Dutch Parliament – Binnenhof
The office of the prime minister of The Netherlands is located in the Dutch Parliament complex, known as Binnenhof in Dutch. This is the Dutch equivalent to the London Landmarks, Houses of Parliament and 10 Downing Street. There is a lot of security here as you’d imagine but you are free to walk around the complex. In addition, you’re welcome to admire the Gothic architecture as well as take photos. On the other side of the Dutch Parliament is the Hofvijver lake which on a sunny day without wind offers the opportunity for a Binnenhof reflection photograph.
Mauritshuis Art Museum
Mauritshuis is an art museum which houses the royal cabinet of paintings. The paintings are largely from the Dutch golden age. This is a period during the 17th century when The Netherlands was the most prosperous nation on earth. Mauritshuis building is listed as one of the top 100 Dutch heritages sites. Not to mention the Dutch golden age paintings inside.
Noordeinde Palace
Noordeinde Palace is one of the residences of the Dutch royal family. Visiting this palace is just as important as visiting Grand Ducal Palace when in Luxembourg. In fact, you’ll often see royal guards outside this palace. An interesting fact about this palace is that it was originally a farmhouse!
The Hague New City Hall and Old City Hall
In The Hague there are 2 city halls. The New City Hall is adjacent to the train station and is both a colorful and modern building. In contradiction, the Old City Hall is a Medieval building which has iconic red flags hanging from the windows. In fact, The Hague Old Town Hall somewhat resemble that of nearby Gouda.
The Hague Historic City Center
As you walk through the pedestrianised streets of historic The Hague, you’ll pass several picturesque viewpoints. In addition, there are restaurants, fast food kiosks, coffee shops, bars, shops as well as points of interest of the city. As a result, you can spend a few hours, possibly days in The Hague.
Push Bike Photography
Push bikes are an extremely popular mode of transport in this part of the world. For this reason, you’ll see lots of push bikes on the pavements. Some of these push bikes are extremely colorful, as is the backdrop. Be sure to appreciate and photograph these incredibly Dutch views!
How to get from The Hague to Gouda
The Hague train station is a tourist destination in itself, it’s a brand new very well organized train station. It not only connects The Hague to major cities in The Netherlands but it is also the final stop on the Rotterdam metro. I took a train to Gouda, home of Gouda cheese which took around 20 minutes.
The Peace Palace looks really pretty! How awesome is it to work in such a beautiful building! I thought Hague would be very industrial or very modern as a city, I wasn’t expecting beautiful, classic buildings as well.
Hague is on my bucket list and the Peace Palace is definitely a reason to go! I love exploring beautiful buildings like this 🙂
Good history lesson, James. I didn’t know that the Netherlands was the most prosperous nation on earth in the 17th Century. Very informative post as usual. The Mauritshuis art museum sounds interesting.
This has brought back some great memories! I have a Dutch friend who lived in The Hague and I used to fly over for weekends when I lived in London – as we are talking nearly 30 years ago it’s great to be reminded of those visits!
Great post with great information about the city – time to revisit i think!
Hague is one of the cities I’m traveling to for my road trip to the Netherlands in May. Do you think one night is enough, or should we stay there two nights? Love your photos of the city!
The Hague, Rotterdam and Gouda are really close and well connected so I’d recommend staying in Rotterdam or The Hague for a few nights. From there you can explore the 3 cities and the windmills of Kinderdijk. Since leaving someone told me Delft is worth visiting and it looks beautiful on google images so if you have time you should check out Delft too. You’ll have a good time, the people are so friendly!
I love the Netherlands; I have never heard of Hague until your post, but had the most memorable time in Rotterdam a few years back. It doesn’t look to far away from central Rotterdam.The Peace Palace looks stunning! I will have to visit next time I am in the Netherlands.
I had no idea The Hague had such a prominent international standing! I’ve only been to Amsterdam but hopefully one day I’ll go back to The Netherlands to explore more.
The Hague looks amazing! I love the architecture! I also want to learn more about this mini Europe?! Sounds intriguing!
You know I ever knew Gouda was a place name, I thought it was just the cheese! Thanks for sharing your trip to The Hague, looks good!
You are absolutely convincing me to stay in the Netherlands longer than planned. I loved this post and your on one about day trips from Amsterdam. Hague looks bright and interesting. Can’t wait to add this to my agenda. Thanks again.
I have never been to the Netherlands but I am going very soon. My partner’s family comes from Delft where the famous delftware is made and it looks as though it would be very easy to visit the Hague from there. The plan is to visit in the summer next year and this post has really highlighted to me the attractiveness of the Hague as a must-see destination. Extremely picturesque too as your lovely photos certainly show.
I love the hague especially for its beach in scheveningen. I would love to visit fouda as well due to the cheese. Have been in luxembourg as well?
The peace palace looks so pretty and I love how you get in everything with your wide lens! The flowers also look beautiful and colourful! 🙂 I have never heard of this area until your post but I will definitely keep it in mind!
OMG! Never heard of this place before! I have put this place in my bucket list. Is it cool to travel this place in August month? Cheers
I havebeen to Netherlands, and end up going to Amsterdam only…cos it is such a fun city. I never knew there is so much to do in the Hague! Will try and make sure I plan my trip better and include Hague the next time I am here…I want to visit Mauritshuis Art Museum!