The Hague

The Hague (Den Haag) is a city of beautiful contrasts. On one hand, it is a stately hub of international law and Dutch politics, characterized by historic buildings, wide boulevards, and a refined atmosphere. On the other hand, it is a lively coastal town with a vibrant beach culture. This unique duality means you can spend your morning admiring Vermeer's 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' and your afternoon surfing or lounging by the North Sea.

Reasons to Visit

• Mauritshuis: Home to an exceptional collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings.
• Scheveningen Beach: The most popular seaside resort in the Netherlands, featuring a grand pier and lively promenade.
• Peace Palace: The iconic symbol of international justice and home to the International Court of Justice.
• Madurodam: A delightful miniature park showcasing the highlights of the Netherlands in 1:25 scale.
• Binnenhof: The historic complex of buildings that has been the center of Dutch politics for centuries.

Things to Avoid

• Walking in bike lanes: Always check for cyclists before crossing the street; bike lanes are red and heavily trafficked.
• Assuming 'coffeeshops' sell only coffee: In the Netherlands, 'coffeeshops' sell cannabis, while 'cafés' sell coffee and food.
• Skipping the beach: Even in cooler weather, the coastal area of Scheveningen offers beautiful walks and great dining.

Local Transportation Tips

The Hague has an excellent and highly efficient public transportation system operated by HTM, consisting of trams and buses. Trams are the best way to navigate between the city center, the train stations, and the beach. Renting a bicycle is also a fantastic and authentic way to explore the city, thanks to the extensive network of dedicated bike lanes.

Travel Etiquette

• Directness: Dutch people are known for their direct communication style; do not mistake this for rudeness.
• Greetings: It is polite to greet shopkeepers when entering and leaving a store.
• Tipping: Service is included in the bill, but rounding up or leaving a 5-10% tip for good service in restaurants is customary.

Recommended Age Group

The Hague is a versatile destination that caters to a wide range of travelers, offering both educational and recreational activities.

• Babies (0-2 years): Neutral. The city is highly stroller-friendly with flat terrain, but most attractions are geared towards older audiences.
• Kids (3-12 years): Recommended. Children will love the miniature world of Madurodam, the interactive exhibits at Museon, and playing on the wide sandy beaches of Scheveningen.
• Teens (13-19 years): Recommended. Teens can enjoy the vibrant beach culture, surfing lessons, shopping in the city center, and engaging historical sites.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. Perfect for adults seeking world-class art, fine dining, historic architecture, and a sophisticated urban atmosphere.
• Seniors (65+ years): Recommended. The city is very accessible, flat, and offers excellent public transport, making it easy to visit its renowned museums and palaces.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• The Hague is generally very accessible for wheelchair users, with flat streets and curb cuts.
• Most major museums, including the Mauritshuis and Kunstmuseum, are fully wheelchair accessible and offer elevators and accessible restrooms.
• Public transport (HTM trams and buses) is largely accessible, with low-floor vehicles and designated spaces for wheelchairs.
• Scheveningen beach offers special beach wheelchairs for rent during the summer months.

Did You Know?

Did you know that The Hague is the only major city with a beach directly on the North Sea coast? It also hosts over 150 international organizations, making it one of the most important cities in the world for global diplomacy.

Cool Statistics

• Over 11 kilometers of coastline along the North Sea.
• Home to the Dutch royal family, with King Willem-Alexander working at Noordeinde Palace.
• Hosts the International Court of Justice, the only principal organ of the UN not located in New York.