Find your one day itinerary to explore all The Hague has to offer
Events in the city
Our recommendations for the best places for food and drinks
Our recommendations for the cultural highlights
Our recommendations for the greatest shops
Our recommendations to discover all of the city
Situated on the west coast of the Netherlands and boasting 11 km of sandy beaches, The Hague serves as the country’s administrative capital. It's home to the Dutch royal family and hosts numerous international organizations. However, the city offers much more than its political and royal significance—whether you're looking to explore its vibrant urban life or relax by the seaside, The Hague is an inviting destination. The residents take pride in their local identity while maintaining an outward, global perspective.
Known as the international city of peace and justice, The Hague is a place where people enjoy life while contributing to a better world. Whether you're living, working, studying, or simply visiting, come and experience the charm of this remarkable city.
The Hague, originally known as 's-Gravenhage (The Count's Hedge), began as a hunting retreat for the Counts of Holland in the Middle Ages. Count Willem II built the Binnenhof in the 13th century, now the seat of the Dutch parliament. Although it lacked city rights, The Hague grew in importance, remaining a village until the early 19th century.
In 1806, King Louis Napoleon declared The Hague the "third city of the kingdom." By 1851, it became the Royal Residence while Amsterdam was made the capital. This attracted embassies and diplomatic missions, beginning its role as an international city.
The Hague's global significance expanded in the 20th century when it hosted the First Peace Conference in 1899, laying the foundation for the Permanent Court of Arbitration. The Peace Palace, funded by Andrew Carnegie, opened in 1913 and became home to the Permanent Court of Arbitration and later the International Court of Justice.
The city's reputation as a center for international law solidified with the establishment of the Yugoslavia Tribunal in 1993 and the International Criminal Court in 2002. Today, The Hague is not only the seat of the Dutch government but also a global hub for diplomacy, law, and justice. With over 100 ethnic communities, it proudly embraces its heritage as the "International City of Peace and Justice," playing a key role in shaping the future of international cooperation.
Storks have been a symbol of The Hague for centuries, reflected in the city's coat of arms and municipal logo. During the Middle Ages, they were domesticated to clear fish scraps from the market and built their nests on rooftops around the Binnenhof and Groenmarkt. Storks were also seen as signs of good fortune and prosperity.
The Binnenhof in The Hague, featuring the Ridderzaal, the Prime Minister’s Tower, and the Hofvijver, is central to Dutch democracy and history. For centuries, this iconic site has been pivotal in Dutch political life, blending rich history with modern developments.
2513 AA, The Hague
The Mauritshuis, a 17th-century city palace built for Johan Maurits of Nassau-Siegen, is a premier museum in The Hague. It houses around 850 masterpieces of Dutch 17th-century art, displayed in both the Mauritshuis and the Galerie Prins Willem V. A blend of rich history and iconic artwork.
Plein 29, 2511 CS The Hague
Lange Voorhout Palace, built in 1764 and once a royal residence, now houses Kunstmuseum Den Haag. It features the permanent collection of M.C. Escher, alongside works by Auguste Rodin and Frida Kahlo, showcasing a rich cultural heritage.
Lange Voorhout, 2514 EJ The Hague
The Centrum district of The Hague blends historic landmarks with modern city life. Iconic sites like the Binnenhof and Paleis Noordeinde stand alongside high-rises, while monumental buildings, grand avenues, and picturesque squares create a charming old town atmosphere.
Centrum offers diverse shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, with museums and major events at Malieveld and Lange Voorhout adding to its lively vibe. This district seamlessly combines old and new, with bustling streets and peaceful courtyards, making it a must-visit that reflects The Hague’s evolving identity and rich historical charm.
The Zeeheldenkwartier, or "Sea Heroes' Quarter," is a historic neighborhood in central The Hague known for its elegant architecture and lively community. Developed between 1870 and 1890 as a prestigious area for the elite, it later declined as homes were converted into apartments and offices.
A major renovation in the 1980s restored its charm, making it desirable again. Today, the district is vibrant, filled with eclectic shops, cafes, and cultural activities. Its annual Zeeheldenfestival celebrates the diverse community with performances and street theater, keeping Zeeheldenkwartier a dynamic part of The Hague’s urban landscape.
Scheveningen, a historic seaside district in The Hague, dates back to the 10th or 11th century, first recorded as "terra de Sceveninghe" in 1284. Originally an agrarian settlement, it moved closer to the North Sea in the 12th century, benefiting from the coastal dunes.
Despite challenges from storm floods, Scheveningen thrived as a fishing hub until its harbor was built in 1903. The Kurhaus, built in 1884, helped transform it into a popular seaside resort. Heavily damaged during WWII, Scheveningen was rebuilt post-war and is now known for its beaches, fishing heritage, and vibrant cultural scene.
Statenkwartier, a distinguished neighborhood in The Hague, developed between 1890 and 1915. Entrepreneur Adriaan Goekoop purchased 73 hectares of dune land from Princess Sophie in 1895, and a street plan was approved in 1899, featuring wide roads. Known for its elegant art-nouveau architecture, Statenkwartier evolved with grand houses and spacious intersections.
Originally called Nieuw Scheveningen, the name Statenkwartier appeared in 1906, reflecting the Dutch States General. Nearby Geuzenkwartier emerged between 1905 and 1915. Today, Statenkwartier is home to international institutions like OPCW and Europol and has been a protected cityscape since 1996, blending modernity with historical charm.
Binckhorst, in The Hague’s Laak district, has a rich history dating back to Binckhorst Castle in 1308. Once home to the Snouckaert family, the castle became a private clinic until 2020. The area was annexed by The Hague in the early 20th century and transformed into an industrial zone with the establishment of the Municipal Gas Factory and Binckhorsthaven in the 1930s.
Since 2009, Binckhorst has been transitioning into a vibrant mixed-use district, blending new residential and office spaces, like the Green Campus, with historical sites. Improved infrastructure aims to create a dynamic urban environment.
Schilderswijk, a lively neighborhood in The Hague, evolved from 19th-century pastoral farmland known as Zusterpolder. Initially sparsely developed, the area shifted with the arrival of the Amsterdam-Den Haag railway in 1843, transforming into a working-class enclave by the late 19th century.
Plans for an upscale district failed, and later redevelopment efforts struggled to meet expectations. Today, Schilderswijk is a diverse, multicultural district known for its bustling markets and vibrant cultural scene. Despite challenges, it remains an integral part of The Hague’s identity, with ongoing efforts to enhance social cohesion and living conditions.
Did you know that royal palace Huis ten Bosch was once a brothel and a prison?
The first tennis court in the Netherlands was in The Hague? Specifically, at the Binnenhof. There is still a memorial stone near the Prime Minister’s tower.
The first traffic light in Europe was located in The Hague? It stood on Anna Paulownastraat, near Panorama Mesdag and the Peace Palace.
Part of Ocean's 12 was filmed in The Hague?