10 Best Things to Do in the Hague, Netherlands

After my three-hour bus ride from Brussels through Antwerp and the Benelux countryside, I arrived at the ultra-modern Den Haag Centraal train station. The building looks incredibly futuristic, with impossibly tall stark white poles framing transparent glass walls. It was the first week of July, but the weather was quite mild – mid-60s, with grey skies, and a cool breeze. I guess this shouldn’t have come as a shock, as the country is so far north.

Ironically, I had forgotten the one thick sweater I’d been lugging around France in my apartment in Nice, right before the one week where I actually would have needed it!

Truthfully, I didn’t mind the cooler temperatures, perhaps because I had spent the past month in the extreme heat of Provence, where walking for 10 minutes leaves you scorched!

I walked to my apartment, dropped my bags, and headed out to explore The Hague. Isn’t it funny how certain colors can come to define a culture? For the Netherlands, that color is burgundy. It seems to be everywhere you turn – whether paired with white-framed windows or lining a brick-paved bicycle lane.

Something even more ubiquitous in the Netherlands than burgundy is the bicycle, of course. I noticed immediately upon arriving in the Netherlands just how bicycle-centric this country really is! Bikes are everywhere. There is a burgundy-painted section of the sidewalk on most streets created specifically for them. They even have entire multi-level bike lots devoted to parking them!

It took a bit of adjustment for me to get used to watching for speeding bikes and cars when crossing the street (although in NYC it’s not like we have a shortage of them!), but in The Hague, it just felt 10 times more prevalent.

Here are a few ideas for what to see and do in The Hague:

The country’s seat of government and a city blending historic charm, international institutions, world-class art, and a vibrant beach scene.

Explore the Binnenhof and Ridderzaal
The political heart of the Netherlands, this medieval complex includes the Dutch Parliament and the historic Knight’s Hall—take a guided tour for insights into 800 years of history.
Visit the Mauritshuis Museum
Home to masterpieces like Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring and works by Rembrandt, this intimate royal picture gallery showcases Dutch Golden Age art in a stunning 17th-century mansion.
Tour the Peace Palace
Iconic seat of the International Court of Justice, symbolizing The Hague’s role as the “city of peace and justice”—book a visitor center tour to see its grand architecture and gardens.
Relax at Scheveningen Beach and Pier
The Hague’s lively seaside district with wide sandy beaches, a promenade, modern pier with Ferris wheel, restaurants, and water sports—perfect for a coastal escape.
Discover Madurodam
This charming miniature park features 1:25 scale models of Dutch landmarks, interactive exhibits, and gardens—fun for all ages and a quick overview of the Netherlands.
Experience Panorama Mesdag
Step into the world’s largest cylindrical painting (1881), a 360-degree illusion of 19th-century Scheveningen beach and dunes— a unique immersive art highlight.
Visit Escher in Het Paleis
Housed in a former royal palace, this museum displays mind-bending optical illusions and impossible constructions by M.C. Escher, with chandeliers and interactive elements.
Stroll the historic city center and De Passage
Wander elegant streets, canals, and the beautifully preserved 19th-century covered shopping arcade with boutiques, cafes, and ornate architecture.
Admire modern art at Kunstmuseum Den Haag
An Art Deco architectural gem with the world’s largest Mondrian collection, plus fashion, decorative arts, and contemporary exhibits.
Walk or bike in the dunes and parks
Explore nearby natural areas like Westduinpark or Clingendael for dunes, forests, and peaceful trails—great for escaping the city.

The Hague is compact, bike-friendly, and easy to navigate by tram. Combine city sights with a beach day—it’s uniquely both urban and coastal! Book tickets in advance for popular museums, especially in peak season.