🇳🇱 Netherlands · Places to discover
What to see in The Hague ?
48 places curated by Hozy - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
MAP · OVERVIEW
The Hague occupies a singular position in the Netherlands: political capital without being the official one, seat of the International Court of Justice, a city of diplomats and serious museums. The Mauritshuis alone holds some of the seventeenth century's most studied paintings, including Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring. The Scheveningen district reminds you that the North Sea lies twenty minutes' cycling from the centre.
Spring and autumn suit better than summer, when school groups clog the Mauritshuis queues. Two days will cover the essentials, three if you properly explore Scheveningen and the Binnenhof. The tram is the most logical way to get around. Avoid concentrating your stay on the beach in July: the city itself, often overshadowed by Amsterdam, deserves far more attention than its seafront.
Landmarks & heritage (17)
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAOude Kerk
Landmark
A 13th-century Gothic church with its iconic leaning bell tower, a true symbol of Delft. Vermeer is buried here, along with several Dutch naval admirals. The austere interior and ancient stained glass are well worth visiting.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SACafé De Zwarte Ruiter
Landmark
A grand traditional Dutch brown café (bruine kroeg) on the Grote Markt with a terrace facing the Binnenhof. Dutch craft beers and jenever (local gin) – the place to drink like a true Hagenaar.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAPanorama Mesdag
Landmark
Circular panorama from 1881 depicting Scheveningen painted by Hendrik Mesdag – one of the world's largest panoramic paintings still in situ. A unique and lesser-known immersive experience.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SARoyal Delft (Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles)
Landmark
The only Delft pottery manufactory founded in 1653 still in operation. You can watch artisans hand-paint the famous blue and white motifs, visit the museum and even try your hand at pottery painting yourself.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAGrote Kerk The Hague
Landmark
Imposing 15th-century Gothic church dominating the historic centre, with a monumental Baroque organ. Locals gather here for classical concerts on weekdays.
Wikipedia (nl) - CC BY-SAAgathaplein Square (Gemeentelijk Museum Het Prinsenhof)
Landmark
The quiet, tree-lined square behind the Prinsenhof is one of old Delft's most peaceful corners. The brick façades and centuries-old linden tree create a timeless atmosphere, far removed from the tourist flow of the Markt.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SABinnenhof
Landmark
Medieval complex at the heart of The Hague, seat of the Dutch Parliament since the 13th century. The Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights) is one of the Netherlands' finest Gothic buildings.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAEscher in the Palace
Landmark
Former palace of Queen Emma transformed into a museum dedicated to M.C. Escher. His impossible works take on a particular dimension in these gilded 18th-century rooms.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAVermeer Centre Delft
Landmark
Centre dedicated to Johannes Vermeer, Delft's native son, featuring life-size reproductions of all his works and a recreation of his studio. Ideal for understanding his technique before exploring the streets he painted.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAMauritshuis Art Museum
Landmark
Berlage's architectural masterpiece housing the world's largest collection of Mondrian. The building itself is a work of art, often overlooked alongside Amsterdam's museums.
Wikipedia (nl) - CC BY-SAOostpoort
Landmark
The sole surviving medieval gate of Delft, dating from the 15th century, flanked by two round towers topped with pepperbox roofs. It spans the Oosteinde canal in picture-perfect surroundings, especially at dusk.
Wikipedia (nl) - CC BY-SAStadhuis van Delft
Landmark
16th-century Renaissance town hall stands proudly facing the Nieuwe Kerk on the Markt. Hendrick de Keyser designed its remarkable façade, making it one of the finest examples of civil Dutch architecture of its era.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SANieuwe Kerk
Landmark
The grand Gothic church on the Markt houses the mausoleum of William the Silent, father of the Dutch nation. Climb the bell tower for a sweeping panoramic view over Delft's rooftops and the distant polders.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAPrinsenhof Museum
Landmark
The former convent where William the Silent was assassinated in 1584 – bullet holes are still visible in the wall. Now a city history museum, it also houses a fine collection of Delftware and Golden Age paintings.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAPalais Noordeinde
Landmark
Working palace of King Willem-Alexander, at the end of an upmarket shopping street. The austere façade and equestrian statue of Orange-Nassau make it a royal stop without protocol.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAPeace Palace
Landmark
Palace of Peace, seat of the International Court of Justice, built in 1913 with donations from nations worldwide. The Neo-Renaissance architecture and gardens are striking.Mauritshuis
Landmark
Intimate 17th-century palace housing Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring and Rembrandt's The Night Watch. An exceptional and intimate collection without the crowds of major museums.Nature & parks (8)
Wikipedia (nl) - CC BY-SAScheveningse Bosjes
Nature
Vast urban forest of 300 hectares between The Hague and Scheveningen, ideal for running or cycling. Locals use it daily to escape the city without leaving the city.
Wikipedia (nl) - CC BY-SABotanical Garden TU Delft
Nature
The botanical garden of the technical university, open to the public, houses tropical greenhouses and a remarkable collection of medicinal and exotic plants. A verdant haven overlooked by tourists, frequented mainly by students and locals.
Wikipedia (nl) - CC BY-SADuindorp and Meijendel Dunes
Nature
A coastal dune nature reserve between The Hague and Wassenaar, with marked trails among wild orchids and rabbits. The sunsets from the dune crests are among the finest on the Dutch coast.
Wikipedia (nl) - CC BY-SADelftse Hout
Nature
The large forest and recreational park to the east of the city, with a swimming lake, cycling paths and meadows where locals come to picnic. Hiring a bicycle and cycling along the canal to reach here is the quintessential local experience.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAWestbroekpark
Nature
Quiet municipal park with a rose garden of 20,000 roses in bloom from June to September. Hagenaars picnic here away from tourist circuits, beside a peaceful pond.
Wikipedia (nl) - CC BY-SAMolen de Roos
Nature
An 18th-century windmill on the canal edge, one of the few still in operation within Delft's city walls. On Saturday mornings it operates and the miller receives visitors—an authentic and free experience.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAHaagse Bos
Nature
A 100-hectare royal forest just steps from the Binnenhof, where Dutch monarchs once hunted. Shaded paths with deer visible at dawn – a green lung at the heart of power.Rietveld-Schröder - Schie Canal
Nature
The promenade along the Schie to the north of Delft offers typically Dutch landscapes: windmills, polders, grey herons and moored boats. A cycling or walking route that takes you far from the city centre.Viewpoints (6)
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAGrote Kerk Tower – Bell Tower Viewpoint
Viewpoint
A climb of 221 steps rewards you with a panoramic view over The Hague's red-tiled roofs and, on clear days, all the way to the sea. Open only in summer and little known among rushed visitors.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAView from the Nieuwe Kerk Bell Tower
Viewpoint
376 steps to reach the summit of Delft's tallest bell tower (109m) and take in views of the entire city, The Hague to the north, Rotterdam to the south and the polders stretching to the horizon. The finest view over the Markt and the canals.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAHaagse Markt
Viewpoint
One of Europe's largest open-air markets with over 700 stalls, reflecting The Hague's cosmopolitan character. Exotic fruits, spices from around the world, fresh fish and Surinamese street food – visit Wednesday or Saturday mornings.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAScheveningen Pier Viewpoint
Viewpoint
The far end of Scheveningen Pier offers a 360° view of the North Sea and The Hague's skyline. On clear days, the English coast is visible – a rare perspective in continental Europe.Hooikade at Sunset
Viewpoint
This quiet quay along the Schie, just a short walk from the city centre, is a favourite spot for locals to watch the sun set over the polders. Moored barges and seagulls complete a scene worthy of a Dutch master painter.Koornmarkt Bridge - Façade Reflections
Viewpoint
The Koornmarkt is one of Delft's most beautiful canals, lined with 17th-century merchant houses whose reflections in the water are almost picturesque. The central bridge offers the perfect vantage point to capture the essence of the Golden Age.Activities (8)
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SALouwman Museum
Activity
Private collection of 230 historic cars spanning 130 years of automobile history, presented in a spectacular contemporary building. One of the world's finest collections, lesser-known even among The Hague locals.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SABoat Trip on the Canals
Activity
Renting an electric sloep without a licence to navigate freely on Delft's historic canals is the locals' favourite weekend activity. You pass under medieval bridges and along secret gardens invisible from the street.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAMarkt Thursday Market
Activity
Every Thursday morning, the great Markt square transforms into a general market with cheeses, flowers, smoked fish and regional specialities. The true pulse of the city, frequented by residents for centuries.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAArmy Museum
Activity
The national museum of Dutch military history, housed in a striking building just steps from the Prinsenhof. Collections of armour, uniforms and military vehicles spanning five centuries of Dutch history.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAZeeheldenkwartier
Activity
A bohemian neighbourhood undergoing gentle gentrification, with independent cafés, art galleries and organic grocers set in grand 19th-century townhouses. The creative soul of The Hague away from official circuits.Delftware Painting Workshop – Pottery Workshops
Activity
Several small independent workshops in the city centre offer guided pottery painting sessions led by experienced artisans. An authentic alternative to the larger, more commercialised manufactories.Madurodam
Activity
Miniature park reproducing Dutch monuments at 1:25 scale, founded in memory of a Second World War resistance fighter. Unabashed kitsch yet fascinating for understanding the country's geography and architecture.Museon-Omniversum
Activity
A natural sciences and society museum paired with a hemispherical IMAX planetarium. The dome projection sessions offer a rare experience, ideal for rainy days.Beaches (2)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAScheveningen Beach
Beach
A major urban beach just 20 minutes by bicycle from the city centre, featuring the iconic 400-metre pier extending into the North Sea. Essential for summer evenings to watch sunsets over the water.
Wikipedia (nl) - CC BY-SAStrand Kijkduin
Beach
A wilder, less crowded beach than Scheveningen, with preserved dunes and a Sunday beach market in summer. The go-to spot for families and surfers from The Hague.More to discover (7)
Wikipedia (nl) - CC BY-SACafé 't Gilde
Place
The most authentic brown café in Delft, with dark wood panelling, draught beers and regulars playing cards. No fancy cocktails, just a Heineken or Grolsch and good conversation.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAWijnhaven—Wine Quay
Place
This canal lined with 17th-century warehouse dwellings was once the centre of Delft's wine trade. Today tranquil and well-preserved, it is one of the most photogenic and least frequented corners of the historic centre.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAChâteau des Ducs de Bretagne
Place
A 15th-century medieval fortress at the heart of the city, featuring a remarkably well-staged history museum of Nantes. The ramparts offer panoramic views of the city at no charge.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAStatenkwartier District
Place
A residential quarter from 1900-1930 showcasing Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, with façades of remarkable ornamental richness. Dutch architects displayed remarkable inventiveness here—a architectural walk in itself.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAPassage Pommeraye
Place
A Neo-Renaissance shopping arcade from 1843 with three levels connected by a monumental sculptured staircase. An architectural masterpiece often overlooked by tourists, perfect to explore even on rainy days.
Wikipedia (nl) - CC BY-SABeestenmarkt
Place
The former cattle market square is now the heart of local nightlife, surrounded by typical Dutch brown cafés. The relaxed atmosphere and crowded terraces in the evening make it unmissable.Hypnerotomachia – Broerhuys Second-Hand Bookshop
Place
A second-hand bookshop housed in a 17th-century building, with floor-to-ceiling shelves and books in several languages. TU Delft students sell their textbooks here, and collectors find treasures.