Queen Beatrix hangs her tiara here, the judiciary center of the United Nations is here, the foreign embassy residence of the Netherlands is here – no wonder the name has an authoritative charm – ‘The’ Hague. Popularly known as Den Haag, it is the third-most populous city in the Netherlands and also the seat of the National government of Netherlands.
Must See
Madurodam
This marvellously made miniature village walks you through the heritage and highlights of the Netherlands. With an entry fee of € 15 for adults, the place creates wonder in the mind of every tourist. Kids would definitely love this place as there are lots of fun activities to do – like creating one’s own light show, playing the treasure hunt, flying a miniature aircraft and what not!
Traveler’s Tip: Make sure you book your ticket online to avail discounts. If you are going as a large group, opt for the group booking offers. You will need the saved bucks to shop at the souvenir stall.
Peace Palace
The building throwing its vintage glamour of grey Belgian natural stone and facades of Dutch red bricks in a combined neo-renaissance style, welcomes visitors every day from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Holding its foundation that was built way back in 1913, the building houses the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Peace Palace Library, as well as by The Hague Academy of International Law. For all the history lovers, this place is sure to trigger some excitement considering the fact that the First World War broke out a year after the construction of this important monument.
Traveler’s Tip: It is advisable to make a trip during the weekdays to be able to gain access to the entire building.
Panorama Mesdag
How big do you think one of the world’s biggest paintings would be? Step into the Panorama Mesdag and you will be awestruck seeing the painting spread across 120 meters and at a height of 14 metres. A museum built in honour of the Dutch artistic expression, it is a dream come true for all art lovers.
Clingendael Park
Haven’t all the Japanese fables always talked about their well-laid gardens? The beautiful Azaleas and Rhododendrons is a no-miss sight here and they definitely delight one’s spirits. A free access to all, the best time to visit would be either May or October.
Must Do
Hit the beach!
Kijkduin is the best option for those who are seeking some ‘me’ time. As the wonderful waves touch your feet, the feeling of being one with nature is priceless. A romantic place to choose for a calm, enchanting evening with your loved one. Do not forget to take along your iPod loaded with some lovely melodies to add the right mood.
Scheveningen beach is for the fun lovers; it will be the right place as it will treat one to some fun activities like swimming, a ride on the horse, with some sunbathing as well. The Westduin park between the access point 104 and 105 is categorized as the nude beach section here. If you are up for it, go for it!
The Kurhaus
Located right at the center of the Scheveningen district, The Kurhaus dates back to the 17th century. A concert hall then, it has now been renovated to a hotel. Make sure you play a game at the casino; after all, it is definitely a conspicuous architectural landmark worth a photograph too. A selfie with the Kurhaus as the background is a must do!
Grab that popcorn
Head to the Omniversum to enjoy the only Dutch IMAX Dome Theatre experience. Not available anywhere else in the whole of The Netherlands, this movie watching experience will be a ‘one of a kind’ in your life.
Shop and splurge
Indulge in some street shopping at ‘Plaats’, located right next to the Gevangenpoort. It is a shopper’s haven, as you get easy access to the best of fashion brands and the best of the make-up and accessories here. What if you cannot make a trip to Paris? Splurge on all the luxury goods you can think of, straight from Paris at the ‘De Passage’, a well-spread shopping arcade located at the Spuistraat.
Hog-it-all at The Hague
Bloem Cafe
Being a tourist, do not miss out on a chance to savour some authentic ‘Dutch’ sandwiches here. The attractive furniture and the well- gardened flowers invite every passerby for a bite. If in a mood for yummy smoothies, do not hesitate to dive in and try out their different flavours.
Los Ombrellas
Dining at the Los Ombrellas is an astute option for all those who have a passion for sea food. With a beautiful canal flowing by the side, one is sure to enjoy the a here, housed at one of the charming districts of The Hague.
Getting there
Air
The Rotterdam Airport is pretty close compared to the Amsterdam Schipol Plaza Airport. A wise choice would be to land at the Schipol Plaza Airport and then take a direct train to The Hague.
Rail
Access to Den Haag via Rail is easier. You could either choose to get down at the Hollands Spoor (HS) or the Centraal Station (CS) depending on the area you want to go to. Centraal Station of course has better connections to the main cities across the country, namely Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht etc.
Road
Opt for A12 if you have to head to Utrecht and A13 to visit Rotterdam and Belgian border. Motorway A44 is another main one leading the drivers to Amsterdam, Leiden and Haarlem too.
GET HAGUED!
Get Artsy!
Plan a quick visit to the The Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis. Set up way back in 1822, it still remains as one of the pre-eminent art museums in The Netherlands. You could get a glimpse of the famous artwork of Vermeer’s – ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ here.
Go Tong-Tong!
An ideal time to plan a trip to The Hague would be June/May considering you also get to witness the Tong-Tong Fair at the Pasar Malam Besar. A 12-day affair, this fair showcases a tryst of everything from all the continents!
A taste of History
Popularly known as the Prison Gate Museum, the Museum De Gevangepoort gives us a throwback to the early 16th-century Dutch history. History aficionados will definitely connect to this place as it gives out an honest idea of the ‘coerce’ death every criminal faced at the torture rooms.