18 Top Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in The Hague

The Hague (Den Haag) is not only the third largest city in the Netherlands, it's the seat of the country's government and home to the Royal Family. It's also a city full of history, many splendid museums and art galleries, and countless entertainment opportunities.

Located close to the North Sea (it's where you'll find the seaside resort of Scheveningen), The Hague is also home to numerous government ministries and embassies, along with the headquarters of several major international organizations, including the International Court of Justice.

The Hague is also a city of the arts, and was home to many prominent Dutch artists. The big draw? They were no doubt attracted by the city's pleasant wide streets, elegant and spacious squares and promenades, and attractive residential suburbs.

Find the best places to visit in and around the city with our list of the top tourist attractions and fun things to do in The Hague.

The Mauritshuis

The handsome Mauritshuis, a monumental yet elegant residence built in classical style in 1641, serves as one of The Hague's most important museums. Highlights include a small room, or 'cabinet', containing valuable objects and curios, along with numerous paintings.

Of these artworks, the most important are Rembrandt's Anatomy Lesson; Vermeer's View of Delft; Jacob van Ruisdael's View of Haarlem; and Rogier van der Weyden's Lamentation, a masterpiece of medieval painting. English language guided tours are available, and a superb app showing the museum's many masterpieces can be downloaded for free in advance of your visit. A high-end restaurant and a shop are located on the premises.

Address: Plein 29, 2511 CS Den Haag

Official site: www.mauritshuis.nl/en/

Explore the Many Buildings of the Historic Binnenhof

Located in the center of the oldest section of The Hague is the Binnenhof, or "Inner Court." This irregular group of buildings was constructed around a large central courtyard. With its origins dating back to 1250 and tied to the building of a castle (long since gone), it soon became the residence of the ruling aristocracy, and today houses both chambers of Parliament.

The most important building of the complex is the exquisite Ridderzaal, or Knights' Hall, which is still used for functions and receptions (see #5 below for more on this stunning structure). In the North Wing, the chamber is the official residence of the Prime Minister. Also important are the Rolzaal court house dating from 1511 and the Lairessezaal with its 17th-century paintings by Gerard de Lairesse.

Other highlights include the First Chamber, notable for its painted medallions depicting statesmen and the portrait of King William II under the country's coat of arms. The Second Chamber – the legislative authority that watches over the government – sat in the former ballroom from 1815 until 1992.

Address: 2513 AA Den Haag

Visit Escher in the Palace (Escher in Het Paleis)

This impressive collection of the works of artist M. C. Escher is housed in the former Winter Palace of the Queen Mother Emma. While the building is itself a historic attraction, it's the permanent collections that are the big draw here. Known as Escher in the Palace (Escher in Het Paleis), highlights include around 150 original prints and lithographs showcasing his most famous works, renowned for their mind-bending twists on perspective and perception.

Other important collections include the wood blocks and lithograph stones that Escher created his prints from, as well as examples of his early work. The museum encourages young and old to interact, offering a scavenger hunt for kids and the chance for visitors to experiment with creating their own optical illusions and tessellations. English language guided tours are available, as are handy audio guides. A café and museum shop are also located on the premises.

Address: Lange Voorhout 74, 2514 EH Den Haag

Official site: www.escherinhetpaleis.nl/?lang=en

Take a Virtual Trip to the Seaside at Panorama Mesdag

Housed in a specially made rotunda, Panorama Mesdag (also known as the Panorama of Scheveningen) is a gigantic painting measuring 120 meters in length and 14 meters in height that was painted in the 19th century by HW Mesdag and his wife, Sientje Mesdag-Van Houten, along with other artists of the Hague School.

This stunning scene depicts coastal Scheveningen as it was around 1880, with charming views of the sea, the beach, and dunes. Designed to create the illusion of 3D and a 360-degree vista, this spectacular circular painting – the largest in the world – is indirectly lit from above, and thanks to its large sand dune with a number of real objects, creates the illusion that you're standing in the middle of this beautiful landscape.

The building also contains a collection of paintings by Mesdag and his wife, and the museum shop sells related gifts and souvenirs. Further examples of Mesdag's work, along with other Hague School artists, are on display at the Mesdag Museum.

Address: Zeestraat 65, 2518 AA Den Haag

Step Back in Time in the Ridderzaal: The Knights' Hall

At the east end of the Binnenhof's central courtyard (see #2 above), the 13th-century Knights' Hall (Ridderzaal) is a spectacular historic building still used for state receptions and the opening of parliament each September. This large Gothic hall - it measures 40 meters by 20 meters - boasts many magnificent stained-glass windows depicting the coats of arms of Dutch towns, as well as the spectacular Rose Window with the arms of the principal noble families of the Netherlands.

The heavy timber roof structure with its 18-meter-long beams has the appearance of an upturned ship, and carved wooden heads symbolizing eavesdroppers from the "higher powers" are supposed to deter members of the assembly from lying. Originally built as a banqueting hall, it later served as a market, promenade, drill hall, playground, and even a hospital before being restored in 1904.

Address: Hofweg 1-H, 2511 AA Den Haag

Official site: www.royal-house.nl/topics/prinsjesdag/ridderzaal

Feel Like a Giant at Madurodam

Madurodam is a truly unique attraction, which tourists of any age will enjoy. Best known for its extensive miniatures depicting life in the Netherlands in 1:25 scale, visitors can wander among the various areas, each crafted in perfect detail to recreate the nation's most iconic attractions.

When visiting the miniature Amsterdam, visitors can actually peek in the windows of the Rijksmuseum and see tiny reproductions of the artwork hanging on the walls. Visitors are able to walk among the models like giants, admiring iconic structures like The Peace Palace, the De Volharding building, Anne Frank's house, and St. John's Cathedral.

Other fun things to do here include experiencing interactive exhibits featuring wind power and Holland's windmills. For older kids, there's a flight exploration center, while toddlers will enjoy the playgrounds. There are also numerous props perfect for photo ops, like an oversized clog or giant tulips. The most unique experience here is the Fantasitron where you can get a 3D scan, which is used to create a miniature figure of yourself.

For a special experience, one of the top things to do in the Hague at night is to visit Madurodam when the streets and buildings are lit up, especially lovely at Christmas.

Address: George Maduroplein 1, 2584 RZ Den Haag

Official site: www.madurodam.nl/en

Kunstmuseum Den Haag

Situated in the modern residential district of Duinoord, a garden suburb with houses built in a style influenced by traditional Dutch almshouses (hofjes), the architecturally pleasing Kunstmuseum Den Haag, or Municipal Museum is a must-see.

Also known as Gemeentemuseum Den Haag, the building was designed by HP Berlage in 1935. The museum displays a wide range of material relating to the history of the town. It also houses impressive collections of 19th- and 20th-century art, applied and decorative art (including ceramics, silver, and furniture), and an outstanding collection of traditional and electronic musical instruments. Of particular note is a section dedicated to modern art with numerous works by Piet Mondriaan and Paul Klee. Check the museum's website for details of special temporary exhibits and workshops.

Address: Stadhouderslaan 41, 2517 HV Den Haag

See the Dream Cars at the Louwman Museum

The Louwman Museum features the oldest collection of cars in the world, now numbered at more than 200 vehicles from around the world. The earliest model in the collection is the 1886 Benz Patent Motor Car, powered by a single cylinder and the first motor car to be patented.

Other early models include rarities like the 1887 De Dion-Bouton Trepardoux Steam Quadricycle, an 1895 Buffum Four Cylinder Stanhope, and the 1897 Daimler 6-HP Twin-Cylinder Six-Seat Brake. Some of the more bizarre models include the 1910 Brooke Swan Car, a 1932 Curtiss Aerocar Land Yacht, and the 1951 Taruffi Italcorsa/TARF II. Vehicles from around the world are represented, and the newest include electric and hybrid models, as well as race cars.

Address: Leidsestraatweg 57, 2594 BB Den Haag

Official site: www.louwmanmuseum.nl/en/

The Peace Palace

The famous Peace Palace (Vredespaleis), an imposing brick building constructed between 1907-13, was largely paid for by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Built in a mix of Gothic and Neoclassical styles, it's flanked on its long-arcaded façade with its steeply pitched roof and 80-meter-high tower.

Home to the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Academy of International Law, and a library of international law, it boasts a rich interior décor contributed to by numerous countries, including marble from Italy, wood paneling from Brazil and the USA, and ornamental iron railings from Germany. Weekend guided tours are conducted through the palace and around the superb gardens. Bookings can be made through the visitor center (see the official website below).

Address: Carnegieplein 2, 2517 KJ Den Haag

Official site: www.vredespaleis.nl/?lang=en

Take a Walk in the Park at Landgoed Clingendael

The gardens surrounding the manor house at Landgoed Clingendael (Huys Clingendael) date back to the 16th century, creating a peaceful city oasis. The park is open year-round and is free to the public, featuring a large playground and picnic area, as well as a tearoom adjacent to the perfectly landscaped English Garden.

The Japanese Garden, the most impressive part of the estate, is only open for a few weeks each spring and fall due to its fragility. It contains a variety of artifacts brought back from Japan by Lady Daisy, the former owner of the estate, who had this garden made in 1910, including stone lanterns, water casks, and tiny wooden bridges.

Address: Clingendael 12a, 2597 VH, The Hague

Official site: https://denhaag.com/en/clingendael

See the Seaside at Scheveningen and the Pier

The Scheveningen Resort area is a popular place to visit during the summer months with both locals and tourists. In addition to being a lovely beach area on the shores of the North Sea, this area is home to several top attractions and things to do, as well as a regular host to several festivals and concerts.

Those looking for a unique way to enjoy the view will want to check out SkyView de Pier, a Ferris-wheel style observation wheel, which features gondola cars where tourists can enjoy a meal or even high tea. This sits on the water among many other attractions on this huge pier, which include a zipline, bungee-jumping, and plenty of shopping and restaurants.

Another highlight of the Scheveningen area is SEA LIFE Scheveningen, an aquarium featuring a variety of ocean life, including sharks, stingrays, turtles, otters, and penguins.

Address: Strandweg 150-154, 2586 JW Den Haag

Hike through Haagse Bos and Visit Huis Ten Bosch

One of The Hague's prettiest open spaces, Haagse Bos is a two-kilometer-long expanse of parkland noted for its beautiful winding avenues. Extending all the way from the old city center to the boundary of the suburb of Wassenaar, it's a pleasant way to spend time as you explore one of the country's oldest forests, protected from deforestation since the Middle Ages.

The park's most notable feature is Huis ten Bosch, a moat-surrounded palace built in 1646 as a royal country residence. Famous as the location of the world's first international peace conference in 1899, the palace is now home to King Willem-Alexander. While not open to the public, there are fine views of the building from various points around the park.

Another palace worth walking around for its fine exterior views is Noordeinde Palace. The best views are from the Noordeinde Palace Gardens (admission is free), which also provides a great view of the Royal Stables, home to the horses used to pull the Royal Coaches.

Address: 's-Gravenhaagse Bos 10, 2594 BD Den Haag

The Prison Gate Museum (Gevangenpoort)

On the north side of the Binnenhof stands the Prison Gate (Gevangenpoort), a well-preserved structure built in 1296 as a gatehouse. Converted to a prison in the 15th century, it was here that brothers Cornelis and Johan de Witt, accused of an attempt on the life of Prince William III, were murdered in 1672 (a monument to them stands in the nearby courtyard).

The old prison and torture chambers have been open to the public since the 1880s and include a large collection of paintings, prints, and relics - as well as torture devices - illustrating the administration of justice in the 17th century. English language tours are available.

Address: Buitenhof 33, 2513 AH Den Haag

Official site: www.gevangenpoort.nl/en/homepage

The Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk

The oldest part of the Gothic Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk (Great St. James Church) dates from the 14th century, while newer sections, including the 100-meter-high tower, were added around 1420. Unique in the Netherlands for its hexagonal form, the tower originally served as a lookout (the bell was too big for the tower and can be seen inside the church). A new carillon, one of the largest in the Netherlands with 51 bells, was installed in 1959, and can be visited as part of a tower tour (the views over the city are incredible).

Highlights of the beautifully vaulted interior include numerous monuments and grave-slabs, including those of the poet and statesman Constantijn Huygens who died in 1687, and physicist and astronomer Christiaan Huygens, buried here in 1695. Other notable features are the carved wooden pulpit from 1550, the coats of arms of the Knights of the Golden Fleece, a large 19th-century organ, and the stained glass in the choir and north transept.

Address: Rond de Grote Kerk 12, 2513 AM Den Haag

Take a Quick Trip to Duivenvoorde Castle

Located just 15 kilometers northeast of The Hague, the small town of Voorschoten and delightful Duivenvoorde Castle (Kasteel Duivenvoorde) is a spectacular medieval fortress restored in 1631.

The original decoration and furnishings have been preserved, including family portraits, Delftware, a large collection of Chinese and European porcelain, and numerous items of silver. Also of note is the English-style park.

Address: Laan van Duivenvoorde 4, 2252 AK Voorschoten

Drievliet Amusement Park

Families visiting the Hague will want to leave some time to explore Drievliet Amusement Park, located close to the city center. This small park is great for all ages, with plenty of kiddie rides like the teacups and kid-driven tractors.

All-ages family attractions include Ferris wheels, slides, a hedge maze, and the spookmuseum – a traditional carnival-style haunted house. There are also plenty of thrill rides to satisfy older kids, including a roller coaster, and a variety of water-based activities including waterslides, a spray park, Fountain Square, and a splash ride.

The park also provides family entertainment, including live shows and movies in its "5D" theater, which incorporates moving seats and other technology to make viewers feel like they are really in the action.

The park is open early May through the first weekend of September, plus additional weekends in April, weather permitting.

Address: Avenue of 's-Gravenmade, Den Haag

Official site: www.drievliet.nl

Visit Lisse

Located about 30 kilometers from The Hague (about a half-hour drive or a one-hour train ride), Lisse is the perfect destination for flower lovers. It is home to one of the Netherlands' best floral parks, Keukenhof, which includes expansive gardens, as well as hosting special events throughout the summer.

Nearby, visitors can head over to the Black Tulip Museum, which takes an in-depth look at the Dutch tulip industry from its inception through the present-day. Lisse is also home to a lovely 12^th-century castle, 't Huys Dever, which is open for tours.

Explore Old Town Gouda and the Grote Kerk of Sint Janskerk

There's a lot more to the Dutch town of Gouda than its cheese. This historic town, 33 kilometers east of The Hague, has one of the most attractive town halls in the country, famous for looking more like a place of worship than of government. In the spacious triangular Markt, this imposing Late Gothic building (by Jan Keldermans, 1449-59) was originally surrounded by a moat.

The handsome external staircase in Renaissance style was added in 1603. On the east wall is a carillon, which rings every half hour with moving figures representing the granting of the town's charter by Count Floris V in 1272. In the Trouwzaal (Marriage Hall), look for the 17th-century tapestry by David Rufelaer made in Gouda.

Gouda's most important church is the Grote Kerk of Sint Janskerk, dating from the 15th century and one of the largest in the Netherlands. In addition to its size, its other best-known feature is its vividly colored stained glass windows, the Goudse Glazen, which include both Biblical and historical themes. The finest of the glass was the work of Wouter and Dirck Crabeth between 1555 and 1577, while the most recent window, War and Liberation, was designed by Charles Eyck in 1947.

Map of Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in The Hague

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Just Outside the City: The towns just outside The Hague are minutes away and full of things to do. The university town of Leyden (Leiden) sits just to the north of the city, known for its cultural diversity and attractions like the Old Castle (Burcht van Leiden) and multiple excellent museums. South of the city on the route to Rotterdam, the picturesque town of Delft is best known for its world-famous blue Delftware ceramics; visitors can tour the De Porceleyne Fles factory and watch as each piece is hand-painted. Just a few more kilometers southeast, the country's second-largest city Rotterdam is packed full of tourist attractions, from historic buildings to excellent museums.

Amsterdam and Surroundings: A one-hour drive or 35-minute train ride brings you to Amsterdam, home to some of the Netherlands' top tourist attractions. The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Rembrandt House Museum hold some of the world's best artwork, and the Anne Frank House is a historic landmark that holds a museum dedicated to Anne and her experiences. In addition to its fine museums, there are plenty of other things to see and do in Amsterdam, from touring its canals to exploring its neighborhoods like the Jordaan. Among the most popular destinations in Amsterdam's surrounding area is the former seat of the Counts of Holland, the historic town of Haarlem. Here, you will find several architectural masterpieces including the Gothic Grote Kerk, Neoclassical City Hall, and the 15th-century Amsterdamse Poort.