Tourist Attractions in The Hague

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in The Hague

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About The Hague

The Hague, on the turbulent shores of the North Sea, is considered the political capital of the Netherlands. It is home to the offices of such important organisations as the UN International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Perhaps that is why The Hague is perceived as a strict and serious city, where there is no place for entertainment.

But the first impression is wrong. Tourists here will find an incredible number of interesting museums, palaces, shady parks and even a real beach, however strange it may be for a northern city. And yet, The Hague’s Scheveningen district is a prestigious resort with a well-maintained coastline, where you can have a great holiday enjoying the seascapes and even get a tan, provided you are lucky with the weather.

Top-25 Tourist Attractions in The Hague

Peace Palace

 4.5/5

1087 reviews

The palace was built in 1907-1913 at the expense of E. Carnegie, an industrialist and philanthropist from the USA. The idea of creating such a building appeared on the wave of numerous conferences and assemblies dedicated to world peace. The structure was built in the Neo-Renaissance style by the French architect L. Cardonnier. The palace houses a museum and a library containing a huge amount of materials on international law.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM

Scheveningen

 0/5

A resort area of The Hague, located on the shores of the North Sea. It is famous for its long sandy beaches and suitable conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing. There are several interesting museums, an oceanarium, a miniature park and a theatre in the area. In the 19th century, Scheveningen was a fishing village until one of the locals came up with the idea of offering the wealthy townspeople saltwater baths away from prying eyes.

De Pier

 4.4/5

37043 reviews

The pier is located in the neighbourhood of the same name. It was included in The Hague’s list of attractions because of its unusual design. The pier consists of two levels. The lower one is a covered glass gallery, the upper one is an open viewing platform. The seaward end of the structure is divided into four “islands” with restaurants and shops. The pier also has a 60-metre observation tower with a bungee jumping area.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Binnenhof

 4.5/5

1321 reviews

A complex of buildings that includes the residence of the Dutch parliament and prime minister, as well as several museums (including an art gallery) and historical monuments. Construction of the Binnenhof began under Willem II in the middle of the 13th century. Most of the buildings in the complex are built in Gothic style around the Hoffeiver Pond, a picturesque artificial reservoir dug in 1350.

Open time

Mauritshuis

 4.7/5

13976 reviews

The Ridderzaal is a small Gothic mansion, part of the Binnenhof architectural complex. It is used for royal receptions, ceremonial speeches by the monarch of the Netherlands, inter-parliamentary meetings and other state needs. The Ridderzaal was built during the reign of Floris V to a design by G. van Leyden. The building was named after the large ceremonial hall where all events take place.

Open time

Monday: 1:00 – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Noordeinde Palace

 4.4/5

1658 reviews

The official residence of the royal family. The castle was built in the middle of the 16th century and extended in the early 17th century. The works were designed by Dutch architects P. Post and J. van Kampen, who worked in the Classicist style. Since 1815, after the liberation of the Netherlands from French rule, Nordeinde has been home to the monarch’s residence. Tourists are only allowed free access to the palace garden.

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Royal House of the Netherlands

 4.8/5

26 reviews

The structure stands in the middle of the Hague-Bos Park in the northern part of The Hague (formerly outside the city). The palace is another active residence of the king. Monarchs have always preferred to spend more time in Højs-en-Bos than in their other castles. The building is built in the classical Dutch style. Inside there is an opulent hall of fame of the Princes of Orange dynasty, decorated with paintings by famous Dutch masters.

Open time

The Old City Hall

 4.5/5

92 reviews

The Town Hall was built in the 16th century in the Renaissance style. It was formerly the site of a count’s castle. The city government sits in another building, where marriages are registered and birth certificates are issued. The town hall has managed to avoid destruction during the troubled period of the Dutch Revolution and retain its unique architectural appearance. The building was restored and enlarged in 1882.

Open time

Saint James the Greater

 4.7/5

114 reviews

One of the main Protestant churches in The Hague, the first mention of which dates back to the 13th century (at that time there was a wooden church on the site). The shape of the hexagonal church tower is generally not typical of traditional Dutch architecture, so the building stands out from the background. The interior retains ancient stained glass windows and the bishop’s pulpit, made in the 16th century.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Mauritshuis

 4.7/5

13976 reviews

An art gallery located on the grounds of a small 17th century palace. The art collection was placed here in 1820 after the state bought the building from a private owner. The Mauritshuis collection includes works by Dutch artists whose work belongs to the “golden age” of Netherlandish painting – P. Potter, R. van Rijn, I. Vermeer, F. Hals.

Open time

Madurodam

 4.4/5

24010 reviews

The park is located within the resort district of Scheveningen. It is a typical Dutch city reduced to 1:25. Trains run here, people walk along the alleys of real parks, passenger and cargo ships sail in improvised bays. Everything is real, only in miniature sizes. “Madurodam” was created in 1952, since then it has been under the patronage of ex-queen Beatrix.

Open time

Monday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Louwman Museum

 4.8/5

9440 reviews

The core of the collection is a private collection of vintage cars owned by the Lauwmann family. There are more than 240 examples on display, including rare examples made in Holland in the last century. All the cars are in working condition, some of them have not even been restored, as they are quite well preserved.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Panorama Mesdag

 4.6/5

4146 reviews

A large panoramic canvas painted by the Dutch marine painter H. W. Meschad with the help of his students at the end of the 19th century. W. Meschad with the help of his students at the end of the 19th century. It depicts the fishermen’s village of Scheveningen at a time when it was not yet a popular holiday area. The painting is housed in a building specially constructed for it. The grandiose painting is 120 metres long and 14 metres high.

Open time

Escher in Het Paleis

 4.6/5

6795 reviews

The museum’s exposition is dedicated to the work of M. C. Escher, a famous Dutch graphic artist of the 20th century. The permanent exhibition of his works was organised in 2002 on the territory of the historical mansion of the XVIII century, where Queen Emma Wilhelmina Theresia lived until her death. The collection includes drawings, sketches and engravings created by the master in different periods of his work.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Kunstmuseum Den Haag

 4.5/5

6595 reviews

An entire museum complex, under the roof of which are housed collections of 19th- and 20th-century paintings, arts and crafts and modern art, as well as expositions devoted to musical instruments and fashion. The City Museum was opened in 1935 in a building designed by H. P. Berlage. P. Berlage. Today, its collection is considered one of the most culturally significant in the Netherlands.

Open time

Museon

 4.3/5

2464 reviews

A scientific and educational centre for children, where young visitors learn about the biological and cultural diversity of the world. The exhibits include stuffed animals, tools of ancient peoples, and national costumes. The museum is intended for the whole family, but its collection will be primarily interesting for children aged 4-7, who during the tour try to play folk musical instruments, cook simple dishes and take part in fun games.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Rijksmuseum de Gevangenpoort

 4.4/5

1432 reviews

In the 14th century, the premises, which were attached to the city gates, housed a prison for lawbreakers awaiting trial. The prison existed until the beginning of the 19th century. In 1882 a museum was organised here. Its collection consists of ancient torture implements, as well as items of furnishings in which the prisoners were kept. Visitors can walk through the gloomy cells and experience the eerie prison atmosphere.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

museum Beelden aan Zee

 4.3/5

2046 reviews

An open-air exposition consisting of original iron sculptures (some of the exhibits are kept indoors). The museum also has designated areas for organising temporary exhibitions. The collection was established in 1994. In 2004, the museum opened a research institute dedicated to the study of sculpture as an art form.

Open time

Circuswerkplaats Circaso

 4.7/5

21 reviews

The theatre is located in the spa district of Scheveningen. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century. Until the 1960s, it was mainly used for circus performances. Cirkus became a full-fledged theatre only in the 1990s. The famous musical “Les Miserables” was shown as the premiere production. Since then, the theatre has specialised in musical plays in this genre.

Open time

Monday: 4:00 – 9:45 PM
Tuesday: 4:15 – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 3:30 – 5:00 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

The Passage

 4.4/5

12705 reviews

A shopping centre built in neo-Renaissance style in 1882. It houses boutiques and shops selling antiques, clothes of famous brands, souvenirs, interior items, as well as small restaurants where you can relax between purchases. The building is covered with a glass dome and roof, the interior space is decorated with arched spans and columns.

Open time

Monday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM

Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus

 3.9/5

4783 reviews

The hotel is located in the district of Scheveningen right on the shores of the North Sea. The early 20th century architecture and aristocratic interiors decorated with frescoes and paintings are combined with modern renovations and well-equipped rooms. In good weather, guests can enjoy breakfast on the terrace, where the rugged beauty of the North Sea scenery can be enjoyed.

Open time

Westbroekpark

 0/5

The park was laid out in Scheveningen in the 1920s to the design of designer P. Westbroek. In the summer, a large number of roses bloom here and the space is filled with their rich fragrance. During this period, the park has a lot of visitors, although in other seasons it is considered a quiet and peaceful place. There is a lake, playgrounds for children and well-maintained walkways. There are restaurants and coffee shops for guests.

Art in the Forest - Speelbos

 4.3/5

18 reviews

A park in the central part of the city, spread over 100 hectares. It is a popular place for invigorating morning jogs and relaxing afternoon strolls. The Hague Forest is often referred to as “a haven away from civilisation”, as it provides a safe haven from the hustle and bustle of the city. Turning off the beaten track into the park, the tourist finds himself surrounded by greenery, flowers and birdsong.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Clingendael

 4.6/5

925 reviews

Clingendale is a 17th century manor house surrounded by a park in classical French style. The territory belongs to the city, so there is free access for tourists. The green area is divided into several parts, including Dutch and Japanese gardens, rose garden, rhododendron lawns, woodlands and pasture. Along the park alleys there are pedestrian paths, which are pleasant to walk along on a nice day.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Japanese Garden

 4.3/5

2047 reviews

The garden is part of Clingendale Park. It was created by a Dutch duchess who brought plants and decorative elements for the park from Japan in the early 20th century. The garden is open only one and a half months a year from late April to mid-June, as its delicate flora requires special care and protection, especially in unaccustomed climatic conditions.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM