A day in the hague
or Den haag or la haye
The city of The Hague offers a variety of beautiful landscapes, from the bustling center to bucolic parks and the soothing beach.
Although the Netherlands is notoriously difficult in winter due to the cold and wind, it nevertheless has a certain charm. The activities and places I’m about to introduce you to are best enjoyed in the warmer seasons (as they very often are), but you can still visit them in winter. You just have to accept the beauty of sleeping nature and its coldness.
If you’re in a hurry check this map to have a quick look at the different points of interests on the map! If you want to know more about a point, you can click on “open in Google Maps” :).
Breakfast
The best way to start the day is with a good breakfast! If you like to eat pastries with your coffee, I recommend going to Wiener Konditorei. It’s not the lightest way to start the day, but they make very good comfort cakes, and the interior decoration is traditional and welcoming.
credits: gingerandthewolf
Another option: THE Bookstore Café. It’s a very aesthetic place, where you can have a coffee and a bite to eat. FYI, it’s a bit of a famous place, so it can get quite crowded depending on the time of day you go there.
Downtown
The city center of The Hague is really nice! Here are the main streets you can walk along (in this direction if you start at Wiener Konditorei, in the other if you start at THE Bookstore Café):
- Lange Poten > Spuistraat
While you are taking a stroll in this area, you must go in Le Passage, which is a covered path with shops, that is truly beautiful. Take your time to visit thrift shops and bookshops! - Venestraat > Hoogstraat
Take your time while you go down these streets to have a look at nice shops, and stop by the Palais Noordeinde.
Picnic in Landgoed Clingendael
I hope you find yourself in this city on a sunny day. If so, I’d recommend a picnic.
It’s an economical option, you can either go to an Albert Heijn (supermarket) to buy food, or grab a takeaway from a restaurant or fast-food if you don’t mind spending more money!
Go to Landgoed Clingendael, I’ve only visited it in spring and summer, and it’s a bucolic, verdant park with extraordinary nature and atmosphere. Find a spot in this or this area to eat. You can also take your time visiting the park and finding the sport that suits you. There’s even a small café in the middle of the park if you need something to drink.
While you are here, try to visit the Japanese Garden. The name says it all, it’s quite small, very beautiful and free. It’s about 30 minutes by public transport from the center, which may seem a bit long, but it’s a nice place and if you like nature and the park, you won’t be disappointed.
If you’re here on a rainy day, I’m sorry. There are plenty of good restaurants in the city center, so follow your desires. 🙂
MUSEUM
Time for culture! The Hague is particularly famous for the Mauritshuis Museum, which houses Vermeer’s painting “The Girl with the Pearl”.
It’s a beautiful museum, but if you’re coming mainly for Vermeer’s famous painting, check beforehand that it’s actually in the museum and not being used for an exhibition outside the city, which may be the case.
Another famous museum in The Hague is the Escher Museum: “Exhibition of graphic art by Mr. C. Escher in the former winter palace of Queen Mother Emma.
Beware, museums are not cheap in the Netherlands. If you’re staying in the country for a long time, you can buy a museum card, which can be very attractive in terms of price.
SWEET BREAK - Stroopwaffel
My favorite Dutch dish is probably Stroopwafel. It may seem rather simple at first, but once you’ve tasted it, you’ll love it.
The store Van Schaik Stroopwafels makes really good fresh stroopwafels. They make them right in front of you, and you can eat them as you walk down the street. You can also buy a small package of these cookies in small formats, which makes a great gift idea.
LET’S GO TO THE BEACH BEACH
Take the bus to The Hague’s seaside! You can either take a long walk on the beach, try the Ferris wheel or bungee jumping, go for a swim or just have a drink on the sand! There’s a great atmosphere here, people take their time and it’s a great break from the narrow streets of Dutch cities!
You can stay here for dinner and end your day by the water, oooor…
Lively Places to spend the evening
Het Plein: Located near the Maurithuis Museum, you may already have had a coffee here. However, this place really comes alive in the evening. There’s this amazing tapas restaurant that makes great combinations, it’s a bit pricey but worth it. the dishes have a unique and original twist, it’s delicious. If you’re not convinced by this establishment, you can choose any restaurant in the area. In the evening, the place gets really cute and the atmosphere is excellent.
Grote Markt: Located on the edge of the city center, this square is very lively, especially at night! Check it out and choose a restaurant to spend the evening.