The Hague's best- Top 10 must-see list

1. City by the sea - Beach resorts Scheveningen and Kijkduin

The Hague and the beach simply belong together. With 11 kilometres of coastline, there’s always a perfect spot for you to get some fresh air. Whether you’re up for a long beach walk, a quick dip in the sea, a stroll along the promenade or just a lazy afternoon in the sun — it’s possible all year round. If you’re after something more active, you’re in the right place too. Think surfing in Scheveningen or kite flying on the wide beaches of Kijkduin.

In The Hague, city life and beach life go hand in hand. It’s exactly this mix that makes the city stand out. Start your day in the city with shops, museums or lunch, then head straight to the beach to unwind. Shoes off, drink in hand, and watch the sun slowly dip into the sea. That contrast makes every day in The Hague feel just a little different.

2. Binnenhof - Political heart of the Netherlands

Step through the famous entry gate into the historical Binnenhof (Inner Court) in the heart of our democracy. This is the place where the most important events in the nation's history took place. It is also where the future is being created. During a tour, take a look inside the House of Representatives and the Hall of the Knights where King Willem Alexander delivers his royal speech on Prince's Day. The beating heart of our democracy is currently being renovated. The entire Binnenhof will disappear behind scaffolding for several years for a large-scale renovation.

Renovation of the Binnenhof

During the renovation, all kinds of activities and events will be organised around the Binnenhof. If you want to find out more about the renovation, the Information centre Binnenhof Renovation is the place to go. In this beautiful building at Plaats 22, you can immerse yourself in this impressive project.

Binnenhof viewing tower

Enjoy a unique view of the Binnenhof and the city centre of The Hague from a height of 28 metres! With the viewing tower, the Binnenhof will remain an important centre of attraction for the city during the renovation. 

3. Mauritshuis Museum - National treasures side by side

Vermeer's sensual Girl with the Pearl Earring hangs alongside masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens and Jan Steen. See how precisely Fabritius painted Goldfinch, made famous by the book of the same title by Donna Tartt. Or view depictions of the Dutch winter by painters such as Avezaath. The Bull by Potter is impressive. Located at a unique 17th-century palace, the Mauritshuis is a real must visit.

4. Palace Noordeinde - Royal The Hague

The Hague has been the living and working residence of the House of Orange for four centuries. The presence of this long royal history can be felt everywhere. The King's working palace, Palace Noordeinde, is surrounded by the loveliest boutiques and most beautiful galleries. Did you know you can even enjoy a picnic in the palace garden?

5. Shopping in the city centre of The Hague - Go hip or chic?

The Hague is the perfect city for shopping in style. As its name suggests, the Court District, is the perfect venue. You will also find typical Hague chic around Denneweg. Hip The Hague makes its mark behind the Great Church in Prinsestraat. In addition to the countless Asian delicatessens in Chinatown, the city centre has flagship stores such as the Bijenkorf.

Don't miss the Passage! Today, the Passage is the only Dutch example of the type of covered shopping street that was so popular in the major European cities in the second half of the 19th century. A true shopper's paradise: dry and sheltered, with the latest collections from excellent shops!

On the edge of the city centre, but definitely worth a visit, is the Zeeheldenkwartier, one of The Hague's most sociable districts, with its magnificent buildings and atmospheric squares. The Zeeheldenkwartier is full of original, creative shops, design shops, cosy cafés and unique restaurants. 

6. Madurodam - The Netherlands in miniature

Miniature theme park Madurodam in The Hague is the ultimate place to discover what makes Holland so unique within a short period of time. Canal houses, tulip fields, cheese market, a wooden shoes factory, windmills, the Peace Palace, the Delta Works: you will find them all in Madurodam!

7. Kunstmuseum The Hague - Lots of culture under one famous roof

Enjoy the unique collection of paintings by Mondrian like his unfinished Victory Boogie Woogie, an excellent silver collection and painstakingly decorated Delft Blue. The realistic works of the Hague sea painters will evoke the smell of the sea. Admire the beautiful fields of clouds that typify The Hague School. Children can let go completely in the interactive Wonderkamers (Miracle Rooms). This is a museum of all ages!

8. Peace Palace - The city's most photographed building

Admire the most photographed building in The Hague: the Peace Palace. The International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration are based here. This beautiful building and its organizations ensure that The Hague is rightly recognized as the city of Peace and Justice. The Visitors Centre of the Peace Palace has an impressive interactive exhibition on war and peace.

9. Escher Museum - Deceived by illusion

Mind-boggling! The works of the great Dutch artist M.C. Escher defy reality big time. This museum, a former royal winter palace, shows them all. The Netherlands' most famous graphic artist was a master at drawing illusory scenes. Water flows uphill, birds turn into fish and men walk endlessly up and down the same flight of stairs.Young and old alike will be amazed at the Escher Museum located on the beautiful Lange Voorhout.

10. Panorama Mesdag - A magical illusion

Step into the painting and take in the full 360º view. At Panorama Mesdag, you’ll find yourself right in the middle of Scheveningen as it was in 1881. The sweeping view of the sea, the dunes and the old fishing village was painted by Hendrik Willem Mesdag. The scene never looks quite the same: the light is constantly shifting, changing from minute to minute. Panorama Mesdag — the beach where it never rains.