27 Aug 2026

What to do in The Hague when it rains

Rain in The Hague? There’s plenty to do! Visit a museum, enjoy a leisurely lunch, catch a film or head to one of the city’s indoor attractions. There are also plenty of options for shopping, wellness and activities with kids. With these 10 tips for indoor activities in The Hague, you can turn a rainy day into a great day out.

1 Dive into the museum

Besides the well-known gems like the Mauritshuis, the Kunstmuseum and Escher in het Paleis, The Hague has a lot more to offer museum lovers looking for something a little different.. How about The Hague Public Transport Museum, where you can take a trip back in time among historic trams? Or the Design Museum Dedel, a unique museum in a beautiful 17th-century building that brings the history of advertising, graphic design and design to life. These hidden gems are well worth discovering! And don't forget to visit the Atrium Den Haag in the City Hall, where you can find a variety of free exhibitions throughout the year.

Admire historic trams at the Public Transport Museum or enjoy an afternoon of games at a cosy board game café.

2 Games café

Fond of games? Then you should definitely visit The Boardroom in The Hague! They have an extensive selection of the best games, which you can buy but of course also play. With more than 700 board games, draft beers and themed cocktails, this is a great place to spend a few hours.

3 Relax in one of the luxury spas

Rainy days are the perfect excuse for a visit to a spa. How about relaxing in the sauna, enjoying a massage or unwinding in a jacuzzi while the rain taps against the windows? Some great options include; Caesar Fitness + Spa Resort, Promenade Healthclub & Spa, the Kurhaus and Reset Spa.

Vrouw zit met een handdoek om met haar benen in een bubbelbad.

Tip

Shopping

Wellness in The Hague: your guide to pure relaxation

Let the rain pour outside while you relax in the warm steam of the spa or swim a few laps at Caesar Fitness.

4 Enjoy a taste of The Hague!

Discovering something new is always fun. An absolute must is a tasting at Van Kleef, the only remaining gin and liqueur house in the region. A tasting here is a real experience! The owner will tell you all about her distillery while you enjoy a liqueur or cocktail tasting paired with tasty bites. Nice getaway, right?

5 (indoor) Shopping heaven

Did you know that De Passage is the oldest shopping arcade in the Netherlands? This beautiful national monument is not only ideal for shelter, but also a must-see thanks to its chic atmosphere and unique shops. Combine that with the modern Nieuwe Passage, and you have more than 30 shops at your fingertips. Just outside The Hague, you’ll find Westfield Mall of The Netherlands. A shopping paradise where you can wander around (dry) for hours.

Overdekte winkelpassage De Passage in Den Haag met luxe boetieks en historische architectuur.

Shelter from the rain and discover the unique atmosphere of De Passage and Nieuwe Passage, where you can shop indoors.

A bit of rain does not stop The Hague fun!

6 Enjoy Scheveningen

No, of course you don't want to lie on the beach in the rain. But fortunately Scheveningen has much more to offer than just sand and sea! How about a nice game of bowling or glow-in-the-dark miniature golf at the Palace Promonade? Are you a theatre lover? Then let yourself be enchanted by a spectacular musical in the iconic AFAS Circustheater! Or visit The Pier, where you can stay dry while enjoying fantastic views of the sea.

Food Hall

Are you a fan of food halls? The lively atmosphere, stylish interior and, of course, all that delicious food make them a great place to spend a rainy day. Pick up your starter from one stall, choose your main course from another and finish with dessert from yet another favourite. Be sure to head inside Foodhall Scheveningen.

Palace Promenade Scheveningen ingang boulevard

Have fun at the Palace Promenade or try the tastiest dishes at the Foodhall Scheveningen!

7 Indoor activities with kids in The Hague

There’s plenty for kids to do indoors when the weather is bad. Explore the underwater world together at SEA LIFE Scheveningen or get creative with LEGO® bricks at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre. Many museums in The Hague offer special activities and treasure hunts for children. What’s more, admission to many museums is free for visitors under 18.

9x de leukste musea voor kids in Den Haag

Tip

Kids and families

9x the best museums for kids in The Hague

8 Go catch a movie

Let the rain fall, you'll be dry in one of The Hague's cinemas! Whether you opt for the latest Hollywood hits or prefer an intimate movie experience with a nice arthouse title, the city has it all. Check out the best places to enjoy a film AND a bowl of popcorn.

Spill some tea at a high tea!

9 High Tea

Sometimes there is no better remedy for a drizzly day than a well-filled teapot and a table full of goodies. In The Hague, there are plenty of places where you can treat yourself. The legendary Hotel Des Indes High Tea is pure indulgence, the quality of this typically English tradition is known far beyond the city limits. Prefer something different? Matcha fans can go to Hug The Tea for a complete Matcha High Tea. Fancy more tea lover tips?

Twee dames die van een high tea genieten in prachtig en rijk historische hotel Des Indes

High Tea Hug The Tea Matcha Tea Foto FB Hug the Tea

Will you opt for a classic high tea at Hotel Des Indes or a modern Japanese Matcha high tea at Hug the tea?

10 Discover The Hague's cosiness in its cafés & restaurants

A bit of rain doesn't stop The Hague's cosiness. Throughout the city you will find nice restaurants, cafés and wine bars where you can take shelter perfectly. Feeling lively? Then the Grote Markt and Het Plein are the place to be. Prefer cosier spots? Stroll through the Hofkwartier for charming cafés and intimate restaurants.