The Intrepid Guide contains affiliate links. When you visit The Hague the beach at the north sea is one the places you must have visit. Whilst there is SO much to do and see throughout the whole country of the Netherlands, I would recommend spending a solid few days experiencing the diverse city of The Hague for yourself. The museum and its counterpart building that holds the Mesdag panorama are located in the centre of The Hague and are in close proximity to the other important museums. The Hague stands for space, green and a high-quality selection of art and culture. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. New restaurants like Barn47 andInstock keep popping up and making Den Haag's foodie scene even cooler. This beautiful complex of buildings in sits opposite the picturesque Hofvijver lake, meaning Court Pond. The fragile garden contains beautiful and rare trees and plants, which is why this place is a popular destination for wedding parties and photo shoots. More than one hundred paintings from the permanent collection of the Mauritshuis are currently on display at the Gemeentemuseum during the Mauritshuis renovation. It opened in 1935. A 40-minute train ride from both Amsterdam and Utrecht, and a stones throw away from picturesque Delft, The Hague (Den Haag) is well-placed for a day trip or an overnight stay on a jaunt around the Netherlands. M. Museum de Gevangenpoort. One of the greenest cities in the Netherlands. Learn how your comment data is processed. #4 of 15 things to do in Scheveningen Points of Interest & Landmarks Piers & Boardwalks Visit website Call Write a review About Suggested duration 1-2 hours Suggest edits to improve what we show. The Hague is easily one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities Ive ever visited. The park and garden is truly sublime and it was been a protected area of The Hague for many years. 11 of the best free things to do in The Hague There is always something to do here! When you book a hotel or tour that we link to, we may earn a commission. Not only that but it has an equally impressive interior. With Den Haag (The Hague) it is the same as with Los Angeles .. Its real name is of course El Pueblo de Nuestra Seora la Reina de los ngeles del Ro de Porcincula, (The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels on of the River Porcincula) The Hague of the Count. Disclaimer, 10 Most Remarkable Opera Houses in the World, 23 Best Things to do in Nuremberg, Germany. If the crowded seaside antics of Scheveningen dont appeal, then head about 3km south to the Zuiderstrand, a long, sandy beach that is often deserted. Panorama Mesdag the museum was founded in 1881 at the Zeestraat in The Hague. Nice track with a good sight on the sea vessels. The Prison Museum exists inside The Hague's eerie medieval prison gate,Gevangenpoort. Guided tours must be booked via their website. 19.50 to buy your ticket on the day, but buy your tickets online in advance and save yourself2 a pop. Today, it is the Netherlands oldest shopping arcade and has official UNESCO monument status. This place is stunningly beautiful. Watertoren van Scheveningen. From Amsterdam, it takes just 50 minutes to get here by train, so The Hague makes a great day trip destination from Amsterdam. In The Hague, most of the main attractions and architectural landmarks lie between the city centre and the sea so it makes sense to base yourself here if youre visiting for the first time. Birdwatchers will be pleased to know there are over 250 species here, making Meijendel one of the most populated sites in the whole of the country. Mauritshuis showcases Dutch and Flemish paintings from 1400 to 1800, with works by painters such as Vermeer, Rembrandt, Rubens, Jan Steen, Frans Hals, Van Dyck and Adriaen Coorte. One thing that's not so old-fashioned? Pride of place among them goes to the Anatomy Lesson of Dr Tulp, the artists first commission in Amsterdam, dating from 1632. THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in The Hague Best Accommodation in The Hague for Sightseeing. The Hague or Den Haag serves as the main seat of government for the Netherlands but is not the countries capital. The Peace Palace is a building for the administration of law and houses several different bodies including the International Court of Justice. The Renaissance formality of the structure is fittingly regal,. Main attractions are the miniature town Madurodam, as well as a 381 , The bike paths through the dunes are very well developed and it can be extensively and quickly cycle. As one of the three official palaces of the Dutch royal family, Noordeinde Palace is modest in size and location. No, its not all parliament and office buildings. No elements found. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The Japanese garden at the stately Clingendael Estate, near The Hague (Shutterstock). The dunes and nature trails of Meijendel National Park are close to The Hague's modern city centre (Shutterstock). There is also the grave of Jacob van Wassenaer Obdam who was a notable Dutch navy commander. It's perfect to spend an evening or just take a walk around The Hague after dinner. Watch my vlog and Ill show you around the city myself! 'Dancing the night away, enjoying culture, non-stop shopping, watching the sun sink into the sea. guidance. Free stress therapy: Malieveld park 7. Den Haag serves up an enticing blend of cultural expressions from the past and present, in an environment that bustles and relaxes in equal measure, Den Haag (The Hague) is synonymous with high-profile legal entities (notably the UN's International Court of Justice), embassies and mansions. A cosy bookshop - one of many in The Hague, Netherlands (Shutterstock). Not just any mill, the Salamander, a sawmill that still saws with the help of volunteers! Get a free quote from World Nomads here. This section of the North Sea Cycle Route (LF1 Noordzeeroute) from Scheveningen to Zandvoort is highly recommended as mentioned above. The Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery hidden gems are waiting to be explored and visited. The Hague: famous for its diverse cultural scene, impressive buildings, lively nightlife and many other attractions. The Hague: the city by the sea known for cultural diversity, beautiful architecture, vibrant nightlife and so much more. Planning a trip? There is a visitors centre and tours are available of the building and also of the elaborate gardens that surround the palace. The Ridderzaal is the central focal point of the Binnenhof and stands in the wonderful Hall of Knights courtyard inside the complex. In later years the once residential palace, was turned into an actual working palace where the Dutch Royalty conduct many of their affairs of state. In the North Wing is the chamber and official residence of the Prime Minister. It is a popular tourist destination because of its history and places to visit, a city to remember. Liberation Festival: concerts, debates, kids activities and much more. Travel Bucket List Ideas: Places To Visit Before You Die, The best area to stay in Amsterdam in 2023, 20 of the most relaxing holiday destinations, Formidable fortresses - 20 imposing castles, Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert, Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support. During my three days in The Hague, I stayed at the 4-star boutique establishment, Hotel Boutique Hotel Corona. A coat of scallops was applied as protection against earthquakes, giving it more historical texture. Or maybe watch the sunset over the North Sea? A 5-day taster journey combines cultural highlights and romantic spots in and around the state capital and make your way to Leipzig. Its even at a higher altitude than the restaurant of the Eiffel tower. Bon apptit! In addition, the towns Katwijk aan Zee and Noordwijk with their beach promenades invite for a pleasant break. The Mauritshuis owns no fewer than twelve paintings by Rembrandt (160669). The Lange Vijverberg (literally long pond) was created around 1463 and the Lange Voorhout became a residential street. I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. Eschers most famous illustrations. Get the very best of Wanderlustby signing up to our newsletters, full of travel inspiration, fun quizzes, exciting competitions and exclusive offers. Clingendael's signature feature is the Japanese Garden which opens only for a few weeks of the year. A deceptive canvas: the fine lines of the city are pictured beneath a cloudy sky, a patchwork of varying light and shade, but all is not quite what it seems. The beating heart of Dutch democracy will be renovated from fall 2021. Thank you for your support. If you happen to visit the Hague when the garden is open then it should not be missed! There is a place in the dunes of Den Haag that has been created by James Turrell to allow people look up at the sky, Hemels Gewelf in Kijkduin.On top of one edge of the polders is a reservoir built in the form of an ellipse, 30 meters wide and 40 meters long. But she isnt the only draw card to this impressive museum. Since the 19th century, the office of the Prime Minister of The Netherlands has been housed in Torentje in The Hague. The Netherlands There's a lot more to Den Haag than immediately meets the eye. For an interesting and revealing look at the history of crime and punishment throughout history, the Prison Gate Museum is a great place to visit. Easy to explore on foot or by tram, this is a city that amply rewards those who stay for a few days. Everything here is prepared to perfection. Get your towel and enjoy the sun and get in the sea. The Japanese Garden at Clingendael is the most precious gem in its collection. Things to Do in The Hague with Kids Madurodam's certainly a unique experience, a see-it-once-and-you've-seen it attraction, but has a price tag to match. Easily accessible from the city centre by tram, you can visit anytime. Time and date can be set by request. This arcade was built by local dignitaries between 1882 and 1885 for the express purpose of high-class shopping in imitation of Paris. This imposing brick building is an international law administrative building which houses the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Hague Academy of International Law and the Peace Palace Library. The Hague is perhaps best known among visitors for its beaches, monuments and bustling shopping district, but secretly this city has more to offer. The city is home to several museums, such as the Gemeentemuseum and the Mauritshuis, and has many theatres and concert halls. You cant visit The Hague without seeing Vermeers Girl with a Pearl Earring. There's a lot more to Den Haag than immediately meets the eye. The painting may look like the epitome of realism, but in fact Vermeer doctored what he saw to fit in with the needs of his canvas, straightening here, lengthening there, to emphasize the horizontal. The compact, yet world-renowned collection, is situated in the heart of The Hague, right next to the government centre. 15 Best Things to Do in The Hague (The Netherlands) Enjoy the beautiful views. Beneath the glass atria and chiselled faades are classy boutique stores, bustling food and drink establishments, and even a hotel. Going inside the Peace Palace is only available on weekends and as part of a guided tour which must be booked in advance. The largest part of the people are proud that the family is from The Hague. Opposite Escher in Het Paleis are the lush tree-lined roads of Lange Voorhout. Tip by .css-e1bg1g{border-radius:100%;display:inline-block;height:16px;overflow:hidden;width:16px;background-image:url(https://d2exd72xrrp1s7.cloudfront.net/www/1m/1m693by3nr2501av65832bv7zh3dfp7a03-u1142837110140-full/1722274e50e?width=32&height=32&crop=true&q=70);-webkit-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:rgb(240,240,240);margin-right:0.3em;vertical-align:middle;}Jos Nouwt. The interior of the palace is quite lavish and contains many fine statues and busts of notable people like Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. Clingendael is a large landscaped garden with beautiful buildings, gardens with impressive tree clusters and mirror-like water features. The Hague also offers several shopping areas, from boutiques to well-known chains. Zuid-Holland and Utrecht Travel Guide The endless array of culture, shopping opportunities, culinary delights, entertainment venues and sights makes every visitor to The Hague's heart beat faster. Before Louis Bonaparte had his way in 1806, Den Haag was actually the capital. For the first time ever I flew out from London City Airport. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Painted by Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer in 1665, the original oil painting is surprisingly not covered in bulletproof cases and is smaller than youd expect.