Almost 300 works by Mondrian, around 20,000 rose bushes and a forest growing on dune soil: The Hague has many different sides. As you explore the city, you’ll encounter political landmarks, unusual art collections and landscapes ranging from dune areas to rose gardens.
Art and history from different perspectives
The Binnenhof has been the centre of Dutch politics for centuries and is one of The Hague’s best-known sights. The Mauritshuis is next door. The museum houses Dutch paintings from the time of Rembrandt and Vermeer, including Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring”. You can reach the Mauritshuis on foot, by bicycle, by public transport or by car.
The Kunstmuseum Den Haag offers a different perspective on art: its Mondrian collection is the largest in the world and comprises almost 300 works from every phase of his artistic development. Escher in Het Paleis combines art with a historic setting: the museum is housed in the former winter palace of Queen Mother Emma and displays more than 120 prints by Maurits C. Escher (1898–1972). Three free audio tours complement the visit; check the current offering in advance.
Collections with historical connections also shape what there is to discover. The Rijksmuseum de Gevangenpoort opened in 1882 with the Netherlands’ largest collection of instruments of punishment and torture. An original early 19th-century guillotine is on display in its courtyard. The Galerij Prins Willem V is considered the Netherlands’ first museum. At Museum Panorama Mesdag, you can see the Panorama of Scheveningen, the largest painting in the Netherlands.
The Vredespaleis offers another glimpse into the city’s history. The building houses the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the International Court of Justice, The Hague Academy of International Law and the Library of the Peace Palace. If a guided tour is listed in the current official programme, you can learn about the building, the institutions housed there and the works of art donated by various countries. Check the official agenda for details.
The Hague also has around 115 surviving hofjes, which is why the city is known as a hofjes city. Access varies from courtyard to courtyard. The number gives an idea of how prominent these distinctive courtyards are in the cityscape, although not all of them are equally accessible.
Dune soil, roses and protected nature
Westduinpark is one of The Hague’s largest natural areas. Many protected plant and animal species live there; European agreements under Natura 2000 are in place to protect them. More than 300 different rose varieties grow in Westbroekpark, which is also home to around 20,000 rose bushes. Within the city, two contrasting natural landscapes meet: a vast natural area and the diversity of a rose garden.
Scheveningse Bosjes is a forest planted on dune soil and dotted with numerous old monuments. Arboretum Landengebied offers another botanical perspective, with 695 different tree species. The cycle network provides routes to the railway station, shopping centre, beach, forest and other cities.
Canals, exhibitions and special experiences
The boat tours run by Stichting de Ooievaart last 90 minutes and travel around the centre of The Hague. A skipper and a guide navigate the canals, point out sights and tell hidden stories about the city. Schedules and booking conditions may change, so check the provider’s latest information before making plans.
Museon-Omniversum offers interactive exhibitions about life on Earth, as well as topics in culture, nature and science; individual exhibitions may change. At the information centre for the Binnenhof renovation, you can explore the Binnenhof from an archaeologist’s perspective in an interactive video game. The game is intended for children and adults. Madurodam, by contrast, presents the country in miniature: its model of the Netherlands, at a scale of 1:25, features 430 miniatures. The theme park also has interactive attractions, water activities and playgrounds.
On the coast, De Pier offers experiences including a zipline and a Ferris wheel. Scheveningse Pier is home to the Netherlands’ first Ferris wheel over the sea. From there, you can enjoy views of the 11-kilometre-long beach and The Hague skyline. As attraction availability may vary by season, it’s worth checking what’s currently on offer before your visit.
Discover more destinations: The Hague, Pijnacker-Nootdorp, Graafstroom, Alblasserdam, Midden-Delfland, Lisse, Oostflakkee, Pijnacker-Nootdorp.
For the overview of the wider region: South Holland.
