The Hague is a city in the Netherlands that is home to some famous places like the International Criminal Court and the UN’s International Court of Justice. The city is also a great place for tourists because of its amazing architecture and beautiful beaches, theme parks, and museums. It is the political center of the Netherlands. For people who are visiting Hague for the first time, the city has a lot to offer.
List of 12 Things to See in Hague
These are the top 12 things you should see in Hague if you are here for the first time.
- The Hague Forest
- Beach Resorts
- Madurodam Theme Park
- Mauritshuis Museum
- The Hague Tower
- Petting Zoo
- Binnenhof
- Palace Noordeinde
- Kunstmuseum
- Peace Palace
- Escher Museum
- Panorama Mesdag
1. The Hague Forest
When you’re in The Hague, see The Hague Forest (Haagse Bos), a peaceful and historic green area that provides a welcome diversion from the bustle of the city. This forest is among the oldest in the Netherlands and has an area of roughly 100 hectares. It is an ideal destination for both history buffs and lovers of the outdoors.
The Hague Forest was formerly a hunting area for Dutch nobles during the Middle Ages. It is now used as a public park where you can take walks on its well-kept pathways. The forest’s charming ambiance is enhanced by the diversity of animals that call it home, including birds, rabbits, and even deer.
Don’t miss the opportunity to stop by Huis ten Bosch, the royal residence located inside the park’s borders, while you stroll through the woodland. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima’s official residence, this magnificent palace dates back to the 17th century. The stunning exterior and the surrounding gardens of the palace are breathtaking, even though the palace inside is closed to the public.
2. Beach Resorts
Don’t pass up the opportunity to relax at one of The Hague’s gorgeous beach resorts. The beach resorts in The Hague provide the ideal combination of luxury, leisure, and natural beauty, making it stand out among the other Dutch cities with stunning coastlines.
The most well-known beach area, Scheveningen, is easily accessible from the city by a short tram ride. There are many different kinds of resorts in this bustling area to suit all budgets and tastes. Scheveningen has everything, whether you’re searching for a more relaxed atmosphere or a luxurious experience. One of the most famous hotels is the Kurhaus Hotel, which is a historic landmark that dates back to 1885. It’s a favorite among tourists because of its magnificent architecture and ideal beachside position.
Besides providing opulent lodging, these resorts have a wide range of activities. You may unwind on the sandy beaches with a nice book or partake in water activities like windsurfing and kiteboarding. Numerous eateries and pubs can be found along the beach, where you may savor fresh seafood while taking in the sunset over the North Sea. The Hague’s beach resorts offer a dreamy haven for first-time visitors wishing to take in the city’s coastline beauty, whether they are here for the sun, sand, or sea.
3. Madurodam Theme Park
The Hague’s Madurodam is a must-see sight, particularly if it’s your first time there. Discover the Netherlands in miniature with this enchanted theme park, which features the nation’s most recognizable landmarks, historical locations, and cultural heritage, all on a 1:25 scale.
Madurodam, which opened its doors in 1952, is a live, breathing experience rather than just a park. Its finely constructed miniature cities are home to exact copies of well-known Dutch sites, like the Royal Palace, the Rijksmuseum, and even Amsterdam’s busy canals. With small people, moving trains, and ships navigating the little harbors, the attention to detail is astonishing. It resembles touring the entire nation in a matter of hours.
However, Madurodam offers a hands-on experience besides being a visual feast. You can operate small systems, such as raising the well-known Dutch flood barriers or loading goods at Rotterdam’s port, through interactive exhibits. It’s an enjoyable approach to discover the wonders of Dutch engineering and the lengthy history of the nation.
Madurodam is ideal for tourists of all ages since it provides amusement and knowledge in a stunning outdoor environment. Experience the charm and inventiveness of the Netherlands in the lively city of The Hague in a way that will never be forgotten.
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4. Mauritshuis Museum
For art enthusiasts visiting The Hague, the Mauritshuis Museum is a true treasure. Located in the center of the city, this museum is a must-see because it houses some of the most well-known paintings from the Dutch Golden Age.
Resided in a stunning 17th-century palace, the Mauritshuis is home to an amazing collection of paintings by renowned artists like Jan Steen, Rembrandt, and Vermeer. The most well-known item at the museum is without a doubt Johannes Vermeer’s *Girl with a Pearl Earring*, a mysteriously beautiful picture that has enthralled viewers all over the world. It is very amazing to be in front of this famous piece of art in person.
But it’s not all about Vermeer at the Mauritshuis. Rembrandt’s *The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp* is another one of his remarkable depictions of human anatomy and expression. Compared to larger galleries, the museum’s intimate scale makes it possible for you to get up close and personal with these treasures.
Even apart from the artwork, the Mauritshuis is a creative entity. The museum’s attractiveness is enhanced by the building’s exquisite interiors, which feature magnificent staircases and beautifully furnished chambers. Once you’ve looked through the collection, pause to admire the view of the lovely pond outside, the Hofvijver.
5. The Hague Tower
The Hague Tower is a must-visit for first-time visitors who want to see the city from a whole new perspective. Standing tall at 132 meters, it is one of the tallest buildings in The Hague and offers breathtaking panoramic views that stretch to the North Sea on a clear day.
When you visit The Hague Tower, you’ll want to head straight to the Sky Bar, located on the 42nd floor. This trendy spot not only offers fantastic drinks but also stunning 360-degree views of the city. As you sip your cocktail, you can spot famous landmarks like the Peace Palace, the Binnenhof, and even the coastline of Scheveningen Beach.
For those who love dining with a view, the restaurant on the 40th floor is a great choice. You can enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the sweeping views of The Hague. The building’s modern design, combined with the incredible views, makes dining here a truly unique experience.
6. Petting Zoo
A trip to The Hague’s petting zoo is a lot of fun, especially if you have kids with you or are just an animal enthusiast. These charming, kid-friendly locations provide a special chance to get up close and personal with a range of farm animals, making for a restful and instructive outing.
*Stadsboerderij* (City Farm) in Zuiderpark is one of The Hague’s most well-liked petting zoos. Meet and engage with animals like goats, lambs, chicks, bunnies, and even pigs at this hidden urban farm. Kids can have a great time experiencing farm life right in the middle of the city because the animals are amiable and accustomed to having visitors.
Depending on the season, you can assist with farm duties like egg collection or goat milking besides feeding and brushing the animals in the petting zoo. The farm also provides educational programs that teach guests about animal welfare, sustainable farming, and the value of protecting the environment.
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7. Binnenhof
One of the most famous and historically significant sites in the Netherlands is The Hague’s Binnenhof, which is a must-see for tourists arriving for the first time. This magnificent collection of structures, one of the oldest parliamentary buildings still in use today, has served as the center of Dutch politics for centuries.
The Binnenhof was a small fortress for the counts of Holland when it was first built in the 13th century. It developed and became the political hub of the Netherlands over the ages. It now contains the Dutch Parliament, the Prime Minister’s office, and the King’s yearly address on Prinsjesdag, which outlines the government’s objectives for the upcoming year, in the Hall of Knights (Ridderzaal).
A magnificent experience in the Binnenhof is to explore the Ridderzaal, which features stained glass windows and a tall wooden ceiling. This magnificent hall, which has seen many significant occasions in Dutch history, continues to stand as a testament to the democratic values of the nation. The Binnenhof is also encircled by lovely courtyards and the peaceful Hofvijver pond, which makes for an ideal location for a stroll or a quick snapshot. There are guided tours that offer unique insights into the background and operation of Dutch democracy.
8. Palace Noordeinde
First-time visitors should not miss Palace Noordeinde in The Hague, a location of regal splendor and historical significance. King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands works from this official office in the center of the city, a royal palace. Despite being closed to the general public, the palace’s luxurious front and exquisitely maintained gardens make it well worth a visit.
Palace Noordeinde was once a simple medieval farmhouse that was converted into a noble home in the 16th century. It was formally recognized in the early 1800s as a royal residence. With the royal coat of arms adorning its neoclassical exterior, the building emits a timeless beauty befitting its significance as a center of Dutch royalty.
Visiting the nearby Palace Garden (Paleistuin), a calm public park where you can unwind and take in the peaceful surroundings is one of the joys of visiting Palace Noordeinde. With its well-manicured lawns, flowerbeds, and fountains, this oasis provides a peaceful haven in the center of the busy city. Locals also like to take leisurely walks or have calm picnics there.
9. Kunstmuseum
For those who are interested in learning more about Dutch and worldwide art, the Kunstmuseum in The Hague is a gold mine. Formerly the Gemeentemuseum, this magnificent museum is home to an amazing collection that spans several centuries and artistic movements.
The Kunstmuseum, which was established in 1935, is well-known for its vast collection of modern and contemporary artwork, which includes pieces by well-known Dutch painters including Piet Mondrian and Theo van Doesburg. This museum is renowned for its extensive collection of abstract compositions, which highlight Mondrian’s groundbreaking influence in the creation of abstract art. His work is particularly well-represented here.
Beyond Dutch art, the Kunstmuseum features an eclectic mix of European art, from the 19th century to the present. The museum’s collection includes paintings, sculptures, prints, and decorative arts, offering a rich panorama of artistic styles and periods. The museum itself is a work of art, designed by the renowned architect H.P. Berlage. Its striking modernist architecture, with its geometric forms and light-filled spaces, complements the museum’s focus on modern art.
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10. Peace Palace
For those who are interested in world justice and peace, a visit to The Hague’s Peace Palace (Vredespaleis), a symbol of international diplomacy, is essential. Completed in 1913, this magnificent structure houses the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), making it a major center for settling international conflicts and advancing world peace.
The billionaire Andrew Carnegie provided funding for the neo-Renaissance architectural masterpiece known as the Peace Palace, which was designed by French architect Louis Mors. Its striking exterior, which is embellished with elaborate sculptures and imposing columns, radiates grace and authority. The palace’s inside is stunning, with lavish chambers, sweeping staircases, and exquisite artwork that honors the building’s goal of promoting peace.
One of the highlights of visiting the Peace Palace is the opportunity to explore the magnificent Hall of Justice, where the ICJ holds its hearings. Although the courtroom itself is not always open to the public, guided tours offer a fascinating glimpse into the workings of the court and its role in adjudicating disputes between nations.
11. Escher Museum
For those who are interested in the relationship between perception and art, the Escher Museum, located in The Hague’s ancient Lange Voorhout Palace, is a fascinating place to visit. The museum, which is devoted to the art of M.C. Escher, provides an engrossing voyage into the inventive and surreal universe of this renowned Dutch graphic designer.
Maurits Cornelis Escher is praised for his ability to both test and pleasure the viewer’s perception of reality. He is well known for his bizarre and mathematically inspired artworks. A large selection of his creations, including his well-known woodcuts, mezzotints, and lithographs, are on display in the museum. Escher pushes the boundaries of artistic inventiveness and visual perception with his works, which range from impossibly complex constructions to intricate tessellations and mind-blowing perspectives.
The museum’s exhibits are thoughtfully arranged to showcase the evolution of Escher’s style, from his early works to his most complex and iconic pieces. Interactive displays and multimedia presentations enhance the experience, allowing visitors to delve deeper into Escher’s creative process and the mathematical concepts that underpin his art.
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12. Panorama Mesdag
The Hague’s Panorama Mesdag provides a unique and enthralling look into the environment and way of life of the 19th century in the Netherlands. Hendrik Willem Mesdag’s 1881 panoramic painting is among the most striking examples of 360-degree art that can be found anywhere in the globe.
Visitors can immerse themselves in an incredibly realistic portrayal of the Dutch coastline as it appeared in the late 19th century thanks to the panorama, which is housed in a specially built rotunda. Mesdag creates a sense of depth and perspective in his paintings that transports the viewer to the beach, sea, and dunes in Scheveningen.
Standing at the rotunda’s center, you are surrounded by this massive, circular painting, which measures about 14 meters in height and 120 meters in circumference. The panoramic effect is enhanced by the use of clever techniques in shading and color, making it feel as though you are standing on the shore, with the wind and sea within arm’s reach.
Conclusion:
The Hague is a beautiful city in the Netherlands that has a lot of importance in politics as well as tourism. It is a must-visit destination for people who are interested in international diplomacy, rich cultural experiences, and picturesque beaches. Each attraction showcases the rich culture and beauty of the Hague. If you are planning a trip to the Hague, then do not wait. Pack your bags and prepare to be enchanted by the captivating things to see in Hague that perfectly balance historical significance with modern charm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What Is Hague City Famous For?
The Hague is famous for being the political heart of the Netherlands. It hosts key international institutions like the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. It is also known as the international city of peace and justice.
How Long Should I Spend in the Hague?
If you are visiting the Hague for the first time, then three days are enough to visit the famous places.
Which Neighborhoods to Avoid in the Hague?
Neighborhoods like Schilderswijk and Laakkwartier are the less safe places in the Hague. You should avoid going to these places for your safety.
How Many Universities Are in the Hague?
The Hague is home to nine universities and colleges for students. These institutions offer a wide range of studies.
What Is the GDP per Capita of the Hague?
According to the latest reports, the GDP per Capita of the Hague is approximately €58,000.
